bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk Acceptance Criteria for Extreme fjord Crossings
Authors: Johansen Inger Lise , Askeland Tore
Published: February 2021

The objective of this paper is to identify challenges related to conventional design criteria in structural engineering and outline a risk-based approach for design of fjord crossings in the Coastal highway route E39 project. A key message is that conventional design criteria have limitations when used as a basis for making decisions about risk, and must therefore be complemented by risk acceptance criteria that reflect both the frequency and consequences of hazardous events. The paper proposes a risk acceptance criterion by way of an FN-curve, and outlines a practical approach for combining this with design criteria in the design of fjord crossings. The process is iterative and requires that designers are willing to go back and consider the need for risk reducing measures, calling for awareness of uncertainties and willingness to implement ALARP as a guiding principle even in face of resource constraints.
Risk and reliability based design – practical examples and challenges for standardisation
Authors: Köhler Jochen
Published: February 2021

The built environment, i.e. infrastructural elements, industrial buildings and facilities as well as residential buildings, constitutes the basis for our economy and the continuous development of our society. In this respect structures play an important role, since the primary purpose of structures is to provide the functionality of the built environment and the safety of its users. Consequently, a large proportion of the societal economic resources are invested into the continued development, maintenance and renewal of structures. Due to the high importance of structures and the large amount of economic resources invested for development, maintenance and renewal it is of utmost importance that decisions made in connection with structures are optimal. Optimal in the sense that the benefit of structures as well as the possible adverse consequences such as loss of lives, damage to the qualities of the environment and the direct and committed costs are considered and optimal decisions are identified.

In the present contribution, risk and reliability methods in structural engineering is briefly introduced by an indicative example. It is emphasized on the general and recent challenges also for the development of semi-probabilistic design standards.
Risk based approach in maintenance planning in the context of road and railway infrastructure
Authors: Patricio Hugo
Published: February 2021

ISO 55000 states that “Asset management translates the organization’s objectives into asset-related decisions, plans and activities, using a risk based approach”.

Decoding such high level statement into a specific organizational culture is an effort which many intense asset management companies are carrying out, however, the maturity level of this approach, is far from being uniform across organizations. While some exhibit signs of excellence pushing boundaries and develop new ideas and concepts, others are starting to learn, applying and embedding the concepts.

The paper will present and discuss the process of producing the company’s asset management maintenance plan, including scenario analysis to support decision-making process. It will also address infrastructure risk assessment, namely the operational risks concerning bridges, tunnels, pavements, track, signalling and power stations, in the context of both road and railway transportation networks.
São Vicente Suspension Bridge Rehabilitation and Cable Substituion
Authors: Timerman Rafael , Prieto Aguilera Francisco
Published: February 2021

The São Vicente Suspension Bridge was built in 1914 as part of the plan for the sanitation of the São Vicente city. The bridge is listed by Brazilian historical heritage since 1982. In 2012, the conditions of the main structural elements were critical and needed recovery or substitution. The structural design considered the complete recovery of the steel main deck connected by rivets, the calculation of the new suspension system that would replace the existing one using temporary cables, towers and anchorage blocks. The bridge was reopened to the public in October of 2015.
Seismic fragility assessment of RC high-rise buildings in Montenegro
Authors: Pejovic Jelena R. , Serdar Nina N. , Pejovic Radenko , Knežević Miloš , Cvetkovska Meri
Published: February 2021

This paper presents seismic fragility assessment of RC high rise-buildings in Montenegro. The key points of the procedure for obtaining the fragility curves are described by using algorithm, defined in this paper, and generally applicable to all types of RC high-rise buildings. The fragility curves are derived and log-normal cumulative distribution function parameters are obtained for the four damage states by conducting 1800 nonlinear time-history analyses on the basis of 60 ground motions with wide range of magnitudes, distance to source and different site conditions, for seismic excitation characteristic for Montenegro. As a prototype buildings, 20-story, 30-story and 40-story RC high-rise buildings with core wall structural system are selected. The whole approach presented in this paper may be used for obtaining seismic fragility curves for RC high-rise buildings of different configurations and for different seismic zones.
Seismic vulnerability assessment of masonry buildings through BIM
Authors: Ambrassa Elisa , Comune Alice , Podestà Stefano , Diana Lorenzo , Lestuzzi Pierino
Published: February 2021

