Damage detection in structural components, especially in mechanical engineering, is an important element of engineering practice. There are many methods of damage detection, in which changes in various parameters caused by the presence of damage are analysed. Recently, methods based on the analysis of changes in dynamic parameters of structures, that is, frequencies or mode shapes of natural vibrations, as well as changes in propagating elastic waves, have been developed at the highest rate. Diagnostic methods based on the elastic wave propagation phenomenon are becoming more and more popular, therefore it is worth focusing on the improvement of the efficiency of these methods. Hence, a question arises about whether it is possible to shorten the required measurement time without affecting the sensitivity of the diagnostic method used. This paper discusses the results of research carried out by the authors in this regard both numerically and experimentally. The numerical analysis has been carried out by the use of the Time-domain Spectral Finite Element Method (TD-SFEM), whereas the experimental part has been based on the measurement performed by 1-D Laser Doppler Scanning Vibrometery (LDSV).