Structural Health Monitoring of a K-Truss Steel Bridge Using Static Response Characteristics: Correlation Between Scaled Prototype and Real Structure
Keywords:
Structural Health Monitoring; Damage Assessment; K-Truss Bridge; Scaled Modeling; Model Validation Factor (MVF); Deflection Prediction; Godavari Bridge.Abstract
Background: The structural assessment of heritage steel truss bridges is critically hampered by the lack of baseline performance data, making it difficult to distinguish between original design characteristics and deterioration-induced changes. This study develops and validates a methodology to estimate the original dead load deflection and assess damage in existing K-type truss bridges using a geometrically scaled physical model and numerical correlation. A 1:20 scaled physical model of the shortest 48 m span of the Godavari Rail-cum-Road Bridge (a K-type truss) was fabricated using mild steel. Damage was simulated by replacing critical members with reduced cross-sections (16.7% and 33.3% area reduction). The model was tested under a total static load of 3.6 kN, with deflections measured at nine locations. Correlated numerical models were developed in STAAD.Pro for both the prototype and the full-scale bridge. A Model Validation Factor (MVF) was formulated to bridge the experiment-analysis gap. The physical prototype showed a mid-span deflection of 3.61 mm, compared to 3.31 mm from the STAAD. Pro model, yielding an MVF of 1.091 (9.1% difference). Applying this factor, the original dead load deflection of the real bridge was predicted to be 13.67 mm (L/3510), which is within acceptable limits for railway bridges. The methodology demonstrated sensitivity to stiffness reductions as low as 5%. Critical member analysis identified bottom chords BC4 & BC5 as the most sensitive to damage. The proposed integrated experimental-numerical framework, centered on the MVF, provides a practical tool for engineers to establish performance baselines and quantify damage severity in existing truss bridges without historical construction data. The method is particularly valuable for heritage structures where direct measurement or original records are unavailable.
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