After destructive earthquakes occurred in Italy between 2009 and 2016, the Italian Parliament approved in 2017 a new version of the Sisma Bonus, which includes Guidelines for the classification of the seismic risk of buildings. In Sisma Bonus, the seismic risk is evaluated through two methods: simplified or detailed. In this paper, the simplified approach is integrated into a Building Information Modelling (BIM) software, Autodesk Revit. The vulnerability assessment of existing masonry buildings is performed following the macroseismic approach (EMS-98). Various masonry-building types are assigned to vulnerability classes with a specific seismic vulnerability index. The procedure proposes to evaluate a final vulnerability index as a quantitative evaluation, instead of the qualitative one by EMS-98. Vulnerability analysis is inserted directly in Revit to create an interaction between BIM and seismic scenarios. Features that characterise each masonry type are inserted into newly created Revit Templates. Two additional modifiers account for mechanical aspects of masonry (mortar quality, transversal connections, etc.) and global building behaviour (vertical and in-plane irregularities, presence of anti-seismic devices, etc.). A flowchart developed in Dynamo automates the vulnerability index calculation using features of the BIM model.
SSS.infra Guideline: a new quantitative tool for the performance assessment of civil infrastructure
Authors: Anvari Elnaz , Leardini Lorenzo , Cont Matteo
Published: February 2021

The function of all infrastructure in organised societies, is to provide for personal security, establish a basis for public health and institutionalise a quality of life equal to the expectations of those it serves. That’s why many accredited rating systems are currently available on the market to assess sustainability of both buildings and infrastructural works. Unfortunately, these protocols are mainly based on a qualitative approach, being difficult to implement in everyday design practice.

Considering this fact, SSS.infra Guideline has been developed to overtake subjectivity, endorsing a rational evaluation of the achieved performance and promoting a holistic and design oriented technical approach. The aim of this paper is to present the Guideline, showing how sustainability goals can be reached through conventional design stages and presenting the findings of a meaningful pilot project, the Tehran-Shomal Freeway).
Strengthening of steel beams using iron-based shape memory alloy (Fe-SMA) strips
Authors: Izadi Mohammadreza , Ghafoori Elyas , Hosseini Ardalan , Michels Julien , Motavalli Masoud
Published: February 2021

The current study presents a retrofit system, which can be used for strengthening of steel bridge beams using (un-bonded) mechanically-anchored iron-based shape memory alloy (Fe-SMA, ‘memory-steel’) strips. After anchoring, the Fe-SMA strips are activated by a heating and a subsequent cooling process. The anchorage system can simultaneously hold two strips (each with 50-mm width and 1.5-mm thickness) and transfer their prestressing force to the steel beam at the strip ends. The system is based on friction and does not introduce any damage to the parent metallic substrate. Owing to the so-called ‘shape memory effect’ (SME) of the alloy, the strips are prestressed after activation by heating up to a defined maximum temperature. After strengthening, the beam was statically loaded up to 60% of its yield capacity. Finally, in order to examine efficiency of the proposed SMA-strengthening solution, the steel beam was subjected to cyclic loading. The results of the static tests demonstrated the positive effects of the prestressed Fe-SMA strips on reducing tensile stresses in the beam bottom flange. Furthermore, the evolution of the prestress level in the strips during the fatigue loading was studied. The presented experimental study on the strengthened steel beam shows the effectiveness of un-bonded Fe- SMA strips as a retrofitting technique to enhance the static and fatigue performance of metallic bridge girders.
Structural assessment of masonry arch bridges with settled supports
Authors: Zampieri Paolo , Zanini Mariano Angelo , Faleschini Flora , Hofer Lorenzo , Simoncello Nicolò , Pellegrino Carlo
Published: February 2021

The masonry bridges still in use in the European infrastructure networks represent a significant portion of the entire stock of existing road and railway bridges. For this reason, and for their age, their maintenance and safety is most important for the owners of road and rail networks. Recent collapses of this type of bridges, have highlighted the fragility of masonry bridges to imposed settlement of their supports. In this study, by means of limit analysis and FEA, the collapse mechanisms of masonry bridges subject to supports settlement were analysed. With the aim to describe the damage configurations in masonry bridges for different types of supports settlement and with the objective to evaluate the ultimate support displacement capacity of the analysed structures.
Structural Health Monitoring for cultural heritage constructions: a resilience perspective
Authors: Limongelli Maria Pina , Turksezer Zehra Irem , Giordano Pier Francesco
Published: February 2021

Disturbances or disruptive events may induce reductions of functionality of the built environment. For Cultural Heritage (CH) structures, functionalities may range from technical, to economic ones linked to touristic activities, up to intangible functionalities related to the cultural and social value of these constructions. Resilience can be defined as the capability of a system overcome a disturbance with the minimum total loss of functionality over time. Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) may enhance resilience by providing information that can support decision making, aiming to reduce the impact of the disturbances. In this paper, the benefits of SHM systems as means for improving resilience of CH structures are addressed and discussed with specific reference to the three different decision situations; before, during and after events of disturbances. Examples of real applications of SHM for CH structures and its effect on the resilience of the system conclude the paper.
Structural Health Monitoring of a masonry viaduct with Fibre Bragg Grating sensors
Authors: Alexakis Haris , Franza Andrea , Acikgoz Sinan , DeJong Matthew J.
Published: February 2021

