Damage Detection In Non-Prismatic Reinforced Concrete Beams Using Curvature Mode Shapes

摘要

Non-prismatic beams are widely used in many engineering structures. Damage in the form of cracks would reduce their stiffness and strength. This paper looks at using the change in curvature mode shapes to locate damage. The extent of damage can be measured by a modified flexure damage index (MFDI) expressed in terms of frequencies which can be found by vibration tests. Experimental studies and finite element modelling show that this approach is practical for reinforced concrete beams which exhibit high non-linearity behaviour.