bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient and Low Invasive Strengthening of Existing Concrete Structures in Shear
Authors: Randl N. , Harsányi P.
Published: February 2023

Three different low invasive shear strengthening techniques have been investigated in a number of structural tests with RC members subject to shear loading, namely post-installed reinforcing bars, a specifically designed anchor system and CFRP sheets. The post-installed rebars are inserted into inclined pre-drilled and mortar- injected holes from the bottom side of a concrete member and anchored with metal plates at the accessible bar end. The sleeved undercut anchor, on the other hand, is set vertically into the pre-drilled hole and the load is then introduced via a self-undercutting expansion sleeve. The third tested system consists of CFRP sheets and special end anchorages, introducing the load of the CFRP tension chords to the compression zone of the beam. All three strengthening methods can be installed from the soffit of a structure without significant disturbance of the traffic and without major interventions affecting the existing cross section of the structure. Significant load gains have been reached in the performed structural tests with each strengthening technique.
Damage and Failure Mechanisms Associated with Stress Transfer of Textile Overlap Joints in Textile Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Rossi E. , Randl N. , Mészöly T. , Harsányi P.
Published: February 2023

The present work aims at identifying the main factors influencing the stress redistribution in overlapped textile joints of Textile Reinforced Concrete (TRC) elements, focusing on damage mechanisms and their relationship with geometrical characteristics. The experimental campaign consists of twelve plates subjected to uniaxial traction, combining carbon textile layers with Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC) and presenting both symmetrical and non-symmetrical overlapped joints with two different overlapping lengths. All the specimens have been designed to exhibit pull-out failure. The experimental tests were carried out using a Digital Image Correlation (DIC) system on both sides to monitor deformations. Results highlighted a strong dependence of both maximum force and crack opening at maximum force on textile configuration, with an increase of over 25% in the case of symmetrical layout. Two main concrete splitting mechanisms (delamination of textile and localized spalling of concrete cover) were observed and described.
Latest Achievements in Concrete Structures Three-Dimensional Printing
Authors: Ziółkowski P. , Niedostatkiewicz M.
Published: February 2023

We can hear about three-dimensional printed concrete structures for several years, up to date solutions in this technology allow entire printing settlements of tiny concrete houses. Home printed in three-dimensional technology can be an alternative to modular container buildings implemented in areas affected by natural disasters and as a solution for low-cost small residential houses. We believe that in a few years it will reach its full potential by entering a constructions mainstream. In this paper, we will analyse the current state of the art in concrete structures three-dimensional printing technology, we will describe the dominant and developing trends, and we will consider in what direction this technology may improve in the future. The most common problems related to the implementation of construction nodes of small residential houses in three-dimensional technology will also be indicated. In addition, methods will be proposed to increase the spatial stiffness of printed houses, taking into account the optimisation of costs in terms of technology and time of completion.
DLMs for Pedestrian Vibration Control on Bridges
Authors: Drobac J. , Štimac Grandić I. , Bjelanović A.
Published: February 2023

The development of new materials and construction techniques enables engineers to build innovative structures, which become more and more slender and lighter. Light and slender footbridges are prone to vibrate when subjected to dynamic loads, especially to pedestrian dynamic loads. To build the structural model for checking the vibration serviceability of a footbridge, beside the footbridge properties, the designer need to know the loading models (dynamic load models - DLMs). This paper presents the review of DLMs for assessment of acceleration due pedestrian loading that designers can use to their advantage in bridge design.
Comparison of the Structural Behaviour between Under-Deck Cable-Stayed and Under-Deck Suspension Footbridges under Pedestrian Action
Authors: Georgiadis L. , Ruiz-Teran A. M. , Stafford P. J.
Published: February 2023

Under-deck cable-stayed (UDCS) and under-deck suspension (UDS) footbridges are slender structures supported by cables located below the deck and, despite the similarities in their appearance, they represent two different engineering concepts. In the present work, their structural behaviour has been investigated in detail and their response under static and dynamic pedestrian loading has been compared. A static analysis has been conducted first. Then a modal analysis has been performed, followed by a full time-history dynamic analysis under the action of a stochastic pedestrian load model. The influence of geometric non-linearity in both static and dynamic analyses has been examined. Results show that although the bending moments and deflections in UDS footbridges are smaller compared to UDCS footbridges, the level of accelerations, which is the governing design criterion for the bridge deck in order to satisfy comfort, is similar.
Seismic Isolation Protection System for the 1081-Bed Eskisehir City Hospital in Turkey
Authors: Huber P. , Bresler M. , Paroli L. , Kruzel U.
Published: February 2023

