A two-step approach for crack identification in beam

A two-step approach based on mode shape curvature and response sensitivity analysis for crack identification in beam structures is presented in this paper. The location of the crack is identified from a modified difference between the mode shape curvatures of cracked and intact beams in the first step. Then, a response sensitivity based model updating method is utilized to identify the crack location and crack depth precisely in the second step. The proposed method is verified with both single crack and multiple cracks identification. The identified crack parameters are found to be in good agreement with the true values. Numerical simulations in this study show that the proposed method is versatile for both single crack and multiple cracks identification and it is insensitive to measurement noise.

► Coupled mode shape curvature and response sensitivity analysis method is developed.
► A modified difference in mode shape curvature (DMC) is introduced.
► The proposed method is effective and accurate for cracks identification.
► Crack with small depth can be identified accurate.