| This study focuses on detection of physically simulated damage on the Dowling Hall footbridge. A continuous monitoring system has been installed on this footbridge located at Medford campus of Tufts University. The system is equipped with accelerometers and (dynamic) strain gauges that can measure ambient response of the bridge. Damage was simulated on the bridge by loading concrete blocks on segments of the bridge deck. The location and extent of damage (added mass) were estimated using a finite element (FE) model updating method. Modal parameters, such as natural frequencies and mode shapes, were extracted from measured ambient vibration data before and after the addition of mass and used in the FE model updating. Performance of the proposed damage identification method is evaluated using numerically simulated and experimentally measured data. Effects of input factors such as number, locations and types of sensors on the accuracy of damage identification results are investigated. |
