Model-data fusion for seismic performance evaluation of an instrumented highway bridge

The paper presents a computationally efficient algorithm to integrate a probabilistic, non-Gaussian parameter estimation approach for nonlinear finite element models with the performance-based earthquake engineering (PBEE) framework for accurate performance evaluations of instrumented civil infrastructures. The algorithm first utilizes a minimum variance framework to fuse predictions from a numerical model of a civil infrastructure with its measured behavior during a past earthquake to update the parameters of the numerical model that is, then, used for performance prediction of the civil infrastructure during future earthquakes. A nonproduct quadrature rule, based on the conjugate unscented transformation, forms an enabling tool to drive the computationally efficient model prediction, model-data fusion, and performance evaluation. The algorithm is illustrated and validated on Meloland Road overpass, a heavily instrumented highway bridge in El Centro, CA, which experienced three moderate earthquake events in the past. The benefits of integrating measurement data into the PBEE framework are highlighted by comparing damage fragilities of and annual probabilities of damages to the bridge estimated using the presented algorithm with that estimated using the conventional PBEE approach.     

Two‐stage damage detection algorithms of structure using modal parameters identified from recursive subspace identification

Structural damage assessment under external loading, such as earthquake excitation, is an important issue in structural safety evaluation. In this regard, appropriate data analysis and feature extraction techniques are required to interpret the measured data and to identify the state of the structure and, if possible, to detect the damage. In this study, the recursive subspace identification with Bona‐fide LQ renewing algorithm (RSI‐BonaFide‐Oblique) incorporated with moving window technique is utilized to identify modal parameters such as natural frequencies, damping ratios, and mode shapes at each instant of time during the strong earthquake excitation. From which the least square stiffness method (LSSM) combined with the model updating technique, called efficient model correction method (EMCM), is used to estimate the first‐stage system stiffness matrix using the simplified model from the previously identified modal parameters (nominal model). In the second stage, 2 different damage assessment algorithms related to the nominal system stiffness matrix were derived. First, the model updating technique, called EMCM, is applied to correct the nominal model by the newly identified modal parameters during the strong motion. Second, the element damage index can be calculated using element damage index method (EDIM) to quantify the damage extent in each element. Verification of the proposed methods through the shaking table test data of 2 different types of structures and a building earthquake response data is demonstrated to specify its corresponding damage location, the time of occurrence during the excitation, and the percentage of stiffness reduction.     

Response-based damage assessment of structures

The structure's ability to survive an earthquake may be measured in terms of the expected state of damage of the structure after the earthquake. Damage may be quantified by using any of several damage indices defined as functions whose values can be related to particular structural damage states. A number of available response-based damage indices are discussed and critically evaluated for their applicability in seismic damage evaluation. A new rational approach for damage assessment is presented which provides a measure of the physical response characteristics of the structure and is better suited for non-linear structural analysis. A practical method based on the static pushover analysis is proposed to estimate the expected damage to structures when subjected to earthquakes of different intensities. Results of the analysis of ductile and non-ductile reinforced concrete buildings show that the proposed procedure for damage assessment gives a simple, consistent and rational damage indicator for structures. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Seismic assessment of concrete gravity dams using capacity estimation and damage indexes

A new concept to determine state of the damage in concrete gravity dams is introduced. The Pine Flat concrete gravity dam has been selected for the purpose of the analysis and its structural capacity, assuming no sliding plane and rigid foundation, has been estimated using the two well‐known methods: nonlinear static pushover (SPO) and incremental dynamic analysis (IDA). With the use of these two methods, performance and various limit states of the dam have been determined, and three damage indexes have been proposed on the basis of the comparison of seismic demands and the dam's capacity. It is concluded that the SPO and IDA can be effectively used to develop indexes for seismic performance evaluation and damage assessment of concrete gravity dams. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Pushover分析方法的发展及其在桥梁结构中的应用

