Damage detection in space truss structures using a third-level approach

Abstract

Monitoring civil engineering infrastructure is crucial to ensuring that the structures can continue to function properly. An important aspect of this assessment is detecting structural damage. This study proposed a method that combined static loading techniques and modal parameters to establish a third level of damage detection. Specifically, the damage locating vector (DLV) was used as the static technique, and mode shapes, along with Modal Assurance Criteria (MAC), were integrated with the Firefly Algorithm (FA) to define the damage percentage. The objective of this method is to determine the location of the damaged members in space truss structures and accurately estimate the reduction in stiffness of the damaged members. DLV was used to show the location of damaged members, while the Modal Assurance Criteria – Firefly Algorithm (MAC-FA) was used to predict the stiffness loss in structural elements. This combined approach improved the DLV method, which could only identify potentially damaged parts. The fundamental concept behind MAC-FA was the relationship between the predicted mode shape and the mode shape of the structure, represented by the MAC value. This method was used to investigate damage detection in two space truss structures. The results demonstrated that the proposed method could identify damaged elements and quantify the loss of stiffness in space truss structures.