ABSTRACT
This paper presents a technique to identify and locate a single fault at any point along the bridge span by vibration data analysis. In order to demonstrate this method, numerical and experimental models were developed and a simply supported single-span bridge was simulated. The experimental model is a slab with 150 cm of span, 5 cm of thickness, made with reinforced concrete and supported on rubber bearing. The finite element model was developed by using SAP2000® [1] software with the same geometric and materials properties from the experimental model. The first step was to create a vibration baseline data from undamaged models (experimental and numerical) by vibration test and computer simulation. Afterwards, a transversal cut of approximately 2 cm depth was performed to simulate structural damage and the vibration test was performed again. The vibration tests were performed with controlled impacts in the middle of the span and were monitored using capacitive accelerometers fixed along the span. At last, the damage location was obtained by comparing the sum absolute of acceleration data, from a specific time interval, between intact and damaged models. Therefore, the damage location coincides with the greater variation of the sum absolute sum of acceleration.
