bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preliminary Design of a New Crossing of the River Mersey
Authors: Marginson Andrew Paul
Published: October 2011

The Mersey Estuary stretches approximately 35km inland and forms a major obstacle to North- South communications in the North West of England. The existing road bridge at Runcorn Gap opened in 1961 and was designed for 10,000 vehicles a day - it now carries over 80,000. Gifford were appointed by Halton Borough Council in 2001 to develop proposals for a new crossing.

Various options were considered and compared in terms of traffic flows, economic benefit, environmental impact and objective satisfaction. The preferred option was for a route upstream of the existing bridge connecting the existing highways either side of the river. It crosses the estuary where it is approximately 1km wide. A 4-span cable stayed structure was chosen to reduce the effects on the tidal flows and the environment. The Scheme has been through a Public Inquiry, the results of which are expected during the first half of 2010.
Adoption of the response spectra method to calculate the dynamic response of railway-bridges
Authors: Mähr Tobias , Fink Josef
Published: October 2011

In this paper, a simplified method to calculate the dynamic response of railway bridges under train service is introduced. Response spectrum analysis, which has proved itself in structural dynamics, is adopted for the given problem. If essential parameters like the natural frequency, the mass, the span width and the damping of a bridge are known, the maximum response quantities can be looked up in a diagram. The preparation of the response spectra diagrams is computationally intensive but they provide an easy and quick way to get accurate results. This method is exemplified for single span bridges and the load models defined in Eurocode. However, it is possible to expand the theory on more complex bridge systems and other load models without difficulty. With the aid of this method, the maximum dynamic response of a bridge under moving loads can be calculated in an efficient and convenient way without lacking the accuracy required by the current design-codes.
Development and application of Liquid-V-Dampers
Authors: Kuss Stefan , Fink Josef
Published: October 2011

Nowadays dynamical problems in structural engineering arise more often because of the use of high strength materials and optimizations due to complex computer simulations. The tendency to more and more slender constructions can’t be overlooked. These slender structures often reach the serviceability limit states, like excessive accelerations or displacements of floors and footbridges.

There can also arise problems with the loading capacity, like the resonance effect, parametric resonance or wind induced vibrations. If these problems are not considered in static and dynamic calculations and no measures are taken against them, the worst case, a collapse of the structure, is possible. One of these effective measures against dynamical problems of constructions is the application of Liquid–V–Damper. These are tube constructions with V-shape in which a liquid with an initial deflection is moving towards the vibration of the structure. The damper must be tuned exactly to the properties of the structure according to tuning criterions presented in this paper. Due to the moving liquid in the exactly tuned dampers a great part of the kinetic energy which effects the construction is dissipated by the tuned liquid column dampers. Thus a minimization of the dynamically amplitudes of the construction as well as the resulting stresses can be achieved.
Urban demolitions in Barcelona
Authors: Llongueras Jaume , Valdes Manuel , Regue Jaume , Menduiña Raul
Published: October 2011

The case history of two structures demolished in the city of Barcelona is presented.

To achieve the remodelation of Plaça Lesseps (Barcelona) it’s been necessary to demolish and rebuild a post-tensioned concrete slab. A new railway station in an existing tunnel at Hospitalet de Llobregat needed the deconstruction of the existing structure to build up a wider one in order to leave the space for the platforms
100 years Intze Gravity Dams - even today Indispensable Infrastructure Facilities
Authors: Linse Diethelm
Published: October 2011

Prof. Intze, University of Aachen, was about 100 years ago the initiator and designer of nearly 30 masonry gravity dams in Germany, which are still in operation. According to the German dam standards all dams have to be monitored and rehabilitated to find any safety deficits.

Nearly all dams were rehabilitated due to ageing and uplift problems. The methods used are described. Now these dams should be able to serve another 100 years for water supply, energy production, flood control and recreation.
Structural analysis, rehabilitation and further development of health monitoring program concerning two reinforced concrete chimneys
Authors: Dan Daniel , Stoian Valeriu , Nagy-Gyorgy Tamas , Florut Sorin-Codrut , Pruna Liliana
Published: October 2011

The paper presents some aspects regarding the FE Analyses, structural rehabilitation and structural health monitoring (SHM) program for a pair of reinforced concrete chimneys. The structural rehabilitation was compulsory since the two chimneys presented numerous large vertical cracks. Therefore, the interventions that were designed involved, among others, the replacement of thermal insulation, repairing of horizontal reinforcement and mounting of prestressed horizontal steel belts that are to generate compression stresses into the concrete, thus preventing the re-opening of the cracks. Three main topics are covered in the paper: the structural faults and the solutions for rehabilitation of the chimneys, performed FE Analyses and the implementation of the SHM program.
Increasing road capacity by emergency laws "Broadening of the roads"
Authors: Schuiling Edwin
Published: October 2011

Because of the large traffic-jam problem in the Netherlands the road capacity had to be increased on a lot of motorways. In the last decade the Dutch Ministry of Public Works started the ZSM program (Dutch abbreviation for Visible, Smart, and Measurable) as a part of the widening of main national highways. In this program, for the most routes of the traffic jam top 50, it was investigated if the road capacity can be increased fast by creating rush-hour lanes on hard-shoulders.