The Eskişehir City Hospital is located east of Istanbul in a highly seismic zone with up to 0,6 g PGA. To ensure the highest safety and comfort level for users and to avoid any damages to the structure or fatalities and enable absolute continued functionality even after the maximum credible earthquake (MCE) event, it was decided to apply seismic isolation with pendulum isolators. This paper shows the design considerations to limit the base shear within the isolated building blocks for the MCE event down to less than 0,13 W on isolator top level and max. 0,2 W on the upper floor building levels and the realization with suitable seismic pendulum isolators. With the strict quality supervision during the production procedure, with third party prototype testing and with third party production testing, the reliability of the isolators to resist up to five or more MCE events without damages was proven. The approach for this project is unique in a way that absolute no damages to the structure, to the content and the seismic isolators have been acceptable.
Vibrations of Footbridges Caused by Running People
Authors: Pańtak M.
Published: February 2023

In the paper the issue of modelling of dynamic forces induced by running people taking into account different foot strike patterns is presented. The results of numerical dynamic analyses of contemporary footbridge performed using proposed load models were shown and compared with the results of dynamic field-tests of the footbridge. The presented issue can be used in engineering practice at the stage of assessing the level and acceptability of vibrations of designed or existing (contemporary and historical) structures.
Mode I Fatigue Crack Growth Tests on Puddle Iron Strengthened with CFRP Plates
Authors: Pedrosa B. , Correia J. , Lesiuk G. , Rebelo C. , Jesus A. , Calçada R.
Published: February 2023

One important subject related to structural integrity studies of bridges is to assess the fatigue behaviour of its materials and structural components. A fatigue crack initiates in zones where there is a concentration of stresses and then it may propagate at an increasing growth rate leading to structural failure. Normally, a rehabilitation campaign is associated with lower costs and time when compared to the replacement by a new bridge. The application of externally-bonded fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) plates has been used in the repair and strengthening operations of steel structures with fatigue damages. Within this subject, an experimental program was carried out to assess the fatigue crack growth (FCG) rates of old metallic materials from a centenary bridge strengthened with FRP composites. FCG tests were performed under pure-mode I loading conditions. This investigation allowed to determine the a-N curve as well as to assess the fatigue crack growth rates of reinforced and non-reinforced old metallic materials.
Probabilistic Fields of Fatigue Crack Growth Rates of Puddle Iron Based on Huffman Local Approach
Authors: Pedrosa B. , Correia J. , Lesiuk G. , Rebelo C. , Huffman P. , Jesus A.
Published: February 2023

One key aspect related to structural integrity of bridges is the fatigue behavior of its materials and structural components. Generally, a fatigue crack initiates in zones where there is a concentration of stresses (geometric discontinuities, for example) and then it may propagate at an increasing growth rate leading to structural failure. Experimental campaigns have been performed in order to characterize the fatigue crack growth (FCG) behavior of these old metallic materials. More recently, several FCG models based on local approaches have been proposed. Huffman developed a strain energy density model based on Walker-like stress life and FCG behavior. The FCG process is assumed as successive crack re-initiations considering an elementary material block size. This model is used in this paper to predict the fatigue crack propagation of puddle iron material from a Portuguese centenary bridge. This model is combined with the generalized probabilistic fatigue model proposed by Correia in order to define probabilistic FCG fields.
Ambient Vibration Tests for Modal Characterization of an Existing Steel-Concrete Composite Bridge
Authors: Pellegrino C. , Zanini M. A. , Faleschini F. , Andreose F. , Mancassola L. , Frizzarin M.
Published: February 2023

The use of structural health monitoring for a reliable characterization of modal properties is becoming a common solution when dealing with the safety assessment of existing bridges, in order to capture samples of the experimental response of the “real structure”. Such non-destructive test approach has also the advantage to be able to capture also potential criticalities that can change the real behavior of the structure with respect to the “as-built” configuration. The present work illustrates the results of experimental measurements carried out on the Carbonifera viaduct, a steel-concrete composite bridge located in the metropolitan area of Venice, northeastern Italy. These tests were conducted in order to determine main natural frequencies, mode shapes, modal damping ratios and to further calibrate an ad-hoc finite element model subsequently used in order to perform a structural assessment of the bridge against traffic and seismic loads.
On Suspension Bridge Flutter Analysis Including Drag Force Effects
Authors: Piana G. , Carpinteri A.
Published: February 2023

The present contribution presents the results of flutter analyses conducted on a finite element model of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge according to the following descriptions of wind action: unsteady lift and moment plus

(a) unsteady drag, (b) steady drag, (c) no drag. The finite element results are compared with those obtained by an in-house MATLAB code based on a semi-analytic continuum model as well as with others of literature. The said continuum model includes flexural-torsional second-order effects induced by steady drag force in the bridge’s equations of motion, in addition to unsteady lift and moment actions.
Fatigue Accumulation Comparison of Simulated Traffic Flow and Design Loads in Reinforcing Steel of R.C. Bridges
Authors: Ranta M. , Julku K. , Lilja H.
Published: February 2023

