Capacity Estimation of Beam-Like Structures Using Substructural Method

Evaluating the performance of beam-like structures in terms of their current boundary conditions, stiffness and modal properties can be challenging as the structures behave differently from their designed conditions due to aging. The purpose of the current study is to determine the flexural rigidity of beam-like structures when their support conditions are not fully understood. A novel optimization scheme is proposed for estimation of the flexural stiffness and the capacity of the beam-like structures under moving loads. The proposed method is applied to various profiles of the beams made of different materials with unknown boundary conditions, and the effects of damage, excitation and optimization algorithm are rigorously investigated. The results of the numerical and experimental studies showed that the proposed substructural bending rigidity identification (SBI) method can correctly assess the in-service flexural stiffness, fixity of the boundary condition and the load-carrying capacity. This technique can be considered as a cost-effective method for periodic monitoring, load rating and model updating of the beam-like structures.