bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental analysis of longitudinal and lateral track‐bridge interaction of the ballasted track in railway bridges
Authors: Stollwitzer Andreas , Bettinelli Lara , Fink Josef 
Published: September 2023

AbstractConcerning dynamic assessments of railway bridges with ballasted track, the input parameters applied in the calculation model significantly influence the generated calculation results. In this context, there is still a considerable need for research, especially regarding the dynamic properties of the ballast superstructure. This contribution is dedicated to an experimental investigation of the longitudinal track‐bridge interaction (TBI), using a special large‐scale test facility as a basis. Comparisons are made between the normative specifications of EN 1991‐2 regarding stiffness properties depending on load (loaded or unloaded track) and temperature level and the actual experimentally determined behaviour. Hereby, considerable deviations between normative assumptions and reality are found. Regarding the damping properties of the longitudinal TBI, different damping mechanisms occur depending on excitation frequency and horizontal displacement amplitude. Furthermore, this contribution presents initial results of a currently ongoing research project, which includes experimental analyses of lateral track resistance on dynamically excited railway bridges. Here, the influence of vertical bridge vibrations on lateral track stiffness is investigated.
Development of corrosion hazard maps for reinforced concrete bridges
Authors: Quaranta Giuseppe , Giaccu Gian Felice , Briseghella Bruno , Nuti Camillo 
Published: September 2023

AbstractInfrastructures in coastal areas are often prone to several hazards, and thus the elaboration of effective risk management plans in such zones are possible if all relevant threats are considered and analyzed. In this context, the assessment of the corrosion hazard attributable to airborne chlorides is of utmost importance since the resulting deterioration phenomena can heavily jeopardize both reliability and resilience of the infrastructures. Therefore, this contribution aims at proposing the preliminary version of a possible framework for the elaboration of corrosion hazard maps at regional scale for coastal areas, with focus on reinforced concrete bridges. The proposed approach encompasses three main steps. First, the relevant stock of infrastructures vulnerable to chloride‐induced corrosion is identified and quantified. This requires the collection of relevant features, such as construction type, position, and age. Environmental conditions are examined next, including data about sea waves and salinity, wind, temperature, humidity, rainfall, and chloride deposition rate. Finally, the corrosion hazard is estimated in probabilistic sense. The proposed methodology is presented together with the preliminary results obtained from a relevant case study.
Hyperspectral imaging systems for corrosion detection from remotely operated vehicles
Authors: Thomas Dominik , Gündel Max 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe detection of corrosion, especially in early stages, is a key factor for cost reduction in the maintenance of steel infrastructure. However, manual inspection is time consuming and takes considerable effort of people and equipment. Remotely operated vehicles with application‐specific sensors may overcome this problem. Novel sensing approaches like hyperspectral imaging (HSI) systems in combination with machine learning algorithms open new pathways for the rapid inspection of large surface areas in complex environments. In contrast to conventional RGB imaging, HSI contains both spatial and spectral reflectivity information over the complete visual spectral range and near infrared. This offers improved material characterization and classification possibilities using the chemical properties contained in the local reflection spectrum.This paper presents advantages and disadvantages of hyperspectral imaging systems for the detection of corrosion of steel infrastructure as well as suitable wavelength ranges for use with remotely operated vehicles. Furthermore, in‐field measurements with HSI for the inspection of corrosion on steel structures are shown.
