Hamed Ebrahimian

This innovative research proposes the development of a fast damage identification approach for building structures using a method similar to seismic tomography. The funding for this research was provided through the Caltech Terrestrial Hazard Observation and Reporting (THOR) program.

This research aimed at providing an innovative framework for senor placement to ensure the successful performance of nonlinear structural system identification methods. 

This research represents another innovation in my Ph.D. work. I have originally proposed and developed an innovative framework for output-only nonlinear system identification of civil structures based on nonlinear finite element (FE) model updating, utilizing only the measured structural response to earthquake excitations.

This project constitutes the flagship and chief novelty of my Ph.D. work. Through this cutting-edge research, we are developing a groundbreaking methodology that can draw a new pathway in structural health monitoring and damage identification practice. 

To support the BNCS project, a detailed three-dimensional nonlinear finite element model of the structure was developed and used for pre-test response simulations to predict the response of the test specimen, support the seismic test protocol design, and guide the instrumentation layout for both the structure and NCSs. This challenging research study was accomplished in three phases.

Using input-output and output-only structural vibration data, the modal properties of the test specimen were identified and studied both during construction and at different stages between the seismic tests. This research allowed for studying the effects of the construction process and both structural and nonstructural damage on the dynamic properties of the building system.

BNCS was a landmark project involving the earthquake and post-earthquake fire testing of a five-story reinforced concrete building specimen built at full-scale and completely furnished with non-structural components and systems. ​As a core team member, I was closely involved in and contributed at all the stages of this milestone test project from its early conceptual design through the end of demolition.