Structural damage detection from wavelet coefficient sensitivity with model errors

The sensitivity of the wavelet coefficient from structural responses with respect to the system parameters is analytically derived. It is then used in a sensitivity-based inverse problem for structural damage detection with sinusoidal or impulsive excitation and acceleration and strain measurements. The sensitivity of the wavelet coefficient is shown more sensitive than the response sensitivity with an example of a single story plane frame. It is further found not sensitive to different types of model errors in the initial model including the support stiffness, mass density and flexural rigidity of members, damping ratio, and the excitation force. Simulation results show that the damage information is carried mostly in the higher vibration modes of the structure as diagnosed with the corresponding wavelet coefficients from its dynamic responses. A wavelet combination encompasses all the frequency bandwidth is used in the successful identification of a reinforced concrete beam in the laboratory.