An integrity index method for structural assessment of engineering structures using modal testing

摘要

The development, implementation and evaluation of a new damage detection and location method, called Integrity Index Damage Location Method, are described in the paper. The proposed method uses measured natural frequencies and mode shapes to compute indices which indicate existence and location of defects. Only damage-sensitive modes are included and weighting factors, appropriate to the type of structure considered, are used to reflect the different level of sensitivity (to damage) of the modes considered. The method is applicable to any structure and any damage type that affects the integrity/stiffness of the structure. Performance of the method is evaluated using both simulated and experimental data.