Damage detection of multi-storeyed shear structure using sparse and noisy modal data

In the present paper, a method for identifying damage in a multi storeyed shear building structure is presented using minimum number of modal parameters of the structure. A damage at any level of the structure may lead to a major failure if the damage is not attended at appropriate time. Hence an early detection of damage is essential. The proposed identification methodology requires experimentally determined sparse modal data of any particular mode as input to detect the location and extent of damage in the structure. Here, the first natural frequency and corresponding partial mode shape values are used as input to the model and results are compared by changing the sensor placement locations at different floors to conclude the best location of sensors for accurate damage identification. Initially experimental data are simulated numerically by solving eigen value problem of the damaged structure with inclusion of random noise on the vibration characteristics. Reliability of the procedure has been demonstrated through a few examples of multi storeyed shear structure with different damage scenarios and various noise levels. Validation of the methodology has also been done using dynamic data obtained through experiment conducted on a laboratory scale steel structure.