Seismic damage detection in a building frame via finite element model updating

This study is aimed at detecting and locating the damage in the beams with the aid of vibration based system identification and finite element model updating method, using limited number of responses recorded during strong earthquakes. The response of the structure at unmonitored degrees of freedom is estimated by interpolating recorded responses in time domain. Modal parameters are identified using frequency domain decomposition and empirical transfer function estimates. It is found that a combination of a suite of system identification techniques with sensitivity based finite element model updating can potentially locate and quantify the damage in a moment resistant frame.