bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innovative Construction Methods of Osmangazi Bridge
Authors: Zeybek Fatih
Published: February 2021

Construction period of Osmangazi Bridge was around 39 months and a short period for a large multi span bridge in a marine environment.

The Osmangazi Bridge is situated in a very active seismic area where in 1999 the 7.6 Kocaeli earthquake occurred on the North Anatolian Fault in 1999. Therefore, the bridge is designed to resist earthquakes. The North Anatolian fault is approximately 1600 km long major right-lateral strike slip fault forming the tectonic boundary between the Eurasian Plate and Anatolian Block of the African plate.

Bridge Owner required aesthetic, seismic resistant, durable, economic, maintained bridge and fast track opening to traffic.

This paper summarizes the innovative construction technics used during construction of the Osmangazi Bridge that is fourth longest suspension bridge in the World with a main span of 1550 meters.
In-Plane Seismic Performance of Plain and TRM-Strengthened Rammed Earth Components
Authors: Allahvirdizadeh Reza , Oliveira Daniel V. , Silva Rui A.
Published: February 2021

Raw earth is one of the most widely used building materials and is employed in different techniques, among which adobe and rammed earth are the most common. The respective structural systems, like in masonry buildings, acceptably withstand against gravity loads, though they are significantly vulnerable to earthquakes. Moreover, a great percentage of the World’s population is still inhabited in such environments, which are endangered by future earthquakes. The current article investigates the seismic in-plane performance of an I-shaped rammed earth component by means of advanced nonlinear finite element modelling. In this regard, conventional pushover analyses were conducted to evaluate load/displacement capacities and to assess probable failure modes. It was observed that the component fails mainly due to detachment of the wing walls from the web wall and due to occurrence of diagonal shear cracks at the web. Subsequently, the application of Textile Reinforced Mortar (TRM) strengthening solution to the component was studied and shown to be able to maintain the integrity of the component for larger lateral load levels. Finally, the reliability of the pushover analyses to predict the seismic response was evaluated by comparison with outcomes from incremental nonlinear dynamic analysis.
Key aspects of digital image correlation in impact tests of reinforced concrete beams
Authors: Johansson Morgan , Rempling Rasmus , de Ulzurrun Gonzalo S. D. , Zanuy Carlos
Published: February 2021

This paper studies 2-D high speed photography combined with digital image correlation (DIC) applied to experimental research of reinforced concrete beams at moderate loading rates. The aim of the present research is to understand the influence of 2-D DIC set-up parameters in the results. Drop-weight tests have been completed in 1180 × 100 × 100 mm longitudinally reinforced concrete beams. The study has confirmed results sensitivity to image subdivision and mesh properties. While smaller subdivision sizes allow to obtain results nearby boundaries, being more suitable to study local effects, larger sizes enhance computational cost, increase mesh stability and accuracy. A discussion of key aspects of 2-D DIC for measuring different parameters (such as acceleration, displacements, strains and strain-rate) is presented along this paper.
Lateral Tests on a Two-Story CLT House
Authors: Branco Jorge M. , Matos Filipe T. , Lourenço Paulo B. , Demschner Thomas , Rocha Patrício
Published: February 2021

A two storey full-scale model of a CLT house, of 4.5 m x 9.1 m in-plane, with a height of 5.04 m, was tested under quasi-static monotonic (pushover). The main objectives were to investigate the 3-D system performance of a CLT structure subjected to lateral loads in terms of lateral strength and deformability capacity, global behaviour of the structure, frequency response of the structure, performance of connectors (mainly hold-downs and angle-brackets) and connections between CLT panels. Lateral loads have been applied on the storeys inducing torsion to the building. Loading procedure, number and disposition of connectors varied between tests.

With this campaign it is intended to obtain results on: i) load-deformation response of a 3-D CLT structure subjected to lateral loads; ii) global response of the structure, focusing on the performance of CLT slabs subjected to in-plane loads, performance of parallel and perpendicular walls, and response of the structure near openings; iii) failure mechanisms and on the performance of connections between CLT panels and connectors. The outcomes of the full-scale CLT house tests will be used for further analytical and numerical analyses to help implement the new generation of Eurocode 8.
Loko Oweto Bridges on the Benue River, Nigeria
Authors: Petri Micha B.
Published: February 2021

The Loko Oweto Bridges on the Benue River in Nigeria are designed and constructed in order to connect the north and south of the country with an upgraded road system and are currently under construction. The project includes two bridges, 1,835 meters long each, and two bridges of 220 meters. The water level of the river rises up to eight meters between seasons and both creative and unique solutions were required during the design and construction. The long bridges have 22 spans with a typical length of 85 meters.
Maintenance Management of Railway Bridges and Tunnels
Authors: Silva Ana Isabel
Published: February 2021

The Portuguese Railway Infrastructure Manager Company (IP) has a long tradition in inspection, maintenance and rehabilitation of railway bridges and tunnels in Portugal.

