bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smart Structures and Materials
Authors: Mysore Srirama Prasad Rakesh
Published: February 2021

Piezoelectric crystals are smart materials used in the structures for better performance under vibrations. These crystals act as a vibration damper, which depends upon location, size of crystal and value of shunt resistors. The presented work was carried out to measure the effectiveness of the crystal in reducing the response of the structure. A steel frame was used with three above mentioned parameters. Three (0.5mm. 1.0mm, 1.5mm) thicknesses, four values of shunt resistors (2.2, 10, 33 and 67 ohms) and three locations on the model (Top, Middle, and Bottom). At first, free vibration tests were carried out with these parameters and with no piezoelectric crystals. From this test, it was found that, damping increased from 0.387% (No piezoelectric crystal case) to 4.4% with 1.5mm thickness, 2.2 ohms and bottom position. Further, keeping the 2.2 ohms as constant parameter, 50% Kobe Earthquake excitation was given with other two parameters varying (Total 10 cases). It was found that the peak response reduced from 1.05 g (No piezoelectric case) to 0.83 g (1.5mm thick crystal at bottom). Also, reduction in Arias Intensity was observed. The experimental studies confirmed that the piezoelectric crystals are very effective in reducing the response of the structure with increasing the damping.
Design and Construction of Triple-Span Precast Concrete Open Spandrel Arch Bridge
Authors: Ong Chong Yong , Choong Kok Keong , Ong Tai Boon , Chia Kenny , Kan Wong Fook
Published: February 2021

Design and construction of a triple-span precast concrete open spandrel arch bridge over a river for an integrated commercial and residential development project is presented. Due to the bridge skew angle and necessity for the newly constructed bridge to serve as one of the landmark along the river for this project, a triple-span precast arch bridge with open-spandrel concept was designed with special consideration to aspect of speedy construction. Precast construction technique was adopted with three main precast concrete components, namely open-spandrel supporting arch frame, tie beam and plank for composite slab. Arch span of 19m with rise of 4.25m, and arch span of 25.0m with rise of 5.0m were designed respectively for two side spans and middle span of the bridge. The main supporting arch component was made of two units of half arches joined at the crown with a specially designed joint. Besides the traffic loading, the design of these supporting arches was carried out taking into account aspect of transportation of the precast unit to site and also aspect of ease of erection at site. After the two supporting arch units and tie-beams were launched using cranes, special joint at the crown was cast to form a rigid arch frame. The construction process of the precast arch bridge with minimal number of joints connecting specially designed precast units meet the construction time frame and budget set by the client.
Corrosion-resistant Reinforced Concrete Columns
Authors: Sheikh Shamim Ahmed , Kharal Zahra
Published: February 2021

To address this issue of corrosion of steel in reinforced concrete, large scale columns reinforced with glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars were tested under simulated earthquake loads. In addition to the moment - curvature and shear - deflection responses, ductility factors, and work and energy dissipation parameters were used to evaluate column performance. Twenty-five columns with circular and square sections can be compared to investigate variables such as axial load level, amount and type of reinforcement, i.e. GFRP vs steel. GFRP-reinforced columns were found to behave with stable post-peak response and achieved high levels of deformability and energy dissipation. The optimum solution with respect to column strength, stiffness, ductility and energy dissipation, and corrosion resistance appears to be a hybrid column with steel longitudinal bars and GFRP transverse reinforcement.
Study on the corrosion experiment of concrete under different stress conditions
Authors: Shen Gang , Li Hui , Wu Xun
Published: February 2021

For long-span cross-sea bridges, both the tower and pier are compression members which are under severely corrosive environment and running inevitably with stress, but studies about concrete compression member of durability under coupling of load and environment is still rare. In this paper, the concrete members are designed according to corresponding scale ratio. The influence of sustaining stress and design corrosion degree to concrete durability are considered. The experiment results show that the failure mode of corrosion concrete components is generally brittle failure. As design corrosion degree increases, the amount and width of cracks, corrosion degree of steel rebar grows, while stiffness and ultimate bearing capacity of component decreases. With sustaining stress growing, the number and width of cracks, corrosion degree of steel rebar declines, and stiffness and ultimate bearing capacity rises.
Fatigue Performance of Pre-Corroded Bridge Wires
Authors: Jiang Chao , Wu Chong , Jiang Xu
Published: February 2021

Corroded high-strength bridge wires on three corrosion levels were produced from the accelerated corrosion experiment. The uniform corrosion depth was calculated and the zinc coating was totally consumed for all the specimens. Three-dimensional (3D) profile measurements of the wires without destruction were conducted after the corrosion products were removed by the chemical cleaning. Based on the 3D coordinates of the points on the surface, it was found that the pitting depth followed the normal distribution. The corrosion depth contours and the maximum pitting depth of each specimen were also obtained from the data.