As the road capacity increases, the traffic volume increases too. Therefore regulations on allowable noise and air pollution are observed and measures such as sound barriers and a noise reducing asphalt layer have to be taken. The widening of the highways on structures leads to an increase in loading with regard to the original design. Therefore many existing structures in these motorways are in-depth structural assessed in the ZSM program.

In the paper the processes and issues around these projects are presented.
Actual Stiffness Identification of Constructed Bridges
Authors: Feng Dianshi , Shi Xue-fei , Ruan Xin
Published: October 2011

In recent years, the frequent occurrences of bridge accidents promoted the concerns about condition assessment and strengthening of constructed bridges. Bridge stiffness estimation plays an important role in the process of bridge condition assessment. Difference always exists between the actual stiffness and design value of a constructed bridge because of material variability, construction error and structural behaviour deterioration. So it has important significance to identify the actual stiffness of a bridge precisely.

Based on the vehicle load test of Tanzhou Bridge, a continuous box girder bridge with a span of 75m+125m+75m, this paper firstly identified the actual stiffness of this Bridge; then analyzed the effect of such factors as concrete pavement thickness, girder damage and strengthening, material module etc; lastly, analyzed the influence degree of stiffness deviation on load effect.

Conclusions are as follows: considering various influencing factors, the actual stiffness of Tanzhou Bridge is significantly larger than design value; in view of the fact that girder stiffness considering the contribution of concrete pavement is larger by 10~12% than not, modified stiffness coefficient decreases obviously after considering pavement’s contribution to girder stiffness, but is still larger than design value; while the deviation between identified stiffness and design one has little influence on dead load effect, it has significant influence on live load effect. The vertical displacement of mid-span section calculated with the former is only 62% of the one with the later.
Fastening Systems Applications in Rehabilitation of Historical Buildings & Structures
Authors: Casagrande Alberto
Published: October 2011

Rehabilitation of old buildings is a common practice in Italy. Every year million of Euros are invested in rehabilitation works for both private and public buildings. Ancient buildings as well as monuments need to be preserved and have to be renovated. We are facing an increasing number of requests of assistance for this works. A variety of different applications is listed and briefly described. We focused our attention on the opportunity of using post-installed systems for solving fastening issues in the jobsites. Several chemical anchor applications are presented as simple and reliable solutions and support the fact that chemical anchors are widely used in rehabilitation and conservation works. Hilti has specific chemical anchors which are especially developed for these applications; designers and installers can count on the knowledge and experience of many years in products research and development.
Statistical Deterioration Prediction Model for Individual Infrastructure Considering its Heterogeneity
Authors: Kaito Kiyoyuki , Kobayashi Kiyoshi
Published: October 2011

The deterioration processes of civil infrastructures are heterogeneous due to unobservable factors even under the same structural and environmental conditions. In this paper, a Markov hazard model is formulated to characterize the average hazard rates, and is extended to a mixed Markov hazard model by incorporating the heterogeneity in hazard rates. By doing so, the benchmarking model to express the average deterioration processes and the statistical methodology for comparative assessment of the hazard rates of the individual facilities is also presented. The applicability of the methodology presented in this paper is examined against the actual visual inspection data concerning the bridge members.
Reconstruction of the New Station Square in Berne, Switzerland
Authors: Joray Dominic , Diggelmann Martin
Published: October 2011

The station square in Berne with its underground passage was built in 1972, it included major city roads, various tramways and bus lines and many local businesses. Apart from insufficient structural safety and durability, the appearance of this gate to Berne was inappropriate for the capital of Switzerland. The reconstruction executed in 2007 covers an area of 40’000 m2. In the main element, which is called the Christoffel-Passage, parts of concrete slabs and columns were dismantled, new concrete members added and existing ones strengthened. The ceiling was strengthened against punching shear with the newly developed strengthening method of post-installed inclined bonded bars. Furthermore, the local transportation stops, the underground shopping centre and the flow of pedestrians were optimized. The project New Station Square not only rehabilitates the existing structures, but creates an appealing entrance next to the Old City of Berne (Unesco World Heritage).
Assessment of in-place concrete strength according to the major standards
Authors: Bencardino Francesco , Rizzuti Lidia
Published: October 2011

The evaluation of the structural capacity of existing structures and infrastructures requires the assessment of the actual in-place concrete strength. Direct and indirect methods to evaluate the concrete strength have been developed though the primary technique is the core test.

