A wavelet-based damage detection algorithm based on bridge acceleration response to a vehicle

Previous research based on theoretical simulations has shown the potential of the wavelet transform to detect damage in a beam by analysing the time-deflection response due to a constant moving load. However, its application to identify damage from the response of a bridge to a vehicle raises a number of questions. Firstly, it may be difficult to record the difference in the deflection signal between a healthy and a slightly damaged structure to the required level of accuracy and high scanning frequencies in the field. Secondly, the bridge is going to have a road profile and it will be loaded by a sprung vehicle and time-varying forces rather than a constant load. Therefore, an algorithm based on a plot of wavelet coefficients versus time to detect damage (a singularity in the plot) appears to be very sensitive to noise. This paper addresses these questions by: (a) using the acceleration signal, instead of the deflection signal, (b) employing a vehicle–bridge finite element interaction model, and (c) developing a novel wavelet-based approach using wavelet energy content at each bridge section, which proves to be more sensitive to damage than a wavelet coefficient line plot at a given scale as employed by others.

► Acceleration response of a beam to a moving load is analysed to detect damage in beam.
► Wavelet transform is used to identify damage in acceleration signal.
► Technique is effective on acceleration signals from P-load models.
► Technique was also found to be effective on signals from interaction models.
► Accuracy of the technique falls off with increasing road roughness and vehicle speed.