The origin of the construction of most of the Tunnels is associated to the date of execution of the railway lines, reason why the great majority of the tunnels existing in the network are centenarian structures. On the other hand, the majority of the bridges in exploration are more than 100 years old. These situations require permanent monitoring, as well as the development of preventive and corrective actions.

Only an adequate maintenance strategy has ensured normal service conditions in centenary structures, maintaining them at the expected capacity level and ensuring that rail traffic operates unrestrictedly and in expected comfort and speeds.

The existence of a well-founded Asset Management Plan is extremely important for the infrastructure management activity. The ability to develop an articulated set of actions and costs based on the actual needs of the assets, with the corresponding programming and expected performances with their realization, is fundamental for the infrastructure manager.

The main objective of this paper is to describe the maintenance strategy followed by IP, and to present some experience in rehabilitation and maintenance works.
Method for sustainable large-scale bridges survey
Authors: Pucci Alessandro , Sousa Hélder S. , Puppio Mario Lucio , Giresini Linda , Matos José C. , Sassu Mauro
Published: February 2021

In the last years, extreme rainfalls have caused many collapses of bridges. In Italy several of those were short span’s ones that failed during or after extreme events of this nature. This work presents a method for inspection survey and its results regarding a campaign on 71 bridges, located in Tuscany (Massa Carrara, Italy). This area was affected by a big flood that took place in 2014 and also two earlier ones in 2012 with only 15 days apart one from the other, leading to a huge disrupting situation for the population’s daily life and consequent economical loss. Concerning this issue, the local stakeholders showed an increasing interest for sustainable methods for monitoring the built environment, thus the results of this research have been made available for integration on the Civil Protection Emergency Plan (CLE) and can be used in a decision-making prioritization list of actions. The framework uses a Gis- based approach combined with a quick survey technique. This method balances costs of surveying with the accuracy needed in inspections, bypassing the classical procedure which requires several onsite surveys. This procedure uses only three transversal river sections for each bridge. The method also comprises a tailored survey inspection form and a user-friendly worksheet was designed to build the database, applicable for further studies. Results showed the absence of maintenance on existing structures and riverbeds, often resulting in a partially or fully bridge section obstruction, and material’s decay. The framework created in this work allowed to assess the conditions of several bridges in the studied region, to further analyse the resilience of the infrastructure system and proceed with adequate interventions.
Minimisation of maintenance-related disruption to bridge serviceability by the use of the right key structural components
Authors: Mendez-Galindo Carlos , Meng Niculin , O'Suilleabhain Colm
Published: February 2021

Maintenance of bridges, and of their key components, is a major cause of disruption to traffic, whether it be for the purposes of inspection, regular maintenance and repair, or – most significantly, in the case of key components such as expansion joints – during replacement works. Ways in which such disruption to traffic can be minimised are presented, including maximising the performance of key components through proper selection, installation and maintenance, and minimising disruption during replacement of components by the use of optimised designs and methods.
Modelling the Construction of Cable Stayed Bridges Stressed with the Strand by Strand Technique
Authors: Lozano-Galant Jose A. , Turmo José
Published: February 2021

The temporary supports erection method is the most common way of building cable-stayed bridges. In this technique the bridge deck is first built over a set of temporary and permanent supports. Then, during the tensioning process, the stays are successively placed and tensioned by the jacks and the deck is raised from the temporary supports. Several variants of this method are the launching of the bridge and the rotation method. This paper proposes an algorithm to calculate and to control the construction of such bridges when the strand by strand tensioning technique is used. It is based on the unstressed length of the stays concept. The use of such concept enables a fast and direct simulation of construction stages by analysing independent Finite Element Models. As there is no need of superposition of models it is a very convenient way for construction supervision.
Modelling the temperature effects at the interface between GFRP bar and concrete
Authors: Veljkovic Ana , Carvelli Valter , Solyom Sandor , L. Balázs György , Rezazadeh Mohammadali
Published: February 2021

GFRP (Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer) reinforcing bars find recently increasing application in RC (Reinforced Concrete) structures. In addition to the main advantages, such as non-corrosive nature and high strength-to-weight ratio, the main drawback is their endurance under high temperature. Mechanical properties of GFRP bars and their bond to concrete decrease significantly when exposed to elevated temperatures. Thus, thermal response represents one of the main safety concerns for GFRP RC structures. This study focuses on the numerical modelling of the thermo-mechanical behaviour of GFRP bar and concrete bond. The temperature dependent bond law was calibrated using the experimental pull-out tests, and subsequently it was implemented in the finite element simulations. The validation of the methodology is obtained by comparison of corresponding experimental and numerical results.
Multi-fidelity modelling for structural identification
Authors: Pai Sai G. S. , Smith Ian F. C.
Published: February 2021