In order to estimate the structural capacity of an existing structure the experimental data obtained by testing of cores were used to evaluate the specified in-place compressive strength according to the main standards such as EN 13791 and ACI 214.4R. The results obtained were critically evaluated, compared, and analyzed to assess the in-place concrete quality according also to the statistical methods proposed in ISO 12491.

The procedures proposed by the standards studied give similar results though they are obtained following different approaches.
Assessment and Strengthening of a Composite Structure
Authors: Bob Corneliu , Dan Sorin , Badea Catalin , Gruin Aurelian , Marginean Sorin , Dencsak Tamas
Published: October 2011

The paper deals with the assessment and rehabilitation of a composite steel-concrete structure. Two types of damages were noticed: a higher deflection of some steel profiles IPE200 due to no proper connection and of fresh concrete action; some important cracks into concrete slab produced by shrinkage. The rehabilitation solutions were: a stiffening steel plate welded on steel profiles for decreasing deflections; infilling the concrete cracks with epoxy-based resin products.
Expansion joint renewal with 'zero' impact on traffic - an optimal solution for urban bridges
Authors: Spuler Thomas , Moor Gianni , O'Suilleabhain Colm
Published: October 2011

A solution to the demands to be addressed in the specification, design, installation and replacement of expansion joints on urban bridges is presented: the Tensa®Flex Sliding Finger expansion joint and the associated traffic management system Mini-Fly-Over. The expansion joint type is quiet and durable, with long-term benefits for local residents, while the traffic management system was developed to minimise the difficulties and traffic disruption associated with its installation as a replacement for an existing expansion joint. The successful implementation of the traffic management system to install the sliding finger joints on a major highway bridge with almost no impact on traffic is described, proving that clever solutions which take account of the needs of modern urban society can always be developed.
Stiffness-Strength-Ductility Design Approach: an application to a five-storey steel building structure
Authors: Trombetti Tomaso , Gasparini Giada , Silvestri Stefano , Ricci Ilaria
Published: October 2011

It is known that the seismic response of a structural system is highly influenced, in addition to the earthquake input, by the dynamic characteristics of the system itself. Many recent contributions in the field of seismic engineering have opened up new possibilities for the structural engineer in terms of conceiving and designing a structural system which offers optimised seismic performances. This paper presents an innovative approach for an optimised/full-controlled seismic design of structures which combines these recent contributions, and overcomes the traditional design approach leading to the identification of the characteristics of the structural system resisting to horizontal loads which enables to satisfy given seismic performance objectives. This is achieved by considering a total conceptual separation between the structural systems resisting to vertical and horizontal loads. The proposed procedure is first briefly developed in general within a PBSD framework and then fully applied to the case study of a five-storey steel building structure. It is composed of three basic steps: (1) calibration of the fundamental characteristics (Stiffness, Strength, Ductility) which should be possessed by the structural system resisting to the horizontal loads to satisfy given performance objectives, (2) identification of the physical and geometrical characteristics of the single structural elements which constitute the horizontal resisting system, (3) verification, by means of appropriate time-history analyses, of the seismic performances achieved. In detail, the horizontal resisting system is calibrated to satisfy a multiplicity of performance objectives through the identification of an "objectives curve", in the Force-Displacement diagram, of the mechanical characteristics of the structure. The calibration is obtained by methods/tools borrowed either from DDBD or Force-Based Design (FBD), depending on the specific performance objective to be imposed.
Structural Design of the Japan pavilion in Shanghai Expo
Authors: Ohno Masahito
Published: October 2011

The Japanese pavilion at the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai is a large space structure 100m in the longitudinal direction and 50m in the transverse direction. The shape is not a regular geometric shape, but is a special shape. This structure with its special shape was planned to have a high structural performance, taking into consideration economics, the short construction period, and ease of construction. The following is a description of the structural design.
Conceptual Design of Double-Deck Traffic for City Bridge
Authors: Sun Jianyuan , Li Kunpeng
Published: October 2011

With urban development, the conflicts between the urban spatial structure and the transportation system become increasingly prominent. Innovative structural design and traffic arrangement of the bridge are required.

The principles and conditions for achieving conceptual design of double-deck traffic (or double decks) for city bridges are put forward from the point of view of saving land resource and improving traffic efficiency by means of research and analysis of bridge basic structural system as well as structural component performance, the ways to carry out innovative design of the

double-deck traffic are proposed through arrangement of the basic structural system and structural components, and finally actual example of the double-deck traffic is provided on an engineering practice basis.
The heritage Bridges of the Gardesana Occidentale Lake Garda, Italy
Authors: Zezza Fulvio , Villanova Anna
Published: October 2011

Here we discuss the heritage bridges of theGardesana Occidentale, a road built in 1929-31, and we analyse the different types of arch which have a span of between 2 and 20 metres.

We highlight the building processes for this infrastructure, which is unique in terms of its characteristics and environmental value.

