Feasibility of using impedance-based damage assessment for pipeline structures

This paper presents the feasibility of using an impedance-based health moni toring technique in monitoring a critical civil facility. The objective of this research is to utilize the capability of the impedance method in ident ifying structural damage in those areas where a very quick condition monito ring is urgently needed, such as in a post-earthquake analysis of a pipelin e system. The basic principle behind this technique is to utilize high-freq uency structural excitation (typically greater than 30 kHz) through surface -bonded piezoelectric sensors/actuators to detect changes in structural poi nt impedance due to the presence of damage. Real-time damage detection in p ipes connected by bolted joints was investigated, and the capability of the impedance method in tracking and monitoring the integrity of the typical c ivil facility has been demonstrated. Data collected from the tests illustra tes the capability of this technology to detect imminent damage under norma l operating conditions and immediately after a natural disaster. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.