Application of FE model updating for damage assessment of FRP composite beam structure

The FRP composite beam structure that is intended to represent deck prototype used in civil engineering construction is investigated. FRP composite material may have possible damage, which affect vibration structural integrity and reliability. To overcome this problem, vibration data from experiments can be used to assess such damage accurately. The FE mode updating process is demonstrated in parameter identification as well as structural damage identification. It is used to minimise the difference between experimental and numerical data. The updated parameters are the modified parameters selected in the FE model with aim of correcting modelling errors and/or damage detection. In this FE model updating procedure, model physical characteristics are changed so that the differences between experimental and numerical dynamic properties are reduced. The FE model updating is carried out using optimisation tools in ANSYS software. Only the first three natural frequencies will be considered in this work. The FE model updating procedure brings the numerical results of the FRP structure in proper correlation to the experimental results, according to an objective function, by changing the FE model parameters. The test results of the structure under intact and damage states are presented. It is suggested that there is damage at the unbounded joint when there is significant change in fixed parameters of the structure beyond acceptable degree. © The Society for Experimental Mechanics, Inc. 2012