Strain response based finite element model updating by using response surface method

The strain (or stress) responses of structures are generally of primary concern because they can provide an important reference to the assessment of structure failure modes as well recognized. The response surface method (RSM) is employed in strain response-based finite element model updating in the paper. The model updating procedures are outlined and the approach is then applied to a simply supported beam model. In addition, the traditional updating method (sensitivity-based method) is compared with the RSM method. The results show that response surface models can accurately reflect the relationships between design parameters and characteristic quantities and thus possesses better strain response correction performance than the traditional method. Besides that, the RSM based model updating by modifying boundary conditions is conducted, which is difficult to achieve with the sensitivity-based method. The model updating based on measured data validates the effectiveness and accuracy of the present method.