Nuclear Engineering and Design 227 (2004) 1–17 Damage identification in continuous beams and frame structures using the Residual Error Method in the Movement Equation Andrea Brasiliano ∗ , Graciela N. Doz, José Luis V. de Brito Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Bras´ ılia, 70910-900-Bras´ ılia, DF, Brazil Received 7 October 2002; received in revised form 6 May 2003; accepted 14 July 2003 Abstract In general, the structures are submitted during their useful life to deterioration processes that, depending on the intensity, may affect their performance and load capacity and consequently their safety. In this case, it is necessary to accomplish an inspection in order to evaluate the conditions of the structure and to locate and quantify the intensity of the damage. In this study, a method to identify and to quantify damage in structures, called Residual Error Method in the Movement Equation [Localização e quantificação de danos em estruturas por meio de suas caracter´ ısticas dinˆ amicas. Universidade de Bras´ ılia, Bras´ ılia, DF, 2000] is evaluated, by a numerical analysis, to verify its efficiency when applied to continuous beams and frame structures. This method is based on the alteration, produced by damage, in the dynamic properties of the structures. The location of the damage is done observing the error in the movement equation of the intact structures. The structures are discretized in finite elements and the damage is introduced by a stiffness and area reduction of the elements’ cross-sections. Other two methods of damage detection used in this paper are: the Damage Detection from Changes in Curvature Mode Shapes [J. Sound Vibration 145 (1991) 321] and the indexes MAC [Proc. 1st Int. Modal Anal. Conf. 1 (1982) 110] and COMAC [Proc. 6th Int. Modal Anal. Conf. 1 (1988) 690]. Observing the obtained results, the Residual Error Method in the Movement Equation is efficient in the damage location and quantification of the studied structures. © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. 1. Introduction In general, the structures suffer deterioration pro- cesses during their useful life. These processes can be originated from corrosion phenomena, chemical attack, carbonation, radiation, among others. Besides these factors the structures are submitted to several types and forms of static and dynamic loads such as permanent or accidental loads, movement of peo- ple, vibration of machines, wind forces, earthquakes, ∗ Corresponding author. Tel.: +55-61-307-2303; fax: +55-61-273-4928. E-mail addresses: andrea@unb.br (A. Brasiliano), graciela@unb.br (G.N. Doz), jlbrito@unb.br (J.L.V. de Brito). impact, fatigues, etc. The combination of load condi- tions and deterioration processes, depending on the intensity, can produce different types of structural damages. This fact, obviously, results in a reduction in car- rying capacity or a reduction in its ability to control motions under imposed forces or, in extreme cases, compromises their global stability. In this case, when there are some doubts about the structural integrity the use of techniques becomes necessary in order to evaluate the global conditions of the structure. This is important because the damage which is not identified can result in the rupture of some components affect- ing the performance of the structure and consequently its safety. 0029-5493/$ – see front matter © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. doi:10.1016/j.nucengdes.2003.07.006