bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Life-cycle analysis of the Colne Valley Viaduct and assessment of optimised solutions
Authors: Kominiarz Mathis , Al-Nabulsi Zeina
Published: April 2024

The Colne Valley Viaduct (CVV), a 3.4km precast post-tensioned segmental viaduct with 57 spans is set to become the UK's longest railway viaduct. This study aims to carry out a life cycle assessment (LCA) of the CVV. The carbon analysis will focus on the 462m long constant depth deck section of the viaduct, and this will be compared against alternative materials and deck types. The LCA calculations will concentrate on product modules (A1 to A3), the construction process (A4 and A5), the replacement (B4) as per the global warming potential (GWP) indicator in kgCO2e. Calculations will be based on activity data from the CVV Bill of Quantities, selected carbon emission factors (i.e. for electricity or fuel) and generic Environmental Product Declarations for materials purchased. This study intends to highlight any bridge structural components with high carbon emissions, that will need to be tackled in future projects to reach the 2030 and 2050 ambitious UK carbon targets.
The Challenges of Designing a Low Carbon Bridge
Authors: Osborne Tom , Latxague Enea
Published: April 2024

Despite our industry declaring that the climate emergency is upon us, and that immediate, targeted action to reduce the carbon associated with our infrastructure is necessary, our industry’s design and procurement processes remain largely unchanged from ‘pre-declare’ levels. Earlier this year, a team comprised of Buro Happold, Knight Architects, Graham and Gleeds undertook a study to understand the challenges of designing a low-carbon bridge. Two key themes emerged: the technical challenge of removing embodied carbon from the bridge, and the associated consequences of doing so. A parallel paper has been written [1], to highlight the technical challenges, whilst this paper sets out the professional, social and economic themes explored. The “Nine Elms to Pimlico” crossing of The Thames was our testbed. Our technical aim was to achieve normalised carbon of 250 kgCO2e/m2. Our professional aim was to do so whilst maintaining a safe, inclusive, and contextual design.
Thame Valley Viaduct: carbon efficient DfMA viaduct for HS2
Authors: Madrazo-Aguirre Fernando
Published: April 2024

Located outside Aylesbury (UK), Thame Valley Viaduct is one of the highest-profile viaducts in the entire HS2 route and the longest structure in the C2-C3 section with a total length of 880m. COWI worked closely with the client, architect, contractor and the supply chain to deliver an elegant and efficient structural design.

The design follows Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) principles to increase the proportion of prefabrication to reduce construction times, reduce the amount of work on site, increase quality of construction and reduce construction risks. In addition, the final design reduces the embodied C02 by 60% relative to the reference design. Thame Valley Viaduct has been showcased by HS2 as an example of design excellence.

This paper aims at showing the design of this viaduct, while explaining what DfMA principles have been introduced and the challenges involved.
Two-dimensional transient thermal analysis of drilled-pile wall exposed to extreme temperatures and discussion on frost mitigation methods
Authors: Tammi Santeri , Shahzad Summer , Särkkä Eero , Hyyrynen Mikko
Published: April 2024

This paper analyzes earth-retaining walls made of drilled or bored large-diameter steel piles filled with concrete subject to Nordic temperature loads, especially focusing on Finnish temperature conditions and their effects and mitigation methods. Two-dimensional numerical analysis is carried out with Finite Element Method (FEM) software Comsol Multiphysics 6.1. The result’s order of magnitude is validated by a literature review and by a one-dimensional analytical model. The paper aims to understand the frost depths with and without thermal insulation and to find their optimal locations. Results show that the thermal insulation layers might not give the intended benefits if the thermal bridges are not mitigated carefully. Moreover, it is evident from analysis that the horizontal part of the insulation covering the top of the ground plays an important role in decreasing the frost depth. The important findings will help designers reduce material waste, save public money in big infrastructure projects, and preserve the environment.
Assessing the carbon footprint of bridges and a strategy to deliver carbon reductions
Authors: Chalk Philip , Stevenson Joe
Published: April 2024

As actions to tackle the impacts of the climate emergency start to gain traction across the industry and beyond, reduction of carbon in bridges should be front of mind for bridge engineers. Understanding the impacts of our design and construction work is essential to make meaningful reductions to the carbon footprint of our structures. The whole life carbon of a bridge is known to significantly differ from that of a building structure. A gap in this knowledge was identified across the industry throughout the design, construction and operation life cycle stages. This paper reports on the journey that was undertaken by Mott MacDonald and how this, along with the learning from other consultants helped shape industry-wide guidance via the Net Zero Bridges Group. This work enables whole-life carbon reductions in bridges to be integral to all our projects throughout all lifecycle stages.
As bridge engineers, are we designing efficient structures?
Authors: Davies Gareth T.
Published: April 2024

As bridge engineers we should be designing efficient structures, minimising waste and by default minimising carbon emission, but are we?

