An Investigation on the Influence of Structural Damage on Eigenvalue Characteristics and Reserve Strength Ratio of Onshore Lattice Steel Structures

Abstract

In the study of structural strength, the reserve strength ratio provides a measure of the ultimate strength capacity of a structure. Under actual site conditions, the reserve strength ratio may vary from its design values with loss of stiffness and changes in structural integrity. Changes in the vibrational response of a structure due to loss of stiffness is observed as a form of structural health monitoring (SHM). The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship and sensitivity of the reserve strength ratio of a structure to changes in natural frequency due to damage occurrences as a measure of global structural integrity. The reduction of stiffness is simulated by the sequential removal of members according loading path within the model. To obtain the values used for comparison, a non-linear pushover analysis and eigenvalue analysis is utilized to obtain the Reserve Strength Ratio (RSR) and eigenvalue for intact as well as simulated progressive damage conditions. The pattern recognized from the analysis performed indicated that as the reserve strength ratio (RSR) is reduced with reduction of stiffness by the removal of primary and secondary members, the eigenvalues for each respective model showing similar reductions.