A model-based health monitoring technique to investigate the dynamic properties degradation in reinforced beams under progressive damage

Ensuring the longevity and safety of reinforced concrete structures, which are fundamental to modern infrastructure, requires accurate modeling of their behavior under cyclic loading conditions. Such modeling is crucial, especially for understanding damage progression and vibration characteristics. This study introduces a comprehensive coupled damage-plasticity model aimed at investigating the behavior of damaged reinforced concrete elements, with a particular emphasis on vibration characteristics. Designed to simulate both static and dynamic responses, the model accounts for the complex effects of cyclic loading. By capturing the detailed interaction between damage and plasticity, it provides a thorough understanding of how vibration properties degrade as damage progresses. To reflect real-world scenarios, the analysis includes various damage levels, which enhances the model's robustness in predicting the behavior of reinforced concrete structures under different conditions. Numerical simulations were performed, focusing on both static and dynamic performance, with particular attention to loading and unloading conditions. The validity of the proposed model was confirmed by comparing numerical results with experimental data from the literature. These comparisons showed a high degree of consistency, affirming the model's accuracy and reliability. The results highlight the model's applicability as a model-based damage identification procedure, offering a valuable tool for engineers and researchers in the assessment and maintenance of reinforced concrete structures. In summary, the study demonstrates the effectiveness of the coupled damage-plasticity model in providing a nuanced understanding of the mechanical performance of damaged reinforced concrete elements. It offers significant insights into their static and dynamic behaviors under various loading conditions, thus advancing structural engineering and maintenance practices.