| The research detailed in this dissertation has three complimentary efforts that seek to address some of the challenges remaining to apply structural health monitoring (SHM) to civil engineering structures. Focus has been placed on development of SHM algorithms suitable for application on densely distributed smart sensor networks.; The first component is to experimentally verify an existing damage detection method utilizing a three-dimensional 14-bay truss structure at the Smart Structures Technology Laboratory (SSTL). This flexibility matrix based method has drawn considerable attention recently; however, only numerical validation has been provided to date. Experimental verification is needed to assess the efficacy of the method in practice.; The second part of the work is directed toward extending this approach to continuous online SHM employing ambient vibration (i.e. , unmeasured input excitations). Continuous online SHM of civil infrastructure is highly desired, because it allows the damage in the structure to be detected and therefore further damage to the structure can be prevented at an early stage.; Finally, a new distributed computing SHM strategy, which is suitable for implementation on arrays of densely distributed smart sensors, is proposed for monitoring of civil infrastructure. Recent development of smart sensor technology has the potential to fundamentally change how civil infrastructure will be monitored. Damage detection algorithms which can take advantage of smart sensor technology are highly desired, but currently very limited. The new approach proposed in this research is different from the traditional ones which have relied on central data acquisition and processing, and therefore meshes well with the distributed computing environment offered by smart sensor technology.; In summary, the research conducted in this dissertation is intended to provide some insights on addressing current challenges. Successful completion of this research provides a strong basis for application of SHM to civil engineering structures using smart sensors. |
