Structural health monitoring of long-span suspension bridges using wavelet packet analysis

During the service life of civil engineering structures such as long-span bridges, local damage at key positions may continually accumulate, and may finally result in their sudden failure. One core issue of global vibration-based health monitoring methods is to seek some damage indices that are sensitive to structural damage. This paper proposes an online structural health monitoring method for long-span suspension bridges using wavelet packet transform (WPT). The WPT- based method is based on the energy variations of structural ambient vibration responses decomposed using wavelet packet analysis. The main feature of this method is that the proposed wavelet packet energy spectrum (WPES) has the ability to detect structural damage from ambient vibration tests of a long-span suspension bridge. As an example application, the WPES-based health monitoring system is used on the Runyang Suspension Bridge under daily environmental conditions. The analysis reveals that changes in environmental temperature have a long-term influence on the WPES, while the effect of traffic loadings on the measured WPES of the bridge presents instantaneous changes because of the nonstationary properties of the loadings. The condition indication indices VD reflect the influences of environmental temperature on the dynamic properties of the Runyang Suspension Bridge. The field tests demonstrate that the proposed WPES-based condition indication index VD is a good candidate index for health monitoring of long-span suspension bridges under ambient excitations.     

Structural health monitoring of bridges in the State of Connecticut

A joint effort between the Connecticut Department of Transportation and the University of Connecticut has been underway for more than 20 years to utilize various structural monitoring approaches to assess different bridges in Connecticut. This has been done to determine the performance of existing bridges, refine techniques needed to evaluate different bridge components, and develop approaches that can be used to provide a continuous status of a bridge＇s structural integrity. This paper briefly introduces the background of these studies, with emphasis on recent research and the development of structural health monitoring concepts. This paper presents the results from three different bridge types： a post-tensioned curved concrete box girder bridge, a curved steel box-girder bridge, and a steel multi-girder bridge. The structural health monitoring approaches to be discussed have been successfully tested using field data collected during multi-year monitoring periods, and are based on vibrations, rotations and strains. The goal has been to develop cost-effective strategies to provide critical information needed to manage the State of Connecticut＇s bridge infrastructure.     

Non-linear buffeting response analysis of long-span suspension bridges with central buckle

The rigid central buckle employed in the Runyang Suspension Bridge (RSB) was the first time it was used in a suspension bridge in China. By using a spectral representation method and FFT technique combined with measured data,a 3D fluctuating wind field considering the tower wind effect is simulated. A novel FE model for buffeting analysis is then presented,in which a specific user-defined Matrix27 element in ANSYS is employed to simulate the aeroelastic forces and its stiffness or damping matrices are parameterized by wind velocity and vibration frequency. A nonlinear time history analysis is carried out to study the influence of the rigid central buckle on the wind-induced buffeting response of a long-span suspension bridge. The results can be used as a reference for wind resistance design of long-span suspension bridges with a rigid central buckle in the future.     

Hanger replacement influence on seismic response of suspension bridges: Implementation to the Bosphorus Bridge subjected to multi-support excitation

The effects of hanger replacement from inclined to vertical configuration on seismic response of long-span suspension bridges are investigated considering multi-support earthquake excitation. The Bosphorus Bridge is investigated due to its recent comprehensive rehabilitation, mainly involving hanger replacement. The finite-fault stochastic simulation method (FINSIM) is utilized for multi-point earthquake time-history generation. The developed finite element (FE) model both for the inclined and vertical hanger arrangement are verified through the structural health monitoring (SHM) data. Based on the comparative analysis, the tension force of vertical hangers is found to be lower than that of inclined hangers, whereas the tension force of the main and back-stay cables remains the same. The compressive axial force of the deck decreases relatively in the case of the vertical hanger arrangement, whereas the cross-sectional forces at the tower base section increase. The approach viaducts are not affected by the vertical hanger arrangement. According to the demand/capacity ratios for damage estimation under the max. earthquake (2475 years return period), structural damage on the tower base section may be expected for both hanger arrangements, while these sections perform well under design scenario earthquake. The expansion joint of the bridge with inclined hangers is also estimated to be damaged; however, this displacement is lower in the case of the vertical hanger arrangement due to the viscous dampers. The findings also reveal that a change in hanger form of a suspension bridge can necessitate other structural retrofit, such as using viscous dampers to limit longitudinal displacements of the deck and retrofitting the bridge towers.     