Fatigue tests were conducted to investigate the fatigue properties of the corroded wire specimens and significant decrease in fatigue life of corroded wires was observed. A modified fatigue crack growth model considering the fatigue threshold was used for fatigue life prediction of the wire specimens. The material constants used in the model were fitted according to the most relevant tests. The results showed that fatigue lives predicted by the model were compared well against the experimental results as the largest error of the life predictions is within 36% of the experimental lives. The life prediction method based on the model and 3D profile is a valuable tool for assessing remaining fatigue life of corroded bridge wires without destruction and expensive fatigue tests.
Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Panels by Impact of Hard Projectile
Authors: Kim Chunghyeon , Cho Jae-Yeol
Published: February 2021

As the scale of infrastructures enlarges, the level of damages for human life and property due to the failure of structures keeps increasing, especially for nuclear power plants. Very severe damages can occur due to internal failures of plants by local effect of penetration, perforation, and scabbing developed by impact of projectiles at high velocity. Therefore, in order to prevent this severe potential hazards, accurate prediction of damage level by local effects is very important. For this accurate prediction, Impact experiment for structures is needed to evaluate accurately the behavior of structures by impact. In this research, impact experiments of hard projectile for reinforced concrete(RC) panels scaled from containment wall of nuclear power plant were performed. The results of impact experiment are discussed to evaluate impact behavior.
Air-coupled Nonlinear Ultrasonic Test for Reinforced Concrete Beams
Authors: Ongpeng Jason Maximino C. , Guevarra Kenneth , Hirose Sohichi
Published: February 2021

Air-coupled ultrasonic test is a non-destructive test method for investigating damage in material. In this paper, reinforced concrete beams with one 8-mm diameter rounded bar were casted and tested under four-point bending test with water-cement ratio of 40% and 60%. The transducers were placed and focused on the horizontal surface with induced 3mm notch at the midpoint where maximum tension occurred and crack formation was located. Frequency domain waveform was used specifically to analyze second harmonic generation (SHG). There were two metrics used under the SHG, these were: second harmonic amplitude (SHA) and second harmonic ratio (SHR). The SHR proved to be consistent for both water-cement ratio and it behaved increasing as damage in tension increases.
Structural Planning for Tall Damped Building with Irregularly-Shaped Plan and Elevation
Authors: Kushima Soichiro , Morishita Taisei , Yamashita Yasuhiko , Okuno Yuuichirou , Nakahira Kazuto
Published: February 2021

This paper introduces two distinctive means for use of a 189-meter-high damped structure ensuring the safety against earthquake.

Realization of L-shaped elevational structure planning

The bottom and top of the tower have belt trusses and hat trusses respectively to restrain the bending deformation. Furthermore, large-capacity oil dampers (damping force 6,000kN) are installed in the middle part of the tower to restrain the higher-mode deformation.

Realization of L-shaped planar structure planning

We devised the means of matching the centers of gravity and rigidity by adjusting planar rigidity. Moreover, viscous damping devices are located at the edges of the L-shaped plan, where torsional deformation tends to be amplified. We call this system “Damping Tail” system.
3D Non-Linear Model Describing the Behaviour of Peripheral High Capacity Saw-Tooth Connectors Subjected to Compressive Load
Authors: Al-Kroom Hussein Faisal , Schmid Volker , Reimer Andreas
Published: February 2021

This contribution aims to demonstrate the behavior of a high capacity saw-tooth connectors fixed at the edges of a slender reinforced concrete slab. The connectors are subjected to compressive load and mainly designed to transfer shear forces into the slab either from steel truss or cable, as in truss bridge or cable stayed bridge. A 3D finite element model is carried out in ANSYS Workbench environment to simulate the specimen. The description of non-linear material behavior is implemented by using an elastoplastic model. The material model is defined by adopting Menetrey-Willam failure criterion and non-associated flow rule. Hardening / softening law is obtained by using power hardening function and fracture based function. The model shows a good agreement with the experimental force – displacement relation, with a discrepancy of 2- 5%.
Structural Response of Skew-Curved Concrete Box-Girder Bridges under Eccentric Vehicular Loading
Authors: Gupta Tanmay , Kumar Manoj
Published: February 2021

