Bridge damage detection using ambient traffic and moving force identification

This paper investigates a novel method for damage detection using a moving force identification algorithm. The method aims to detect the changes in the predicted forces applied by vehicles crossing a bridge, which are shown to be sensitive to damage. A two-dimensional vehicle–bridge interaction model is used in theoretical simulations to assess the effectiveness of the method in detecting changes in stiffness. Fleets of similar vehicles are simulated, and the force pattern of greatest frequency is used as the damage indicator. Results indicate that the method is more sensitive to damage than direct measurements of displacement and can detect a loss in stiffness due to a crack with a depth of as little as 6% of the beam depth.