The accumulated fatigue damage (for typical material dependent SN-curves) of simulated traffic was firstly compared to the characteristic static load model LM1 and secondly to accumulated fatigue damage caused by design fatigue load models. The study was conducted to two span bridges having variable span lengths and transversal stiffness characteristics. The study gives guidance to national authorities to pinpoint the most vulnerable bridge types in the bridge stock and the bridges sensitivity to frequent heavy special transportations. In addition, important information about the behaviour and functionality of Eurocode’s fatigue design approach is gained.
Hammersmith Bridge – Integration of Site Testing and Numerical Analysis
Authors: Rusev R. , Foster R. , Abbott T.
Published: February 2023

Hammersmith bridge is a chain suspension bridge crossing the River Thames between Hammersmith and Barnes in West London. The bridge was built in the late 1880’s and is a listed heritage structure that still forms part of the London transport network. The age and type of the bridge, together with the number of historic interventions and partial refurbishments, makes it challenging to perform an analysis that is representative of the current state. The analytical work was informed by a detailed 3D laser scan under road closure, controlled instrumented load tests, vibration tests for the hangers and incremental centre hole drilling (ICHD) for the chains. The material properties of various elements were confirmed by positive material identification (PMI) and in-situ hardness testing whilst non-destructive testing techniques such as alternating current field measurement (ACFM) were employed to test for fatigue damage. This paper summarises the methodology adopted to correlate field data with structural analysis so that the assessment is representative of the real bridge.
Comparative Study of International Major Codes for the Seismic Design of Buildings
Authors: Hampshire Santos S. , Giarlelis C. , Jara J. , Lampropoulos A. , Lo Presti D. , Montens S. , Sutcu F. , Takeuchi T. , Traikova M. , Varum H. , White J. , Zmigrodzki S. , Pinto J. , Arai A.
Published: February 2023

The Task Group 1.1 of IABSE has proposed studies of comparisons among seismic codes, in order to find out discrepancies and similarities among them. The idea of the study is to select major international seismic design codes to be analyzed and compared among them. A comparative study of codes from seismically active regions of various countries is presented herein covering European, United States, Brazilian, Bulgarian, Canadian, French, Italian, Greek, Japanese, Mexican, New Zealander, Portuguese and Turkish codes and National Annexes of Eurocode 8. The study is focused in the criteria for the design of conventional (residential and commercial) buildings, analyzing some critical topics. A prototype reinforced concrete building is analyzed, considering all the codes under analyses and main results derived form the seismic design are compared.
Seismic Reliability Analysis of a Gravity-designed Two-span Open-Spandrel Reinforced Concrete Arch Bridge
Authors: Zanini M. A. , Toska K. , Feltrin G. , Balbo S. , Hofer L. , Pellegrino C.
Published: February 2023

This work deals with the seismic reliability analysis of an existing double-span open spandrel RC arch bridge, aiming to assess its seismic structural safety. In general, the seismic reliability analysis is a powerful tool able to combine seismic hazard and structural fragility for computing the probability of failure of a specific damage state of interest. The present work wants to apply this consolidated procedure to the specific case study of an open spandrel RC arch bridge located in Vicenza (IT), adopting as suitable engineering demand parameter the curvature ductiliy of the columns between the RC arches and the RC beams grillage.
Implication of Climate Change on Climatic Actions on Structures: the Update of Climatic Load Maps
Authors: Croce P. , Formichi P. , Landi F.
Published: February 2023

Climate change could heavily affect climatic actions on structures. Indeed, the current definition of climatic actions in structural codes, snow wind thermal and icing loads, is based on the assumption of stationary climate conditions but climate is not stationary and the observed accelerated rate of changes must be considered. A proper evaluation of the consequences of climate change requires the set-up of procedures able to deal with the analysis of climate projections and their intrinsic uncertainties.In the paper, a general methodology is illustrated, aiming to evaluate the impact of climate change on structural design. The proposed procedure is based on the definition of factors of change for climate extremes in moving time windows derived from the analysis of an ensemble of climate projections according different greenhouse gas emission scenarios, combined with an innovative weather generator to obtain a probabilistic description of future changes.The definition of a suitable envelope of characteristic values, provide guidance for a better estimation of climatic action in structural codes taking into account their evolution with time.
Behaviour Assessment of Bridges Considering the Effect of the Progressive Scour and Fill over Time
Authors: Flores Vidriales D. , Gómez Martínez R. , Tolentino López D.
Published: February 2023

