Ricardo Taborda

A procedure for structural damage identification using the capabilities of wavelet transform analysis is presented. Wavelet transform concept, its characteristics and properties, including an explanation of the signal decomposition concept using the discrete and packet wavelet transforms is introduced and followed by a description of the procedure proposed. A theoretical example is presented in order to highlight the capabilities of the wavelet analysis for identifying signal singularities as those expected to be recorded from the occurrence of structural damage. Later on, the procedure proposed is tested by using the records obtained during the 1979 Imperial Valley Earthquake at the Imperial County Services Building. Brief description of the building and its damage during this event is included. Frequency content of the signals recorded is analyzed by means of Fourier and normalized energy spectrums, as a classical manner of understanding how the energy induced by the occurrence of damage may be observed in the records and then detected by the wavelet analysis. An attempt to understand the propagation of the damage energy along the building is also performed using the wavelet coefficients associated with damage. Final comments point out the future possibilities of the proposal and indicate future steps for improving it.