Localized Damage Detection Method for Bridge Decks Using Mahalanobis Distance

Abstract

Currently, the number of aging bridges is rapidly increasing in Japan, and there is a need to establish a more efficient and quantitative bridge inspection method. The authors focused on the impact vibration test using a portable FWD (falling weight deflectometer). The target bridge is a small bridge used in Kaminoyama City, Yamagata Prefecture, and deck slab replacement work was performed in 2019. We measured response acceleration before and after deck replacement, and further applied the MTS (Mahalanobis Taguchi System) method to determine local damage and deterioration of the deck slabs. In addition, we created a 3D FEM model and performed a dynamic analysis by degrading a portion of the deck. Also applied the MTS method to this data and compared with the experimental data to estimate localized areas of deterioration.