Design and application of structural health monitoring system in long-span cable-membrane structure

Cable-membrane structures have small rigidity and are highly sensitive to wind. Structural health monitoring is necessary to ensure the serviceability and safety of the structure. In this research, the design method of a structural health monitoring system is using the characteristics of a cable-membrane structure. Taking the Yueyang Sanhe Airport Terminal as an example, a finite element model is established to determine the critical structural components. Next, the engineering requirements and the framework of the monitoring system are studied based on the results of numerical analysis. The specific implementation of the structural health monitoring is then carried out, which includes sensor selection, installation and wiring. The proposed framework is successfully applied to the monitoring system for the Yueyang Airport terminal building, and the synchronous acquisition of fiber Bragg grating and acceleration sensor signals is implemented in an innovative way. The successful implementation and operation of structural health monitoring will help to guarantee the safety of the cablemembrane structure during its service life.     

Dynamic investigation of a hybrid suspension and cable‐stayed bridge

Ambient and forced vibration tests were carried out on the Beauharnois bridge, a unique, 177‐m combined suspension and cable‐stayed structure near Montreal, Canada. A rehabilitation program was completed on the bridge during which the deck was completely rebuilt with an orthotropic slab on two steel trusses. The rehabilitation program also included the addition of two pairs of stay cables on both towers, creating a hybrid suspension system. The paper presents a series of dynamic tests performed to evaluate the dynamic properties and the dynamic amplification factor (DAF) for the rehabilitated bridge. The experimental program involved the measurement of vertical, transverse, and longitudinal acceleration responses of the deck and tower under ambient and controlled traffic loads. Displacement, strain, and integrated acceleration DAFs were computed under different loading conditions. Modal properties were evaluated and used to correlate a three‐dimensional finite element model for the bridge, including non‐linear cable behaviour. The paper discusses the experimental setup as well as the techniques used to evaluate vibration frequencies, mode shapes, and the DAF. Correlation of numerical dynamic properties and experimental results is also presented. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

大跨度连续刚构桥健康监测加速度传感器优化布置研究

本文以一座145m＋2×260m＋145m的大跨度连续刚构桥为背景,首先介绍了传感器优化配置算法、评估准则和安放位置的选择方法;其次,建立了该连续刚构桥的三维有限元模型,进行了环境振动试验,得到了桥梁的基本动力特性;再次,基于MAC矩阵和Fisher信息阵标准为理论基础的传感器优化布点算法,对桥梁健康监测加速度传感器布点方案进行了研究;最后结合该桥的实际情况,提出了加速度传感器优化布置方案。实时健康监测表明：基于本文的传感器布置方法实时监测能够获得该桥梁前10阶振型,可满足桥梁长期监测的需要。     

Steel slit shear walls with double‐tapered links capable of condition assessment

The concept of using a hysteretic damper as a condition assessment device that functions immediately after a damaging earthquake is realized by making use of the residual out‐of‐plane deformation of links that are arranged in slit shear walls. According to the proposed inspection procedure, the maximum drift ratio experienced by the slit wall is estimated based on the number of torsionally deformed links whose dimensions are determined so that the links would exhibit notable torsional deformation at the target deformations. The adoption of a double‐tapered shape for the links enables us to significantly increase the amount of out‐of‐plane deformation. The relationship between the dimensions and the torsional deformation of the links is established using numerical simulations. The effectiveness of the proposed condition assessment scenario is verified by using a series of cyclic loading tests for individual links and groups of links. As a hysteretic damper, the strength and stiffness of the links predicted by design equations matched well with test results. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