Asset-management decision-making is often improved by obtaining a better understanding structural behaviour through monitoring, which can then help avoid unnecessary repair, retrofit and replacement of existing infrastructure. Interpretation of monitoring data in the presence of biased and systematic uncertainties may require computationally time-consuming numerical models to approximate real structural behaviour. These models could be replaced by less time-consuming machine learning-based surrogate models. When and how this should be done is the subject of current research. In this paper, the use of surrogate models in a multi-fidelity framework for structural identification of a full-scale bridge is presented. The effects of varying degrees of fidelity are studied in a transparent manner within a structural-identification framework. The use of models with multiple fidelities helps obtain accurate model updating results in less time compared with using only one high-fidelity model class for simulations.
Multi-level Classification of Bridge Defects in Asset Management
Authors: Bień Jan , Gładysz-Bień Małgorzata
Published: February 2021

In the paper a proposal of the unified multi-level classification of bridge defects declining condition of bridges is presented as one of the most important elements of asset management. General scheme of bridge degradation process is described with classifications of basic mechanisms of bridge degradation as well as stimulators of degradation mechanisms. Criteria of defects classification are proposed taking into account effects of activities of bridge degradation mechanisms. The proposed general conception of classification methodology of bridge defects is addressed to all types of bridge structures and all types of structural materials. Examples of hierarchical three-level classifications of defects are presented for concrete, steel and masonry bridge structures.
New Specific Approaches In Romania Regarding The Code For Historic Building Structures With Respect To Multiple Hazard And Fracturing Theories
Authors: Mironescu Mircea , Stanescu Adrian M. , Brotea Teodor , Comanescu Radu F. , Purdea Daniel D. , Stanescu Mircea V.
Published: February 2021

After a long period of gathering knowledge and debate, begun after the 4 March 1977 earthquake from Vrancea site, in 2004 appeared in Romania the MP 025/2004 methodology, which addresses historical buildings.

Between 2004 and present, following further increase in knowledge and expertise, another code proposal for this category of buildings was made, presently in debate, with respect to multiple hazards, in particular seismic hazard. The debate addresses, for the most part, the principles which govern evaluation and decisions regarding necessary interventions to historical buildings structures.

The new P100-8/2018 code proposal specifies such methods, particularly applied to unreinforced masonry buildings, starting from papers discussing fracturing theories, which have been developed in the recent decade, constitutive perfect plastic laws, stiffening, perfect plastic or softening, τ-σ intrinsic relations, finite element or strut-and-tie models, soil structure static or dynamic interaction.
Non-destructive testing in civil engineering:
Authors: Küttenbaum Stefan , Maack Stefan , Taffe Alexander , Braml Thomas
Published: February 2021

The reassessment of bridges is becoming increasingly important. The basic requirement for analyses of structural safety is reliable knowledge about individual structures. This paper introduces the new approach to evaluate the quality of measured data gained from non-destructive testing (NDT) to provide reliable, objective, and relevant information about existing bridges. The purpose is to relate this validated knowledge to probabilistic analyses. Bridging the gap between NDT and numerical reassessments indicates reduced numerical uncertainties and residual service time extensions. This paper deals with an application of this approach using measurement data collected by ultrasonic technique at a prestressed concrete bridge.
Numerical analysis of techniques to extract bridge dynamic features from short records of acceleration
Authors: González Arturo , Feng Kun , Casero Miguel
Published: February 2021

The use of drones in structural health monitoring to charge sensors mounted on a bridge and download their data has gained an increasing interest over recent years. In contrast to traditional approaches relying on long records to assess the condition of a structure, the scenario envisioned here may only have access to short amounts of data. The treatment of undesired edge effects, which become more significant as the signal duration decreases, is a key aspect in the analysis of short data bursts. Hence, this paper tests the suitability of the synchrosqueezed wavelet transform to extract the frequency from the acceleration response of a simply supported beam with a very good road profile due to the crossing of a quarter-car model. Relatively short signals of 1 s in forced vibration and 1 s in free vibration are considered without and with noise. The focus is placed upon the effectiveness of several padding techniques in mitigating edge effects.
Optimum Design of Long-Span Cable-Supported Bridges Using Robustness Index
Authors: Shoghijavan Mohammad , Starossek Uwe
Published: February 2021

The target of this study is to use a practical method for the optimization of cable distance in cable– supported bridges using the robustness index. The proposed optimization method minimizes the cost of the bridge construction and guarantees a certain level of robustness. The reserve-based robustness index, applied in this study, considers the redistribution of forces after the failure of structural elements. For finding the optimum distance of cables, a simplified bridge model is considered. Cable-loss scenarios are considered in the design process and the dynamic effect of cable rupture is taken into account. Then, the critical design load of the cables and the maximum bending moment acting on the girder after the cable failure are calculated and incorporated into the bridge design. The effect of other influential factors, such as the bending stiffness of the girder and the axial stiffness of the cables, on the optimum design of the system is also investigated.
Overview of AASHTO Design Specifications for GFRP-RC Bridges 2nd Edition: Toledo Bridge as Case Study.
Authors: Rossini Marco , Nanni Antonio , Matta Fabio , Nolan Steven , Potter William , Hess Derek
Published: February 2021

Glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars are a viable corrosion-resistant reinforcement for concrete bridge structures. This technology is becoming increasingly attractive, especially in aggressive environments as coastal areas or cold-weathered regions where de-icing salts are used.