Analysis of the Impact of the Ribbon Track on Unconventional Fixing on a Steel Multi‐Span Bridge
Authors: Odrobiňák Jaroslav , Farbák Matúš , Prokop Jozef , Vičan Josef , Vavák Branislav 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe presented analysis deals with the influence of ribbon rail track on its unconventional fixing on a steel multi‐span bridge. Specially adapted stiffeners for the transfer of horizontal forces from the track to the superstructure are used in such cases. Local defects created over the years point out the overstressing of the fixing stiffeners to the combined response of the structure and the track. Subsequently, there is an adverse effect on the continuous ribbon track and the speed or pass‐ability of the bridge can be significantly limited.Numerical analyses are confronted with in‐situ experimental measurements realized at the 450 m long 14‐span‐bridge within an international railway line. Experimental measurements were focused mainly on influence of temperature and breaking/accelerating forces. The results showed a significant impact of temperature effects on the rails leading into unexpected longitudinal displacements and unwanted stresses in the analyzed details of the track fixation. A global model and local sub‐models in two FEM software were elaborated to analyze real behavior in a theoretical way.Researchers from the university and the R&D staff of the state railway administrator's institute collaborated in this research within the mutual long‐term cooperation.
Inverse Analysis and Optimization‐based Model Updating for Structural Damage Detection
Authors: Lehký David , Šplíchal Bohumil , Lamperová Katarína , Slowik Ondřej 
Published: September 2023

AbstractStructural health monitoring and early detection of structural damage is extremely important to maintain and preserve the service life of civil engineering structures. Identification of structural damage is usually performed using non‐destructive vibration experiments combined with a mathematical procedure called model updating. The finite element model of the investigated structure is updated by incrementally adjusting its parameters so that the model responses gradually approach those of the real possibly damaged structure under investigation. This paper describes the use of two model updating methods. The first method employs metaheuristic optimization technique aimed multilevel sampling to efficiently search the design parameter space to achieve the best match between the deformed structure and its model. The second method approaches model updating as an inverse problem and uses machine learning‐based model to approximate inverse relationship between structural response and structural parameters. Both methods are applied to damage identification of single‐ and double‐span steel trusses. Finally, initial results of the hybrid method are presented. The effect of the damage rate and location on the identification speed and the accuracy of the solution is investigated and discussed.
Towards Workflows for the Use of AI Foundation Models in Visual Inspection Applications
Authors: Rigotti Mattia , Antognini Diego , Assaf Roy , Bakirci Kagan , Frick Thomas , Giurgiu Ioana , Janoušková Klára , Janicki Filip , Jubran Husam , Malossi Cristiano , Meterez Alexandru , Scheidegger Florian 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe latest successes in AI have been largely driven by a paradigm known as Foundation Models (FMs), large Neural Networks pretrained on massive datasets that thereby acquire impressive transfer learning capabilities to adapt to new tasks. The emerging properties of FMs have unlocked novel tantalizing applications for instance enabling the generation of fluent text and realistic images from text descriptions. The impact of FMs on technical domains like civil engineering is however still in its infancy, owing to a gap between research development and application use cases. This paper aims to help bridge this gap and promote adoption among technical practitioners, specifically in visual inspection applications for civil engineering. For that we analyze the requirements in terms of data availability making particular use cases amenable to the pretraining/fine‐tuning paradigm of FMs, i.e. situations where labeled data is scarce or costly, but unlabeled data is abundant. We then illustrate proof‐of‐concepts workflows using FMs, in visual inspection applications. We hope that our contribution will mark the start of conversations between AI researchers and civil engineers on the potential of FMs to accelerate workflows supporting vision tasks for maintenance inspections and decisions.
Extending the life of bridges with external tendons
Authors: Ramírez Guillermo , Ševčík Petr 
Published: September 2023

AbstractHistorically, expanding economies see a boom in the construction sector followed, some decades later, by issues associated with aging infrastructures. Sometimes, the bridges are performing as expected but a change in the codes or on the traffic loads trigger the need for wider or stronger structures. When this happens, the old paradigm of building bigger and more modern bridges is no longer valid, as we face one of the biggest challenges of our history: climate change. Sustainability is, or hopefully it will soon be, the main criteria when it comes to deciding how to intervene on an aging bridge. It is widely agreed that extending the life of an existing structure is more sustainable than building a new one.Amongst the many ways of retrofitting a bridge, external tendons made of prestressing steel are a versatile, well proven, and efficient way of strengthening existing structures, whether these were originally fitted with external tendons, or not. For bridges with damaged existing external tendons, specific replacement methods have been developed.In this paper, we will present a selected number of bridges where external tendons have been added or replaced, focusing on the lessons learnt whether for future strengthening projects or for the design of new structures.
