Bridge Damage Identification Using Rotation Measurement

Abstract

This paper proposes a novel bridge damage identification methodology using simulated rotation measurements. To illustrate the concept, a numerical 1D beam model subject to a one-axle moving vehicle model is presented. Different bridge segmentation strategies, damage scenarios, and measurement points are considered to demonstrate the detection, localization, and severity quantification capability of the proposed approach. To extend the application to a bridge subject to a fleet of unweighed multiaxle vehicles, the proposed method is combined with an iterative Bridge Weigh-in-Motion algorithm to obtain vehicle weights, bridge damage presence, and location. The results indicate that even if the vehicle weights and damage location are unknown, the proposed method can successfully detect and localize damage. The severity of the damage can also be predicted with reasonable accuracy. Finally, the proposed damage identification system is applied to measurements simulated with a fully calibrated (using in situ measurements) 3D finite-element model of a simply supported multi-T-girder bridge. Results confirm that the proposed system can accurately and automatically detect, localize, and quantify the severity of the defect for a range of cases.