The paper will look at how design codes define actions and resistances. For actions in particular, some examples of onerous loading requirements will be discussed and how as engineers – particularly in the current climate of reducing carbon emissions – we should be able to challenge some of these requirements.

Some illustrative examples of plate girder bridges will be considered to demonstrate how different interpretation of the design codes can lead to different arrangements of plate thicknesses, stiffeners and weld configurations and will explore the impact these may have on fabrication and construction, cost and embodied carbon.
A Broadened Approach to the Environmental Assessment in Bridge Design
Authors: Boros Vazul , Aleksa Michael , Rosenkranz Paul , Zajac Sonia , Prändl-Zika Veronika
Published: April 2024

The construction industry must cut its carbon footprint significantly and therefore needs to widen its performance indicators like safety, reliability, availability, and economy by environmental aspects. There are numerous challenges to an objective comparison of bridge design alternatives based on environmental considerations. In addition to the considerable uncertainties in the Global Warming Potential of construction materials the question of setting adequate boundaries for the environmental assessment must be addressed. The aim of the present case study of a typical overpass above a motorway is to illustrate the importance of the interaction between the structural design choices, such as the placement of an intermediate support, and their consequences for traffic. An objective environmental evaluation of bridge design choices must consider both aspects. The importance of such a broadened approach shall be highlighted in the present study.
Topology-Optimization-Based Additive Construction for Sustainability
Authors: Mantawy Islam M. , Migliorino Jenna , Mackin Anthony , Ahmed Aly , Hanoun Zaid , Donovan Tia , Dustal Michael , Felixbrod Austin , Ruhl Robert , Sibor David , Tran Tyler , Werner Austin , Brown Mike , de la Cuesta Ryan , Ortzman Tyler , Riter Paul
Published: April 2024

For decades, concrete structures have been constructed using cementitious materials using conventional methods through formworks (either cast-in-place or precast). Concrete with sufficient slump is needed to fill up the formwork. This approach results in significant material wastage (placing materials in locations where stresses are low or very low) and increases carbon footprint. Additive construction provides unique opportunities to build form-free structural elements with complex geometry, enabling topology and structural optimization. This paper presents (1) an introduction to topologically optimized compression-only (C-only) structures; (2) the development of concrete mixes for additive construction; (3) an explanation of the additive construction process and equipment used to develop 3D-printed C-only structures; and (4) preliminary results of the 3D-printed C-only structures.
Pile type selection and design of permanent-temporary synthesis structures for underground urban complexes in soft soil foundation site
Authors: Chen Jianlan , Wu Shuang , Zhao Xin
Published: April 2024

With the continuous acceleration of urbanization, the development of underground space is becoming more and more widespread. In response to the high cost of underground engineering in soft soil foundation complexes, engineering designers have proposed a design concept of combining the temporary support system for excavations during the construction phase with the permanent and temporary main structural system during the use phase. This paper introduces the composition of the permanent and temporary combination system of the pile foundation engineering of the soft soil foundation complex and the selection and design method of the permanent and temporary combination pile foundation, determines the joint design criteria of the temporary column pile and the permanent engineering pile of the foundation pit, and carries out the joint selection, joint layout and pile body design of the pile foundation. Taking the X102 plot complex project of Shanghai West Railway Station as an example, this paper summarizes the permanent and temporary combination of pile foundation, which can be used as a reference for similar projects. Engineering practice has proved that the permanent-temporary combination of pile foundation in underground engineering of soft soil foundation complex can greatly reduce the engineering cost and meet the social demand of energy saving and carbon reduction.
Extraction Strength of Compact Column-Pile Joints
Authors: Shimozono Tokuo , Watanabe Keisuke , Haraguchi Kei , Yoshida Takuya
Published: April 2024

Japanese metropolitan railway stations experience high user traffic and demand efficient, space- saving construction methods. In particular, providing foundations for large platform sheds is costly and requires a long construction period. Our team has been researching ways to economize with more compact and efficient column-pile joints with double steel pipes, without using foundation footing. We have focused on enhancing tensile strength by assessing the bearing strength of column-pile joints with anchorage mechanisms that involve anchor and fixing plates. The key purpose is to clarify the degree of resistance when the angle exceeds 45 degrees. The aim of our experiments using eleven different specimens was to establish an evaluation formula for tensile strength and find a correlation between load capacity and the angle between plates.
Strain distributions for shotcrete failure in hard rock tunnels
Authors: Jansson August , Gil Berrocal Carlos , Fernandez Ignasi , Rempling Rasmus
Published: April 2024

