Damage Localization on a Suspension Bridge subject to Wind Induced Vibrations

In this paper the capability of the interpolation damage detection method for damage detection and localization on long span suspension bridges is investigated using a case study. The finite element model of an existing suspension bridge is considered for simulating vibration responses to spatially correlated wind actions. A ‘signature’ of the structure in the intact state has been obtained in terms of the power spectral densities of responses along the bridge deck. Subsequently, several damage scenarios have been simulated by reducing the stiffness of a limited number of elements along the bridge deck. The new damaged signature of the bridge in each of the damaged conditions has been obtained using a new wind loading history. The results demonstrate the good performance of the interpolation damage detection method to provide the correct identification of damage detection and localization for all the damage scenarios herein considered.