桥梁健康监测及诊断研究综述

本文分析了桥梁结构健康监测和诊断的必要性和紧迫性，对桥梁结构损伤探测的方法进行了详细的分类及论述。提出了桥梁健康监测和诊断的研究新领域——无线监测系统。最后指出了桥梁健康监测和诊断中存在的问题及发展趋势。     

结构-土-结构动力相互作用对结构系统频率的影响

采用间接边界元法,研究结构-土-结构动力相互作用对结构系统频率的影响。数值分析表明,与不考虑相邻结构的结果相比,结构-土-结构动力相互作用可能增大或减小结构的系统频率,SH波垂直入射时,影响程度达5%,SV波垂直入射时,影响程度达3%。随着结构间距离的增大,结构-土-结构动力相互作用对结构系统频率的影响程度并不单调下降,还与场地的动力特性和结构的动力特性有关。结构-土-结构动力相互作用对结构系统频率的影响可能对结构健康监测结果造成一定影响,值得注意。     

Effect of vehicle weight on natural frequencies of bridges measured from traffic-induced vibration

Recently, ambient vibration test (AVT) is widely used to estimate dynamic characteristics of large civil structures. Dynamic characteristics can be affected by various environmental factors such as humidity, intensity of wind, and temperature. Besides these environmental conditions, the mass of vehicles may change the measured values when traffic-induced vibration is used as a source of AVT for bridges. The effect of vehicle mass on dynamic characteristics is investigated through traffic-induced vibration tests on three bridges; (1) three-span suspension bridge (128m +404m + 128m), (2) five-span continuous steel box girder bridge (59m + 3@95m + 59m), (3) simply supported plate girder bridge (46m). Acceleration histories of each measurement location under normal traffic are recorded for 30 minutes at field. These recorded histories are divided into individual vibrations and are combined into two groups according to the level of vibration ; one by heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses and the other by light vehicles such as passenger cars. Separate processing of the two groups of signals shows that, for the middle and long-span bridges, the difference can be hardly detected, but, for the short span bridges whose mass is relatively small, the measured natural frequencies can change up to 5.4%. Supported by: the Ministry of Construction and Transportation, Korea Highway Corporation and Hyundai E&C Co. Ltd. under Project No. R&D/970003-2.     

A correlation between pulse diagnosis of human body and health monitoring of structures

The concept of health monitoring is a key aspect of the field of medicine that has been practiced for a long time. A commonly used diagnostic and health monitoring practice is pulse diagnosis, which can be traced back approximately five thousand years in the recorded history of China. With advances in the development of modem technology, the concept of health monitoring of a variety of engineering structures in several applications has begun to attract widespread attention. Of particular interest in this study is the health monitoring of civil structures. It seems natural, and even beneficial, that these two health-monitoring methods, one as applies to the human body and the other to civil structures, should be analyzed and compared. In this paper, the basic concepts and theories of the two monitoring methods are first discussed. Similarities are then summarized and commented upon. It is hoped that this correlation analysis may help provide structural engineers with some insights into the intrinsic concept of using pulse diagnosis in human health monitoring, which may be of some benefit in the development of modem structural health monitoring methods.     

铅阻尼器在自锚式悬索桥横向减震设计中的应用研究

某自锚式钢桁架悬索桥结构主跨408m,采用双层桥面,2根主缆为空间线形布置。本文根据自锚式悬索桥独特的动力特性,提出在悬索桥主梁与过渡墩、辅助墩之间沿横向设置铅挤压阻尼器的消能减震设计方案,以控制悬索桥的横向地震反应。根据风、行车和地震荷载等各种工况可能引起的支座剪力值,提出了铅挤压阻尼器临界滑移荷载值的确定方法。研究表明,同时采用铅挤压阻尼器和粘滞阻尼器的消能减震技术,可以有效地减小悬索桥的横向地震反应,可供工程实践参考。     

