Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
559476 Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing 2012 22 Pages PDF
Abstract

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.

Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Computer Science Signal Processing
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