Vibration-based damage identification for reinforced concrete slab-type structures using fiber-optic sensors and random decrement technique

This paper presents and evaluates a damage identification system for reinforced concrete (RC) slab-type structures based on non-destructive vibration testing, Random decrement (RD) signal processing technique, and embedded smart network of fiber-optic sensors. The proposed system aims to overcome the challenges associated with the use of electrical sensors and signal processing of noisy dynamic data. Two experimental modal analysis investigations have been conducted. First modal testing focuses on investigating the capability of fiber-optic sensors and Multi-channel random decrement (MCRD) processing technique to locate damage in RC slabs through changes in the first mode shape response with damage. The second modal testing focuses on the detection of damage intensity using the RD technique through the change in frequency and damping dynamic parameters. The results show that RD technique can be used effectively to extract the free vibration response of RC slab-type structures; fiber-optic sensors are more sensitive to capture damage severity in comparison to electrical accelerometer sensors, especially, at steel yielding and failure load;  MCRD technique can be used effectively to generate mode shapes for RC slabs based on fiber-optic grating FBG sensors measurements. On the other hand, electrical strain gauges were noisy and it was difficult to obtain any measurable data; A damage identification system based on non-destructive vibration testing, MCRD  processing technique, and using an embedded smart network of fiber-optic sensors can estimate accurately the damage location through changes in the first mode shape.

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