Parametric investigation of strain gauges in structural damage detection

Vibration-based damage detection (VBDD) methods are used to detect damage in structural members non-evasively. This investigation began with two objectives: to prove a VBDD method could detect damage using strain gauges both analytically and experimentally, and to then use that method to determine the distance from a damaged area that strain gauges could be effective. Work began simultaneously using finite element software and physical experiments. It was determined that a VBDD method could detect damage with strain gauges in both settings. A parametric study was then completed that used probabilistic methods to identify an effective range for strain gauges over the length of the structural member.