Shotcrete linings are a commonly used support system in hard rock tunnel construction, providing flexibility and minimizing construction time. Understanding the strain behaviour of shotcrete under different loading scenarios and interface conditions is vital for optimizing tunnel support design and ensuring long-term structural integrity. In this study, distributed optical fibre sensors were installed in laboratory prepared specimens, in which the lining was subjected to two distinct loading scenarios: a rock load and a distributed load. The specimens in the study consisted of two concrete layers where the substrate slab was either hydro-demolished or ground prior to casting a top fiber reinforce concrete layer. Key findings from the experiments reveal that specimens with rougher substrate surfaces exhibit higher post-failure ductility compared to those with ground surfaces, suggesting superior performance after peak loading.
Patch Plate Strengthening of Steel Box Member by Frictional High-Strength Bolts/Studs
Authors: Ishiguro Hina , Yamaguchi Takashi , Okumura Manabu , Suzuki Keito , Yamamoto Yuta
Published: April 2024

An analytical study was conducted to examine the differences in design and reinforcement effectiveness in patch plate reinforcement using high-strength bolts and studs. High-strength stud bolts, which were recently developed in Japan, allow for one-sided installation. From the obtained analytical results, it was found that the yield load of the high-strength stud bolt was 13% higher than that of the high-strength bolt because of the absence of cross-sectional defects in the main plate, and the rate of increase in slip load twice as large. In addition, it was shown that the thickness of the patch plate could be reduced by 11 mm, and the ratio of the load transmitted to the patch plate was also higher. It has been concluded that the usage of high-strength studs reinforcement is desired from the viewpoint of mechanical rationality and economical aspects.
Experimental study on the bond-slip relationship between concrete and deformed rebar embedded in grouted corrugated duct
Authors: Wang Xu , Liu Zhao , Zheng Jiacheng
Published: April 2024

The grouted corrugated duct (GCD) connection has appeared as an attractive option for joints between precast bridge pier segments due to its large construction tolerance and low cost. However, the bond-slip relationship between the embedded rebar and the mortar has not been clearly established, which underscores the need for experimental investigation. To this end, 24 pull-out experimental tests were conducted with/without GCD in this study. The results showed that GCD specimens had higher bond strength and plumper bond-slip curve than the specimens without GCD connection. Then, an analytical model based on thick-walled cylinder theory was proposed to determine the bond-slip constitutive curve of GCD connection. Finally, a modified cohesive model was developed at the interface between rebar and dummy rebar in finite element model. The proposed bond-slip model, finite element analysis and tested data match well with each other.
Sustainability as a key design factor from the structure conception stage
Authors: Navarro Ignacio , Ramos Alejandro , Lorenzo José Maria , Sanchez Jose Luis
Published: April 2024

Sustainability shall be integrated in the structural design from the early conception of the design, focusing on the impact on carbon footprint. A holistic approach to sustainability and its influence on structural evaluation is key to identify the main factors impacting on carbon footprint. Emphasizing the importance of considering sustainability early in the design process, it connects sustainability with the structure's conception. The case study of the HS2 project's Victoria Road Crossover Box is presented. Initially a standard rectangular box, the final structure evolved into a secant multi-shaft design with 5 bubbles, akin to a Caterpillar's shape. The shift challenged the traditional approach, enhancing efficiency, sustainability and structural behaviour.

The impact of the structural efficiency into the sustainability approach is discussed on this paper and relevant conclusion are stated on the key design factors governing the sustainability approach.
Deep reinforcement learning algorithm based optimization method for the multiple storey braced steel frame structure under global stiffness constraints
Authors: Chen Ming , Zhao Xin , Du Bingjie
Published: April 2024

In the process of multiple storey braced steel frame structure design in the real world, after the completion of structural topology design, it is necessary to calculate the cross-section size of the member. The cross-section of the member not only affects the index of the member itself, but also changes the global stiffness of the structure, thus affecting the global index of the structure. The adjustment of the cross-section of the member needs to consider the influence of its own index and the global indices. Designers need a lot of repeated calculations to optimize member cross- section. This paper studies the use of artificial intelligence to replace manual cross-section optimization. The training method of the agent adopts the PPO algorithm in reinforcement learning, and created a structural generator which randomly generates various structural schemes of the plane layout to interact with the agent, so that the agent can accumulate optimization experience and improve optimization ability in continuous trial and error. The training goal of the agent is to complete the adjustment of the cross-section with the least volume of material and the least of computation that satisfy constraints. Compared with manual optimization, agent optimization saves more than 95 % of time.
Advancements in Shear Resistance Prediction for Concrete Beams: A New Shear Model
Authors: Hu Ke , Duanmu Xiangyong , Xu Dong
Published: April 2024

