An Integrated Approach for Damage Detection, Localization and Quantification in Beam Like Structure Using Vibration Measurements

Abstract

Cracks are the most common types of damage in beams that need to be detected early so that remedial measures can be taken on time otherwise it leads to complete structural failure. Hence, the damage detection in beam like element is important for structural integrity, long service life, and operational cost minimization. In the last few years, several damage detection and quantification methods have been developed using vibration measurements. However, most of them fail to detect the damage, quantify its magnitude and localize it accurately. In this study, an integrated approach has been proposed that will address these issues in a single framework. The proposed approach utilizes the concept of modal analysis to detect any damage in beams. Both the numerical and experimental analyses were used to determine the modal frequencies and results were compared. Moreover, the proposed approach has been utilized to localize and quantify the damage in a steel beam. The developed integrated approach demonstrated superior results on a test specimen of a cantilever beam and successfully approximated the location and magnitude of the damage. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2025.