Performance Analysis and Architecture of a Clustering Hybrid Algorithm Called FA+GA-DBSCAN Using Artificial Datasets.

Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise (DBSCAN) is a widely used algorithm for exploratory clustering applications. Despite the DBSCAN algorithm being considered an unsupervised pattern recognition method, it has two parameters that must be tuned prior to the clustering process in order to reduce uncertainties, the minimum number of points in a clustering segmentation MinPts, and the radii around selected points from a specific dataset Eps. This article presents the performance of a clustering hybrid algorithm for automatically grouping datasets into a two-dimensional space using the well-known algorithm DBSCAN. Here, the function nearest neighbor and a genetic algorithm were used for the automation of parameters MinPts and Eps. Furthermore, the Factor Analysis (FA) method was defined for pre-processing through a dimensionality reduction of high-dimensional datasets with dimensions greater than two. Finally, the performance of the clustering algorithm called FA+GA-DBSCAN was evaluated using artificial datasets. In addition, the precision and Entropy of the clustering hybrid algorithm were measured, which showed there was less probability of error in clustering the most condensed datasets.

Toward a Structural Health Monitoring Methodology for Concrete Structures under Dynamic Loads Using Embedded FBG Sensors and Strain Mapping Techniques.

A data-driven-based methodology for SHM in reinforced concrete structures using embedded fiber optic sensors and pattern recognition techniques is presented. A prototype of a reinforced concrete structure was built and instrumented in a novel fashion with FBGs bonded directly to the reinforcing steel bars, which, in turn, were embedded into the concrete structure. The structure was dynamically loaded using a shaker. Superficial positive damages were induced using bonded thin steel plates. Data for pristine and damaged states were acquired. Classifiers based on Mahalanobis' distance of the covariance data matrix were developed for both supervised and unsupervised pattern recognition with an accuracy of up to 98%. It was demonstrated that the proposed sensing scheme in conjunction with the developed supervised and unsupervised pattern recognition techniques allows the detection of slight stiffness changes promoted by damages, even when strains are very small and the changes of these associated with the damage occurrence may seem negligible.

Structural Health Monitoring in Composite Structures by Fiber-Optic Sensors.

Fiber-optic sensors cannot measure damage; to get information about damage from strain measurements, additional strategies are needed, and several alternatives are available in the existing literature. This paper discusses two independent procedures. The first is based on detecting new strains appearing around a damage spot. The structure does not need to be under loads, the technique is very robust, and damage detectability is high, but it requires sensors to be located very close to the damage, so it is a local technique. The second approach offers wider coverage of the structure; it is based on identifying the changes caused by damage on the strain field in the whole structure for similar external loads. Damage location does not need to be known a priori, and detectability is dependent upon the sensor's network density, the damage size, and the external loads. Examples of application to real structures are given.