Results and implications of the damage index method applied to a multi-span continuous segmental prestressed concrete bridge

Identification of damage location based on modal measurement is an importan t problem in structural health monitoring. The damage index method that att empts to evaluate the changes in modal strain energy distribution has been found to be effective under certain circumstances. Ln this paper two damage index methods using bending strain energy and shear strain energy have bee n evaluated for numerous cases at different locations and degrees of damage . The objective is to evaluate the feasibility of the damage index method t o localize the damage on large span concrete bridge. Finite element models were used as the test structures. Finally this method was used to predict t he damage location in an actual structure, using the results of a modal sur vey from a large concrete bridge.