The development of a bridge-comprehensive national standard is crucial to foster the deployment of durable GFRP-RC structures. To respond to this demand, a task force of researchers and practitioners has developed a draft for the second edition of the AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications for GFRP-RC (AASHTO GFRP-2). The draft was submitted to AASHTO Subcommittee T6 and approved for publication by AASHTO Committee on Bridge and Structures in June 2018.

Compared to the first 2009 edition of the guidelines, changes were introduced to reflect the current state-of-the-art. The goals included making the provisions more rational, offsetting some over- conservativeness, and harmonizing the design philosophy with that of authoritative national and international guides and standards.

This paper illustrates the salient contents of the document, with a focus on flexural design. The GFRP-RC deck of the Anthony Wayne Trail Bridge over Norfolk Southern Railroad (OH) is presented as an example of a common application for GFRP bars in cold-weathered regions. The design with GFRP bars according to AASHTO GFRP-2 is compared to an equivalent design performed according to the first edition of the specifications. Furthermore, the design is compared to traditional and non- corrosive steel-RC alternatives. Economic considerations are included.
Overview on performance predictive models – Application to Bridge Management Systems
Authors: Santamaria Monica , Fernandes João , Campos e Matos José
Published: February 2021

Bridge management systems (BMSs) have been developed to assist the bridge asset engineers to determine the optimal cost-effective maintenance, rehabilitation, and replacement (MR&R) decisions for bridge networks. The accuracy of these decisions depends significantly on the performance predictive models used to forecast the future condition of infrastructures. The most common performance predictive models used in the BMSs are deterministic and stochastic models. Several limitations in these models have been mentioned by many authors, which leads to a concern about the reliability of these models to effectively define the maintenance strategies. This paper presents an overview of the main performance predictive models that have been applied for infrastructures and recommends the implementation of some of these models in the BMSs.
Performance indicators for cost-benefit analysis applied to investment projects
Authors: Salvado Filipa , Falcão Silva Maria João , Couto Paula , Baião Manuel
Published: February 2021

The decision to rehabilitate buildings in a sustainable way is complex, because the associated costs require different levels of assessment, given their relevance to all stakeholders in the decision- making, and are not always easily quantifiable. Following recent decisions of the European Union, it is urgent to carry on with studies to support for sustainable rehabilitation investment projects. In this context, the use of methodologies based on Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) contributes positively to support decisions. The CBA comprise methods to evaluate the net economic impact of an investment project, and can be used for a variety of interventions. The CBA is characterized by being an evaluation model that admits monetary unity as the main measure and has been predominantly used in the context of large public investments during the second half of the twentieth century.

The present paper aims to present the CBA concepts, its application to different investment projects, identifying the procedures and phases of the methodology, as well as the presentation of the main corresponding cost-benefit performance indicators. Its importance and potential will be highlighted for various stakeholders in the decision-making process, as well as examples of its application to the construction and / or rehabilitation of: i) architectural heritage; ii) school buildings; and iii) health infrastructures. Some final remarks of the study under development, to date, will be presented and discussed as well as future developments.
Performance-based assessment of Nahr Al-Fidar bridge
Authors: Makhoul Nisrine
Published: February 2021

Nahr Al-Fidar Bridge is in Fidar village, which is located near Byblos City, Lebanon. The bridge reconstruction was carried out swiftly during 2006-2007, due to its importance as a vital commercial artery. Indeed, no traffic disruption is allowed on the bridge, since it leads to great economic losses. At the time being, even though the bridge has only accomplished about 10 years of its service life, it is being overloaded.

The paper aims to assess the performance of Nahr Al-Fidar bridge. To that purpose, first, the case bridge is introduced, and a visual inspection took place to identify current the state of the bridge. Second, the performance indicators are evaluated for this bridge, by means of the visual assessment, and the key performance indicators are assessed. The aim is to check if the bridge meets the pre-specified performance goals. Finally, a quality control plan is implemented for Nahr Al-Fidar bridge.
Protection Coating of Metal Bridges
Authors: Fernandes Hugo S.
Published: February 2021

"Uncoated steel when in contact with the atmosphere, water and soil is subject to corrosion, which can cause damage. To avoid damage from corrosion, steel structures are usually coated to withstand corrosion stresses over the life of the structure. "- ISO 12944

This paper presents Anticorrosive coating in Metal Bridges including different surface preparations namely by abrasive blasting to grade Sa 2 ½ and very high-pressure water jetting to the grade Wa 2

½.

