Damage identification of hinge joint in hollow slab bridge based on model updating and orthogonal matching pursuit algorithm

Hinge joints are crucial for transverse force transfer in prestressed hollow slab bridges. Damages to hinge joints cause overall instability, load distribution changes, and reduced bearing capacity of the bridge. A new method using model updating and the orthogonal matching pursuit (OMP) algorithm is proposed to accurately assess the damage of hinge joints in such bridges using a single measurement point. The hinge joint damage index obtained by the OMP algorithm is assigned to the corresponding hinge joint in the FE model to complete the model update. Results show that this method can accurately identify hinge joint damage locations and degrees with a single measurement point. The damage identification of 12 hinge joints of an in-service hollow slab bridge is carried out, and the findings reveal that the damage occurred on the fourth, fifth, and seventh hinge joints.