The Marsh Lane viaduct is a masonry railway bridge constructed during the 19th century nearby Leeds Central Railway Station. The bridge appears significantly damaged due to the increase of the operational train loads over the last decades and due to environmental effects. Due to this degradation, extensive repair was conducted in 2015. After this repair work, an extensive fibre optic sensor network was installed below three spans of the bridge to monitor surface strains at 68 locations on the underside of the arch spans. The paper compares data collected from two monitoring periods, 16 months apart. Combining statistical analysis and signal processing techniques, the results show that local damage, as well as change in the global dynamic behaviour of the structure over time, can be effectively detected with the use of Fibre Bragg Grating sensors.
Structural Impacts of Nonconformity of Concrete in a Multi-Storey Building
Authors: Silva Bruno Favoretto , Name Carlos Abdalla , Tavares Caetano Marco Aurélio
Published: February 2021

The goal of this paper is to analyse all the impacts and structural alterations a multi-storey building may have when the compressive strength of the concrete is not respected, as well as point how the global stability of the structure can be affected by such compressive resistance decrease. In order to obtain accurate results, real projects data were taken from a construction site in Goiânia, Brazil. Moreover, structural simulations were performed through TQS Software so that the not previously foreseen nonconformities could be analysed and the problems related to the Ultimate/Serviceability Limit States could be avoided. The simulations consisted on the analysis of compressive strengths of 35 and 40 MPa. From this work, it is possible to detect substantial reasons to respect the real importance of the concrete’s fck. Overall, the element with lower fck is more vulnerable to excessive deflection and cracks.
Suitable degree of crudeness in engineering practice
Authors: Björnsson Ivar , Larsson Ivanov Oskar , Honfi Dániel , Gabrielsson Henrik , Fröderberg Martin , Lechner Thomas
Published: February 2021

Practicing structural engineers may be familiar with the main principles of structural reliability but may not necessarily be experts in using such methods. This may lead to a lack in understanding the effect of uncertainties on the ensuing structural safety and to sub-optimization of more traditional structural engineering aspects. The aim of the current paper is to highlight the importance of considering risks and uncertainties in design and to improve the awareness of practicing engineers to such considerations. The importance of a consistent treatment of uncertainties in structural engineering is brought to attention with focus on the modelling approaches which often underlie decisions. Different aspects discussed are: decision making in light of uncertainty, principles of consistent crudeness and the influence of engineering performance in practice on the safety of structures. A simplified model, considering strategies for improving engineering models, is considered and examples, based on simplified decision models, are also provided.
Technological developments as an answer to bridge management challenges
Authors: Orcesi Andre , Godart Bruno , Gaillet Laurent , Schmidt Franziska , Bardou Nicolas , Pina Limongelli Maria , Carreaud Pierre , Lenoir François , Baron François Gérard
Published: February 2021

Bridge management is a challenge as owners have to deal with limited financial resources to maintain the functionalities and safety of ageing structures. Demands on transportation networks change, due to regulatory developments, society's evolution and shifts with high expectations on the operational performance of roadway bridges with reduced congestion, delay, and accidents. To minimize intrusion in the transport flow, inspection and monitoring methods should be non-destructive, minimally invasive. They should be capable of yielding rapid and accurate inspection results allowing an adequate response from the asset manager. Research aims at including autonomously operating equipment (e.g. robotics), non-intrusive (remote or proximity) observation techniques, or other methods that ensure quality and performance control of the roadway bridges in time, more safely, more quickly and/or to a higher degree of accuracy and precision.The innovation subgroup in COST action TU1406 investigates novel condition monitoring and sensing technologies for the assessment of structural serviceability and safety. Advanced, integrated, cost-effective and reliable instrumentation solutions, techniques and concepts are looked at with the aim to provide data, that will be used to compute innovative performance indicators. In this context, this paper briefly reminds some significant challenges associated with bridge management and presents three examples of innovation in bridge monitoring and NDT investigation techniques.
Testing Existing Structures – Compressive Strength and Tensile Split- ting Strength of the Lahntal Bridge Limburg
Authors: Gebauer Daniel , Marx Steffen , Schacht Gregor
Published: February 2021

In 2016, the Lahntal Bridge near Limburg was replaced by a new structure. The existing bridge was deconstructed on a formwork carriage. Before the deconstruction, more than 250 concrete cores and other specimens were taken from the existing structure. The samples are located all over the cross section and the length of the bridge. These specimens are examined for their material prop- erties.

The investigations include the experimental determination of the compressive strength, the tensile splitting strength, the creep behaviour, the chloride ingress, fatigue tests and the anchoring behav- iour of the tendons. This paper deals with the compressive strength and the tensile splitting strength.

