Neural Networks Applications to Structural Identification: An Overview

Abstract

Recent developments in artificial neural networks (ANN) have opened up new possibilities in the domain of structural engineering. For inverse problems like structural identification of large civil engineering structures where the in situ measured data are considered to be imprecise and often incomplete, the ANN holds greater promise. The detection of structural damage and identification of damaged elements in a large complex structure is a challenging task indeed. In this paper, a general introduction to neural networks, its relevance to structural engineering and a review of lit-erature are presented in the context of neural networks application in structural identification. Finally, the unresolved issues warranting further investigation in the Indian context are identified.