Depending on the type of surface preparation, different painting schemes and thicknesses used for the Anticorrosive Protection of Metal Structures will be presented.

D. Maria Pia Bridge in Porto and Eiffel Bridge, in Viana do Castelo will be used as case study for High- pressure water jetting works.

Regarding the surface preparation with abrasive jet blasting, several corrosion protection works will be presented in Metal Bridges.

There will be also, a discussion about delivering these works in the railway context.
Quality control index survey for railway bridge health monitoring
Authors: Lajevardi Sadegh , Campos e Matos José , Lourenço Paulo B.
Published: February 2021

Inspection and rehabilitation are the most important activities during any maintenance procedure. A maintenance project demands to manage resources with regard to data related to components’ condition, defined by a given index. In this manner, data sets obtained for each index, and for each case study, are used for finding the new quality control index with maximum value of data. In this approach, risk analysis is used for prioritization and reducing costs with increasing data value with focusing on important elements as well as maximizing value of information (VoI) in measurements and inspections. Risk analysis is the most common tool for data mining and intelligent judgment obtained from observations. Risk analysis results are usually calculated to find the weight for each data set index in terms of their scores, which are called factor scores and finding the new quality control indexed for each case.

Finally, the major and important index according to their weight and risk scores, is obtained and used for decision making in maintenance projects. An application is shown consisting of 29 Railway Bridges in suburban area with data obtained from periodic inspections. All of these bridges are constructed in reinforced concrete.

Finally, it is desirable to produce new check list with regard to important data and quality control indexes. The priority of each bridge in the railway network as well as the priority for each component in their structure could be obtained by the new quality control indexes. Resource planning usage for the network component could be determined by this approach after computation of the new quality control index. Resources planning consists of inspection intervals and their materials usage for maintenance activities.
Quantifying the Value of B-WIM: Assessing costs and benefits for Value of Information Analysis
Authors: Skokandić Dominik , Mandić Ivanković Ana , Žnidarič Aleš , Thöns Sebastian
Published: February 2021

Implementation of Bridge weigh-in-motion (B-WIM) measurements and probabilistic approaches in bridge assessment may reveal hidden bridge reserves and changes in reliability levels over their projected service life, providing a key input for optimized bridge management. But, as scientists and engineers and at the same time vendors of our own ideas, we need to be in position to present the results of our sophisticated methods and algorithms, expressed mostly in terms of safety or reliability indexes, probabilities of failures and similar indicators, with expected monetary savings which are decisive for an owner or an investor.

In previous research, as presented at the COST TU1402 special session in Nantes 2018, in order to define the optimal management bridge strategy, a decision tree encompassing three B-WIM strategies (no B-WIM, short term B-WIM, long term B-WIM), two possible activities (no action, bridge repair/strengthening) and two possible outcomes (bridge is safe, bridge may experience failure) have been formulated.

In this paper, a further development of the decision and Value of B-WIM Information analysis in the context of assessing road bridges are discussed.

The focus in the present paper is directed on a detailed assessment and modelling of costs, benefits and associated indicators related to the probability of bridge failure. Costs required for the Value of Information analysis encompass: (i) the initial cost of the new bridge CBV, (ii) direct costs of bridge repair/strengtheningCrep, (iii) indirect costs of bridge non-availability due to repair measuresCN/A, and costs of B-WIM measurements (iv)CB-WIM,1 and (v)CB-WIM 2, applying short- or long-term monitoring respectively.
Research on cable safety based on monitoring data and time- dependent reliability
Authors: Hou Ning , Sun Limin
Published: February 2021

Different from judging whether the proposed structure meets the requirements in the design stage, the evaluation of the existing structure has always been a difficult issue for structural engineers. Using the four-years monitoring data of a long span cable-stayed bridge in this paper, the probability distribution of the load effect is studied based on the reliability theory. The purpose of this paper is to provide a theoretical reference for the safety assessment, operation management and maintenance reinforcement decision of existing structures. The results show that the load effect obeys the normal distribution or the beta distribution. The reliability indexes of the cable are calculated separately in months and in years. It is noted that the reliability indexes varies with the different time period. This study also conducts a preliminary discussion on the remaining life of the cable based on the regression analysis of reliability index.
Retrofitted corrosion monitoring in cracked concrete of infrastructure buildings
Authors: Hiemer Florian , Keßler Sylvia , Gehlen Christoph
Published: February 2021