The results of these tests are statistically evaluated by determining the mean value, the standard deviation and the coefficient of variation. In addition, it is examined whether there are any correla- tions between various material properties. The results are also compared to the normative expec- tations of Eurocode 2.
The ‘Eco-Shed': An example of a domestic scale building constructed using the principals of the circular economy.
Authors: Farrar Stephen J.
Published: February 2021

The case study will tell the story of the design and construction of a low cost small building. The building is built mostly of natural materials using conventional techniques. It has a very low energy use and may be easily deconstructed, reused, recycled or disposed of without causing environmental harm.

It is composed mainly of locally sustainably sourced timber, and other biogenic materials and avoids the use of plastic where possible. As well as being energy efficient it has very low embodied energy.

Lessons learnt during construction will be shared.
The effect of loading direction on the compressive behaviour of a 3D printed cement-based material
Authors: Zahabizadeh Behzad , Cunha Vítor M. C. F. , Pereira João , Gonçalves Cláudia
Published: February 2021

Nowadays, additive manufacturing is being widely employed in several areas and is starting to be considered for the construction sector amongst the digital construction trend. The advantages that the additive manufacturing techniques can bring over the traditional construction methods are propelling multiple research projects within the field of 3D concrete printing. Technologies used for printing, material compositions and their rheological and mechanical properties are some of the research areas on 3D concrete printing. In this work, it is used a wet extrusion method for printing a cement-based mortar mixture. The compressive behaviour of printed specimens was evaluated based on the direction of loading. The results showed that with a proper printing process and rheological properties, in the case of the current mid-strength matrix, the effect of the layers interfacial behaviour on the compressive behaviour of printed specimens was reduced.
The LRG Software for liquefaction mitigation planning and decision support
Authors: Meslem Abdelghani , Iversen Håvard , Lang Dominik , Kaschwich Tina , Drange Linn Sir , Jones Keith
Published: February 2021

LIQUEFACT Reference Guide (LRG) software is one of the main products of the LIQUEFACT, a multi- disciplinary project funded under the European Commission’s Horizon 2020 framework program. The software, which incorporates both data and methodologies collected and elaborated in the project’s various work packages, has been developed for liquefaction mitigation planning and decision support, able to estimate and predict the likely consequences of Earthquake-Induced Liquefaction Disaster (EILD) to the most vulnerable region of Europe. In contrast to other seismic risk assessment software tools, the LRG software is targeting a wider range of user groups with different levels of technical background (urban planners, facility managers, structural and geotechnical engineers, or seismic risk modelers) as well as requirements. In doing so, the LRG software toolbox shall allow users assessing the liquefaction-related risk as well as assisting them in liquefaction mitigation planning.
Torsional strengthening of thin-walled tubular reinforced concrete structures using NSM-CFRP laminates: Experimental work
Authors: Gowda Chandan C. , Barros Joaquim A. O. , Guadagnini Maurizio
Published: February 2021

Torsional strengthening of thin walled tubular reinforced concrete elements, such as bridge box girders and spandrel beams, has received only limited attention, and investigations generally focus on the use of conventional strengthening methods such as span shortening, steel encasing, member enlargement, shotcrete etc. However, research on the use of innovative fibre reinforced polymers (FRP) as near surface mounted (NSM) reinforcement for torsional strengthening is still very limited and more work should be undertaken to examine the full potential of the NSM technique over more traditional solutions. The current paper assesses experimentally, four different strengthening configurations using NSM technique applied on three faces of two beams using straight CFRP laminates, and on four faces of two beams using special L-CFRP laminates.

The results show that the proposed strengthening configurations can effectively control crack propagation and increase the torsional moment carrying capacity of the RC element, thus resulting in increased performance and durability.
Transport Infrastructures and Asset Management in Portugal: Past, Present and Future
Authors: Costa Sérgio , Brito Vítor , Mendonça Tiago
Published: February 2021

Bridge management in Portugal had a remarkable development during the larger part of the last two decades. This paper intends to present an historical review of the situation before and after the Entre-os-Rios accident, a tragedy that triggered a modern approach to bridge management in Portugal. Nowadays the country is on par with worldwide best practices, supported by a system developed by Betar and adopted by all major stakeholders. Building on the idea that most BMS principles can be applied to other asset types in a road or network and the current lack of tools for managing those assets, the paper proposes a methodology for implementing GOA® to new types of assets, presenting some challenges that may arise. Following the implementation to different assets, the paper also discusses a model for integrating those different sets of assets into a coherent and effective management strategy.
Using data interpretation to enhance post-seismic decision making at urban scale
Authors: Reuland Yves , Diana Lorenzo , Lestuzzi Pierino , Smith Ian F. C.
Published: February 2021

