The transformation matrix method for damage detection in structural elements of frame buildings, expressed as the loss of stiffness, is proposed and evaluated. The method, which allows the locating and assessing of the damage magnitude of structural elements by considering the contribution of each of them to the overall performance of the structure, is applicable to two- and three-dimensional building frames of several storeys and bays with one or several damaged elements. Effects of uncertainties in the experimental measurements of the dynamic characteristics and in the precision of the numerical representation of the structure on the method proposed are evaluated. A three-dimensional frame model with different simulated damage states and a reinforced concrete plane frame model damaged using an earthquake record as excitation are studied. Results show the good agreement between the estimated damage computed with the proposed method and the true value of damage.Key words: damage detection, transformation matrix, structural damage, damage assessment.
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