The shear resistance of concrete beams has been a challenge. This study introduces an innovative shear model based on the critical crack model. By incorporating the concept of a local compression zone, the shear contribution from the upper edge of the concrete is effectively enhanced. An expression for the shear capacity of a concrete beam is derived by assuming an inclination angle for a critical crack. The optimal crack inclination angle is determined through an analysis of extreme values. To assess the reliability of the proposed methodology, the widely recognized ACI-DAfStb database was used. Comparative analyses were conducted between the calculation results obtained by the new model and those derived from the Strut-and-Tie model for deep beams and the truss model for slender beams. The positive results of these comparisons affirm the efficacy of the developed approach in enhancing the accuracy of shear behavior predictions in concrete beams.
Overturning of Freestanding Cylindrical Structures under Pulse-like Ground Motions
Authors: Zhou Xun , Li Jianzhong
Published: April 2024

This paper focuses on predicting the seismic overturning of freestanding cylindrical structures. Idealized cylinders of different sizes and slenderness are excited by synthetic pulse-like ground motions. A total of 245000 results are summarized in the form of the overturning spectrum. The obtained spectrum, however, shows large motion-to-motion variability. To reduce the variability, the support vector machine (SVM) algorithm is employed subsequently. Three geometry-related parameters of cylinders and twenty-five intensity measures characterizing ground motions are selected as candidate features. Using the minimum Redundancy Maximum Relevance (mRMR) algorithm and forward stepwise feature selection method, the optimal SVM model is determined by which model makes the least false-negative misclassification cases, that is, wrongly predicting actual overturning as non-overturning.
Evaluation of Resilience in Displacement Restrain Brace with initial story stiffness and Buckling Restrained Brace
Authors: Otani Akine , Asakawa Takeshi , Yokoyama Haruki
Published: April 2024

Setting prestress disc springs at the end of the PC steel bar of DRB (Displacement Restrain PC steel bar Brace) can provide “initial story stiffness” to the brace before the story displacement reaches the “initial story displacement”. This system with disc springs is called DRBS. We evaluated its resilience using time history response analysis under a large-scale earthquake by 10 story-mass system model. In addition, we were shown that the result of summarizing the results of story deformation angles, residual deformations, floor response accelerations, and floor response velocities. Then, the influence in non-structural elements was described as horizontal displacement by the relationship between floor response accelerations and floor response velocities.
Vibration design and dynamic testing for long-cantilevel composite floors equipped with vibration rods in office tower
Authors: Xu Yutong , Zhao Xin , Wang Yang , Pan Jianyun , Chen Jun
Published: April 2024

Given the growing requirements for architectural space, large-span and long-cantilever floor structures have become prevalent in urban complexes. Large-span and long-cantilever floor structures have low fundamental vibration frequency due to weak vertical stiffness, and generate greater vertical vibration induced by human activity. Human comfort of the floor vibration becomes a determining factor of structural design. To effectively improve the comfort of floor vibration, it is necessary to adopt efficient vibration reduction measures that do not affect architectural functions and have relatively limited costs. This paper mainly discusses the principle of vibration design for long-cantilever floors with vibration rods, as well as the design points in engineering applications. Taking the example of the Lingchao Building located in Shenzhen, China, the paper presents a theoretical analysis and sensitivity study of vibration rods during the design phase of long-cantilever floor structures. Additionally, it describes dynamic testing of floor vibration comfort during the construction phase, providing empirical evidence to validate the effectiveness of the vibration rods in vibration mitigation.
Load Bearing Behavior of 3D Printed Prestressed Segmental Concrete Girders
Authors: Pfleger Marc-Patrick , Radl Elisabeth , Esebali Osman , Vill Markus
Published: April 2024

This research discusses the load-bearing behavior of prefabricated girder segments produced by a concrete 3D printing technology. The segments are joined together with grout and are prestressed to form load bearing bending members. Various hollow segments are printed individually where intended cold joints were created. Before continuing the printing process, different joint reinforcements were installed at the cold joints to improve the shear force transmission between the segments. The focus of this research was to observe the segment joints as well as the reinforced cold joints within a segment when high shear stresses are applied. The specimens were observed in a 3-point bending test. The deflection, cracking and failure behavior is evaluated and described in detail based on each specimen’s test results and compared to the numerical and analytical results.
Sustainability and Beauty in Bridge Design
Authors: Beade-Pereda Héctor
Published: April 2024

Bridge designers have a great responsibility to the planet and future generations. When designing bridges, we must contribute to addressing the current climate and biodiversity emergency and to the industry's awareness of our dual role in causing and addressing this crisis. Bridge designers also have a great responsibility to the users and perceivers of these crossings, as their scale, exposure, and long life make them have a tremendous visual and social impact. The bridges we design must also be functional, appropriately respond to every constraint, meet every technical criterion, and have a cost appropriate for their scale and complexity. This is an article on holistic bridge design, specifically focusing on how to harmonise, when designing bridges, efficiency from a carbon footprint perspective with beauty, so the design of such emotive, prominent, and enduring constructions improves the quality of the built world in multiple ways.
From the Drone to the BIM-Model - A Method for Creating As-Is Models in Bridge Construction for the Use Case of Digital Bridge Inspection
Authors: Krasa Johannes , Baumgartner Sebastian , Vill Markus
Published: April 2024

