Residual stiffness assessment of structurally failed reinforced concrete structure by dynamic testing and finite element model updating

When an under-reinforced concrete beam structure has been loaded to the point where reinforcing steel on the tension side has yielded, it is deemed to have structurally failed and the full load capacity and stiffness can no longer be developed. When unloaded from the point of failure, the residual stiffness of the structure is difficult to estimate. There is a need to establish the serviceability of the structure and ultimately establish the levels of further loading that can be sustained before total collapse. In this paper we present a method for assessing residual stiffness of such a “failed” reinforced concrete structure, through the application of dynamic testing and finite element (FE) model updating. In an experimental study, failed zones in a beam structure were simulated in a FE model. Through a procedure of sensitivity-based updating using the measured modal properties, the stiffness distribution along the failed beam structure was identified.