The scour-fill phenomena can be considered as the principal cause of bridge collapses in México, in the last twenty years thirty-six bridges have collapsed and ninety-nine have suffered damages due to scour. Scour-fill phenomena can be divided into two stochastic variables: 1) The erosive process, 2) The sedimentation process. A simplified stochastic process is proposed for the study of both phenomena. The events that trigger the scour are modelled using data that is statistically pre-processed, their behaviour is characterized as a general extreme value distribution (GEV). The events that trigged the sedimentation are modelled in the same fashion that the erosion, but their behaviour is characterized as a lognormal distribution. The stochastic process is solved by Monte Carlo simulations, each simulation provides a history of scour-fill depths that are later used to assess the behaviour of the bridge using a non-linear static analysis . Based on the results it can be seen that the scour accumulation of multiple low return period events may be much higher that the common design event for hydraulic events, making the bridges weaker against lateral forces.
Additional Effects from Transforming Open Bridge Cross Section to Semi-Closed
Authors: Ivanov St. , Vestman V. , Collin P.
Published: February 2023

Strengthening steel-concrete composite girder bridges with open cross section by implementation of additional horizontal bottom bracing is one elegant solution, which has proven to be effective in reducing the normal stresses in the steel beams by sharing effectively the applied eccentric traffic loads. The paper reviews the additional effects onto the stress state of the concrete slab coming from the transformation of open conventional twin girder steel-concrete composite bridge cross section to semi-closed (box-section). These effects are investigated through the help of FE model of a bridge superstructure. Conclusions and recommendations are drawn at the end.
Structural Performance of a Medieval Stone Masonry Arch Bridge
Authors: Oliveira D. V. , Allahvirdizadeh R. , Sánchez A. , Riveiro B. , Mendes N. , Silva R. A. , Fernandes F.
Published: February 2023

Many masonry historical bridges are still under service, particularly in Europe. Their significant cultural value, key role in transportation network systems and deterioration condition requires assessing their safety with respect to different scenarios, particularly earthquakes, which masonry structures are inherently vulnerable. This assessment requires collecting detailed information such as geometry, material properties, boundary conditions and existing damages to construct reliable numerical models. However, their significant cultural value prevents conducting destructive and even minor-destructive tests. The structural assessment of Barcelos Bridge, a medieval stone masonry arch bridge in northern Portugal, by means of a numerical approach is discussed in the current article. In this regard, a 3D advanced finite element model was prepared, in which the external geometry and internal morphology were extracted from laser scanning and ground penetrating radar survey, respectively. Then, outcomes of indirect sonic tests were adopted to characterize material characteristics and dynamic properties (i.e. frequencies and mode shapes) obtained from ambient dynamic identification were employed to update the FE model. Two load scenarios including gravity and lateral transversal loadings were taken into account to assess the performance of the bridge. Thus, incremental nonlinear pushdown and pushover analyses were performed, which resulted in evaluating current safety level of the bridges and possible failure modes.
Influence of a Hot Asphalt Mixture on the Stresses in the Post-Tensioned Box Girder
Authors: Pustelnik M. , Biliszczuk J.
Published: February 2023

Thermal effects can have a significant impact on the durability of concrete bridges [4,5,6,7,8,9,10]. The research gives environmental effects as a cause of bridge failures. A review of the design standards and guidelines shows that more precise recommendations for sizing of reinforcement for thermal effects is needed. This paper focuses on the assessment of the influence of hot asphalt mixture laid on the deck on the stresses in a PT box girder at the construction stage. Results of FEA were confirmed by the research conducted on the structure in-situ and show a significant stress development in the girder at this stage. It is concluded that the existing code requirements need to be supplemented.
Steel Bridge Member Resistance: EN1993-2 Compared to AASHTO (USA)
Authors: Rhodes S. , Donoghue B. , Icke P.
Published: February 2023

This paper contrasts the different approaches to steel member resistance calculations for bridges from Eurocode EN1993-2:2006 and the corresponding American standard (AASHTO 8th edition). An example steel truss footbridge is used to compare resistances and utilisations determined from each Code (on the basis of identical loading). The paper also examines the effects of some basic analysis assumptions on the load effects and therefore utilisations.
Analysis of the "Ponte do arco" Stone Masonry Arch Bridge
Authors: Rocco A. , Oliveira D. V. , Garbin E. , Fernandes F. M.
Published: February 2023

The “Ponte do Arco” stone masonry arch bridge is located in the north of Portugal, in the municipality of Marco de Canaveses, district of Porto. The bridge is immersed in a remote natural environment and is part of the Romanesque Route, which links buildings and structures built in the area during the Romanesque Period. The “Ponte do Arco” bridge is a fine example of this type of architecture and, therefore, it deserves devoted conservation and maintenance works. The geometry of the bridge, the internal structure of the pavement and the damage state were characterised by using two non-destructive techniques, photogrammetry and ground penetrating radar, and by performing a damage survey. The data collected was used to perform limit and finite element analyses in order to estimate the structural safety level of the structure. The paper presents the structural appraisal, resulting from the non-destructive surveys and the numerical analyses.
Research on Bridge Elements Made of Lightweight Concrete Reinforced with GFRP Rebars
Authors: Wiater A. , Piątek B. , Siwowski T.
Published: February 2023