Lastly we argue that abandoning many parts of theGardesana Occidentalemay lead to the degradation of the historical bridges and indeed of the whole road, which for years has represented a very good example of the relationship between road, territory and local economy.
Damping in tall buildings – uncertainties and solutions
Authors: Smith Rob , Willford Michael
Published: October 2011

In the design of tall buildings, the dynamic response in wind is a dominant consideration. The damping of the building has a major influence on the dynamic response, and the structural engineer has to make an informed decision as to an appropriate value to assume for design.

This paper reviews available measured data on the damping of tall buildings and compares against values in common usage. It is found that damping ratios commonly assumed in design are inappropriate and unconservative.

The paper describes the consequences of over-estimation of damping at the design stage, and illustrates the benefits of incorporating robust supplementary damping systems to reduce dynamic response, to reduce uncertainty and to improve economy in design.
Evaluation of an Excessive Deflection Long-span Concrete Beam Bridge
Authors: Niu Yanwei , Shi Xue-fei , Ruan Xin
Published: October 2011

As long-span prestressed concrete (PC) beam bridges are constructed widely recently, two fatal problems: the excessive sustained deflection and cracks appear gradually. In order to assessing these effects, a cast in situ concrete bridge with three spans (65m+100m+65m), constructed by free cantilevering method ten years ago is evaluated. Firstly, the actual deflection of the bridge in service is demonstrated, and the cracks are classified. Then the characteristics of bridge deflection and cracks propagation are represented. In order to evaluate the material property and the working

performance of the bridge, both static and deflection influence line test are proceeded. Based on this, rigidity identification is studied. Also, the random vehicle load model is simulated through Monte Carlo method. Consequently the bearing capacity and serviceability of the old bridge is evaluated.

Finally, some suggestion of long-term deflection prediction and structure design is given.
Structural Assessment using identified Bending Stiffness
Authors: Wendner Roman , Strauss Alfred , Hoffmann Simon , Bergmeister Konrad
Published: October 2011

All Engineering structures are subjected to time dependent degradation processes. In order to allow a cost effective maintenance planning, it is necessary first to determine a structure’s condition and reliability profile respectively and second to extrapolate the acquired assessment indices into the future. Based on this information maintenance planning then can be optimized. This contribution will deal with a practically feasible approach to the assessment of existing structures based on different methods for the determination of the ‘real’ bending stiffness distribution.
Collapse of the Koror-Babeldaob Bridge
Authors: Klein Gary
Published: October 2011

In September 1996, six months after the post-tensioned concrete bridge was retrofitted to correct midspan sag, the main span suddenly collapsed into the Toagel Channel. The investigation led by Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates (WJE) found that the collapse was due to compression failure of the top flange. The retrofit and restrained thermal expansion substantially increased the compressive stress in the top flange over the main piers. The top flange was vulnerable to delamination because transverse reinforcement was not provided and planar cracking between the closely spaced tendons was especially likely.
Design Challenges for the Tallest Building in Madrid
Authors: Alarcon Arantzazu , Lakota Gregory
Published: October 2011

Working closely with Foster and Partners, an astonishing column free base tower was created by supporting the entire weight of the building on only its two end cores. These heavily loaded cores allow the slender tower to efficiently resist wind loads. With a height to width ratio of 11 to 1, this 250 m tower is the ultimate in structural efficiency. To achieve this unique structure, steel trusses at intermediate mechanical levels channel loads from the floors above to the cores and serve as beams in a ‘mega-frame’ to stiffen the tower. Structural redundancy was achieved in the design by considering a failure of any one of the three truss levels. This load case was considered to ensure that total building collapse would not occur if a local failure of a truss where to occur through an accidental or premeditated event.
Design & Construction of Ada Bridge across Tissa River in Serbia
Authors: Stipanic Bratislav , Floric Zoran , Milosevic Rene , Lukic Dragomir , Micic Sasa
Published: October 2011

The paper deals with specific design and construction of Roadway Bridge across Tissa River in Ada town (autumn province of Vojvodina, republic of Serbia). The special task was to design and construct a new bridge across Tissa in Ada by using the donated dismantled steel structure, removed form the piers of former bridge across the Danube in Wilshoffen (Germany). The superstructure – steel structure of the former Wilshoffen bridge had structural system of continuous beam, with total length of ~258 m and modest spans: 4x25,8 + 64,5 + 3x25,8 + 12,9 m. The dismantled steel structure, cut in 6 large segments, was transported by barges downstream Danube through Danube- Tissa Channel and stored nearby Tissa River. These stored segments of steel structure should be incorporated in new bridge across Tissa River in Ada, taking into account the relevant local conditions: profile of river bed, geotechnical profile of soil, required river flow profile, required (larger) navigation clearance, water regime data; as well as other relevant circumstances: transport, erection & adoption of steel structure, economic aspects and aesthetic appearance. The larger main span was needed, that required the modifications of the steel structure stored segments. It was adopted the vertical alignment of the former Wilshoffen bridge, because of the undisturbed reconstruction of the orthotropic deck. The Ada bridge was preliminary designed as steel cable- stayed bridge, with spans: 2x25,8+90,3+4x25,8 m, having a steel A-pylon. The chosen design-built contractor Inter-Most Belgrade (subsidiary of Vinci Construction) modified the design into steel cable-stayed bridge, with only two spans: 77,4+167,7 m, having a concrete A-pylon (single river pier advantage due to foundation costs). The cable stays are constructed by Freyssinet. The building works, started in June 2006 and to be completed in June 2008, are presented in the paper as well.
A Dynamic Framework for Construction Scheduling based on BIM using IFC
Authors: Tulke Jan , Nour Mohamed , Beucke Karl
Published: October 2011