Concrete box-girders are widely used for modern highway bridges and large urban interchanges. Bridges with ends skewed or horizontally curved girders are becoming more popular now-a-days to incorporate heavy traffic within a very limited space available. Certain geographical situation even demand skew supports in addition to the curved layout of the bridge and results in complex skew-curve geometry of the deck. All the more complexity of such cases increases under eccentric traffic load due to which additional torsion and warping is induced in the bridge. Present study focuses on predicting the bending moment and deflection response of a single cell box-girder bridge for each unique skew/curve/skew-curve combination via 3D finite element analysis using CsiBridge. For the curved and skew-curved bridges the central curvature angle has been varied from 0° to 48° at an interval of 12° while for the skewed and skew-curved bridges the skew angle is swept from 0° to 50° at an interval of 10° in order to investigate the effect of curvature, skewness and skew-curve on flexural and deflection response of box-girder bridge. For these unique simply supported concrete box girder bridges, bending moment and vertical deflection of bridge girder for dead load as well as for IRC Class 70R Tracked wheel load cases are monitored via large parametric study. Results indicate that with increasing skew angle, magnitude of girder deflection and bending moment in general decreases for outer web and inner web. While for heavily curved bridges outer girder response becomes severe, combining the effect of skewness and curvature, it is observed that for highly curved bridges it is better to have skewed abutment to significantly reduce the overall deflection and bending moment response.
The Appraisal of Wind-Driven Rain within Open-Air Sport Venues
Authors: Stanfield Robin Alan , Cammelli Stefano , Hashim Hayati
Published: February 2021

Regions of the world that find themselves characterised by the term ‘developing’ often tend to observe significant growth rates, commonly having specific areas that are targeted for rapid modernisation, and with that see the emergence of high quality destinations and venues that serve as a focal point for major cities.

Many such regions fall outside the temperate climes of the conventionally ‘developed’ world and, by extension, they experience greater extremes of weather. The climate of Southeast Asia, for example, is mainly tropical, hot and humid all year round with rainfall plentiful.

With the significant urbanisation of these regions, designers will – to some extent – need to set- aside their conventional views on how to account for the climate. Through a case study that considers a contemporary stadium and focuses on the effects of wind-driven rain, this technical paper will demonstrate how the well established and emerging technologies of wind tunnel testing and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) based modelling can be carefully employed in tandem to ensure that the architectural solution stands up to the tests the climate will offer.
Managing Wind-driven Rain to Improve the Performance of Outdoor Spaces
Authors: Lim Yi Shan , Kala Sudeesh , Chatten Mark
Published: February 2021

This paper identifies the architectural design challenges associated with wind-driven rain in tropical cities like Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. It explains state-of-the-science analysis tools and techniques that can be employed to understand how windy, rainy weather interacts with buildings and how to improve the overall performance and occupant comfort.
Innovative Ballast-less Track System for Urban Areas
Authors: Achs Günther
Published: February 2021

An effective and reliable mass transit system is the social and economic engine of any city or urban area. The basis for high availability and safety is built on the infrastructure. This includes the track system, which essentially is one of the most important factors for reliability of the rail network. VCE and PORR developed maintenance free ballast-less track system accounting for these requirements. This system known as STA Slab Track Austria is well suited for high speed rail, urban rail and metro operations. It has been tested and proved in many reference projects. The system design can vary depending on the project requirements, thus being highly adaptable to different circumstances. It can be either installed in tunnels or on bridges. On viaducts the bridge girder systems can be used as a direct base structure for the slab track. In this case the track system requires special verifications of rail stresses and forces on rail fasteners. The focus of all these investigations is on interaction between bridge structure and permanent way in longitudinal direction as well as in lateral direction especially in areas of joints.
Application of Synthetic Wood Sleepers on Double Deck Steel Truss Bridge
Authors: Zobel Henryk Ludwik , Al-Khafaji Thakaa , Wróbel Marcin , Zóltowski Piotr , Papis Bartlomiej , Sulik Pawel
Published: February 2021

The problem of bridge fire is growing. Because of bad experience in Warsaw, Poland local government decided to prove fire resistance of all bridge structures across Vistula river which pass through the city. One of such bridges is six spans continuous truss – 400 m long - with double deck: upper is concrete highway deck and lower is timber tramway deck. Possibility of occurrence of fire on tramway bridge with timber deck inclined the owner of the bridge to exchange whole deck and sleepers in particular. Because the load capacity of the bridge was drew out it was not possible to apply steel or concrete sleepers. Therefore the owner decided to fit up synthetic wood sleepers. To be sure that this kind of sleepers mounted on the bridge is safe special research program was introduced. The results of investigation proofed good structural material properties and good fire resistance of sleepers. Proposal of new structural solution of the bridge is also given.
Mechanical Behaviour of Steel-Concrete Twin I-Girder Bridges
Authors: Lin Weiwei , Lam Heang , Yoda Teruhiko
Published: February 2021