Infrastructural buildings are subject to a high risk of reinforcement corrosion resulting from de- icing salts. A lot of effort is put in the design of these buildings in order to minimize this risk and ensure the durability during their service life. However, the evaluation of the effectiveness of these measures as well as the resulting corrosion state is an essential but critical part in the assessment of the structural condition. Therefore a versatile corrosion monitoring system was developed, which can be retrofitted in structures which are subject to a certain corrosion risk. In a first case study this monitoring system was installed in two parking structures in southern Germany which were subject to cracks in the concrete cover, combined with a chloride exposure during winter periods. All basic electrochemical parameters of reinforcement corrosion could be measured allowing for an evaluation of the corrosion development before and after the coating measure. The principle of the monitoring system proved to be an effective tool and can be used in a wide range of structures (bridges, parking garages etc.).
Ribbed iron-based shape memory alloy bars for pre-stressed strengthening applications
Authors: Schranz Bernhard , Czaderski Christoph , Shahverdi Moslem , Michels Julien , Vogel Thomas , Motavalli Masoud
Published: February 2021

Iron-based shape memory alloys (Fe-SMA) are a cost-effective alternative to conventional strengthening materials. With their unique properties such as the shape-memory effect (SME), structures can be retrofitted regarding the serviceability state as well as ultimate load capacity. The term SME refers to the ability of the material to return to its original shape upon heating, after having been deformed at ambient temperature. The heating and cooling process are generally referred to as “activation” of the alloy. If the material is restrained at activation, the material is subjected to tensile stresses. This phenomenon can be used for structural pre-stressing. The Fe- SMA material can be produced in form of standard-geometry reinforcement bars, to be used for flexural as well as shear-strengthening of concrete members. As a base for novel strengthening methods, this study aims at investigating the thermo-mechanical behaviour of Fe-SMA bars under realistic conditions. It comprises loading the material after activation (pre-stressed), exposure to multi-cyclic loading and observation of relaxation behaviour of pre-stressed Fe-SMA bars. Experiments were performed with diameter 16 and 12 mm bars. The results show a highly non- linear stress-strain behaviour, unlike conventional pre-stressing materials. The experiments with activated samples show that the stress-strain curve of Fe-SMA bars loaded after activation will approach and then follow the curve of non-activated tensile tests approximately in the point of the initial deformation. Furthermore, analytical material models are developed which show good correspondence with experimental data and serve as a base for further studies and structural design.
Risk Identification and Remedials for Concrete Bridges and Buildings
Authors: Wood Jonathan G. M.
Published: February 2021

Forensics engineering is generally focussed on analysing the aftermath of failures. It enables the diverse interacting factors which combine to initiate a collapse to be determined from the debris. Forensic engineering skills also need to be applied to identifying signs of increasing risks of failure in ageing infrastructure to prevent collapse by timely strengthening or replacement. Failures of concrete structures are increasing as deterioration reduces strength and embrittles critical parts. Often deficiencies arise from a combination of design errors and ambiguities in old standards when applied to innovations of type or scale, creating vulnerable details. Poor quality construction, including misplaced reinforcement and inadequate consideration of tolerances and variability in design, often become apparent after failure. But in routine inspection they are hidden by the opaqueness of concrete.
Roadway Deck of a Marine Terminal Facility in Egypt
Authors: Oliveira Pedro José J. , Dâmaso José , Durmen Loïc Van , Vander Meulen Hubert
Published: February 2021

This paper presents the Ain Sukhna Product Hub, a marine terminal facility recently finished in the Red Sea, Egypt, including the design and construction of a 3 km long offshore roadway. Formed by 83 simply supported spans, the roadway structures are elements that can greatly impact on the construction planning. An overview of the fast track nature of design, procurement and construction of this significant offshore structure are presented, describing the main design works and construction methods and highlighting the importance of the coordination with construction team and reality of the specific conditions in the project’s country.
Robustness: a practitioner's perspective
Authors: Tanner Peter , Hingorani Ramón
Published: February 2021

In spite of their importance for structural performance, robustness considerations are not substantiated in detail in current codes and standards. Going out from this unsatisfactory situation, a practical approach for a risk-based design of robust structures is suggested in the present contribution. The proposal, which may also be adapted for the assessment of existing structures, generally envisages continuous, ductile structural systems due to their inherent advantages for persistent and identified accidental design situations, such as moment redistribution capacity and energy dissipation. In order to avoid progressive collapse given the occurrence of local failure due to unidentified accidental actions, either alternative load paths or predefined collapse mechanisms should be built into such systems. A procedure is proposed to achieve coincidence between assumed and real mechanisms in case of key member failure. For the design or assessment of such key members, risk-based target reliability indices are provided considering both, persistent and accidental situations.
Seismic Vulnerability Assessment of Multi Span Reinforced Concrete Bridges in Republic of Macedonia
Authors: Vitanova Marija , Hristovski Viktor , Jovanovska Elena Dumova
Published: February 2021