Estimation of the shear capacity of decks in existing shorter reinforced concrete bridges
Authors: Gošte Neža , Isaković Tatjana , Triller Petra , Kreslin Maja 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIt has been recognized that the shear capacity of old bridges can play a crucial/key role in evaluating their structural safety. Determination of the shear capacity of critical cross‐sections presents a much greater challenge than the assessment of their bending capacity.Due to abovementioned problems, the shear capacity of shorter reinforced concrete bridges with T‐beams has been evaluated with various models. Four different models were examined, the currently valid Eurocode 2, draft of the new version of Eurocode 2, the currently valid Eurocode 8‐3 and the model corresponding to modified compression field theory (MCFT). According to all the models, the capacity of deck of existing reinforced concrete bridge was calculated. This bridge was previously inspected and the actual amount and shape of the shear and bending reinforcement was determined.The results obtained with different models were compared and the typical parameters which influence the shear capacity were analyzed. The results in terms of shear capacity show that different models can give quite different results for the same bridge.
Progressive collapse of hangers in steel arch bridges due to blast loading
Authors: Franck Kenneth Tiotsop , Emanuele Maiorana , Guillaume Hervé Poh'sié 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis work was aimed at analysing the redundancy of the hangers of a steel arch bridge and the resilient behaviour of the bridges when subjected to blast loading. Firstly, numerical models of the bridge were created to perform a linear static analysis. Then, the structure was statically verified according to Eurocode norms. Afterwards, the redundancy analysis of the bridge was conducted by considering hangers failure cases in the symmetric and asymmetric configurations. In each case considered, the failure of a particular number of hangers was considered on each side of the arch bridge, then the stress redistribution and global behaviour of the bridge was assessed. A resilience analysis was also performed through a dynamic non‐linear time‐history analysis of the bridge subjected to a blast load of 500 kg of TNT applied 1 m above the deck at two different locations on the bridge. From the redundancy analysis, a progressive collapse mechanism was found to be related to the redundancy of the hangers. Besides, the resilience analysis showed that the vulnerability of the bridge depends on the position of the blast loading. Furthermore, the level of damage of the bridge elements which is a key factor for the bridge's resilience, is dependent on their distances from the detonation point.
Analysis of the Thermal Effects on the Performance and Reliability of Post‐Tensioned Integral Abutment Bridges
Authors: Aloisio Angelo , Contento Alessandro , Xue Junqing , Quaranta Giuseppe , Briseghella Bruno , Gardoni Paolo 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThere are cases where the common approaches used to assess the temperature loading effects may not be sufficient, especially in the case of integral abutment bridges (IABs). In IABs, the incorrect choice of the design temperature may result in an unwanted tensional state in the bridge decks and additional loads on the abutments. For post‐tensioned bridges, the combined effects of excessive temperature loads and loss of tension in the post‐tensioned cables due to time‐dependent phenomena like relaxation in steel and shrink‐age and creep in concrete may lead to probabilities of exceedance of serviceability (or ultimate) limit states that exceed the code specifications and/or desired levels of safety, and to cascading negative effects on the operation of the road infrastructure. This research aims at assessing the sensitivity of IABs to the long‐term effects of temperature loads and, in a second step, quantifying the probability of exceedance of relevant serviceability limit states.