Steel-concrete composite twin I-girder bridges have been built a lot in both Europe and Japan, but the lack of redundancy has always been a concern in U.S. and many other countries. In addition, few experimental studies have been performed on the mechanical performance of such bridges, particularly for the intact bridges. On this background, a steel-concrete composite twin I-Girder bridge model was designed according to the current highway bridge design specification in Japan and tested in the laboratory. The static loading tests were performed, and two loading conditions including both symmetrical loading and unsymmetrical loading were applied. Load versus deflection relationships were measured in the loading test, and the failure mode of the test specimen was discussed. The flexural strain development on bottom flanges of two main girders was also reported in this paper to confirm the load transfer between two main girders. In addition, the theoretical results on the basis of the classic theory were also provided to compare with the test results. The comparison indicates that the theoretical analyses can predict the behaviour of the twin I-girder bridges very well in the elastic stage by considering the effective width of the slab. The load transfer paths in such bridges were also discussed on the basis of the test results under un-symmetrical loading.
Structural Lightweight Aggregate Concrete and Its Applications
Authors: Payam Shafigh
Published: February 2021

Construction industry demands for high amount of raw material to produce concrete. The continuous depletion of natural resources results in negative impact to the environment and shortage of raw material. To reduce environmental impacts of concrete production one way is to utilize by-product and waste materials as cement and/or aggregate replacement in the concrete mixture. However, the next solution is the use of new structural systems and lightweight structural materials to reduce overall weight of a structure. Structural lightweight aggregate concrete (SLWAC) is a promising material to be used in high-rise buildings and long-span bridges to reduce the size of piers, footings, walls and other load bearing elements in such structures. Therefore, application of SLWAC not only reduces the cost of construction but it will have significant contribution in sustainable construction.
The One-Kilometer Tall Jeddah Tower
Authors: Sinn Robert , Peronto John
Published: February 2021

Upon completion, the construction of Jeddah Tower will represent the first man-made structure to reach one-kilometre in height. The development and proportioning of the lateral load resisting system is described and related to the architectural functionality and placed within a more general context of historical systems development for ultra-tall towers. The crucial role of wind tunnel testing and engineering for wind effects on the tower is highlighted, which along with simplicity and ease of construction, are the primary drivers for the overall design solution.
The Chernobyl Shelter: a Mega-structure for a Safe Confinement
Authors: Etienne Denis
Published: February 2021

The New Safe Confinement (NSC) project consists of a steel structure with a complex cladding system, on piled concrete foundations, destined to cover the “Object Shelter”, which was constructed over the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant reactor N°4. This reactor n°4 was destroyed in an accident in 1986.

The project was awarded in October 2007 to a Joint Venture “NOVARKA” (VINCI and BOUYGUES).

The NSC is an arch structure with a span of 257m, 162m long and 108m high. Its final skidded weight is 36 000 Tons. Foundations, permanently and temporary, involve some 800 piles of 1m diameter, driven or drilled to up to 25m, and near 120 000 m3 of reinforced concrete.

Two main cranes suspended at the ceiling of the arch will enable the dismantling operations of the “object Shelter”. A flexible sealing membrane is ensuring the air-tight connection between the arch and the existing buildings.
The Portier Cove Seaward Extension Project in Monaco
Authors: Adeline Régis
Published: February 2021

The new seaward extension project of Monaco (“Portier Cove”) is a major maritime civil works project that will create a new urban area of 6 hectares, increasing by 3% the total area of Monaco.

This paper describes the main characteristics of the maritime and civil works that have started end of 2016 and will be handed over in 2020. It focuses also on the environmental measures that have been put in place and that will serve as new standards for future marine works around the world.
Long Span Bridges
Authors: Virlogeux Michel
Published: February 2021

This paper gives an overview of the evolution of long span bridges, suspension bridges and cable- stayed bridges. It explains why more and more long span bridges are erected around the world, especially in China. The level of design live loads is discussed, and some possible future evolutions are evoked.
The Bearings and Integrated SHM System of the Johan Sverdrup Offshore Platform Facility
Authors: Malekzadeh Masoud , Moor Gianni , Meng Niculin
Published: February 2021

The initial offshore platform facility of the Johan Sverdrup oil field, currently being constructed off Norway’s coast, comprises four platforms which are connected by three bridges. Each bridge requires four bearings, two at each end. To ensure the ongoing proper functioning of these critical components, and the bridges they support, it was decided that a structural health monitoring (SHM) system should also be provided, with the bearings supplied with pre-integrated sensors to enable them to optimally supply the data required by the system. The design and supply of the specially designed bearings and the SHM system for this challenging application are described.
The Modular Expansion Joints of the Sheikh Jaber Causeway in Kuwait
Authors: Athanasiou Achilleas , Meng Niculin , O'Suilleabhain Colm
Published: February 2021

When completed in 2018, the Main Link of the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Causeway in Kuwait will be one of the longest sea bridges in the world, with a length of 36 km. The project to supply many of the expansion joints required presented significant challenges, including ensuring durability, designing with extra-low height, and supplying – with ex-works lengths of up to 25.4 m – within the limited time period allowed by the bridge construction contract.
Post Fracture Design of the NGI Sculpture Court Structural Glass Roof
Authors: Hidalgo Jorge , King Matt
Published: February 2021

The Sculpture Court glass roof is the central feature of the recent extensive refurbishment of the National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin, completed in 2017. Its principal structure is composed of 23 structural glass fins that span the 7m to 9m meter gap between two historic wings of the building. These triple laminated toughened glass beams minimise the visual impact of the structure and achieve a more “external” and open feel to the space below. The principal challenge for the structure was to ensure that its post fracture behaviour remained satisfactory, minimizing the risk of progressive collapse.

