Structural damage identification using vibration-based model updating

Abstract

In this thesis, topics relevant to structural damage identification using vibration-based model updating are discussed. First, a seven-story scale building model is designed and constructed following the similitude law. Then the finite element models of the scale building are developed using SAP2000 and ABAQUS with appropriate modelling assumptions. Different vibration tests are conducted on the physical model, and the dynamic characteristics of the scale building are successfully extracted using the operational modal analysis (OMA). It is shown that the results of OMA are highly dependent on the sensor configuration, excitation type, block size, and model order. Lastly, identification of four damage scenarios of the scale building are investigated by assessing the change in modal frequencies. Major structural damage causing a significant effect on the modal frequencies is successfully identified using the model updating technique.