Construction scheduling is one of the key processes during the development of construction
projects. As Building Information Models (BIM) gain more and more in importance for the design
process, the scheduling process also has to be integrated into the collaborative model based working
environment. For this purpose a Business Process Re-engineering approach (BPR) was applied to
identify potential areas of improvement within the current scheduling and 4D simulation practice.
This paper highlights the main findings and describes a novel solution approach consisting of a
dynamic collaboration framework tailored for construction scheduling. Several tools were
implemented to prove the new concept. The Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) are deployed to
ensure open communication within the project team. Further research is ongoing within the
European R&D project InPro.
Structural Investigation of Hong Kong’s ageing public rental buildings
Authors: Wah Pang Hon , On Chan Chi
Published: October 2011

The Hong Kong Housing Authority (HKHA) maintains a stock of over 1000 reinforced concrete domestic buildings of 7 to over 40-stories, providing homes to about 680,000 families. HKHA launched in 2005 a comprehensive structural investigation programme to look into the structural conditions of the older buildings and to establish what needs be done to better sustain them. This paper describes the investigation methodology adopted and some of the findings of the investigation of the first batch of about 80 buildings. The significance of chloride contamination in relatively porous concrete and of moisture in the concrete of these old buildings and the sources of contamination, in particular sea water used for toilet flushing, are discussed.
Seismic design of traditional wooden five-storied pagoda
Authors: Ikema Norikazu , Morita Kimihiko , Matsubara Masayasu
Published: October 2011

There are many traditional wooden five-storied pagodas in Japan that have been built since 7 century (mainly from Nara era to Edo era). Horyuji Temple (Nara) pagoda is about 31.5m and the highest Kyo-o-gokokuji Temple (Kyoto) pagoda is about 54.8m. In spite of its slender shape (aspect ratio about from 5 to 7), no records show that they were completely destroyed by earthquake. They consist of one centre pillar, and the 16 columns and beams that are connected by Japanese traditional semi-rigid moment frame system callednuki. They resist against horizontal force bynuki, restoring force caused by rocking of wooden columns and wooden shear walls. New wooden five- storied pagoda by Japanese traditional construction method is designed by non-linear static and dynamic analyses estimating these resistant elements.
Strength of Corroded Bridge Wires and Repair Methods
Authors: Nakamura Shun-Ichi , Suzumura Keita
Published: October 2011

Cables of old suspension bridges and stays of cable-stayed bridges often suffer from steel corrosion. Corroded galvanized steel wires on different corrosion levels were produced at laboratories, and their mechanical properties and remaining strength were investigated. Actual tensile strength of corroded wires did not decrease with corrosion levels, whereas elongation decreased sharply after the zinc layer was partly depleted and the steel started to corrode.

Accumulated amount of diffusive hydrogen of corroded wires was less than 0.2 ppm, which was well below the critical concentration of 0.7 ppm to cause brittleness. This indicated that hydrogen embrittlement was unlikely to occur. On the other hand, fatigue strength significantly decreased after steel corrosion below the galvanized layer progressed. Fatigue strength further lowered when the steel wire was cyclically stressed under wet environments when compared with the fatigue strength under dry environments. It was estimated that the wires were fractured by the mixed effects of corrosion, cyclic stresses and hydrogen.