The paper sets out the design process for the development of the glazed structure and focuses on the research for robust alternative load paths, and its interaction with the historical existing structure. It explores the balance required between the transparency of the roof, the reliability of the system, and the capacity of an existing masonry.
Resource Efficient Multifunctional Commercial Buildings
Authors: Stroetmann Richard , Hüttig Lukas
Published: February 2021

Rising cost pressures and the prospect of quick returns led to an increase in mono-functional build- ings since the 1970s. The lack of marketability, increasing vacancy and an early demolition are often the consequences. The objective of the AIF/FOSTA research project P1118 [1] is to develop planning recommendations for multifunctional multi-storey buildings. Firstly, the paper explains the ecolog- ical and economic requirements for modern buildings. In this context, the expected lifetime of pri- mary and secondary building components are also addressed. Subsequently, relevant types of use as well as requirements for essential building parameters are presented. The investigations show that variable-use buildings with a long service life lead to a better sustainability.
New Cable Stayed Bridge Across Storstrømmen
Authors: MacAulay Barbara , Larsen Erik Stoklund
Published: February 2021

A 4 km long sea-crossing structure will be rising out of Storstrømmen in Denmark over the coming 4 years. The new structure will be one of the few bridges, in the world, carrying a two-track high speed railway and 2 lane road, as well as a combined footway & cycle path, on one single cross section. Comprising approximately 45 viaduct spans and 2 navigational spans of 160m each. The main bridge will be a cable stay structure with one 100m tall pylon.

This new Mega Structure will be an outstanding landmark, replacing what was once, and for 30 years, Europe’s longest combined road and railway bridge.
Msikaba and Mtentu River Bridges – Large Scale Infrastructure in Rural South Africa
Authors: Fuchs Nick , Withycombe Stuart , Anderson John
Published: February 2021

The Msikaba and Mtentu River Bridges are located in the Wild Coast Region of South Africa and are being developed for client South African National Roads Agency Ltd (SANRAL). They are required as part of the overall plan to relocate the main north-south N2 highway through the Transkei to shorten overall travel times and to provide much improved access to one of the poorest regions of South Africa. Msikaba is a 580 m span cable-stayed bridge with pylons located at the gorge edge and no backspans; Mtentu is a 1.1 km long viaduct with a 260 m central balanced cantilever span. The project will be transformational for the Eastern Cape Province and local area, providing much needed socio-economic benefit, through new jobs and transport links that will be a catalyst for improvement, investment and development. This paper will show that the concept of a mega- structure needs to be seen in the context of the project and the community it serves.
Reliability of Inflatable Bridge Structures: Challenge and First Results for a New Eurocode
Authors: Thomas Jean-Christophe , Schoefs Franck
Published: February 2021

Tensioned textile membrane structures are now common in the field of construction and they are the subject of a standardization process to harmonize the design rules among Europe. The stiffness of the structure relies on the pretension of the membrane, which can be provided mechanically or pneumatically. The stiffness of pneumatic structures depends on the internal pressure. They are able to support external loads which are much more important than their own weight. A first reliability study is conducted on a two parallel inflatable beams structure, which can be used as a footbridge. The serviceability limit states (SLS) and ultimate limit state (ULS) are defined. The reliability analysis is conducted with the FORM method, providing reliability indices as well as sensitivity factors.
Bridging the Gap between 1st World Innovation and 3rd World Implementation
Authors: Jurgens Christiaan J. , Wium Jan A. , Labuschagne Jean-Claude
Published: February 2021

Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) is a well-known construction material worldwide and is often used in the delivery of modern construction projects. Its benefits include faster construction, better quality finishes and reduced labour requirements (amongst others).

It was however identified that even experienced South African contractors do not fully understand the benefits of this "new" concrete and are thus reluctant to subscribe to its use.

This article discusses several options to bridge the above gap in the construction industry, before focussing on the use of short, on-site training videos for further evaluation.