The implementation of Building Information Management in bridge construction and public administration continues to progress. As part of the research project "Public Administration 4.0", a prototype for digital bridge inspection was developed for this purpose, based on the creation of BIM models of existing bridge structures. International studies attest to the method of photogrammetric point cloud generation based on drone images, for the intended use of existing bridge modelling, a high potential. In the course of a feasibility study, a creation process chain - with the drone to the BIM model - could be derived and the results generated could be considered applicable. The creation process consists of three sequential phases: as-is data acquisition, point cloud generation, and as-is modelling. The generated as-is model of the bridge can be implemented in a BIM software and used for digital bridge inspection and additional use cases.
Novel engineering solutions for incremental launching of bridges on low-friction materials: case studies of Nowra and Sydney Gateway bridges in Australia
Authors: Ambor Michal , Farina Laura , Pedersen Nikolaj
Published: April 2024

Bridge erection by sliding or incremental launching is well appreciated when crossing obstacles like heavy-traffic infrastructures that cannot be temporarily closed, difficult-to-access areas such as rivers or deep valleys, or even environmentally protected sites. Thanks to casting or assembling of structure on a dedicated area with good access conditions, it considerably improves workers’ safety.

This article describes the development of novel launching equipment featuring sliding material of fluoropolymer type, vulcanized to engineered rubber components and placed on mechanical articulated supports. Various laboratory tests were performed to validate the solution and define friction factors, which were later confirmed during site operations.

Case studies of application in launching of concrete multi-span double-T deck of Nowra Bridge and steel arch bridges of Sydney Getaway are presented.
New Precast Concrete Segmental High-Speed Railway Bridges from Lianyungang to Xuzhou: Donghai Viaduct and Daxu Viaduct
Authors: Peng Chongju , Dai Binyi , Lei Wenbin
Published: April 2024

Donghai Viaduct and Daxu Viaduct as parts of Lianyungang to Xuzhou high-speed railway bridge, are both the first high-speed railway continuous girder bridges using short-line precast segmental method in China. A big achievement of the project is realizing a high prefabricated proportion of 99.1% and 98.8% respectively for main bodies of both viaducts.

The Accelerated Bridge Construction with the precast segmental bridge technology, using the short- line match casting method and balanced cantilever construction method without closure pour at end spans in the Lianxu project, has built up a good basis for future projects.

This paper introduces several key factors during the construction process of Donghai Viaduct and Daxu Viaduct, including precast yards, construction method, geometry control and BIM, providing more choices for Accelerated Bridge Construction.
Sensitivity Analysis and Optimization of Coupling Trusses under Earthquake Stiffness Constraints for Multi-Core Supertall Buildings
Authors: Shao Dinan , Xu Yutong , Hou Yuzhou , Zhao Xin , Yu Zhongjun
Published: April 2024

Multi-Core Supertall Buildings is connected by coupling trusses, whose main structural feature is significantly different from traditional core-tube structures. The strength of the connection between the coupling trusses and the main structure is the main influence factor of the structure index and the bearing capacity of the main components. Therefor sensitivity analysis should be conducted on the impact of the coupling trusses and adjustments should be taken to control the structure index. The paper takes a multi-core supertall as an engineering case to explore the impact of the coupling trusses under earthquake stiffness constraints on the structural performance. The case showes that sensitivity analysis can comprehensively test the impact of coupling trusses on multi-core supertall buildings and the key parts that need to be strengthened, which improved the performance of the structure, promoted the rationality and economy of engineering design.
ElevArch® - Jacking heritage masonry bridges to allow for railway electrification
Authors: Bennett Kevin , Harvey Hamish
Published: April 2024

Hundreds of Britain’s masonry railway bridges are in the way of Network Rail's electrification programme. ElevArch® is a unique method to raise a masonry arch to create sufficient space for the overhead line equipment to be installed beneath. The full-scale demonstrator on East West Rail in 2016 proved the method was viable by successfully lifting a farm accommodation bridge by 900mm.

The secret to its success is the careful sequencing of operations to control the arch thrust when the arch is cut free from the foundations. The method is cheaper than the two current alternatives of track lowering and bridge reconstruction and is, therefore, of interest not just for heritage structures but across the railway network. With Network Rail's electrification programme restarting after a long pause, it is time to reconsider ElevArch as a viable and cost-effective option. This paper explains ElevArch in detail to enable designers, contractors, and asset owners to assess whether the technique could be suitable for their structures.
Experimental bending tests on filler beam section with SFRC
Authors: Zanon Riccardo , Schäfer Markus , Ruiz Gonzalo , de la Rosa Velasco Angel , Vaibhav Willson , Wolf Sebastien
Published: April 2024

Filler beam decks are a traditional steel concrete composite deck for railway and roadway bridges which has been in use since decades without major changes in its configuration. The use of steel- fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) as complement to the traditional reinforcement is investigated to reach a more optimized, environmental-neutral and resilient structural form.