Combination of lightweight concrete (LWC) and glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) rebars offers synergy of advantages of both materials and leads to more durable, less-weight and cheaper in terms of life cycle costs of bridges. This synergy was a motivation to start of the R&D project on the combination of both materials for bridge structural elements, particularly deck slabs and prefab arch structures. The first results of the R&D project are presented in the paper. The research works comprised the initial comparative static tests of full- scale models made of LWC/GFRP against those made of a normal concrete (NWC) and/or reinforced by steel rebars. Despite to generally worse structural performance under static load, both tested elements made of the LWC reinforced with GFRP rebars have shown a structural potential to be considered in bridge construction. Test results initially confirmed their limit states as calculated in design based on relevant codes of practice, but further tests should be carried out to confirm their safety and serviceability.
Is Building Information Modelling a Disruptive Innovation?
Authors: Boros V.
Published: February 2023

The implementation of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in ever more countries across the globe promises a leap in civil engineering techniques. Ever since the idea of disruptive innovation has been introduced in 1997, the term had become a buzzword and is also often used in connection with BIM. Meanwhile disruptive innovations show in fact several recognisable characteristics, distinguishing them from sustaining technologies. The properties of BIM in the German market in respect to these aspects have been established by conducting interviews with 10 experts including four clients, four consultants, a contractor and a software company. Based on their professional assessment, in the present paper the disruptive potential of BIM is determined according to five different theoretical frameworks. While BIM shows some disruptive features, the outcomes clearly indicate that it falls significantly short of the score obtained by truly disruptive innovations. Especially for smaller companies this may present a valuable insight in respect to BIM adoption.
Interoperability of Civil Engineering BIM Models with Virtual Reality Tools
Authors: Calderón de Diego F. , Hindi R. , Lozano-Galant J. A.
Published: February 2023

Technology evolves rapidly and constantly, and nowadays it plays a very important role in our society as it optimizes resources, time and money. In the civil engineering field, one of the most current examples is the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM), a collaborative methodology that makes it possible to design, build and manage in a more efficient way. The model created with BIM when developing the project can be linked with Augmented Reality (AR) technology, which allows the user to interact with it. AR superimposes the virtual 3D model to the real environment to increase the information, and that is why combining them both could be very beneficial for civil engineering, but its implementation is still scarce. This paper illustrates the current state of the applications of BIM and AR into the civil engineering field, and proposes some solutions based on a particular case analysis: a bridge model developed with Revit.
An Integrated BIM Methodology for the Seismic Assessment of Masonry Buildings
Authors: Croce P. , Landi F. , Martino M. , Puccini B.
Published: February 2023

Building Information Modelling is one of the most innovative and promising technologies that are taking place in the construction industry. However, BIM implementation in structural engineering is not as common as in architectural design and this becomes more evident dealing with the maintenance and refurbishment of existing buildings. In this context, the implementation of an integrated BIM methodology for the assessment of the seismic performance of existing masonry buildings is proposed based on a non-linear static algorithm, called E-PUSH, previously developed by the authors. An effective workflow is defined, relying on software’s interoperability at the architectural and structural level, able to create a dynamic, customized and flexible procedure. The proposed methodology has been developed and critically analysed through real case studies and it may be extended to an increasingly broad collection of existing buildings. It offers an integrated solution for the assessment and management of existing buildings by means a continuous updating of the information model.
BIM Basic Workflows in Bridge Design – Challenges and Difficulties
Authors: Grobelny Ł. , Trochymiak W. , Czmoch I.
Published: February 2023

The paper deals with the issue of implementation of BIM technology in the bridge design process. Bridges are very important structures which were designed and built without advanced analytical tools and computer programs to operate for hundreds of years. Demand for the high reliability of bridge structures resulted in the development of special analytical techniques. On one hand, ensuring the safety of a bridge is a superior task. On the other hand, almost every bridge is composed of a regular main structural system and many structural elements with local importance in overall analysis, which allows of universal automated solutions.

First, the paper presents the traditional approach which is based on well-known and easily accessible 2D documentation for creating complex structural systems. The approach is easy to apply in the case of the simplest bridges, as well as the extradosed bridges.

Next, a modern solution, generally called "the 3D parametrized modelling," is analysed in terms of its advantages and disadvantages in design of bridges.