Being located in the central part of the Balkans, Republic of Macedonia has an economically strategic position for the region. Conditions of bridges are therefore significant in assessment of the entire seismic risk for the regional transportation network. This paper deals with vulnerability of road bridges typical for the Republic of Macedonia by use of an expanded multiple stripe analysis method approach. Typical bridges were selected based on an inventory study, which included statistical analyses of in situ collected data on all vital structures along the main roads and highways in the territory of the Republic of Macedonia. The results from the performed statistical analysis showed that most of these bridges represented reinforced concrete bridges with main girders. To define the vulnerability of these bridges, representative examples of variable geometrical characteristics were selected. Their values were adopted in combination with the values obtained from the statistical analysis. Vulnerability curves were obtained analytically by nonlinear dynamic analyses and use of different sets of ground motions scaled to different intensity levels. PGA was used as a measure of intensity. Based on nonlinear behaviour of the bridges and development of displacements in the bearings, four damage levels were defined. The soil-structure interaction was also taken into account in the analysis of the representative bridges. The seismic response of the typical reinforced concrete girder bridges was at an acceptable level.
Structural analysis of a stone arch bridge under incremental railway static loading
Authors: Silva Ruben , Costa Cristina , Arêde António , Calçada Rui , Oliveira Daniel V.
Published: February 2021

This paper reports on the modelling strategies used to represent the structural behaviour of a masonry single-arch railway bridge. The bridge structural behaviour is simulated by a 3D finite element model, in which the different bridge components are represented by homogeneous materials. The material nonlinear behaviour is simulated using a Drucker-Prager model. The assigned material properties are based on material testing, performed in similar stone masonry structures. The load-carrying capacity is evaluated using a 3D Ansys model and with a RING model of the bridge under incremental static loading representing normal railway traffic with appropriate configurations on the bridge deck, and the results compared.
Structural performance of the church of São Miguel de Refojos
Authors: Ramírez Rafael , Mendes Nuno , Lourenço Paulo B.
Published: February 2021

This paper addresses the study of the structural stability of the church of São Miguel de Refojos, in Cabeceiras de Basto (Portugal). The building presents low to moderate structural damage, as well as other non-structural problems mainly related to the high presence of water. The work is divided into three main tasks, namely inspection and diagnosis of the building, preparation and calibration of a numerical model, and finally, structural analysis. The structure nonlinear behavior is evaluated and pushover analyses are used to assess the seismic performance. In addition, the stability of the church for horizontal actions is verified by means of limit analysis. The results are evaluated in terms of capacity curves, deformation, structural damage patterns and collapse mechanisms. The present study allowed to obtain detailed and reliable knowledge of the conservation state and structural safety of the historical church.
Sustainability assessment of maintenance based on concrete – a systematic review
Authors: Vogel Maria , Guenther Edeltraud
Published: February 2021

This article explores and synthesizes relevant methods, issues, and findings of sustainability assessments applied to the maintenance and repair methods using concrete and cement-based materials. Our research questions are, firstly, which pillars of sustainability are addressed and which indicators are currently applied, and secondly, what possibilities exist to create an overall result for the assessment. We use a systematic literature review to summarize the knowledge and stimulate discussion on further methodological development in this field. Our review shows that sustainability assessment is applied with different levels of detail, quality, and methodological choices. Among environmental impacts, global warming is most frequently mentioned. Economic impacts are dominated by external costs that are often linked to social impacts. In general, the most critical issue is the long-term orientation of the planning of structures and measures.
Testing of key bridge components to ensure good life-cycle performance
Authors: Mendez-Galindo Carlos , Meng Niculin , O'Suilleabhain Colm
Published: February 2021

The proper long-term performance of key bridge components such as bearings, expansion joints, dampers and seismic isolators is an important factor in the life-cycle quality control of new and existing bridge infrastructure. Laboratory testing of these components in accordance with national and international standards can very helpful in ensuring good performance, but the testing that can find application is very varied, as demonstrated with reference to sample completed testing procedures – illustrating the benefit of consulting with an experienced practitioner as required.
The Development of Multi-Asset Performance Indicators for the Management of the Portuguese Road and Rail Networks
Authors: Morgado João , Amado Joao , Carlos Nuno , Pinheiro Maria
Published: February 2021

In the context of Asset Management, measuring the performance of each asset or the performance of a specific group of assets plays a vital role in all asset-intensive organisations, depending on large amounts of physical equipment or assets. This paper describes the development of multi-asset performance indicators made by Infraestruturas de Portugal, S.A. (IP), a process started in 2015. IP is currently the organisation managing the most valuable stock of assets in Portugal, comprising more than 15.000 km of roads, 2.600 km of railways, more than 7.500 bridges as well as other sub- systems. Managing in an integrated way such diverse asset types became a significant challenge, raising the need to develop performance indicators so that the organisation could track and report the performance of its assets on a common basis, including both road and rail networks.
The diagnostic techniques for the assessment of the historical steel bridges
Authors: Ryjáček Pavel
Published: February 2021