Various repair methods were applied to the corroded wires: zinc rich paint, epoxy resin paint, zinc powder paste, filling with oil and dehumidification method. Then, effectiveness of these repair methods was evaluated by the corrosion simulation tests. Mass loss of test wires with these repair methods were measured for 15 months and effectiveness of the repair methods is compared. It is shown that the dehumidification and epoxy resin paint ant filling methods are most effective.
Punching Behavior of Compact Slabs
Authors: Hegger Josef , Ricker Marcus
Published: October 2011

Most design codes do not differentiate between the punching shear strength of flat slabs and foot- ings. However, a former research program at the Institute of Structural Concrete approved the as- sumption that the punching behavior of reinforced concrete footings is significantly influenced by the shear slenderness [2],[3]. To investigate the punching behavior of compact slabs more closely, 13 tests on footings have been performed and another 9 tests will be conducted in the coming months. In this paper, first results of the experimental investigations are presented. In the present tests and tests from literature, the footings often did not reach the calculated punching shear capac- ity according to the different code provisions. Broms derived a mechanical model for the punching behavior of flat slabs. Later, he extended the model in particular for footings. The present tests as well as tests from literature are compared to the calculated punching shear resistances according to the model of Broms, the ACI 318-05 Building Code and Eurocode 2.
Analysis of steel frames with precast concrete infill panels
Authors: Teeuwen Paul , Kleinman Cees , Snijder Bert , Hofmeyer Herm
Published: October 2011

This paper presents experimental and numerical analyses of a new type of hybrid lateral load resisting structure. This structure consists of a steel frame with a discretely connected precast concrete infill panel with a window opening. The discrete connections are formed by structural bolts on the column and beam in every corner of the steel frame, confining the precast concrete panel within the steel frame. With the finite element program DIANA, the response of 5 full-scale experiments on one-storey, one-bay, 3 x 3 m infilled frame structures, having different window opening geometries, was simulated. The finite element simulations were performed taking into account non-linear material characteristics and geometrical non-linearity. A comparison between the full-scale experiments and simulations shows that the finite element models enable simulating the elastic and plastic behaviour of the hybrid lateral load resisting infilled frame.
Hybrid RC Building Structures with Corrugated Steel Shear Panels
Authors: Kono Susumu , Ichioka Yukako , Ohta Yoshihiro , Watanabe Fumio
Published: October 2011

This research aims to establish an economical seismic response controlling system of RC frames using corrugated steel shear panels (CSSP), which was originally proposed for building structures by Mo and Perng in 2000. The hybrid system with CSSP has large ductility and possibly decreases to construction cost by large amount. The advantage of using CSSP in described from the design view point. Then, the experimental work on two specimens is introduced to show the excellence of CSSP in resisting the seismic force. A stud-type anchorage was employed in two half-scale specimens to fix CSSP to the surrounding RC frame. The degradation of lateral load carrying capacity after the peak load was small compared to reinforced concrete shear walls (RCW) due to stable manner of yielding and buckling of CSSP. The final failure mode of the hybrid system was the tearing of CSSP and the formation of a collapse mechanism of the surrounding reinforced concrete frame.
Slab with integrated installations
Authors: Kainz Andreas , Kollegger Johann
Published: October 2011

A new slab system was developed which allows large spans and easily accessible installations with large cross sections. The main concept aims at arranging the installations inside the load carrying structure. Thus a girder type structure with a plate on the bottom was used. The overall height of the slab system is lower while the static height becomes higher. Other advantages are the lower self weight and the large space available for installations. By covering the system with removable plates the installations are easily accessible during the entire life time of the structure. The girders are made of prefabricated elements, which contain large openings to allow for a flexible arrangement of the installations and a low self weight. Experiments on slab strips over two spans were performed.
An ANN-Based Backward Prediction Model for Reliable Bridge Management System Implementations Using Limited Inspection Records – Case Studies
Authors: Lee Jaeho , Guan Hong , Blumenstein Michael , Loo Yew-Chaye
Published: October 2011

Computer-aided Bridge Management Systems (BMSs) as Decision Support Systems (DSSs) for an effective bridge asset management are used to establish the feasible bridge maintenance, repair and rehabilitation (MR&R) strategies which ensure an adequate level of safety at the lowest possible bridge life-cycle cost. To achieve this goal, keeping up-to-date bridge condition ratings are crucial for a BMS software package. Although most bridge agencies in the past have conducted inspections and maintenance, the form of such bridge inspection records is dissimilar to those required by BMSs. These data inconsistencies inevitably slow down the BMS implementations. This paper presents an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) based prediction model, called the Backward Prediction Model (BPM), for generating unavailable years of historical bridge condition ratings using very limited existing inspection records. The BPM employed historical non-bridge datasets such as traffic volumes, populations and climates, to establish correlations with the existing bridge condition ratings from the very limited bridge inspection records. Such correlations can help fill the condition rating gaps required for an effective and accurate BMS implementation. This paper covers a brief description of the BPM methodology and presents nine case studies. The outcome of this study can help establish a comprehensive condition rating database, which will in turn assist to predict reliable future bridge depreciations.
Footbridges – Enriching Urban Structures
Authors: Schlaich Mike
Published: October 2011

Footbridges are a common urban feature. They fulfil important infra-structural as well as structural tasks and at the same time can enrich the urban environment. The design of footbridges for the urban environment is quite different from that for a bridge in the open country. Urban footbridges often need to provide more than just a safe crossing of a road. Their additional tasks range from building-to-building connection, rain- and noise protection to adding value to existing structures and even entire neighbourhoods.