The video survey results are very positive and it is thus recommended that more of these educational videos be made to address other construction aspects.
Innovative bionic design of flat slabs
Authors: Schnellenbach-Held Martina , Mueller Julian
Published: February 2021

This scientific paper describes a bionic optimization of flat slabs. Emphasis is placed on the load bearing capacity, but sustainability and efficiency aspects are also considered. Previous investigations show that slabs enhanced by nature can lead to considerable material saving without loss of bearing capacity. This paper presents the results of extensive test work to optimize the punching shear resistance of flat slabs inspired by natural systems. In this case the reinforcement is positioned stress-oriented, so that a spider web-like reinforcement arrangement is created. The results of the numerical simulations show that in comparison to orthogonally reinforced slabs an increased load capacity with a smaller reinforcement ratio can be achieved.
Lakeside Office Development on Dolomitic Ground
Authors: Timm Kim , Sykes Michael
Published: February 2021

Lakeside Office Development is a 43 000 m2, 9 storey commercial office building. The site geology consists of dolomitic bedrock including four cavities and a highly fluctuating profile. The design required sufficient robustness to adapt to the known and unknown variabilities of the ground and the potential 15 m wide sinkholes that could develop. The solution was a 2.25 m thick concrete raft poured in 10 individual continuous pours of up to 1,400 m3 each. This solution worked with a geotechnical system of blasting, excavating and dynamically compacting the underlying material. In conjunction with the design solution, a measurement and testing regime was established to allow the early prediction of propagating sinkholes; and a strict water management system was implemented to prevent water ingress, the main instigator of dolomitic sinkhole propagation. This project used the mega-structural element of the raft to ensure robustness against severe accidental loading while the innovative monitoring system ensures an early warning system.
Hybrid Analytical Modeling of Bridge Structures: An Innovative Approach
Authors: Hatami Afshin , Pathak Rakesh
Published: February 2021

The origins of finite element method can be traced back to the 1960’s and since then it has been used in solving several structural engineering problems. The direct result of finite element analysis is the calculation of the deformation and the stress fields in the structure. The stress results are not sufficient for performing the design checks which rely on force results. Hence, an integral approach is required where section forces are calculated from the stresses. This is a post-processing operation which involves complex interpolation, extrapolation, and integration functions. The first step in any structural analysis is the creation of a suitable analytical model. Beam analytical models are commonly used mainly because they are easier to create and the results are readily usable. Finite element models, on the other hand, can be time-consuming and complex because they require good understanding of the flow of forces, effects of stress concentration, and as mentioned before, aggregating stress resultants to produce sectional design forces. A novel concept of hybrid analytical model has been created and implemented in Bentley’s RM Bridge software. The hybrid model is predominantly a beam model enhanced with FEM elements in the regions dominated by stress concentrations where “plane sections remain plane before and after loading” assumption may not be valid. The result is the best of the both worlds – simplicity and speed of beam models, and the realistic modelling of stress field flows.
Scanning of Existing Structures – an Entry into BIM
Authors: Garsch Maximilian , Hertle Thomas , Wehner Andreas , Pimpi Julian , Gebbeken Norbert
Published: February 2021

The idea of Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a new challenge when re-evaluating existing structures. Reconfiguring or adapting the digital model of a structure can be extremely valuable over its lifespan, as there is always an actual reference. The further development of structures like industrial plants or bridges, leads inevitably to the idea of a central digital model. The field of existing structures however lies on the wayside of the advancement and development of BIM and its possibilities for new constructions.

To enable the idea of BIM to existing buildings, someone faces new challenges and it is currently unknown, if the additional effort is even worth the benefits of a digital building model. This is where this paper ties in. The authors derive a three-dimensional model of a bridge, using common scanning methods. The scanning methods used in this paper are airborne photogrammetry and classical terrestrial laser scanning (TLS). Using the generated information, dense point clouds are developed and prepared for further use by different parties in order to create a complete Building Information Model.
Cost-Effective Climate Change Adaptation for Reinforced Concrete Structures Subjected to Chloride Ingress
Authors: Bastidas-Arteaga Emilio , Stewart Mark G.
Published: February 2021

This work focuses on the assessment of costs and benefits of climate adaptation strategies for RC structures subjected to chloride ingress and climate change. Concerning environmental actions, historic weather records are used to estimate the current deterioration state and several climate change scenarios will be considered for the assessment of climate change effects. The adaptation strategies aim to reduce the impact of chloride-induced corrosion damage increasing the corrosion initiation time. Their cost-effectiveness will be measured in terms of Benefit to Cost Ratio (BCR) and the probability that BCR exceeds unity – i.e., Pr(BCR>1). BCR is selected because it seems to be a metric that government and policy makers are familiar with. The results of the paper will provide practical advice to policy makers to improve the management of RC structures under a changing climate.
Very Large steel-concrete Composite Offshore Pontoon-type Structure: Concept and Analysis
Authors: Wang Xiao-Qiang , Tao Mu-Xuan
Published: February 2021