Recent events around the globe are evidence that earthquake action is still a threat for many structures. Low replacement and retrofitting rates of urban housing mean that many buildings do not comply with seismic actions defined in present-day seismic codes and thus, important post- seismic assessment activities are still to be expected. City-scale resilience, which implies rapid recovery of building functionalities, is undermined by the slowness and qualitative nature of visual inspection (being current practice for post-seismic assessment). A methodology involving model- based interpretation of post-seismic data sources to assess residual capacity of damaged buildings is presented. Vibration measurements and visual inspection outcomes are combined to reduce the uncertainty related to residual capacity. Simplified behaviour models for recurrent building types are used to predict building behaviour during future events. A simulated scenario on a real building stock of a typical Swiss city subjected to moderate seismicity is used for illustration.
Value of Information-Based Inspection Planning using a Population Approach
Authors: Dann Markus R. , Maes Marc A.
Published: February 2021

A value-of-information analysis is proposed that is tailored toward the inspection planning of damaged and deteriorating engineering systems where defect-specific matching and individual deterioration growth analysis are not computationally feasible. Defects and/or damage are treated using a population perspective with a probabilistic formulation of the evolution of the number of defects and the extent of deterioration rather than the modelling of individual defects. Measurement errors associated with inspection such as detectability, false calls, and sizing errors are considered to relate the observed to the actual state of structural deterioration. The population- based deterioration model is embedded in a Bayesian pre-posterior analysis to assess the value of information that is achieved by performing an inspection. Applications include the inspection planning of critical components of structural systems such as bridges, tunnels, pipelines, and offshore structures. The proposed analysis is illustrated using a numerical example where the long- term cost benefit of implementing an inspection scheme is determined.
Value of site-specific information for the design of offshore wind farms
Authors: Espinosa Jorge Mendoza , Köhler Jochen
Published: February 2021

Monopiles are the most common offshore wind turbine support structures. They are to be designed so that resonance with the rotor-passing excitation is avoided. However, the estimation of the eigenfrequencies is strongly influenced by the soil-structure interaction, whose characterization with prior information is associated with large uncertainties. No clear guideline is given regarding the safety margin to be left between the structure first natural frequency and the excitation regions. In this paper, the expected consequences of leaving a certain margin are studied and quantified. The decisions regarding the investment in site-specific characterization are coupled into the decision scenario by means of a value of information analysis. The results provide insight on the efficient allocation of resources at the design point in time and the sensitivity of the decisions regarding the probabilistic characterization of the design scenario.
The Second Penang Bridge Project: Planning, Design, Construction and Maintenance
Authors: Ismail Mohamed Taib
Published: February 2021

The 24 km dual carriageway Sultan Abdul Halim bridge project, Penang’s second link was completed in 2014. On the island end is Batu Maung which houses the Penang International Airport. On the mainland is Batu Kawan. The main navigation span consist of a cast-in-situ cable stayed concrete bridge with span arrangement of 117.5m +240m + 117.5m. The approach bridge consist of 55m precast segmental box girders constructed span by span supported on high damping rubber bearing on reinforced concrete piers. Bored piles of 2m diameter are used for the cable stayed bridge and 1.5m at the mudflats of Batu Kawan. Driven 1.0m diameter spun piles are used at most of the pier locations and 1.6m diameter steel pipe piles at chainages where very high piers and deep seabed level is encountered. The 7 km land expressway on the Batu Kawan side traverses on high embankment build along low lying ground of very soft compressible ground extending up to 23m thick. Long term post construction settlement of 50mm for the first 20 years of service requires longer period of surcharge for both the prefabricated vertical drains (PVD) and vibro stone columns (SC). PVD and SC were design for embankment height up to 4.5m and 10m, piled embankment for higher bridge approaches. Once a vast and vacant territory, Batu Kawan is now linked to major highways to other states in the peninsular by the land expressway. In addition to the high number of research facilities that are being set up and with the state government is creating and education hub, making Batu Kawan a prime location for further development. This paper shall describe in detail the planning, design, construction and maintenance of the Second Penang Bridge project.
Brunei Temburong Link
Authors: Hussain Naeem , Yip Sammy , To Murphy , Chin Kok Kong , Ding Lee Sing , Yat Kheong Cheng
Published: February 2021

Temburong district has been physically isolated from the rest of Brunei which has hindered the economic growth of the district. A sea-crossing link is being constructed to connect the district to Brunei-Muara. A feasibility study was carried out between 2010 and 2012 to establish the alignment and preliminary design of the link, followed by detail design and construction. This paper describes aspects of the feasibility study, detail design and construction
The all-composite road bridge – a proposal for rapid urbanisation
Authors: Siwowski Tomasz , Kozlowski Aleksander , Ziemiański Leonard , Rajchel Mateusz , Kaleta Damian
Published: February 2021

