Automated damage assessment in truss structures via FE model updating and teaching-learning-based optimization

While numerous methodologies for identifying structural damages through finite element (FE) model updating and optimization algorithms have been developed and validated for accuracy, certain unresolved issues necessitate further investigation.The establishment of a numerical model is imperative for damage assessment through model updating, particularly for complex engineering structures with numerous elements, such as trusses, which demand substantial effort.Utilizing commercial software can offer significant convenience in this context.To cope with this challenge, we propose a FE model update strategy employing the SAP2000 Open Application Programming Interface (OAPI) and Teaching-Learning-Based Optimization (TLBO) for evaluating damages in complex truss structures.The FE model of the monitored structure is, first, constituted via SAP2000 software.Subsequently, the damage assessment of the structure is formulated as an unconstrained optimization problem.An objective function is defined as a weighted linear combination of three modal parameters: frequency, Coordinate Modal Assurance Criterion (COMAC), and flexibility.For the identification and quantification of stiffness degradation induced by damage, the optimization problem is addressed through TLBO.The iterative optimization process is automated by establishing a linkage between MATLAB and SAP2000 through the OAPI feature of SAP2000.The efficacy of the proposed approach is demonstrated through two numerical test examples, accounting for measurement noise and sparse measured data.