To overcome the shortcomings of traditional very large floating structures constructed either of steel or concrete, a new type of very large floating structure constructed of steel-concrete composite components is developed. First, the concept of very large steel-concrete composite pontoon-type floating structure is proposed and the structural characteristics of the structure is described in detail, which has significant advantages and potential compared to steel or concrete floating structures, such as anti-explosion, durability, reliability, functional flexibility and economy. Then, on the basis of three-dimensional potential theory, the computer program THhydro is developed to calculate the three-dimensional hydroelastic response of floating structures. The program is substantially verified by the experimental and numerical results of previous literature. Finally, the parameter analysis on the hydroelastic response of very large steel-concrete composite pontoon-type floating structure is conducted, which shows that the usage of steel-concrete composite components can improve the performance of very large floating structures to an extent.
Extension of Line 1 of Lille City Metro
Authors: Vivier Aurélie , Chojnacki Marc , Descamps Charles Henry , Laproye Hervé , Texier Julien , Geneau Olivia
Published: February 2021

The Lille city metro, in north of France, was opened in 1983. It was the first automatic metro line in the world, with the VAL technology (Light Automatic Vehicle).

Thirty years later, it was decided to renovate the line but mainly to double its capacity, increasing train cars length from 26m to 52m. It is an important technical challenge, because modernization, renovation and civil works on the 13.5km of the line shall be done without any impact on metro traffic and station operation.

Three major difficulties had lot of influence on design and civil works. First, the design should be compatible with structural capacity of existing stations and reduced documentation available about them. Then, design, organization and construction schedule should be compatible with urban environment, and overall with the major criteria of no interruption of metro traffic and station operation during all years of works. At least, management of all interfaces between different packages of the project was complex.
The Railway Station Project under the CNIT in La Défense, Paris: Answers to Complex Constraints
Authors: Pré Michel
Published: February 2021

The CNIT-La Défense railway station is one of the three new stations of the Eole project, extension of the RER E towards the west. Its construction has begun and its commissioning is planned in 2022. It represents real technical challenges due to its particular surrounding.

The railway station is located directly beneath the CNIT emblematic structure consisting of a thin reinforced concrete shell built in the 1950s. This vault shelters important buildings spanning 5 to 10 levels. The excavation of the large spaces to be carried out underneath must not cause any foundation movement or any ground deformation so as not to affect the support zones of the vault. The constructive choice for the central part of the station is that of a major underpinning. The validation of the constructive choice was made especially by a thorough knowledge of the vault of the CNIT. This was the subject of a comprehensive program of research, testing and measurement.
Stiffening Deck Erection Work for New Millennium Bridge, Multiple Span Suspension Bridge
Authors: Kim Jungin , Choi Jinhyuk , Lee Sangseung , Lee Junho
Published: February 2021

The New Millennium Bridge, located on the southern coast of Korea, is a multiple span suspension bridge with two 650m-long main spans. Distinguished from other suspension bridges constructed for the last decade in Korea, this bridge is the first multi-span suspension bridge. In this paper, two distinctive features in the stiffening deck erection are introduced: (1) the unbalanced sequence for lifting the stiffening deck blocks and (2) derailment prevention system of the block lifting device (also known as lifting gantry).
Motsa Bridge, Israel - Design and Construction Engineering Challenges
Authors: Combault Jacques , Potucek Jindrich
Published: February 2021

The 170 million USD Road 1 Motsa Bridge near Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, Israel is part of the major highway system and is the main road into Jerusalem. It is one of the most important infrastructure projects carried out by the Ministry of Transport and Roads Company in the past several years. The project faced a major challenge due to an accident during construction that resulted in a total revision of the construction sequence.
Structural Development of Tensile Type Bolted Connections for Temporary Emergency Bridge Focusing on Rapid Election
Authors: Sugimoto Yuma , Tamaguchi Takashi , Mineyama Yuki
Published: February 2021

Recently in Japan some cases have been reported that the bridge washed away by tsunamis. For this reason, emergency temporary bridges are required for restoration after these disasters. Shortening the construction time of such bridges is a major issue. This study deals with the desirable structural details of the main girder end plate connections for an emergency temporary bridge by using FE analysis. Two concluding remarks were mainly revealed in this study. Firstly, the cope hole of the end plate at the intersection of the lower flange and the web plate reduces the bolt axial force increment near the intersection because this bolt became not to be subjected to the tensile force from the web. Secondary, the long tensile connection type is effective for reducing the axial force increment because the prying force isn’t occurred on the connection surface and the contact stress after tightening the bolts make the separation between end plates almost zero.
Suspensions Bridge Construction with Cohestrand® – Installation in Jungle Conditions
Authors: Sánchez Sánchez María Teresa , Fabry Nicolas
Published: February 2021

Build a bridge in a remote area with difficult climate always embodies a challenge for the builders. From the Designer point of view, it is essential to consider this hostile environment in the choice of materials and structural principle in order to guarantee a good sustainability for the bridge. From the Contractor point of view, transport of materials and equipment may be problematic. It is then necessary to imagine a light and efficient construction methodology.

