Adaptive Quadratic Sum-Squares Error for Structural Damage Identification

Abstract

The ability to detect damages online, based on vibration data measured from sensors, will ensure the reliability and safety of structures. Innovative data analysis techniques for the damage detection of structures have received considerable attention recently, although the problem is quite challenging. In this paper, we proposed a new data analysis method, referred to as the quadratic sum-squares error (QSSE) approach, for the online or almost online identification of structural parameters. Analytical recursive solution for the proposed QSSE method, which is not available in the previous literature, is derived and presented. Further, an adaptive tracking technique recently proposed is implemented in the proposed QSSE approach to identify the time-varying system parameters of the structure, referred to as the adaptive quadratic sum-squares error. The accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed approach are demonstrated using both linear and nonlinear structures. Simulation results using the finite-element models demonstrate that the proposed approach is capable of tracking the changes of structural parameters leading to the identification of structural damages.