ABSTRACT
An algorithm has been developed to provide real-time structural health monitoring during earthquake events. For a given input ground acceleration the algorithm matches the Bouc-Wen Hysteresis model to structural response data using piecewise least squares fitting. The methodology identifies pre-yield and post-yield stiffness, elastic and plastic components of displacement and final residual displacement. This approach is particularly useful for rapid assessment of structural safety by owners or civil defense authorities. The algorithm is tested with simulated response data using the El Centro and Kobe earthquake records. Using simulated data for a two degree of freedom shear building model, the algorithm captures stiffness to within 2% of the real value and permanent deflection to within 5% when significant non-linear response occurs. This is achieved with acceleration data sampled at 1 KHz and displacement data sampled at 10 Hz.