The paper describes some of the results and experiences of the detailed diagnostics of steel railway bridges that were carried out in the second half of year 2017. They included detailed inspections and diagnostics of 20 supporting structures an in total of 9 bridges. The scope of the surveys was to provide the necessary knowledge for the subsequent assessment of the load carrying capacity of load-bearing structures. The second part is focused on the diagnostics of the fatigue crack and internal inhomogeneities in old steel materials with suitable methods.
The evolution of the profile of bank branches infrastructure in four districts of the city of São Paulo
Authors: Oneto Mariana A. , Scabbia André Luiz G.
Published: February 2021

The way that people interact with banks has been changing all over the world in the past 20 years and these habits affect directly the purpose of the buildings designed to be the interface between the financial institutions and their customers.

The purpose of this paper is to identify, understand and analyse the evolution of this infrastructure regarding quantity and size of these branches in four neighbourhoods of the largest metropolis in Brazil, São Paulo.

This study also allows an analysis considering maintenance costs per square meter. The cost is applied in the total area of bank infrastructure per district to compare the variation of operational cost per year of the studied period.
The future of BIM and Bridge Management Systems
Authors: Isailović Dušan , Petronijević Marija , Hajdin Rade
Published: February 2021

It is foreseeable that in not so distant future, Building Information Models (BIM) of both newly built and existing bridges will be available. These models can and will be included into the Bridge Management System (BMS) and will significantly enhance the quantity of useful information in future BMS. Apart from exact semantic and spatial specification, BIM can embed realistic structural system of a bridge as well as the relevant load situations. The evaluation of the reliability or safety/serviceability would be therefore possible quasi, on-the-fly within the future BMS, provided that the observations and results from SHM can be adequately integrated in BIM. In principle, the inspection results can be directly captured in the BIM using photogrammetry or some other procedure. Cracks, spalling, deformation, and other defects will be a part of a BIM, which in the most cases alter the BIM geometry.

The data stored in future BMS include also other changes that a bridge experience during its life span. This includes strengthening, widening, seismic retrofit and other structural changes. In short fBMS is similar to the 6D BIM or Asset Information Model, which continues to be updated during the whole service life of a bridge.

The paper discusses the BIM requirements of owner and operators and shows where these deviate from design and construction needs. It presents conceptual framework for integration of BIM in BMS developed by the authors in recent years.
The RISCONA system: constructability appraisal through the identification and assessment of technical project risks sources
Authors: Kifokeris Dimosthenis , Xenidis Yiannis
Published: February 2021

In construction management, constructability and risk analysis have never been methodologically and computationally integrated, leading to non-optimal construction knowledge implementation, stakeholders’ cooperation, choice of construction method, and risk-driven perception of key managerial concepts. In this paper, a methodology unifying constructability and risk analysis is delineated, where: (1) risk sources are derived with unsupervised machine learning, (2) actual projects’ data are collected and suitably correlated with the derived risk sources, and (3) the appraisal of constructability through the data-correlated risk sources is modelled with supervised machine learning. As the culmination of this modelling, the prototype software application RISCONA (RIsk Source-based CONstructability Appraisal) is presented, as a tool that can help construction managers in their decision-making regarding constructability and risk analysis.
Toolkit for resilience assessment of critical infrastructures to earthquake induced soil liquefaction disasters
Authors: Morga Mariantonietta , Jones Keith
Published: February 2021

The critical infrastructure resilience depends on several factors that go beyond the physical reliability and capacity to repair the system after a disruption. The overall critical infrastructure resilience includes aspects related to the social and economic backbone governing its capacity to deliver its service. This contribution presents a theoretical toolkit to calculate the overall resilience of critical infrastructures developed within the European project LIQUEFACT for earthquake- induced soil liquefaction disasters. The toolkit combine several aspects organized in three dimensions: organizational and management, the physical or technical system and operational capacity to deliver the service. The toolkit clearly defines also resilience aspects, such as preparedness, absorption, recovery and adaptation. For each dimension and aspect of the resilience several indicators are developed. A critical and technical explanation of each indicator is here proposed, as well a systematic methodology to combine them in the resilience toolkit. The novelty of this study is the systematic analysis of dimensions, aspects and indicators that made the proposed resilience toolkit original. The study is concluded with analyses of feasibility of the toolkit to natural disasters and applicability to localized disasters, such as earthquake-induced soil liquefaction events. Finally, the key factors of toolkit influencing a built asset model of critical infrastructures are identified.