A Damage Detection Approach to Assess the Performance Level of R/C Bridges Using Vibrational Response Measurements

Abstract

Bridge damage presents risks to road safety and traffic flow, potentially resulting in significant economic losses, both direct and indirect. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop and implement systems for evaluating the structural health of bridges. This study introduces a methodology that utilizes measured vibration data from initial and damaged responses of a monitored bridge system to identify damage. A highly detailed finite element model consistent with the measured data is employed for this purpose. The model parameters of the damaged structure are estimated using optimization algorithms to identify, localize, and quantify damage. Capacity curves for both the calibrated and the damaged bridge are developed to evaluate the effect of the damage on the global response of the bridge. The approach is applied to monolithic R/C bridge in a case study, and simulated experiments (e.g. damage scenarios) are conducted to demonstrate the proposed methodology.