Constructing input vectors to neural networks for structural damage identification

Yiqing Ni, B. S. Wang, J. M. Ko

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

72 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This paper addresses construction of appropriate input vectors (input patterns) to neural networks for hierarchical identification of structural damage location and extent from measured modal properties. Hierarchical use of neural networks is feasible for damage detection of large-scale civil structures such as cable-supported bridges and tall buildings. The neural network is first trained using one-level damage samples to locate the position of damage. After the damage location is determined, the network is re-trained by an incremental weight update method using additional samples corresponding to different damage degrees but only at the identified location. The re-trained network offers an accurate evaluation of the damage extent. The input vectors have been designed to meet two requirements: (i) most parameters of the input vectors are arguably independent of damage extent and only depend on damage location; (ii) all parameters of the input vectors can be computed from several natural frequencies and a few incomplete modal vectors. The damage detection capacity of such constructed networks is experimentally verified on a steel frame with extent-unknown damage inflicted at its connections, and the applicability of the hierarchical identification strategy to cable-supported bridges is discussed.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)825-833
Number of pages9
JournalSmart Materials and Structures
Volume11
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2002

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Materials Science

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