Damage localization and quantification in simply supported beams using static test data

A novel simple method using static test data for damage detection, localization, and quantification in beams is presented in this paper. The method is based on the change of the deflections of the beam between a reference and a damaged state. For simply supported beams with a single damage, the maximum value of the change of deflections indicates the location of damage. Once the damage is located, one could estimate the rotational stiffness at the damaged cross section by applying a superposition scheme to isolate the effect of damage and by using basic structural analysis equilibrium equations. Afterwards, damage extent is evaluated through an existing relation between rotational stiffness and damage severity. Several static tests of a simply supported steel beam with a point load at different locations were conducted to exam the performance of the strategy. The damage is artificially introduced as an opened crack located at the bottom of the beam. The deflections of the beam were measured by using a Digital Image Correlation system. The results show that the method can accurately detect and quantify the damage. The method is non-model based and can be easily conducted. No specific loading positions are required and damage identification objective can be achieved from just one single static test.