Neda Baghiee - Assistant Professor, Civil Engineering Department, Quchan University of Advanced Technology
Mohamad Reza Esfahani - Professor, Civil Engineering Department, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
Kazem Moslem - Assistant Professor, Civil Engineering Department, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad

In the study by the Ritz vectors extracted from flexibility matrix, the damage is identified. The flexibility matrices are applied in the modal strain space. The validity of the method is demonstrated using experimental modal data of bridge structures. Levels of damage on the slab of two-girders, simply supported bridge and a plate girder are well localized. The proposed method can detect the damage in bridge structures using a limited number of sensors and vibration modes.

damage, bridge, flexibility, modal strain, Ritz vector