In this frame a large experimental campaign has been initiated, whereas in this paper the monotonic bending beam tests will be discussed. In term of resistance the major difference is the superior ductility of SFRC which permits to fully exploit the resistance of the steel profile. On the other side, the presence of the steel fibres highly enhances the tensile properties of the concrete matrix contributing to a significantly higher bending stiffness.
Suitability of EN 1317 crash test parameters for determining accidental loads on bridges
Authors: Boros Vazul
Published: April 2024

In Europe the EN 1317 defines testing and certification procedures for vehicle restraint systems depending on the containment level. The monitoring data obtained in these tests can be used to determine the accidental loads for bridges in case of vehicle impact. The present study investigates which quantile of real-life vehicle impacts the respective test conditions correspond to. Based on fundamental mechanical principles a ratio between the results obtained with the parameters of the crash test and the statistical parameters for real-life events with different vehicle mass, velocity or angle of impact can be calculated. The distribution function of this factor is determined in parallel by the orthogonal array and Latin hypercube sampling methods, using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov and chi-squared goodness of fit tests. Thus, the quantile corresponding to a given containment level, as well as a multiplicator required to reach a chosen level of safety can be determined.
Rehabilitation of the flood damaged Mhlali River Bridge and adaptation for improved resilience to extreme weather events
Authors: Parak Mohamed , Ayer Kerusha
Published: April 2024

This paper presents a case study on the rehabilitation of the Mhlali River Bridge from damage caused by catastrophic flooding on the east coast of South Africa in April 2022. Due to significant debris blockage, the bridge deck was overtopped and was displaced off its bearings by 600 mm in a downstream direction. Scour of the approach fill behind the abutments had left the concrete approach slabs unsupported and the bridge was immediately closed to traffic. The repairs involved jacking the superstructure back into position, as well as adapting the bridge to increase its resilience to extreme weather events in the future. These adaptive measures included the installation of breather holes in the beams to allow trapped air to escape in the case of inundation to reduce the effects of buoyancy, and the construction of shear restraint blocks on the abutment and pier bearing shelves, to improve the superstructure’s resistance to lateral hydrodynamic and debris loads.
A Finnish Case Study of U-Trough Underpasses in High Water Table Conditions for Gravity vs Anchored Structural System
Authors: Mehta Manish , Mathur Yatharth , Vibo Raul
Published: April 2024

This paper presents a case study of underpass situated on Säterinpuistontie Street as part of the ESKA railway widening project in Finland which facilitates a cycleway, road, and tram tracks passing under the railway. Due to the proximity of the water table to the ground level in this area, specific design considerations are necessary to prevent structure uplift. The primary objective of the case study is to conduct a comprehensive comparison of the material, cost and carbon emissions between two distinct design approaches for watertight U-shaped reinforced concrete trough structures which involves a gravity structural system using high-density concrete and normal- density concrete with structure anchored to the base rock using steel anchors. The study aims to emphasize design methodology, variations in structural analysis methods employed by these approaches and provides a comprehensive understanding of the environmental and economic implications.
Chain reaction failure analysis for tied arch bridge considering cable corrosion
Authors: Aoki Yukari , Kimijima Mami , Gotou Humihiko , Tsunoda Haruki , Nakamura Shunichi
Published: April 2024

Cable corrosion has been becoming significant issues for the bridge structures having with cable or hanger materials, such as suspension bridges, cable-stayed bridges, tied arch bridges and so on. Many of these bridges, which were built in 1980s and 90s, are possibly surviving under the cable corrosion. Existing tied arch bridge was collapsed in Taiwan in 2019. It is reported that cable corrosion is the one of the main reasons to trigger the entire bridge collapsed. In this study, the numerical bridge model inspired by the Taiwan arch bridge was designed for analyzing the dynamic analysis of chain reaction failure considering with the cable corrosion. The corrosion of cable is represented by the decreasing of yield stress and breakage strain, and the first ruptured cable which is represented by the decreasing tensile force instantly. According to this analysis, if the cables are corroded significantly, the chain reaction failure would be occurred.
Interdisciplinary data collection for empirical community-level recovery modelling
Authors: Johnston Blythe , Wang Lisa , van de Lindt John W. , Harati Mojtaba , Skakel Katie , Crawford Shane , Dao Thang , Robinson Chibuike , Yan Grace , Do Trung , Loerzel Jarrod , Barbosa Andre , Croope Silvana
Published: April 2024

