Localization of damaged structural connections based on experimental modal and sensitivity analysis

A method for the detection of damage location for framed structures has been proposed. Unlike most of the existing methods, the proposed method has been proven by a series of experimental case studies and found to be practical in real applications. This paper reports the theoretical development of the proposed method, and the verification of the method with one numerical case study by using a six-storey frame and one experimental case study by using a two-storey frame. Two techniques have been developed in this proposed method: the Approximate Parameter Change (APC) technique and the Damage Signature Matching (DSM) technique. Both techniques employ measured modal data before and after the structure is damaged. The combination of these two techniques forms a practical method for the detection of damage locations. © 1998 Academic Press Limited.