Technology and materials can help cities get smarter and cope with rapid urbanisation. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is one of the approaches applied in evaluation of material sustainability. Many significant LCA comparisons of innovative and traditional construction materials indicate that fibre- reinforced polymer (FRP) composites compare very favourably with other materials studied. As a proposal for rapid urbanisation, the FRP all-composite road bridge was developed and demonstrated in Poland. The paper describes the bridge system itself and presents the results of research on its development. The output of the R&D project gives a very promising future for the FRP composite bridge application in Poland, especially for cleaner, resilient and more environmentally efficient infrastructure of fast-growing cities.
Study on Steel-Concrete Composite Beams under Pure Negative Bending and Combined Negative Bending and Torsion
Authors: Lin Weiwei
Published: February 2021

Steel and concrete composite structures are widely used in both bridge and building structures due to their numerous advantages against conventional solutions. However, the design and analysis of continuous composite beams are rather complicated due to their different behaviour in positive (or sagging) and negative (or hogging) moment regions. Moreover, in the regions of negative moments,

e.g. at the internal support regions of continuous members, a large part of the composite beam section is subjected to torsional moment under certain loading conditions and curved composite structures or flyovers, thus the bottom flange and the web are susceptible to local instabilities and the concrete slab are easily to crack during its service life. In this study, a straight steel-concrete composite beam was tested to investigate their mechanical performance under pure negative bending and combined negative bending and torsional moments. Two-point loading condition with and without load eccentricities were applied to create necessary loading conditions. Load and deflection relationships, normal strain on the bottom flange of the steel main girder, and shear strain of the stud shear connectors at different sections were recorded in the test and reported in this paper. The results indicate that the classic beam design theory can be used for predicating the behaviour of a composite beam under pure negative bending moment. In addition, the failure mode and shear strain of shear connectors of the test specimen under combined negative bending and torsional moments were also discussed.
Behaviour of metallic anchorage plates for prestressing CFRP laminates under room and elevated temperatures
Authors: Sena-Cruz José , Correia Luís , Barris Cristina
Published: February 2021

The strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) structures using fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites is a viable reality, consolidated by many studies and practical applications. One of the most common methods used to apply the FRP is the externally bonded reinforcement (EBR) technique. The development of stresses at the anchorage zones of the EBR-FRP composite might cause premature debonding. Two main situations required the use of mechanical systems to delay (or avoid) premature failure: (i) when the EBR-FRP systems are prestressed and (ii) when higher effective strain in passive EBR-FRP is required.

This works aims to assess the performance of a metallic anchorage plate commercially supplied by S&P Clever Reinforcement Company by means of an experimental program composed of fourteen pull-out specimens (concrete/CFRP/anchorage).

Each metallic plate is fixed to the concrete element through six prestressed bolts, creating confinement in the anchorage region. All specimens are tested up to failure under two types of pull- out configurations: (i) the steady-state temperature, where the laminate is pulled from the block with increasing force under constant temperature (of 20C, 60C and 80C); and, (ii) the transient temperature, where the laminate is pulled with constant force (0.5% and 0.6% of CFRP strain) and the temperature is gradually increased. Besides temperature and test configuration, the influence of the laminate width (50 mm and 100 mm) and level of transverse compression in the metallic plate (torque level of 30 N∙m, 100 N∙m, and 150 N∙m is applied in the anchorage bolts) were also studied.
Fully Stress Laminated Timber Bridge
Authors: Feliciangeli Dario , Mierzwa Krzysztof , Antunes Mariana
Published: February 2021

The combination of zero carbon emission infrastructures and low construction costs has become the most important challenge for civil engineers. Specifically, in developing countries, governments and communities should demand infrastructures which embrace a different design methodology using low impact materials and innovative building sequences to achieve sustainable, safe and accelerated constructions. The proposed footbridge, located in Central Africa, is a timber truss based on local materials which extends the timber stress lamination technology to all its parts. The resulting system is a structure made of small and light timber components that ease the construction and reduce the cost, representing a feasible solution for pedestrian bridges in developing countries. This design underlines the importance of concepts like constructability, sustainability and safety which should be shared by any construction in the 21th century.
Structural, technological and Aesthetical Considerations for the Detailing of Steel Tubular Joints
Authors: Georgiev Vasil Georgiev , Dakov Dimitar , Mihov Yavor
Published: February 2021

For the majority of steel outdoor facilities (towers, masts, billboards and traffic-sign supporting structures) wind loading is the governing factor for determining their resistance and stiffness. In many cases fatigue-related issues appear, with cracking and failure in the welded connections of tubular joints or in the parent metal adjacent to the welds.

Structural detailing of the joints in steel tubular structures subjected to repeated cyclic loading is of great importance for their fatigue strength. Sharp changes in the shape, sharp turns in the welds and notches give rise to high stress concentration. The combined effect of discontinuities and stress concentration is the main cause for the formation and propagation of fatigue cracks. When detailing the erection joints it is also necessary to observe technological requirements related to efficiency of fabrication. For the civil engineering works exposed to public it is indispensable to include additional requirements for the aesthetic appearance of their visible structural parts. The design experience shows that applying aesthetic considerations to steel tubular joint detailing may contribute to satisfying the increased fatigue strength requirements.

