EXPLORING THE APPLICATION OF FREQUENCY-DOMAIN CORRELATION TECHNIQUE IN DETECTING IMPACT DAMAGE AND ASSESSING DYNAMIC RESPONSES OF RC BRIDGE PIERS

Abstract

In order to improve damage detection in 
reinforced concrete columns, we looked at the 
possible uses of damage correlation indices, 
which are frequency-domain based correlation 
approaches. Four scaled-down reinforced 
concrete pier components were struck by 
researchers using a novel ultra-high drop 
hammer experiment technique, which simulated 
the effects of medium-sized autos striking bridge 
piers. Using an acceleration acquisition device, 
the members' frequency response functions were 
evaluated both before and after the injury. The 
experiments showed that the damage levels of 
the piers were accurately estimated by the 
damage correlation indexes (DCI) that 
considered the multi-order modal frequencies. 
Additionally, using the commercial application 
LS-DYNA, an impact finite element model and 
a modal analysis technique were constructed and 
matched with the experiments. By aligning the 
finite element parameters with the experimental 
data, the impact processes between medium- 
sized vehicles and reinforced concrete piers 
were simulated. A peak impact force (PIF) 
calculation based on damage indices was 
supplied for vehicle collision situations to ensure 
that structural design criteria are met. 
Key words: Damage detection, numerical 
models, lateral impacts, reinforced concrete 
piers, and modal frequencies.