A novel acceleration-based moving force identification algorithm to detect global bridge damage

Abstract

This paper presents a new moving force identification (MFI) algorithm that uses measured accelerations to infer applied vehicle forces on bridges. Previous MFI algorithms use strain or deflection measurements. Statistics of the inferred forces are used in turn as indicators of global bridge damage. The new acceleration-based MFI algorithm (A-MFI) is validated through numerical simulations with a coupled vehicle-bridge dynamic interaction model programmed in MATLAB. A focussed sensitivity study suggests that results are sensitive to the accuracy of the vehicle velocity data. The inferred Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), calculated by A-MFI, is proposed as the bridge damage indicator. A real weigh-in-motion database is used with a simulation of vehicle/bridge interaction, to validate the concept. Results show that the standard deviation of inferred GVWs has a good correlation with the global bridge damage level.