ON THE ROLE OF ENGINEERING INSIGHT AND JUDGEMENT STRUCTURAL DAMAGE DETECTION

Several system identification algorithms have been proposed that make use of analytical models and measured modaldatatodeterminethelocationan~orextentofstructural damage. In particular, the authors have proposed a computationally attractive Minimum Rank Perturbation Theory (MRPT) which determines perturbation matrices to the mass, damping, andlorstiffness matrices. Inspection of these perturbation matrices provides insight to both the location and extent of structural damage. This paper documents ourpractical experience in applying MFiPTtheofyto a variety of structures. The ability to incorporate engineering insight and judgement into the algorithm is shown to enhance the performance of the MRPT technique when faced with real-world isSUS.