Nondestructive evaluation of strengthened decks using a microgenetic algorithm

This study carries out the simulation of stiffness reduction in damaged reinforced concrete bridges under moving loads, and carries out the stiffness assessment after repairing using steel plates. In particular, the change of stiffness in each element before and after repairing, based on a microgenetic algorithm, is described and discussed by using a modified bivariate Gaussian distribution function. The validity of the technique is simulated using a set of dynamic data obtained from a simulation of the actual bridge modeled with a three-dimensional solid element. The numerical examples show that the proposed technique is a feasible and practical method which can inspect the complex distribution of deteriorated stiffness although there is a difference between actual bridge and numerical model as well as uncertain noise occurred in the measured data.