The paper presents a study on the wind action on a specific kind of civil engineering works (traffic- sign supporting structures) and the approach used for its determination. The leading structural, technological and aesthetic criteria to be implemented in the detailing of tubular erection joints are formulated. An example of tubular joint destroyed due to propagation of fatigue crack is given and possible options for the joint repair are proposed. Numerical modeling and analyses of the original and repaired joints have been carried out in order to make conclusions for the advantages and shortcomings of the joint repair options.
Beauty Create the World
Authors: Hui luo
Published: February 2021

The main section of the ZhiCheng Yangtze river bridge is 1742 m steel beam bridge. By now, with the influence of the overhead catenary system, the steel bridge maintenance must be operated in cooperation with the power supply maintenance department at power–off maintenance gap. Considered the power–off maintenance gap is adjust to mid-night in the new railway operation plans, it is difficult to do the painting maintenance for the bridge, this leads to the lack of painting maintenance of the steel bridge. The ZhiCheng Yangtze river bridge is under threat of lost service life. In order to save the service life of the ZhiCheng Yangtze river bridge, a project with some new designs to improve the maintenance circumstance of the bridge must be carried out.

The comprehensive system research and design with new concepts of safety, low carbon footprint, economical efficiency, economy of the whole life cycle, is a new aesthetic concept of design in this new era. By application this new design aesthetics, a new level of comprehensive harmony of safety, function, cost, and carbon footprint and economy of the whole life cycle of Bridges can be achieved. This article will introduce the ZhiCheng Yangtze river bridge maintenance design project, to show this new design aesthetics. The bridge links our past and future. The human must be in harmony with nature, and will have a promising tomorrow.
Pro Value of state of the art Bridge Bearings and Expansion Joint Solutions
Authors: Guenther Peter , Roos Rainer
Published: February 2021

The MEGA cities in South East Asia are more and more faced with the limited capacity of their infrastructure. Above all massive investment is spent on the public transport system, which expands at an enormous speed.

Caused by limited space and economic reasons, more and more roads and railway lines are built elevated. Approx. the same huge funds are necessary to improve existing structures to the needs of the next centuries.

The choice of bearings and expansion joints may jeopardize the economy during operation. The right choice on behalf of sustainability results in a pro-value for the road or railroad operator in the name of reliability, durability and maintenance costs of the device and the entire project.

Especially for railroad projects, the focus on the interaction between the bridge bearings and the track is essential not only for the device, but for the entire track reliability.

To get the pro-value for the structure, the European standard, EN1337 and EN1090, classify performance in dependence to the structure. This classification is decisive for the sustainability of structures, regardless if for new projects or rehabilitations.

The presentation would highlight the innovations of modern bridge bearings and expansion joints on reliability and cost-effectiveness during operation. Latest technology guarantees a low carbon footprint.
Advanced bridge pot bearing technologies with a special focus on railway applications
Authors: Savioz Pascal , Brueninghold Max
Published: February 2021

Requirements on Railway bridge bearings are challenging, as pre-mature failures all over the world show. This paper discusses such challenges and presents several new technologies that increase the life-time of the bearings and thus, minimize the life-cycle cost, and improve safety.
Replacement of bridge expansion joints: challenges and solutions
Authors: Savioz Pascal , Meng Niculin
Published: February 2021

A bridge’s expansion joints will almost certainly have to be replaced several times during the course of the bridge’s life, often causing great disruption to traffic and significant expense to the owner – impacts which should, of course, be minimised. The choice of expansion joint selected to replace an old joint strongly influences the expense and disruption caused by replacement works, not only for the current replacement project but also for the next one in the future. Therefore, the way in which joint replacement works are to be carried out, and in particular the type of joint to be used, warrants careful consideration by the responsible engineers.
Construction of 90m multi-span viaducts with span by span – A New Possibility in Bridge Engineering
Authors: Pacheco Pedro , Coelho Hugo , Borges Pedro , Carvalho Diogo
Published: February 2021

This paper describes the background of the long-term R&D project which brought out the first application of a Large Movable Scaffolding System (LMSS) for the construction of a multi-span viaduct with successive spans ranging up to 90m long in Ankara region, Turkey. This is the first LMSS for multi-spans above 78 m spans ever applied worldwide. After mentioning the historical background and precedent state of art, this paper presents the main identified technical challenges and how they were overcome. The first application is briefly described, allowing defining its impact on present state of art. Finally, conclusions are drawn where it is verified that there are now more possibilities to erect multi-span viaducts, including with span-by-span in situ construction, which represent very significant reduction on materials consumption when compared with other construction methods.
Appropriate approaches to Health, Safety and Welfare during footbridge construction in developing countries
Authors: Whittam Johannes , Ludin Matthias
Published: February 2021

This paper has been written to provide guidance and emphasise the importance of appropriate approaches to Health, Safety and Welfare during construction of footbridge projects in developing countries. Health, Safety and Welfare must always be at the top of the agenda in all design and construction projects. It is important that decisions, approaches and methods are sensitive and relevant to the workforce's skillset, cultural attitudes and available equipment.

