DAMAGE DETECTION USING A COGWHEEL LOAD – NUMERICAL CASE STUDY

Abstract

: A moving impulse load generated by a heavy cogwheel (CW) can be used as a testing excitation for bridges. This proposed type of dynamic load acts along the entire driving path, its intensity is adjustable, and it can be very efficient in the case of resonance. However, higher harmonic components are an inevitable effect of this type of loading, complicating the vibration analysis. The present study investigates suitable procedures to detect and locate damage in structures using a cogwheel load and only one or a few transducers mounted on the bridge. This arrangement seems to be sensitive to early damage indication. Damage localization is also possible, but further research will be required to increase its credibility.