Sensitivity analysis and sensor placement for damage identification of steel truss bridge

Choosing effective locations for sensor placement is critical for structural damage identification. In this study, the strain gauge arrangement of a steel truss bridge has been investigated. Damage sensitivity is explored by comparing the absolute deviation of strain before and after damage. A steel truss railway bridge is employed for damage identification, and the sensor placement is set up based on the damage sensitivity of the truss member. The strain gauges are placed on the most and secondary sensitive measurement locations. Results show that compared with the secondary sensitive measurement locations, strain gauges on the most sensitive measurement locations ensure an accurate damage identification result.