A new seismic damage parameter based on the hilbert-huang transform

The objective of this study is to assess the performance of a new damage index based on the Hilbert-Huang Transform (HHT) to evaluate the possible expected structural damage in the case of seismic events. Earthquakes generally occur with a non-predictable time history, non-stationary and nonlinear in nature, therefore, a transform capable of analysing such signals such as HHT is used herein for damage detection. The goal is to obtain the most accurate estimate of potential seismic damage on existing structures. The study proposes a novel formulation for seismic damage identification and a validation through a finite element model representing a column in a 3-storey building. The results show the potential benefit of the use of HHT as earthquake damage index in existing buildings.