The level of geometrical and analytical detail (LoD), the level of information (LoI), as well as the time effort or cost limitations were analysed. As a result, basic workflows which include all the important connections between various elements of the process are presented and compared.
Open BIM Approach for Efficient Serial Bridge Modeling
Authors: Will B. , Max P. C. , Brommer A. , Deinl G. , Strekelj G. , Samec V. , Stampler J.
Published: February 2023

Designing bridge structures by using the building information modelling (BIM) methodology is generally considered as a challenge in structural engineering of infrastructure. In the paper we present an advanced BIM approach by multidisciplinary team collaboration, supported by an innovative BIM bridge design solution. a complex and large railway project with several bridges was chosen to highlight the benefits and efficiency of open BIM technology. the process could be chosen as standard for similar projects in bridge industry.
Concrete-Filled FRP Tubular Members in Marine and Bridge Structures
Authors: Abramski M.
Published: February 2023

Concrete core of the concrete-filled tubes (CFTs) with circular cross-section is in the case of an axial compression subjected to a spatial state of compressive stresses. This state leads to enhancement in the concrete strength. The enhancement is utilized in Eurocode 4 design procedures for CFSTs (i.e. CFTs with tube made of steel). The structural design of CFFTs (i.e. CFTs with tube made of Fibre Reinforced Polymer - FRP) is normalized in LFRD Guide Specifications released by AASHTO in 2012. The mathematical model of confined concrete adopted in these design guidelines has also regard to the concrete strength enhancement. The differences between the both models of triaxially compressed concrete are discussed in the paper.

The latter model was used in an author’s computer program developed to calculate the load-carrying capacity of 15 CFFT columns which were previously experimentally investigated in the axial and eccentric compression. The calculated and experimentally obtained capacities are compared. The auctorial program predicted the columns load-carrying capacity with a safety margin of 33% on average.
Possible Application of FRP Bridges in Renovation and Replacement Task of Rijkswaterstaat
Authors: de Boon J. , Schaafsma D. , van der Heide J.
Published: February 2023

An increasing number of existing bridges no longer comply to current standards or have become functionally obsolete. Complete renovation is costly, time-consuming, results in disruption of traffic and is not sustainable. Current repair alternatives are often time-consuming and heavy in weight. In addition to existing methods, fiber-reinforced plastics (FRP) could provide a repair alternative whereby applying a FRP deck will relieve the main girders and can mean that the greater part of the existing bridge can remain. The lifespan of existing structures can be longer extended. This offers new technical and strategic possibilities for the major renovation and replacement task of bridge structures of Rijkswaterstaat, explained in this paper. An updated version of the Dutch CUR-96 recommendation on the design of FRP structures was published in 2018 and an English translation in 2019. This document offers an improved framework and guidelines and is comparable to the Eurocodes regarding concrete and steel structures at material level. The recommendation may therefore be regarded as a desirable basis for the development of a Eurocode for FRP composite structures. Like other road authorities, Rijkswaterstaat is looking into the possibility of replacing current bridge deck structures of highway structures with FRP decks, mainly due to the favorable weight and durability performance. Various already applied FRP structures in Europe demonstrate the possibilities and value of its application.
Evaluation Criteria Applied in Bridge Infrastructure Maintenance in Poland and Selected Countries of the World
Authors: Bucholc K. , Trochymiak W.
Published: February 2023

The article provides a presentation and comparison of various criteria applied in BMS systems for the purpose of assessing the technical condition of bridges. The criteria and the methods which are used have been analyzed also from the point of view of their usefulness for the purpose of bridge infrastructure management. Experience for Poland has been analyzed and confronted with relevant examples of the criteria used in other countries.

Basic and advanced methods of evaluation are addressed. Evaluation methods, which are useful for the purpose of parameterization of the results of bridge facilities assessment, have been selected for further research. Parameterization is understood in this case as drawing up, by the decision-making teams or computer program algorithms, of “rankings” for the needs of on-going and planned maintenance of bridge facilities. Attention has been drawn to the possibility of use of new technologies, e.g. BIM, AR, Big Data or IoT in the broadly defined bridge operation and maintenance systems.
Repair of High Silicon Steel Railway Bridges
Authors: Hołowaty J.
Published: February 2023

Structural steel has a varied history, with different types of steels used in construction. The majority of structural steels were of standard type but right from the start there was great interest in manufacturing higher strength steels. For a short period, high silicon structural steels were popular and the steels found applications in many riveted engineering structures. The first two railway bridges made from silicon steel were constructed in Germany and Switzerland. The paper presents repair works on two railway truss bridges constructed from high silicon steel in the early 1930s. Modernisation of the track system required some works to be carried out via welding. Material and tensile tests were undertaken to assess the possibility for welding to be used in joining the new components. Repair works were carried out by Polish Railways. The results of tests on the old silicon steels may be useful when strengthening similar riveted structures constructed from early high-strength steels.
Structural Reinforcement for Hangers and Main Cable of Bosphorus Bridge
Authors: Idani T. , Sugimura M.
Published: February 2023

The structural reinforcement of Bosphorus Bridge in Turkey was implemented from December 2013 to April 2019. This paper focuses on two highly remarkable work items. One is replacement of hangers and the other is reinforcement of main cable. Inspection and structural evaluation of existing inclined hangers were performed, and overstressed and corroded hangers were found. Bridge administrator decided to replace the inclined hanger system with the vertical hanger system. This was the first challenge to replace the inclined hanger system with vertical hanger system for a long span suspension bridge in the world. In conjunction with the hanger replacement, the existing wrapping wires were also replaced with new one. Then severe corrosions and broken wires of main cable were found near the tower. Therefore, additional strands were installed beside the main cable in order to compensate the loss of sectional area due to broken wires. There were lots of difficulties; however the above two works for Bosphorus Bridge were implemented successfully.
The Collapse of the Morandi’s Bridge: Remarks About Fatigue and Corrosion
Authors: Invernizzi S. , Montagnoli F. , Carpinteri A.
Published: February 2023

