Decentralized damage identification using wavelet signal analysis embedded on wireless smart sensors

In this paper, a decentralized damage identification method using wavelet signal analysis tools embedded on wireless smart sensors (Imote2) has been proposed and experimentally validated. The damage identification analysis is decentralized by calculating discrete wavelet coefficients for acceleration in Imote2 sensors and transmitting the wavelet coefficients to a base station for damage identification through wavelet entropy indices. The wavelet entropy is modified to serve as a damage-sensitive signature that can be obtained both at different spatial locations and time stations to indicate existence of damage. It is known that wavelet-based approaches have clear advantages over Fourier transform-based ones for damage identification, since the wavelet transform allows for a wider choice of basis functions. This flexibility allows the wavelet transform to isolate changes in a signal that may be difficult to detect using other transform methods. To assess the reliability of the measurement signals, the wireless sensors have been compared with reference wired sensors. The proposed decentralized method for damage identification is verified via experimental tests using two laboratory structures: a three-story shear building structure and a three-dimensional truss bridge structure.