Damage identification in a steel frame using high-frequency electro-mechanical impedance signatures

This paper presents an experimental investigation of damage detection of a steel frame using electro-mechanical impedance (EMI) signatures. Relying on high frequency excitation, EMI technique is very sensitive to minor damage in structures. Damages are introduced by completely loosening bolts over several locations on the structure. Experimental data are then analyzed by a damage index named RMSD (Root mean square deviation) for damage identification quantitatively. The experimental investigation shows that the EMI technique integrated with RMSD index can identify the damage severity and location effectively, and thus the present method can provide a reliable and accurate technology for structural health monitoring.