LAUSR

ABSTRACT The dynamic changes in a traditional layout of a short-span timber floor due to deterioration on supports were investigated experimentally and numerically. The floor was evaluated for its normal situation (undamaged) and for simulated situations of total support degradation. The experimental dynamic parameters were obtained by an operational modal analysis technique and comprised the undamped frequencies, damping ratios, as well the mode shapes. A finite-element model was then developed in a software package and validated with experimental results. The comparison of numerical and experimental results revealed that damage location at supports is easily detectable by a qualitative comparison of mode shapes with the ones of the undamaged situation.