A parameter subset selection method using residual force vector for detecting multiple damage locations

Abstract

An improved parameter subset selection method based on a dynamic residual force measure is proposed for damage localization. Often the original subset selection using the fundamental modal characteristics requires a single damage location and the use of many smaller model updating processes for detecting multiple damage locations. A new approach to subset selection proposed herein is demonstrated to be efficient for identifying multiple damaged elements. Cases in which damage detection must be achieved using incomplete measurements of the structural responses are also considered. Modal expansion is incorporated to deal with this challenge. An advantage of employing this new approach is that it can reliably identify multiple damage locations. The effect of measurement noise on the performance of the proposed subset selection method has also been investigated. Through a series of illustrative examples considering different types of structures, the proposed method is demonstrated and shown to be very efficient in detecting multiple damage locations. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.