Numerical and experimental analyses of the modal characteristics of framed structures subjected to earthquakes

Damage detection approach based on dynamic monitoring of structural properties over time has received a considerable attention in recent scientific literature. In earthquake engineering field, the recourse to experi-mental research is necessary to understand the mechanical behaviour of the various structural and non-structural components. A new methodology to detect and localize a possible damage occurred on a framed structure after an earthquake is discussed in this paper which resumes the main outcomes retrieved from many numerical non linear dynamic models of reinforced concrete framed structures characterized by 3, 5 and 8 floors with different geometric configurations and designed for gravity loads only. In addition, the main re-sults of experimental shaking table tests carried out on a steel framed model are also showed to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed procedure.