The Center of Excellence for Risk-Based Community Resilience Planning (CoE) has begun to provide analyses on damage, functionality loss, recovery, etc. at the community level for a suite of possible hazard events via the Interdependent Networked Community Resilience Modelling Environment (IN-CORE). These analyses are instrumental to leveraging state of the art science in community decision-making; however, for this work to be as actionable as possible, the outputs must be validated for a range of implementation contexts and communities. The work presented here describes a longitudinal study of a series of communities impacted to varying degrees by a tornado outbreak in December of 2021 and the way in which this longitudinal data will be used to validate models in IN-CORE. This longitudinal study is still underway as it serves to capture recovery data for three years following the event.
Re-use of wind turbine steel towers for pedestrian bridges
Authors: Forsberg Torben , Behrndt Ebbesen Nils , Henriksen Jesper
Published: April 2024

Steel towers used for wind turbines are being decommissioned after relatively short service lives of around 25 years. This abbreviated lifespan is partially due to fatigue loading, although the steel itself may still be safe for normal loads. FORSBERGS and Dissing+Weitling Architecture are investigating the potential for reusing these towers as the primary structure for pedestrian bridges. The focus of these investigations lies in the structural design of a new bridge, constrained by the existing geometry of the steel tower. One approach involves longitudinally splitting a tower into two half- pipe structures that could serve as bridge spans. This study encompasses an assessment of the CO2 aspect, comparing the overall carbon footprint resulting from a conventional decommissioning of a steel tower with that of repurposing it for a bridge. The proposed concept could potentially apply to narrow pedestrian or bicycle bridges, or utilise side-by-side half-pipes for multipurpose use.
Climate Resilience of Long-span Bridges through Early-stage Aerodynamic and Climate Consulting
Authors: Hamlyn David , Nguyen Tung
Published: April 2024

Critical infrastructure, such as long-span bridges, is important for the sustainable economic development of society. The safety and serviceability of these structures is highly sensitive to wind hazards. Understanding the risks to the bridges from the wind is crucial to ensuring their resilience, particularly with the growing threat of climate change. In this work, the authors will present case studies demonstrating the benefits of early-stage aerodynamic and climate consulting in delivering climate resilience for new and existing long-span bridges. The assessment could enable structural engineers to refine wind loads for the design of new long-span bridges, reducing material usage and embodied carbon. For existing bridges, a better understanding of the current performance could lead to informed decisions on bridge rehabilitation for climate change adaptation, as part of effective asset management, to extend the service life of bridges and reduce user carbon.
Design of the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge (BCIB) Project in The Philippines
Authors: Nader Marwan N. , Duxbury James , Choi Carol , Sanjines Alex
Published: April 2024

The new 32-kilometer Bataan–Cavite Interlink Bridge (BCIB) Project in the Philippines is poised to be a vital, enduring transportation link over the Manila Bay, providing a major opportunity for local economic growth and tourism while supporting the flourishing growth in population.

The proposed infrastructure will incorporate a marine bridge comprised of two cable-stayed bridges with main spans of 900 meters and 400 meters, respectively, and 25 kilometres of marine viaducts in tandem with an additional 5 kilometres of approach roads and land viaducts.

This paper describes how the bridge is being designed for longevity and durability under extreme events, including large earthquakes, typhoons, vessel collision, and hydrodynamic forces.
Ship impact loads on construction pits of bridges
Authors: Kunz Claus
Published: April 2024

While ship impact loads for the design and dimensioning of bridges over waterways are adequately regulated for a large number of cases in codes, cf. EN 1991-1-7 (2006), [1], there is a lack for the approach of impact loads during the construction period. The primary focus here is on the safety of the construction site situation with a view to protecting the lives of the construction workers and secondarily on avoiding major economic damage. The ship impact load approach from the relevant standards would not be feasible in some cases, would be uneconomical and would possibly not be implemented. In view of the concept of the remaining service life, which is already used for existing structures, [8], the concept was transferred to short periods of time such as construction periods. In recent years, BAW, the Federal Waterways Engineering and Research Institute, has developed impact loads for construction pits in waterways, protecting structures in front of these pits as well as auxiliary supports for bridge structures and has created a concept.
Environmentally conscious structural design and material selection of short-span bridges
Authors: Kővári Ákos , Németh Gábor , Bartus Róbert
Published: April 2024

In Hungary and in the Eastern European region the maintenance of small-span bridges built in recent decades – mostly for pedestrians and railways – tends to be less than perfect, so it is not a rare phenomenon that structurally adequate bridges have to be demolished well before their theoretical 100-year design life. Consequently, a critical part of current design tasks is to help our structures cope with very little maintenance but without reduction in their useful life. In addition, in new design tasks, sustainability must be pursued, keeping in mind the principles of environmental awareness that are increasingly coming to the fore. This can be achieved with smart structural design solutions and adequate material selection. This paper presents design principles used in recent projects to create more sustainable bridges supported by LCA calculations.
Probabilistic modelling of building stock properties for urban mining
Authors: Mutale Lombe , Hingorani Ramón , Dittrich Nils , Köhler Jochen
Published: April 2024

