Bayesian updating for uncertain condition state using permanent monitoring and sequential inspections

Abstract

Structural Health Monitoring using permanent sensors has been a fast growing management tool during the last decade. However, till this date, the installation of sensors on every measurable feature of the structure stills prohibitory costly. In this paper, an approach is proposed for a Bayesian updating of the condition states, based on the output of the monitoring sensors. The posterior probability distribution describing the magnitude of the defect for each element is further updated by inspecting some elements in an optimal sequence. A numerical application of the proposed methodology is presented for a concrete frame structure.