Damage Localization and Quantification in Structures Using Residual Force Indicator

Abstract

This paper presents damage identification and assessment methodology based on the changes in dynamic parameters of structures. According to continuum damage mechanics, the damage is represented by a reduction in stiffness. A Residual Force Method (RFM) and modal strain energy change ratio (msecr) were studied in this paper to predict the damage location. In order to demonstrate the accuracy of this method, three examples are included using free-free beam, truss structure and 3-dimensional frame structure. Single and multiple damages are considered for all structures to investigate the accuracy of these indicators. The obtained results show that RFM is capable of detecting the location and severity of diagnostic even in large-scale structures with a large number of elements.