In this paper the issues just mentioned will be elaborated further to show how footbridges can enrich the urban environment. Some recent European footbridges will be presented to also show the large variety of solutions and to demonstrate the value of these small structures that allow engineers to experiment with new materials and to try out new structural solutions.
New Railway Connection below Brussels Airport
Authors: Van Bogaert Philippe , De Pauw Bart
Published: October 2011

Reaching Brussels Airport by car or by train from the Northern part of Belgium has become difficult. For this reason, a new railway connection is being built below this airport. The new link will connect the existing train station to a new 24 km long railway section from Brussels to Mechelen, located in the central reservation of the motorway between these two cities. The most important part of the connection is a 1084 m long twin tube bored tunnel, passing below the runway and taxiways. Because of this, an adequate design load for aircraft actions had to be chosen, which complies to modern aircraft characteristics. Particular attention is given to the boring of tunnels below an aircraft maintenance hangar with pile foundations. Although passive protective measures are taken to prevent damage to the building, an accidental loading case of concentrated pile loads on the tunnel lining must be considered. In addition, concrete cracking of lateral diaphragm walls of the cut and cover sections of the new railway tunnels is being considered.
Behavior of Prestressing Steels after Fire
Authors: Miguel Atienza Jose , Elices Calafat Manuel
Published: October 2011

Even if a fire does not give rise to apparent damage in a prestressed structure, mechanical properties of materials as well as load distribution can be affected. A verification of residual load bearing capacity after fire is necessary to determine if the structure can be maintained in use. Mechanical properties of structural steels at high temperatures have been extensively studied. However, no attention has been paid to the behavior of steel wires after fire. This paper seeks to give a simplified estimation of the non-visible fire-induced damages produced in steel wires, with the hope that this information can be useful for engineers in the structural evaluation after a fire. Two aspects should be considered when assessing the security of the structures: The reduction of the prestressing loads due to the increment in the stress relaxation losses during the exposure to high temperatures and the permanent damage of the residual mechanical properties of steel wires produced by the fire.
Vulnerability of fire protection and structural safety of tall buildings
Authors: Knobloch Markus , Fontana Mario , Raveglia Elio , Frangi Andrea
Published: October 2011

Based on experimental and numerical studies on the influence of local failure of structural fire protection on the fire resistance of structural steel members the paper analyses the vulnerability and robustness of fire protection and their consequences for tall buildings. The studies show that even small areas of missing protection distinctly decrease the fire resistance of structural members. For extreme events, like earthquake, impact or explosion followed by a subsequent fire, the vulnerability of fire protection is important for the structural safety of tall buildings and avoiding progressive collapse.
Wind and extremely long bridges – a challenge for computer aided design
Authors: Domaingo Andreas , Janjic Dorian , Stampler Johann
Published: October 2011

With ever increasing span lengths of bridges thoroughly investigation of wind related phenomena has become more and more a topic of interest. Many effects were observed on already existing bridges and suitable theoretical models were developed. As bridges with such span lengths are becoming more and more a standard situation in bridge design and engineering, also the need for according design tools increases. In this article the necessary steps to expand existing models and to incorporate them into the design process is outlined. Practical examples for different aspects are discussed.
Study on Application of Steel Fibre Reinforced Self-stressing Concrete in Transforming Old Simply Supported Bridges into Continuous System
Authors: Huang Chengkui , Wang Boxin , He Huanan , Chen Chengnian
Published: October 2011

Steel Fibre Reinforced Self-stressing Concrete (SFRSSC) is a new type of fibre reinforced composite with self-expansive performance and high tensile resistance. It can be used in the old bridge reinforcement because when SFRSSC is restrained by steel bars or other terminal conditions, it can create some values of pre-stressing force to enhance the cracking moments of the continuous beams. The primary goal of this research is to apply SFRSSC to strengthen the old bridges for simply supported beams transformed into continuous system. Firstly, the computer analysis of the internal force of continuous T-beams with 5 spans is carried out. Secondly, based on the model experiments of 8 continuous T-beams with 2 spans, flexural performance of the beams reinforced by SFRSSC layers is investigated. It is concluded that flexural performance of continuous T-beams strengthened by SFRSSC is more greatly improved than that strengthened by conventional concrete.
A unique transparent structure for the new footbridge across a moat in Darmstadt, Germany
Authors: Eckhardt Christian , Stahl Jochen
Published: October 2011

The world’s first footbridge made from a composite system of wood and Plexiglas® is standing in Darmstadt. As a result of this combination of materials, the structure appears light and largely transparent. It was developed by the Technical University of Darmstadt in cooperation with the manufacturer of Plexiglas®, Evonik Röhm GmbH.
Experiences from Engineering Education in Conceptual Design of Structures
Authors: Van Bogaert Philippe , De Backer Hans , De Pauw Bart , Outtier Amelie , Delesie Corneel , Verberckmoes Lien
Published: October 2011

