This study evaluates the impact of Dynamic Soil–Structure Interaction (DSSI) on the efficiency of an algorithm based on the existing literature on Vibration-Based Structural Health Monitoring (VBSHM). The algorithm is designed for Level 3 detection, that is, to accurately estimate the presence, location in height, and extent of structural damage simultaneously. Using computer simulations of a hypothetical two-dimensional six-story symmetrical reinforced concrete building, the study analyzes the algorithm’s performance under increasing soil flexibility. Efficiency is measured through four key metrics: the number of false positives and negatives, a weighted stress index, the iterations required for damage intensity estimation, and the accuracy of the identified versus simulated stiffness reduction. Results indicate that the algorithm remains effective even when input motions correspond to actual soft-soil ambient vibration recordings modified by kinematic DSSI effects, despite frequency contents differing from white-noise conditions. Conversely, inertial DSSI negatively impacts performance, leading the VBSHM algorithm to underestimate damage as soil deposits become softer.
González-Gutiérrez et al. (Tue,) studied this question.