Developed countries typically have better health and safety standards than developing countries, this paper examines, with case studies, appropriate approaches to be applied in developing countries. The paper discusses these approaches with respect to legislation, the design and construction phases of a project.
Design of Segmental Precast Portal Frame for Red Line Mass Transit System in Bangkok
Authors: Wirojjanapirom Puvanai , Ritdumrongkul Sopon , Imsombat Sittisak , Nielsen Knut H.
Published: February 2021

This paper presents innovative design and development of massive precast segmental concrete portal frame system applied for Red Line Mass Transit project in Bangkok, Thailand. The Portals were originally designed as cast-in-place concrete for supporting typical 30 m span elevated viaduct. Several types of portal frame with single and continuous beams, single columns and T- head columns are considered. In order to cover all the structural members, cross beams with typical 3x3 m segmental box section, piers and pier heads are elaborately designed. Stressing and lifting procedures were analyzed to simplify the erection process. A U-tendon system was adopted to connect the precast pier segments to the pile caps. In addition, structural safety of segmental cross beams was verified by full-scale loading test.
The Kenyan Dream: Developing Concept of Nairobi MRTS
Authors: Roy B. C. , Wanjau George P. G. , Bhattacharjee Satyaki
Published: February 2021

Nairobi, famous for Nairobi National Park, the world's only game reserve found within a major city, started developing as a rail depot on the Uganda Railway and in 1963, Nairobi became the capital of the Republic of Kenya. The city of Nairobi had a population of mere 11,500 in the year of 1906, and it grew to 3,138,369 by Year 2009, at growth rate of 4.1% a year.

At this rate, the difficulties commuting to the central business area is getting more and more complicated, though plans are being implemented in the need to decongest the city's traffic and the completion of Thika Road has given the city a much-needed face-lift attributed to road's enhancement of global standards. The need of the hour is developing a world class MRTS system, combination of Road and Rail Based MRTS technology. A comprehensive study was carried out in this direction to find out the feasibility of such MRTS and the various options worked out to find suitable solution, shall be discussed in the paper.
Design of the viaducts for the Line 3 of the Riyadh Metro LRT in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Durand Paul-Emile , Wise Lucas , Joy Emmanuel , Rossetto Alain
Published: February 2021

In June 2013, three consortia were awarded the three construction packages that constitute the whole Riyadh Metro Project in Saudi Arabia for a total of 6 lines and 180 kilometres.

International Bridge Technologies was in charge, as a subconsultant of Idom, of the complete structural scope of services for the 25.6 km of elevated viaduct that Riyadh Metro Package 2 comprises (Line 3, around 41.6 km, out of which 25.6 km are elevated). This scope consisted of the full range of services from conceptual tender design to final detailed design, including shop drawings production, construction engineering and construction site support.

The Line 3 elevated viaduct consists of a three-cells precast segmental box-girder with typical simply-supported spans of 37 m and special continuous spans of 50 m. Six long span structures with spans varying from 60 m to 95 m were required for the special crossings over existing interchanges. Typical and continuous spans are erected span-by-span with an overhead truss while long spans are erected in balanced cantilever with cranes on the ground or lifting frames on the deck.

The present paper is centred on the design of the elevated viaduct and presents the different structures with key features and how they were constructed to permit large scale standardisation and speed of construction. Some key design aspects are developed, in particular the design approach for the 3-cells box-girder as the most effective solution to satisfy the imposed aesthetic criteria. This paper also exposes the design approach adopted to produce a “design-for-demand” by relying as much as practically possible on a realistic modelling of the alignment and by limiting parametric design. This allowed for an optimisation of material quantities.
Digitally enabling design for manufacture, assembly and maintenance of bridges
Authors: Farmer Neil Stephen , Brilakis Ioannis , McGovern Scott
Published: February 2021

Laing O’Rourke, Tony Gee and Cambridge University have undertaken a unique joint research project entitled “Digitally enabling the design for manufacture, assembly and maintenance of bridges.” Ultimately the project is trailblazing innovative technology that will change the way in which bridges are designed and constructed. The 27 month long project, co-funded by Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency, aimed to speed up bridge design and delivery, improving efficiency and reliability whilst reducing overall costs by rationalising design and automating routine processes through digital engineering. This will allow the most common bridge types and bridge parts to be standardised for off-site manufacture and designed parametrically to allow them to be easily configured to each particular design.