Capacity Estimation of Beam-Like Structures Using Substructural Method

Abstract

Evaluating the performance of beam-like structures in terms of their current boundary conditions, stiffness and modal properties can be challenging as the structures behave differently from their designed conditions due to aging. The purpose of the current study is to determine the flexural rigidity of beam-like structures when their support conditions are not fully understood. A novel optimization scheme is proposed for estimation of the flexural stiffness and the capacity of the beam-like structures under moving loads. The proposed method is applied to various profiles of the beams made of different materials with unknown boundary conditions, and the effects of damage, excitation and optimization algorithm are rigorously investigated. The results of the numerical and experimental studies showed that the proposed substructural bending rigidity identification (SBI) method can correctly assess the in-service flexural stiffness, fixity of the boundary condition and the load-carrying capacity. This technique can be considered as a cost-effective method for periodic monitoring, load rating and model updating of the beam-like structures.

Reliability-based load-carrying capacity assessment of bridges using structural health monitoring and nonlinear analysis

“…for quick on-site estimation of bridge stiffness and capacity. 23,24 In-service monitoring could be short or long term, and it includes any data related to the performance of the bridge such as deflection due to traffic. The objective of in-service monitoring is largely dependent on the results of previous tiers, in which the appropriate monitoring plan is arranged to study the specific response of the bridge over time.…”

“…Process of numerical model creations, with advantages and limitations of each modeling technique, is detailed in the authors' previous works. 22,24,27 The hidden reserved capacity of the bridge is masked if the numerical model is not calibrated with existing bridge information. Nonlinear analysis can be carried out on the calibrated numerical model of the bridge using information gained from SHM data.…”

“…Process of numerical model creations, with advantages and limitations of each modeling technique, is detailed in the authors’ previous works. 22,24,27…”