Strain gauge placement optimization for structural performance assessment

Structural performance assessment is essential for maintaining the safety and functionality of in-service civil infrastructures. The field measurements that provide engineers with adequate useful information are required for effectively monitoring and evaluating structural performance. Moreover, strain/stress information generally shows powerful capacity for detecting the local structural property variations. Thus strain gauges are commonly used for monitoring and testing structural performance. Placing strain gauges is the key step towards a cost-effective monitoring or testing program. This paper presents a framework of strain gauge placement optimization to facilitate the practical applications of structural performance assessment. In this framework, two methods are developed and implemented to maximize the strain contributions to the structural performance assessment. The sensor placement solutions are optimized with genetic algorithm-based optimization tool, leading to a number of features that enrich the application flexibility. A systematic case study using an approach span of Verrazano Narrows Bridge in New York City is carried out to validate the framework.