非线性静力分析方法（Pushover分析方法）可以较好地检验结构的变形能力,找到结构的薄弱环节,控制强烈地震作用下结构破坏程度,对工程设计有很强的指导意义。但目前Pushover分析方法的种类很多,各自有着不同的优缺点和适用范围,针对桥梁结构,阐述静力非线性分析方法（Pushover）的原理及其研究发展概况,评述了各种Pushover方法的优缺点,并分析了Pushover方法用于桥梁结构的基本原理和评价方法,指出Pushover方法用于桥梁结构存在的问题。     

结合灵敏度修正的遗传算法的结构损伤诊断

提出了1种结合灵敏度修正的遗传算法进行结构损伤诊断。在遗传算法计算过程中加入灵敏度修正操作,使遗传过程得以快速收敛并增加了识别准确性。利用4层平面框架进行数值模拟,识别结果表明,本文所提出的结构损伤识别方法比常规遗传算法有效。     

大跨桥梁结构损伤诊断与安全评估的多尺度有限元模拟研究

探讨了以结构损伤诊断与安全评估为目标的大跨桥梁结构多尺度有限元模拟的策略与方案。在有限元模型误差来源分析的基础上,提出了大跨桥梁结构模型误差的分层次修正方法。通过对润扬长江大桥斜拉桥的有限元建模和模型修正过程,提出了大跨斜拉桥结构以损伤诊断与安全评估为目标的多尺度有限元模拟方法。研究表明,大跨桥梁结构的多尺度有限元模拟必须建立在模型误差分析的基础上,并采用模型误差的分层次修正方法才能较好的满足多尺度有限元模拟的技术要求。     

System identification and damage evaluation of degrading hysteresis of reinforced concrete frames

In this study, signal processing approaches and nonlinear identification are used to measure seismic responses of reinforced concrete (RC) structures using the shaking table test. To analyze structural nonlinearity, an equivalent linear system with time‐varying model parameters, singular spectrum analysis to elucidate residual deformation, and wavelet packet transformation analysis to yield the energy distribution among components are adopted to detect the nonlinearity. Then, damage feature extraction is conducted using both the Holder exponent and the Level‐1 detail of the discrete wavelet component. Finally, the modified Bouc‐Wen hysteretic model and the system identification process are employed to the shaking table test data to evaluate the physical parameters, including the stiffness degradation, the strength deterioration and the pinching hysteresis. Finally, the identified stiffness and strength degradation functions from the test data of RC frames in relation to the degree of ground shaking, damage index and the identified nonlinear features are discussed. Based on the proposed method, both signal‐based and model‐based identifications, the relationship between the damage occurrence and severity of structural damage can be identified. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

汶川8.0级地震绵竹市桥梁震害分析

汶川8.0级地震中桥梁破坏严重,根据现场调查资料对绵竹市公路桥梁的震害进行了分析。首先介绍了绵竹市地质地貌、烈度分布与桥梁的概况,然后对绵竹市桥梁震害进行统计和分析,介绍了几个典型的桥梁震害,最后给出结论和建议。     

损伤谱在结构抗震性能评估中的应用

改进能力谱法可以较好地评估结构抗震性能,在工程中得到了广泛的应用.本文在此基础上指出,由改进能力谱方法求得的延性是结构的延性需求,并不是结构的实际延性能力,不能以此代表结构在罕遇地震作用下的实际抗震能力.其次,基于弹塑性损伤反应谱(简称"RD谱"),结合模态Pushover分析,提出了基于RD谱的能力谱分析方法,通过R...     