This article concentrates on the construction of a suspension bridge in the forest area of Pichanaki in Peru. This region is greatly rainy and isolated from the rest of the country which makes the story of the construction of this bridge a human and technological adventure.

The design of the Bridge reminds the traditional suspension footbridges of the indigenous communities living in the Amazon forest.
Bending Mechanical Properties of Composite Bridge Deck with Bulb Flat Ribs
Authors: He Xinyi , Su Qintian , Xu Chen
Published: February 2021

Steel-concrete composite bridge deck combines the advantages of both steel deck and concrete deck. This paper proposes a new type of composite bridge deck with bulb flat ribs. Bulb flat is widely used as a stiffener of the plate in ship and bridge constructions. But it is rarely mentioned in current study of composite deck. For that vacancy, two full-scale specimens were fabricated and tested in this paper to study the bending mechanical properties of composite deck with bulb flat ribs. By a static loading test, the experiment investigated the failure characteristics, deflection, slip, strains and crack width. The results indicate a good combination of steel and concrete, for no obvious slip or delamination was observed. And the strain distribution obeys plane cross-section assumption. The mechanical response features an elastic-plastic performance. The test proves that composite bridge deck with bulb flat ribs has a good ductility and a high bending bearing capacity.
U-shaped Steel-concrete Hybrid Beams: an Alternative Solution for Long-span Beams
Authors: Lepourry Clémence , Palas Franck , Heng Piseth , Somja Hugues
Published: February 2021

Pre-stressed members are commonly used for traditional long-span slabs in concrete buildings in spite of their heavy weight and the difficulties encountered in construction process. Conventional steel-concrete composite beams can be an interesting alternative, for their lightweight advantage. However, composite members are not common in concrete structures because specific skills and equipment are required for their erection and connection.

To resolve this, an original concrete-steel moment resisting frame has been developed. This frame is composed of tubular composite columns and U-shaped steel concrete hybrid beam (called USCHB). The U-shaped steel profile is used as a permanent formwork for reinforced concrete beam. Steel angles are used as steel-to-concrete connection, contributing to composite resistance. Such composite connection allows the USCHB system to combine the advantages of steel and of concrete in terms of stiffness and of fire resistance. For this system, on-site connection is developed without any bolt or weld.

The first application of these hybrid elements is the construction of the AVRIL headquarters. This building has three storey and is composed of 90 hybrid frames with 15m span. USCHB is preferred over pre-stressed elements because it limits height and weight of beams, thus reducing construction cost. In order to establish design recommendation for this innovative construction system, a series of full-scale experimental tests have been performed on different parts of the hybrid frame. This paper presents the design, the experimental investigations and the construction methods of the hybrid portal frame.
Recalculation of the Railway Bridge Buggenum
Authors: van Alphen Sander , Hesselink Bert
Published: February 2021

The railway bridge near Buggenum was recalculated by Movares in 2017. The connection between de stringer and the crossbeam was especially important in this recalculation. In this paper we will first give an insight in the way the FEM models, global and local, were made. Next the different fatigue calculations made and their results are described. The fatigue calculations are done conform the NEN-EN 1991-2. But also with the data of real traffic measured by ProRail.
Design Key Parameters for Simply-Supported Beam of High-Speed Railway in China
Authors: Chen Zhuo , Ke Zai-tian , Gao Mang-mang
Published: February 2021

In order to guarantee the running safety and riding comfort of passenger train, the key parameters for bridge design of high-speed railway have changed to stiffness and deformation instead of strength. According to Code for Design of High Speed Railway, the common span bridges applicable to 350 km/h should meet six limiting values, including vertical deflection under the design live-load, vertical angle of the beam end, horizontal deflection, vertical relative deformation of the two rails in one-line, the arch value on the residual creep and vertical self- vibration frequency. In addition, if there need to train-bridge coupling vibration analysis, the acceleration at bridge deck should not exceed 5.0 m/s2 and the dynamic performance of train should meet the running safety and riding comfort requirements. The formulation background of above-mentioned indexes are introduced in this article. Then, taking 32 m double-line simple supported box girder as an example, the differences between actual design parameters and limits of design code are analyzed, And combined with field tests, the conclusion is made that the actual design parameters are beam end folding angle and the arch on the residual creep. These two indexes are formulated to ensure the high smoothness of track structure. On the basis of above research, proposals for bridge design of higher speed railway are put forward.