Modeling of environmental influence in structural health assessment for reinforced concrete buildings

One branch of structural health monitoring (SHM) utilizes dynamic response measurements to assess the structural integrity of civil infrastructures. In particular,modal frequency is a widely adopted indicator for structural damage since its square is proportional to structural stiffness. However,it has been demonstrated in various SHM projects that this indicator is substantially affected by fluctuating environmental conditions. In order to provide reliable and consistent information on the health status of the monitored structures,it is necessary to develop a method to filter this interference. This study attempts to model and quantify the environmental influence on the modal frequencies of reinforced concrete buildings. Daily structural response measurements of a twenty-two story reinforced concrete building were collected and analyzed over a one-year period. The Bayesian spectral density approach was utilized to identify the modal frequencies of this building and it was clearly seen that the temperature and humidity fluctuation induced notable variations. A mathematical model was developed to quantify the environmental effects and model complexity was taken into consideration. Based on a Timoshenko beam model,the full model class was constructed and other reduced-order model class candidates were obtained. Then,the Bayesian modal class selection approach was employed to select the one with the most suitable complexity. The proposed model successfully characterizes the environmental influence on the modal frequencies. Furthermore,the estimated uncertainty of the model parameters allows for assessment of the reliability of the prediction. This study not only improves the understanding about the monitored structure,but also establishes a systematic approach for reliable health assessment of reinforced concrete buildings.     

Algorithms for time synchronization of wireless structural monitoring sensors

Dense networks of wireless structural health monitoring systems can effectively remove the disadvantages associated with current wire‐based sparse sensing systems. However, recorded data sets may have relative time‐delays due to interference in radio transmission or inherent internal sensor clock errors. For structural system identification and damage detection purposes, sensor data require that they are time synchronized. The need for time synchronization of sensor data is illustrated through a series of tests on asynchronous data sets. Results from the identification of structural modal parameters show that frequencies and damping ratios are not influenced by the asynchronous data; however, the error in identifying structural mode shapes can be significant. The results from these tests are summarized in Appendix A. The objective of this paper is to present algorithms for measurement data synchronization. Two algorithms are proposed for this purpose. The first algorithm is applicable when the input signal to a structure can be measured. The time‐delay between an output measurement and the input is identified based on an ARX (auto‐regressive model with exogenous input) model for the input–output pair recordings. The second algorithm can be used for a structure subject to ambient excitation, where the excitation cannot be measured. An ARMAV (auto‐regressive moving average vector) model is constructed from two output signals and the time‐delay between them is evaluated. The proposed algorithms are verified with simulation data and recorded seismic response data from multi‐story buildings. The influence of noise on the time‐delay estimates is also assessed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

环境温度对桥梁结构动力特性影响的试验研究

本文以两跨钢-混凝土连续组合梁模型和刚架拱桥的环境振动测试为基础,分析了环境温度变化对桥梁动力特性的影响。结果表明:环境温度变化会引起桥梁动力特性的显著变化,同时温度变化对结构动力特性的影响受到桥梁边界约束条件的很大影响,此类测试和分析对桥梁健康监测与损伤识别具有借鉴意义。     

地震地面运动特性对结构地震需求的影响研究现状

在结构抗震设计和分析中,地震地面运动特性(用幅值、频谱特性和持时表示)的变异性对于结构地震需求的影响最大.震害经验表明,各类结构的震害均表现为这三个基本要素综合影响的结果.因此,从地震工程学和结构抗震两个方面,对国内外结构地震需求分析研究现状进行了较为全面的论述,包括分析方法、研究内容、影响因素等,重点论述了地面运动三要素对结构地震需求的影响,提出了存在的问题和今后尚需开展的研究工作.     

