A process model for structural identification

Structural identification is the activity of determining how a structure is behaving using results from measurements. This paper presents a process model for carrying out structural identification over the life of the structure using results from structural health monitoring. An iterative process of measurement, evaluation, candidate model filtering and determination of subsequent measurement quantities and positions is proposed. More specifically, this process involves model sampling, error estimation and combination, model filtering, feature selection, data mining and the use of stochastic search methods. The unified modeling language (UML) is used to model interactive scenarios that are envisioned to support system identification. An example illustrates how this process model supports the iterative nature of structural management decision making.