Summary

Prepared by the Committee on Structural Identification of Constructed Systems of the Performance of Structures Committee of the Technical Activities Division of the Structural Engineering Institute of ASCE.

Structural Identification of Constructed Systems: Approaches, Methods, and Technologies for Effective Practice of St-Id offers an overview of nearly 20 years of research directed at bridging the gap in structural engineering between models and real structural systems. Structural identification, known as St-Id, can be defined as the process of creating and updating a model of a structure (for instance, a finite element model) using experimental observations and data. By developing reliable estimates of the performance and vulnerability of structural systems, St-Id produces improved simulations that, in turn, assist in decision making and the transition to performance-based civil engineering.

Drawing upon contributions from experts in the field, this report focuses on defining the most critical considerations of St-Id, which include:

modeling, both analytical and numerical experimentation, including observations, sensing, and monitoring data processing, including error screening and feature extraction model calibration, including comparisons of models and experimental data, model updating, and model selection decision support, such as scenario analyses and risk assessment

Two appendixes present case studies demonstrating the St-Id of buildings and of bridges.

Structural engineers, educators, and researchers working in the areas of structural modeling, health monitoring, assessment, forensics, performance evaluation, predictive analysis, and decision making will find this book useful in covering critical and practical aspects of these concepts.