Damage identification in a parabolic arch through the combined use of modal properties and empirical mode decomposition

The free dynamics of a parabolic arch is studied in order to identify a localized damage. The identification technique is based on the combined use of time-frequency vibration signals processing and modal-based properties referred to finite element models of the arch. By relying on the information gathered for the undamaged and damaged states, the Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) is applied to the non-stationary acceleration data and the connection between the intrinsic mode function features and the underlying dynamics is investigated. The approach is devised to obtain a response-based identification technique in a data driven framework.