On August 14, 2018, a few spans of the cable-stayed viaduct crossing the Polcevera river (Genoa, Italy) collapsed, causing tens of fatalities along with considerable material damage and hundreds of people displaced. The viaduct, as well as many others belonging to the national road network, was built in the second half of the last Century and has been in service for over fifty years. The bridge has experienced a dramatic increase in the heavy lorries traffic, together with degradation that developed much faster than expected due to the aggressive environment. In the present paper, a possible scenario is proposed to put into evidence how the combined effect of fatigue at very-high number of cycles and corrosion could have been responsible for the sudden failure of one of the strands and the subsequent collapse of the so-called balanced system conceived by the designer Morandi. Our purpose is to warn the scientific community and the public administrations about the combined effects of low amplitude cycle fatigue and corrosion, which can be dangerously underestimated in the safety assessment of last Century bridges asset.
Experimental Investigation and FEM Analysis of a Composite Steel-concrete Bridge Superstructure with Partially Encased Steel Profiles
Authors: Jiponov A. , Georgiev L.
Published: February 2023

Application of composite steel and concrete bridge superstructures and particularly such with fully or partially encased steel girders in Republic of Bulgaria is discussed in the paper. It was chosen a particular bridge near Sofia with partially encased steel profiles built in 1994. It was elaborated a Finite Element Method (FEM) model, based on As Built drawings and side inspection of the current bridge. Project for field tests of the bridge was developed. Static and dynamic tests were performed by means of heavy truck vehicles. Results from the tests and the FEM models were compared and the models were calibrated. In conclusion the effectiveness of the bridge and load bearing capacity in accordance with present design standards are evaluated.
Corrosion Protection of Steel Bridges with Thermal Spray Zinc Duplex Coatings – 50 Years Experiences
Authors: Knudsen O. , van Leeuwen M. , Gagné M. , Matre H.
Published: February 2023

Since 1969 the specification for corrosion protection of steel bridges in coastal areas of Norway has been to apply a thermal spray zinc (TSZ) duplex coating, and from 1977 this practice also applies for inland bridges. The duplex coating consists of TSZ with a protective paint coating on top. The corrosion protection experiences with these coatings are very good in all environments from C2 to C5. The majority of the bridges with duplex coatings have never had any coating maintenance, although the oldest ones now have a 50 years lifetime. The duplex coating has degraded to varying extent on most of the bridges, though, as must be expected. A statistical analysis of duplex coating performance, as function of exposure environment and age is presented in this paper.
Resistance Models for Semi-Probabilistic Assessment of Historic Steel Bridges
Authors: Lenner R. , Ryjacek P. , Sýkora M.
Published: February 2023

The mechanical properties of historic metal materials exhibit a considerable scatter dependent on periods of construction and the region of a producer. Assessments of historic metal bridges then need to be based on measurements and tests. The use of non- or minor-destructive tests (NDTs) is often preferred over to destructive tests (DTs) to reduce the cost of structural survey. This contribution explores the measurement errors associated with common NDT hardness techniques and quantifies uncertainties in design (assessment) values of resistance. When deriving the partial factor, the uncertainty in geometry and model uncertainty is considered along with the variability of a material property and measurement error. Numerical studies reveal the effects of measurement error and model uncertainty (bending, buckling) on assessment values of resistance. A unity mean and coefficient of variation of 12% might be adopted for the measurement uncertainty of the hardness methods under study as a first approximation. On average, the true assessment resistance is by ~15% larger than that based on a NDT survey. Model uncertainty affects the partial factor for resistance of historic metal bridges.
Addressing All of Society’s Needs in the Selection and Use of Key Bridge Components
Authors: Meng N. , Mook G. , Fanselow M.
Published: February 2023

Key bridge components – taken here to include bearings, expansion joints, dampers, shock transmission units, seismic isolators and structural health monitoring (SHM) systems, in particular – play a key role in addressing one of society’s greatest needs: facilitating transportation where obstacles exist, by enabling bridges to function safely and efficiently. But society has further needs that must not be neglected in the selection and use of such components – most significantly in relation to their maintenance throughout their service lives and their replacement when this becomes necessary (from traffic disruption and environmental perspectives in particular), but also with respect to issues such as noise and comfort. This topic, and a number of examples indicating the wide range of possible solutions to the challenges presented, are discussed.
Monitoring-based Reliability Assessment of a Steel Arch Bridge
Authors: Onysyk H.
Published: February 2023

