Significance of operating environment in condition monitoring of large civil structures

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Alampalli, Sreenivas

Affiliations: Structures Research, New York State Department of Transportation, 1220 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12232‐0869, USA Tel. +1 518 457 5826; Fax: +1 518 457 7535; E‐mail: salampalli@gw.dot.state.ny.us

Abstract: Success of remote long‐term condition monitoring of large civil structures and developing calibrated analytical models for damage detection, depend significantly on establishing accurate baseline signatures and their sensitivity. Most studies reported in the literature concentrated on the effect of structural damage on modal parameters without emphasis on reliability of modal parameters. Thus, a field bridge structure was studied for the significance of operating conditions in relation to baseline signatures. Results indicate that in practice, civil structures should be monitored for at least one full cycle of in‐service environmental changes before establishing baselines for condition monitoring or calibrating finite‐element models. Boundary conditions deserve special attention.

Keywords: Condition monitoring of structures, damage detection, remote monitoring systems, bridges, reliability of test data, in‐service bridge environment, bridge model calibration

Journal: Shock and Vibration, vol. 6, no. 5-6, pp. 247-251, 1999