A probabilistic approach to structural damage estimation

A framework for probabilistic estimation of structural damage, which includes identifying its existence, location, and severity, through the system identification of a building, utilizing its observed vibration data in undamaged and damaged states, is presented in this paper. The method is applied to the vibration data obtained by the shaking table tests of a five‐storey steel frame experimental model, to which many kinds of damaged states are given. The results from the damage detection analysis show the following: The method estimates the storey stiffness of the frame model very accurately. Even the damaged storeys corresponding to the stiffness reduction ratio of 1 or 2% are identified. The reliability of the estimated values are evaluated quantitatively and are reflected in the damage probability. This is very effective for the application to the health monitoring which requires the appropriate judgment on the damage states. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.