The paper presents the author’s approach to reliability assessment of a structure based on the use of measurement data derived from the structural health monitoring system. The scope of the applied methodology embraces two main parts: the measurement part and the analytical-computational part. The measurement part includes collecting data derived from the monitoring system and creating a database which is the starting point for the next stages. The main area of the work involves probabilistic modeling of the static effects, resulting from the live loads and thermal actions, on the structure, based on the strain measurements. The reliability analyses of the structure conducted for the selected components of the bridge were preceded by defining the limit conditions. The results obtained from the reliability analysis are presented and discussed in the paper.
Rehabilitation of the Existing 4 Span Continuous Girder Bridge Using Prestressing Technique
Authors: Pejovic R. , Pejovic J. , Serdar N.
Published: February 2023

In this paper, the rehabilitation and structural upgrading of the existing bridge over the Lim River in Montenegro is presented. The bridge is a reinforced concrete (RC) continuous girder bridge with four spans

24.6 m + 27.6 m + 27.6 m + 24.6 m and total length 104.4 m. Due to extreme flooding, erosion of river waters occurred at the first river column causing 640 mm of its uniform settlement. Serious damage occurred at the superstructure of the bridge. The structural upgrading of the superstructure is done using the prestressing technique. The arrangement of cables was selected, which favourably affects the load-bearing capacity, balances the bridge system and ensures its adequate safety. The advantage with applied prestressing technique are: almost negligible change in weight; the stresses introduced into the elements are opposite to the exploitation stresses; decrease in crack width as well as crack width limitation and consequently increase in bridge durability. Results are reported in the paper.
Upgrading of Existing Bridges with CFRP Prestressing System – Recent Polish Experience
Authors: Piątek B. , Siwowska P. , Siwowski T.
Published: February 2023

The paper presents a recent Polish experience of applications of strengthening bridges using prestressed CFRP strips. Within the framework of the domestic R&D project the new CFRP prestressing system has been developed at the RUT in cooperation with the Tines Composites, Poland. The system relies on patented steel anchors (CFRP plate end is simultaneously bonded and bolted inside special steel pockets) that are attached to the substructure with high-strength bolts or anchors, following prestressing the strip with a relevant tensioning device. In the scope of the R&D study the actual RC and steel bridges proof tests before and after the strengthening were also carried out. The results of the bridge testing proved the strengthening efficiency. Moreover, the paper presents another case studies revealed the effectiveness of the new prestressing system, which seems to be reliable and easy to use for bridge applications.
A A Comparison between Laser Scanning, Photogrammetry and Infrared Scanning to Create 3D Digital Models of Existing Concrete Bridges
Authors: Popescu C. , Täljsten B. , Blanksvärd T. , Elfgren L.
Published: February 2023

Routine bridge inspections usually consist of visual observations. These inspections are time-consuming and subjective. There is a need to identify new inspection techniques for infrastructure that reduce traffic disturbance, and improve the efficiency and reliability of the acquired data. This study compared the performance of three different imaging technologies for the three-dimensional (3D) geometric modelling of existing structures: terrestrial laser scanning, close-range photogrammetry, and infrared scanning. Each technology was used to assess six existing concrete railway bridges. The technologies were compared in terms of geometric deviations, visualization capabilities, the level of the inspector’s experience, and degree of automation. The results suggest that all methods investigated can be used to create 3D models, however, with different level of completeness.
Degradation of the Long-Term Operated Metallic Bridge Materials and Its Rehabilitation Using Composite Structures
Authors: Rabiega J. , Lesiuk G. , Wiśniewski W.
Published: February 2023

The paper presents issue devoted to the mechanical properties of the old metallic materials extracted from 19th- century bridge structures located in the Lower Silesian region in Poland. Particular attention was paid to the problems of material mechanisms and microstructural degradation of puddle iron extracted from 19th-century bridges located in Poland. Also, an important issue considered in this paper is the application of the composite materials in civil engineering as supporting materials in rehabilitation of the long-term operated metallic structures. The main advantages of the composite materials are high resistance to corrosion and much better the strength/weight ratio. In the bridge engineering, more and more often a tendency is observed for applying those materials as structural components of bridge decks. In the work an example of practical use of the composite components as surface of deck for servicing a conveyor in the suspended technology bridge over the Odra river. The direct cause for exchange of the surface layer at the deck of the technology bridge was the state of the primary structure made of riffled sheets covered with the cast asphalt layer. The advanced degradation processes in grating components of the hanging bridge span forced their repair works and complete exchange of the deck surface to the Fiberline components of the sidewalk grating type and under the conveyor of the Plank type. Two types of material structure i.e. the „grating” type structure and the „Plank” type panels were subjected to strength tests. Mechanical properties of both material groups were compared and the basic strength parameters determined. The strength tests have confirmed validity of applying those structures as structural components in bridge engineering.