Structural Health Monitoring of CFRP Strengthened Bridge Decks Using Ambient Vibrations

In order to localize and quantify the effects of externally bonded carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites on a deteriorating reinforced concrete (RC) bridge structure, a vibration based monitoring approach is implemented. Modal data, including mode shapes of the deck slab, are extracted under the output-only configuration using time domain decomposition (TDD) techniques from ambient vibration tests conducted prior to rehabilitation, and at periodic intervals over a period of about two years after rehabilitation. Damage indices and fractional stiffness changes are determined by bay to enable assessment of CFRP rehabilitation effectiveness and response changes as a function of time.