Ductility of RC Columns confined with FRP Sheets
Authors: Apostolidi Eftychia , Liakopoulou Efstathia , Dritsos Stephanos , WaldmannDiederich Danièle 
Published: September 2023

AbstractMany existing structures show insufficient seismic capacity, with the lack of members' ductility being a critical factor. Aim is to manage to increase their ductility, through confinement with composite fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) sheets. In the present paper, available analytical procedures of Eurocode 8‐Part 3 (2005) and draft of 2022 and the Greek Code for Structural Interventions (CSI) of 2013 and the revision of 2022 are examined, compared together with an analytical model proposed in the literature. Analytical results of the above procedures are also compared both with available experimental data and with each other and the degree of their reliability is evaluated. The current EC8‐3 (2005), although in many cases converges quite well with the experimental data, unrealistic results are obtained for a large thickness of the confined material. This seems to be corrected in the proposed EC83 revision of 2022. The Greek CSI 2013 adopts a very simple straight‐forward analytical procedure producing the most conservative results, while the revised analytical expressions included in the 2022 version, has a better convergence with the experiments. However, for large thickness of confinement material, the ductility factor values are unrealistically high. The model proposed in the literature has the advantage of correcting the aforementioned unrealistic result.
Seismic analysis of integral bridge considering the influence of soil structure interaction
Authors: Shrestha Sudip , Sahani Kameshwar , Balla Biswa Kumar 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn Simply supported bridge, superstructure and substructure are separated by the expansion joint and bearing. In Integral bridge (IB), the bridge deck is casted monolithically with the abutment wall. Integral bridges have increased redundancy, which improves its seismic performance. Simply supported Bridge fails may fail due to the failure of bearing, non‐availability of seating width and failure of expansion joint which does not occur in the IB. The single pile analysis performed in Csi bridge and L pile software with same soil and pile parameter shows that the soil parameters from API guideline can be used in the FEM to represent the SPI. The FE modelling of a benchmark IB is modelled in Csi Bridge. Soil surrounding the pile is represented by the series of nonlinear spring p–y curve, t‐z curve and q‐z curve based on API. Seismic Capacity of benchmark IB is determined using nonlinear static analysis in which nonlinearity is assigned in soil and pile. The forces induced in piles are observed to be within the elastic capacity. Parametric study with variation of soil (loose sand, medium sand and stiff clay) by Nonlinear static analysis shows stiffness of soil has significant effect on seismic response.
Quality control criteria for gas permeability testing of concrete structures
Authors: Ptacek Lisa , Grba Damian , Granzner Maximilian , Sattler Fabian , Frangopol Dan M. , Strauss Alfred 
Published: September 2023

AbstractCuring is a crucial process during the construction phase of concrete structures, as it plays a significant role in ensuring durability and strength. During the curing process, the concrete is kept moist to allow properly hydration and hardening. This process helps to prevent cracking, increase the concrete's compressive strength, and improve its resistance to weathering, abrasion, and other forms of wear. Therefore, it is essential that the curing process is carried out correctly to ensure the longevity and structural integrity of the concrete structures. The pore system within concrete plays a critical role in determining its durability and resistance to various types of degradation. One way to assess the quality and durability of concrete is by measuring its gas permeability. Gas permeability is a measure of how easily gases, such as air or water vapor, can pass through the concrete. If concrete has high gas permeability, it allows harmful substances, such as water, gases and chemicals, to penetrate into the concrete, causing damage and reducing its durability over time. Herein gas permeability testing is used for the evaluation of concrete curing quality.
Field Studies of Megagravel Transport: Relevance for Coastal Infrastructure Engineering
Authors: Cox Rónadh , Pakrashi Vikram 
Published: September 2023

AbstractExtreme wave impacts on coastal infrastructure, including bridges, is a growing problem. Highest energy events are difficult to study because direct observations in real time are almost impossible. Also the non‐linear dynamics are difficult to model or to reproduce in scaled experiments. Coastal boulder deposits incorporating megagravel (y axis >4.1 m) provide natural analogues of infrastructure components such as bridge deck slabs; and field measurements of these wave‐transported blocks can address this knowledge gap. In this contribution we present geoscience data relating coastal topography, wave climate, and dislodgement of megagravel up to 620 tonnes. We hope that this will generate new synergies among coastal geocientists and engineers.
