Damage Assessment in Beam-Like Structures Using Cuckoo Search Algorithm and Experimentally Measured Data

Abstract

This paper presents an approach for damage identification in a steel structure using Cuckoo Search (CS) algorithm. CS is an evolutionary algorithm based on global search techniques, which provides a higher opportunity for seeking the best solution and avoid local minima. A steel beam calibrated on experimental modal analysis is applied to assess the efficiency of the proposed algorithm. While a finite element (FE) model is created using MATLAB to estimate structural dynamic behavior, measurement is carried out using excitation sources of a hammer. Dynamic characteristics are selected as an objective function to minimize the discrepancy between the results of numerical model and measurements. The results show that the proposed algorithm can accurately identify damage location and extents in the considered structure.