Post‐earthquake damage assessment using residual displacements

This paper presents a new, improved, post‐earthquake damage assessment method that takes into account residual deformations attained by the damaged structure during the earthquake. Local and global residual deformations and visual damage indicators are considered to estimate the maximum deformations experienced by the structure. As a particular development, the method allows measured displacements and rotations to be considered jointly. Uncertainties associated with both the excitation and the damaged structure are explicitly accounted for. The resulting maximum displacement estimates allow a more accurate evaluation of the extent of structural damage when judging the usability/reparability of the investigated structure. A trial application of the method to a real structure tested on a shaking table is presented. The results confirm the capability of the method to estimate the maximum displacement and the residual stiffness of the damaged structure. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Seismic damage of highway bridges during the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake

Many highway bridges were severely damaged or completely collapsed during the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake.A field investigation was carried out in the strongly affected areas and over 320 bridges were examined. Damage to some representative highway bridges is briefly described and a preliminary analysis of the probable causes of the damage is presented in this paper. The most common damage included shear-flexural failure of the pier columns, expansion joint failure, shear key failure, and girder sliding in the transversal or longitudinal directions due to weak connections between girder and bearings. Lessons learned from this earthquake are described and recommendations related to the design of curved and skewed bridges, design of bearings and devices to prevent girder collapse, and ductility of bridge piers are presented.Suggestions for future seismic design and retrofitting techniques for bridges in moderate to severe earthquake areas are also proposed.     

遗传优化神经网络方法在桥梁震害预测中的应用

本文将遗传算法与神经网络相结合,从而建立了一种高效的、实用的桥梁震害预测方法。根据遗传算法具有局部寻优的特点,为避免BP神经网络陷入局部极小值,本文将二者结合起来形成GA-BP混合算法,以GA优化神经网络的初始权值和阈值,对网络进行训练。在大量收集梁式桥震害资料的基础上,将此算法引入桥梁的震害预测中,并与传统的单独BP神经网络相比较,结果表明该方法能够有效、准确地对桥梁结构进行震害预测。     

工作状态下梁及桥梁模态与损伤识别的新方法

工作状态下桥梁结构的模态参数识别是桥梁损伤识别的重要环节,考虑桥梁检测的实用性,桥梁检测一般应建立在环境激励的基础上,已有的环境激励下模态参数识别的方法对模态频率的识别的精度较高,而对位移模态的识别则误差较大。提出了一种利用移动质量块在不同位置时对桥梁的模态频率进行多次测量,用各次测得的频率值确定位移模态的新方法,使得位移模态识别的精度接近频率识别的精度,建立了该方法的初步模型,推导了频率与位移模态关系的理论公式,并通过数值模拟对该方法的有效性进行了说明。     

在役公路梁式桥综合震害等级预测研究

为客观预测在役公路梁式桥综合震害状况,考虑在役桥梁在运营期存在的病害问题,从压力和承压两方面建立在役公路梁式桥综合震害预测评价指标体系.以桥梁作为承灾体,建立在役公路梁式桥综合震害物元可拓模型,运用熵权法进行赋权,确定桥梁的综合震害状况.以一座在役梁式桥为例,运用上述模型确定算例的综合震害状况.研究结果表明,该桥的综合...     

Performance-based concept on seismic evaluation of existing bridges

Conventional seismic evaluation of existing bridges explores the ability of a bridge to survive under significant earthquake excitations. This approach has several major drawbacks, such as only a single structural performance of near collapse is considered, and the simplified approach of adopting strength-based concept to indirectly estimate the nonlinear behavior of a structure lacks accuracy. As a result, performance-based concepts that include a wider variety of structural performance states of a given bridge excited by different levels of earthquake intensity is needed by the engineering community. This paper introduces an improved process for the seismic evaluation of existing bridges. The relationship between the overall structural performance and earthquakes with varying levels of peak ground acceleration (PGA) can successfully be linked. A universal perspective on the seismic evaluation of bridges over their entire life-cycle can be easily obtained to investigate multiple performance objectives. The accuracy of the proposed method, based on pushover analysis, is proven in a case study that compares the results from the proposed procedure with additional nonlinear time history analyses.     