Fragility analysis of slopes exposed to seismic hazard employing surrogate modeling techniques
Authors: Cabanzo Carlos , Tinoco Joaquim , Sousa Hélder S. , Matos José C. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractNatural disasters may lead to failure of critical assets part of railway systems. Slope failure often results in major economic consequences. Due to the economic importance that railways systems have, it is pertinent to ensure good performance and long‐term. The objective of the present research is to propose tools that may allow obtaining the failure probability of soil slopes under a seismic event by employing surrogate models to ease the computational cost of considering the uncertainties associated with geotechnical and geometrical properties of a case study located in Portugal. The presented methodology and derived fragility curves, using peak ground acceleration (PGA) as the intensity measure (IM), can be used to assess slope performance under a seismic event for different safety levels, thus providing useful information for prioritizing assets and taking preventive actions to maintain the desired performance of the railway system.
INTUMESCENT FIREPROOF COATINGS BASED ON ZEOLITE‐LIKE CEMENT MATRICES
Authors: Krivenko Pavel , Guzii Sergii , Rudenko Igor , Konstantynovskyi Oleksandr 
Published: September 2023

AbstractConcrete and reinforced concrete building structures (for example, such as tunnels) lose carrying ability in case of high‐temperature fire action. The aim of the research is to study the prevention of reinforced concrete structures (for example, such as tunnels) under fire action in case of using the proposed coating based on the alkaline aluminosilicate binder, which would not consist of organic components dangerous to health. The ratios between constituent oxides in the binder which ensure the ability to bloat the coating under fire action were determined. The performance properties of developed fire protective coating were defined after artificial aging (cycles of alternate drying and cooling) and fire action: bloating factor ‐ 2.0…5.1, adhesion strength ‐ 6.6…8.0 MPa, compressive strength ‐ 2.3…4.5 MPa, cohesive strength of 1.2…1.5 MPa, thermal conductivity coefficient ‐ 0.042…0.066 W/m‐°C, total porosity ‐ 92…97 %. The temperature at which the coating starts to bloat = 200…250 °C has been developed. The results of the test held in the open air suggested drawing a conclusion that with a coating thickness of 6 mm protection of the reinforced concrete from fragile fracture and from plastic deformations in the metal of the reinforcement they provided under fire exposure for a period of 3 hours.
Case study: use of SHM to support bridge assessment, maintenance and operation
Authors: Paciacconi Andrea , Richli Thomas 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe assessment of infrastructure conditions is at present a topic of great interest and importance, as well as great challenge. This paper presents a case study of the Samuel De Champlain Bridge (Montreal, QB, Canada), an outstanding stay cable bridge equipped with a comprehensive monitoring system (SHM). Among other SHM features, particular attention was paid to implementation of a strategic corrosion monitoring system. This paper intends to describe the concept design, implementation and data interpretation. Here corrosion sensors have been embedded during construction stage to monitor long term evolution of key electro‐chemical parameters for controlling deterioration of materials. Furthermore, these sensors measure stray current interference generated from the rail system that can cause corrosion. In both cases, abnormal values would warn the owner of the associated increased risk of corrosion. This gives them the possibility to take corrective measures to protect the structure before corrosion becomes a serious threat.
How to make Monitoring more attractive to Bridge Owners
Authors: Wenzel Helmut , Wenzel Moritz 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThere is a wide gap between bridge owners needs and scientist's desire. Monitoring based assessment of bridges has therefore not really arrived in bridge managers processes. We have to do the necessary only, work out clear objectives, present plausible explanations, offer interfaces to LCE and BIM, create standard applications with plenty of references and submit results that fit into the owners’ work process. How to do this will be explained presenting actual cases from the world longest suspension bridge (Canakkale Bridge 2023m span), several bridge cases in India and China as well as Offshore Applications.