The construction industry is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and unsustainable waste. A circular economy of the existing building stock can contribute to minimising mining of finite resources and reducing the construction industry’s waste. However, stakeholders often list lack of information about the existing building stock as a barrier against implementing a circular economy in the construction industry. This study provides a framework for construction industry stakeholders to combine publicly available data sources to obtain probability-based information about the building stock. The study analyses existing building data at city level using Bayesian Networks, a probabilistic modelling approach that accounts for the missing data consistently in contrast to other methods. The framework can be extended to incorporate first principle, data-based and empirical models from disciplines such as structural engineering, architecture, and industrial ecology to facilitate a circular economy.
Bir Ortak Duyuş Biçimi Olarak Mizahın Anlamlandırılmasında Tarihsel ve Dilsel Etkenler
Authors: Ekti Meltem
Published: April 2024

Mizah konusunda günümüze gelinceye değin birçok çalışma yapılmış, kavram folklorik, mitolojik,
ya da tarihsel açıdan yeterince irdelenmiştir. Genel tanımlardan gidilerek şu çıkarım hemen
yapılabilir: Mizah hem insana özgü bir eylem hem de, olaylara eğlenceyle bakma yetisidir. Aynı zamanda bir etkiye tepki şekli olarak bireylere ve toplumlara göre değişkenlik göstermektedir. Bireysel farklılıklar yanında toplumsal farklılıklar mizah algısını ve dışa vurumunu etkilemektedir. Doğal olarak bu farklılıklar milletlerin; tarih, dil, kültür, bellek algısı, edebiyat, eğitim vb. birçok anlayışından ve toplumsal olgularının değişkenliklerinden kaynaklanmaktadır. Söz konusu olgular, mizah ögesinin içeriği gibi kullanım biçimini ve uygulama alanlarını da belirlemektedir. Ayrıca her ne kadar mizah toplumlara göre farklılık gösterse de mizahın son aşamada vargısı ortaktır. Bu vargı gülme eylemiyle somutluk kazanır. Gülme sonuç odaklı bir eylem olsa da neye gülündüğü oldukça önemlidir. Buradaki tercihte rol oynayan etken ise yine dilsel dünyaların ve kültürel kimliklerin farklılıkları ve gülünen şeyin anlatım türü ve biçimidir. Bu aşamada önemi tartışılmaz olan dolaylı bir biçimde toplumun mizahi yatkınlığını gösteren başka bir etken ortaya çıkmaktadır. Bu da ilgili dilin ve dili destekleyici unsurların mizaha yatkın olup olmadığıdır.
Bu çalışmanın temel sorunsalı “ortak duyuş olarak görülen mizahın “ortaklık” özelliğini kavramaktır. Bunun yanında bir dolayım olarak dilin mizaha elverişliliği, kültürel farklılığın mizaha etkisi ve bunlardan hareketle mizahın evrensel kodlar üzerinde ne oranda etkili olduğunu anlamaya çalışmaktır. Türk ve Alman toplumlarında farklı dönemlerde mizah algısındaki değişim üzerinde durulmuş, her iki toplumun dilinin mizah yatkınlığı yapısal ve içeriksel anlamda karşılaştırılmış, mizahın ya da gülmecenin içeriğini oluşturan temel izlekler belirlenerek kendi bağlamlarında (Türk ve Alman kültürleri) değerlendirilmiştir.
KATHAKALI'S SOCIAL MAGIC: THE SOCIAL PRESENCE OF THE DANCE DRAMA
Authors: Menon Vishnu Achutha , N Boobalakrishnan , Aswathi Prasad , S Amrita , Thomas Juby
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the social presence of Kathakali, a traditional Indian dance-drama, as a performative medium. Social presence, defined as the extent to which a medium conveys the physical presence of communicating participants, is examined through a mixed methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The research employs the Social Presence Scale (SPS) to assess the social presence of Kathakali, as postulated by Short, Williams, and Christie, who theorized that communication channel selection is influenced by levels of social presence. SPS involves respondents rating the medium across four broad dimensions: insensitive-sensitive, sociable-unsociable, personal-impersonal, and cold-warm. In addition to this quantitative analysis, the study explores two thematic dimensions through in-depth interviews: 'Appreciation of Kathakali Performance,' and 'Pleasure and Rasa in Kathakali,' The survey sample comprises 158 attendees of the Red Beard Festival of Kathakali, with 66.5% being male and 33.5% female. This research sheds light on the multifaceted social presence of Kathakali and its impact on audience experiences.