Evaluation of Vibration-Based Damage Detection Techniques for RC Beams

Abstract

This study aims at comprehensively exploring and comparing four different methods of vibration-based damage detection in reinforced-concrete beams with three different support conditions. The methods chosen are Change in Flexibility (FC), Curvature Mode Shape (CMS), Modal Strain Energy Change Ratio (MSECR) and Principal Eigenvector of Modal Flexibility Change (PE). The parameters considered for this study are damage detection, localization, and quantification, for both single and multiple damage cases. The objective is to propose the most efficient method for both these cases. A beam of length 3.15m is analyzed using a self-developed finite element model-based program on MATLAB™ and damage is simulated by reductions in effective flexural rigidity. Based on the aforementioned parameters, it is found that the FC Method is most suitable for single damage detection while the MSECR method is most suitable for multiple damage detection.