Damage Identification of Beams Using Static Test Data

Abstract

A damage identification procedure for beams under static loads is presented. Damage is modelled through a damage distribution function which determines a variation of the beam stiffness with respect to a reference condition. Using the concept of the equivalent superimposed deformation, the equations governing the static problem are recast in a Fredholm’s integral equation of the second kind in terms of bending moments. The solution of this equation is obtained through an iterative procedure as well as in closed form. The latter is explicitly dependent from the damage parameters, thus, it can be conveniently used to set-up a damage identification procedure. Some numerical results are presented both to prove the validity of the proposed solution procedure, and to show its preformance in damage identification in presence of measurement noise.