Damage assessment of structures using static test data

An analytical method is presented for identifying the properties of structural elements from static test data. A set of static forces is applied to a set of degrees of freedom (DOF) and displacements are measured at another set of DOF. Utilizing this analytical method, the structural element stiffnesses are identified using the applied forces and measured displacements. This method is capable of determining changes in structural element stiffnesses, including element failure. The identified cross-sectional properties of the structural elements can be used for damage assessment and to determine the structure's load-carrying capacity.