RESUMEN
This article proposes a novel damage detection method based on the sensitivity analysis and chaotic moth-flame-invasive weed optimization (CMF-IWO), which is utilized to simultaneously identify the damage of structural elements and bearings. First, the sensitivity coefficients of eigenvalues to the damage factors of structural elements and bearings are deduced, the regularization technology is used to solve the problem of equation undetermined, meanwhile, the modal strain energy-based index is utilized to detect the damage locations, and the regularization objective function is constructed to quantify the damage severity. Then, for the subsequent procedure of damage detection, CMF-IWO is proposed based on moth-flame optimization and invasive weed optimization as well as chaos theory, reverse learning, and evolutional strategy. The optimization effectiveness of the hybrid algorithm is verified by five benchmark functions and a damage identification numerical example of a simply supported beam; the results demonstrate it is of great global search ability and higher convergence efficiency. After that, a numerical example of an 8-span continuous beam and an experimental reinforced concrete plate are both adopted to evaluate the proposed damage identification method. The results of the numerical example indicate that the proposed method can locate and quantify the damage of structural elements and bearings with high accuracy. Furthermore, the outcomes of the experimental example show that despite the existence of some errors and uncertain factors, the method still obtains an acceptable result. Generally speaking, the proposed method is proved that it is of good feasibility.
RESUMEN
Bridge expansion and contraction installation (BECI) has proved to be an indispensable component of bridge structures due to its stability, comfort, and durability benefits. At present, conventional replacement technologies for modular-type, comb plate-type, and seamless-type BECIs are widely applied worldwide. However, it is unfortunate that there remains no systematic research on quantitative assessment approaches for evaluating the overall technical status and selecting optimal replacement methods for existing BECIs. Therefore, considering the installation performance according to functional index evaluations and the economic cost based on life-cycle value assessment (LCVA), a standardized quantitative assessment approach is proposed for optimal replacement method selection in this article. Simultaneously, the other new quantitative assessment method is developed for evaluating the overall technical status of BECIs, which provides a basis for the necessity of replacement. A BECI replacement decision system is constructed, and a corresponding case study illustrates that the proposed system based on the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) in this article proves to be reasonable and feasible. The results reveal that the selected replacement method with both a higher function coefficient and a lower economic coefficient can not only fulfil the performance requirements but also pursue a cost reduction, which leads to a considerable value increment. This system can effectively assist bridge managers in making appropriate operation and maintenance (O and M) decisions in actual engineering projects.