Structural engineers should contribute to the development of structural concepts and form finding. This can even begin at the level of education. Therefore, some five years ago, a course on conceptual design was started. The course tends to give a definition of conceptual development and preliminary assessment of basic ideas. Three stages are introduced, namely the concept definition, numerical assessment and building of scale models for testing. The course also is an invitation to think about meaningful, intelligently thought structures, by asking various questions about resistance, simplification, appearance and effectiveness. Experience has shown that enthusiasm and creativity sometimes overrules structural thinking. In addition, this activity requires intensive experienced input about loads and structural functioning. Building and testing of scale models is a large help for better understanding how some of the original concepts actually work.
Glass plus X - Development of Innovative Hybrid Structures
Authors: Weller Bernhard , Weimar Thorsten
Published: October 2011

The systematic development of innovative hybrid structures and the associated methodical procedure for a variety of load-bearing elements is described in detail within this paper. Results of the structural performance and the post-breakage behaviour of polycarbonate-glass composite elements are presented, as well. Innovative hybrid composite beams combining glass and steel are introduced with resulting specimen studies to clarify and substantiate the methods presented and utilized.
Modern Facades made of Glass
Authors: Siebert Barbara
Published: October 2011

Glass as a building material is used in a multitude of new applications like modern glass facades. Glass facades have to fulfil basic aspects like protection against climatic influence and environmental pollution, protection against fire and burglary. Important points in these times are a contribution to a positive energy balance.

In this paper different types of facades, which can be used for small buildings just as for high rise tall buildings are presented; second facades, point fixed glazing, sound panels and facades with channel shaped glass are shown. In the field of point fixtures many different kind of fittings (with bore holes, without bore holes, undercut anchors) are possible for different applications of facades. An important field is the rehabilitation of old buildings with a new façade to get buildings with a positive energy balance and a low CO2 emission.

For the presented façade-types technical aspects like principle design rules and static calculation of glass are presented. Depending on the façade type the design requires a high knowledge of the engineer.

Finally some build examples like the high-rise building “Münchner Tor”, the façade of the theatre “Kammerspiele München” and some examples from Europe with point fixtures are presented.
Rehabilitation Design of the Alexander Hamilton Bridge Complex
Authors: Kendall Martin
Published: October 2011

The Alexander Hamilton Bridge carries the Cross Bronx Expressway (CBE), a section of Interstate Route I-95, over the Harlem River in the middle of New York City, as well as serving as the intersection with Interstate Route I-87. The deck is in bad condition and requires total replacement. Significant deterioration of the structure, and structural vulnerability, due to lack of redundancy, needed to be addressed. The major concern was how to rehabilitate the bridge, and keep 188,000 vehicles per day moving with the minimum of disruption. The development of the proposed rehabilitation solution for the mainline bridge is described, which will accommodate the mandated requirement of maintaining all existing lanes during peak hours. The solution included replacement of two bridges that span over the Cross Bronx Expressway, with piers located in the median of the highway. To permit the MPT on the AHB, these bridges had to be replaced in order to eliminate these piers.
Rehabilitation of a Viaduct Subjected to a Landslide Thrust
Authors: Fargier-Gabaldon Luis , Camargo-Mora Rosendo
Published: October 2011

The viaduct No. 1 located on the Caracas-La Guaira highway was affected by a landslide thrust detected in 1987. The structure consisted of three parallel double-hinged arch ribs built without longitudinal reinforcement, spanning over 152 m., and two approach viaducts located at either side of the arch rib span. This paper summarizes the rehabilitation measures conducted on the structure to extend its service life, which included the construction of redundant gravity and lateral load resisting systems, external post-tensioning of the arch ribs and the design of a plastic hinge at the crown of the ribs.
Application of Risk Analysis for performance based Tunnel Design
Authors: Krieger Juergen , Heimbecher Frank , Kaundinya Ingo
Published: October 2011

The field of safety in road tunnels has always been an important issue for operators, owners and the responsible authorities. After the tunnel accidents in 1999 the subject gained however in importance. On European level the Directive 2004/54 EC on “Minimum Safety Requirements for Tunnels in the Trans European Road network” has been published. This guideline has to be implemented into national law by all Member States.

According to this guideline all Member States of the European Community shall develop a methodology for risk analyses to be applied in certain cases. For Germany, a standardized methodology for a probabilistic quantitative risk assessment has been worked out.
Design for Extreme Events – Progressive Collapse
Authors: Nethercot David
Published: October 2011

The current position concerning design against progressive collapse is summarised and the need to move from a prescriptive approach to a quantitative analytical framework is explained. Necessary and desirable features of such a framework are presented. Reference is made to an approach currently under development at Imperial College London that includes all of these features.