Evaluation of displacement‐based vulnerability assessment methodology using observed damage data from Christchurch

On 22 February 2011, Christchurch City experienced a destructive magnitude (Mw) 6.2 aftershock following the main event of magnitude (Mw) 7.1 on the 4 September 2010. Severe damage was inflicted on the building stock, particularly within the central business district (CBD) of Christchurch. The strong motion stations around the CBD region and extensive building damage survey information from the Christchurch City Council provided a unique opportunity to calibrate a theoretical regional vulnerability assessment model developed and refined to be applicable for New Zealand (NZ) buildings. In this study, data from the building safety evaluation survey conducted by Christchurch City Council are synthesised and processed to extract details on building typologies in the CBD region and the colour tagging assigned to each building depending on the degree of damage. A displacement‐based framework is used to carry out vulnerability assessment for Christchurch buildings to estimate damage sustained under the recorded ground motions in the February event. As the damage survey indicators were ‘colour tags’, a mapping scheme has been explored to link the observed colour tagging damage statistics with ‘drift‐based damage limit states’ adopted in the theoretical approach. A sensitivity analysis is carried out to calibrate the mapping scheme, which can provide estimates of proportions of buildings likely to fall in different colour regimes when used in conjunction with the proposed vulnerability assessment methodology. It is shown that the methodology is reasonably robust, thereby increasing the confidence in using this approach to predict seismic vulnerability of building stock in NZ. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Structural performance assessment under near‐source pulse‐like ground motions using advanced ground motion intensity measures

This paper demonstrates the effectiveness of utilizing advanced ground motion intensity measures (IMs) to evaluate the seismic performance of a structure subject to near‐source ground motions. Ordinary records are, in addition, utilized to demonstrate the robustness of the advanced IM with respect to record selection and scaling. To perform nonlinear dynamic analyses (NDAs), ground motions need to be selected; as a result, choosing records that are not representative of the site hazard can alter the seismic performance of structures. The median collapse capacity (in terms of IM), for example, can be systematically dictated by including a few aggressive or benign pulse‐like records into the record set used for analyses. In this paper, the elastic‐based IM such as the pseudo‐spectral acceleration (S_a) or a vector of S_a and epsilon has been demonstrated to be deficient to assess the structural responses subject to pulse‐like motions. Using advanced IMs can be, however, more accurate in terms of probabilistic response prediction. Scaling earthquake records using advanced IMs (e.g. inelastic spectral displacement, S_di, and IM _1I&2E; the latter is for the significant higher‐mode contribution structures) subject to ordinary and/or pulse‐like records is efficient, sufficient, and robust relative to record selection and scaling. As a result, detailed record selection is not necessary, and records with virtually any magnitude, distance, epsilon and pulse period can be selected for NDAs. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Response‐only modal identification of structures using strong motion data

Dynamic characteristics of structures — viz. natural frequencies, damping ratios, and mode shapes — are central to earthquake‐resistant design. These values identified from field measurements are useful for model validation and health‐monitoring. Most system identification methods require input excitations motions to be measured and the structural response; however, the true input motions are seldom recordable. For example, when soil–structure interaction effects are non‐negligible, neither the free‐field motions nor the recorded responses of the foundations may be assumed as ‘input’. Even in the absence of soil–structure interaction, in many instances, the foundation responses are not recorded (or are recorded with a low signal‐to‐noise ratio). Unfortunately, existing output‐only methods are limited to free vibration data, or weak stationary ambient excitations. However, it is well‐known that the dynamic characteristics of most civil structures are amplitude‐dependent; thus, parameters identified from low‐amplitude responses do not match well with those from strong excitations, which arguably are more pertinent to seismic design. In this study, we present a new identification method through which a structure's dynamic characteristics can be extracted using only seismic response (output) signals. In this method, first, the response signals’ spatial time‐frequency distributions are used for blindly identifying the classical mode shapes and the modal coordinate signals. Second, cross‐relations among the modal coordinates are employed to determine the system's natural frequencies and damping ratios on the premise of linear behavior for the system. We use simulated (but realistic) data to verify the method, and also apply it to a real‐life data set to demonstrate its utility. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.