A simplified method of constructing fragility curves for highway bridges

Fragility curves are found to be useful tools for predicting the extent of probable damage. They show the probability of highway structure damage as a function of strong motion parameters, and they allow the estimation of a level of damage probability for a known ground motion index. In this study, an analytical approach was adopted to develop the fragility curves for highway bridges based on numerical simulation. Four typical RC bridge piers and two RC bridge structures were considered, of which one was a non‐isolated system and the other was an isolated system, and they were designed according to the seismic design code in Japan. From a total of 250 strong motion records, selected from Japan, the United States, and Taiwan, non‐linear time history analyses were performed, and the damage indices for the bridge structures were obtained. Using the damage indices and ground motion parameters, fragility curves for the four bridge piers and the two bridge structures were constructed assuming a lognormal distribution. It was found that there was a significant effect on the fragility curves due to the variation of structural parameters. The relationship between the fragility curve parameters and the over‐strength ratio of the structures was also obtained by performing a linear regression analysis. It was observed that the fragility curve parameters showed a strong correlation with the over‐strength ratio of the structures. Based on the observed correlation between the fragility curve parameters and the over‐strength ratio of the structures, a simplified method was developed to construct the fragility curves for highway bridges using 30 non‐isolated bridge models. The simplified method may be a very useful tool to construct the fragility curves for non‐isolated highway bridges in Japan, which fall within the same group and have similar characteristics. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Output‐only structural identification in time domain: Numerical and experimental studies

By identifying changes in stiffness parameters, structural damage can be detected and monitored. Although considerable progress has been made in this research area, many challenges remain in achieving robust structural identification based on incomplete and noisy measurement signals. The identification task is made even more difficult if measurement of input force is to be eliminated. To this end, an output‐only structural identification strategy is proposed to identify unknown stiffness and damping parameters. A non‐classical approach based on genetic algorithms (GAs) is adopted. The proposed strategy makes use of the recently developed GA‐based method of search space reduction, which has shown to be able to accurately and reliably identify structural parameters from measured input and output signals. By modifying the numerical integration scheme, input can be computed as the parameter identification task is in progress, thereby eliminating the need to measure forces. Numerical and experimental results demonstrate the power of the strategy in accurate and efficient identification of structural parameters and damage using only incomplete acceleration measurements. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Substructural first‐ and second‐order model identification for structural damage assessment

This paper presents two methods to perform system identification at the substructural level, taking advantage of reduction in the number of unknowns and degrees of freedom (DOFs) involved, for damage assessment of fairly large structures. The first method is based on first‐order state space formulation of the substructure where the eigensystem realization algorithm (ERA) and the observer/Kalman filter identification (OKID) are used. Identification at the global level is then performed to obtain the second‐order model parameters. In the second method, identification is performed at the substructural level in both the first‐ and second‐order model identification. Both methods are illustrated using numerical simulation studies where results indicate their significantly better performance than identification using the global structure, in terms of efficiency and accuracy. A 12‐DOF system and a fairly large structural system with 50 DOFs are used where the effects of noisy data are considered. In addition to numerical simulation studies, laboratory experiments involving an eight‐storey frame model are carried out to illustrate the performance of the proposed method. The identification results presented in terms of the stiffness integrity index show that the proposed methodology is able to locate and quantify damage fairly accurately. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

One‐year monitoring of the Z24‐Bridge: environmental effects versus damage events

When using the analysis of vibration measurements as a tool for health monitoring of bridges, the problem arises of separating abnormal changes from normal changes in the dynamic behaviour. Normal changes are caused by varying environmental conditions such as humidity, wind and most important, temperature. The temperature may have an impact on the boundary conditions and the material properties. Abnormal changes on the other hand are caused by a loss of stiffness somewhere along the bridge. It is clear that the normal changes should not raise an alarm in the monitoring system (i.e. a false positive), whereas the abnormal changes may be critical for the structure's safety. In the frame of the European SIMCES‐project, the Z24‐Bridge in Switzerland was monitored during almost one year before it was artificially damaged. Black‐box models are determined from the healthy‐bridge data. These models describe the variations of eigenfrequencies as a function of temperature. New data are compared with the models. If an eigenfrequency exceeds certain confidence intervals of the model, there is probably another cause than the temperature that drives the eigenfrequency variations, for instance damage. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.