bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hybrid protective coatings for construction steel bars
Authors: Matziaris Katia , Tsampali Evangelia , Tsardaka Eirini‐Chrysanthi , Stefanidou Maria 
Published: September 2023

AbstractA hybrid‐based coating is proposed for its performance against accelerated corrosion of steel bars used for concrete reinforcement. The innovative, hybrid nano‐modified character of the coating is applied during steel's welding process (at around 400°C) ensuring durability and adhesion to the steel bars while energy saving is a necessary feature. With the intention of comparing product sustainability, both water‐based and organic solvent based polymeric matrix was used. Formulations were designed according to the final desired performance of the coating's behaviour and anti‐corrosion properties. For all the above complex formulations, an ultrasonic mixing method was applied, and all coatings have been sprayed. Final performance of coated steel was tested after exposing samples in salt mist, using sodium chloride solution (3.0% w/w) for 7 days. Detailed imaging modalities for metallic surfaces have been performed after testing samples under Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
Model updating of plate composite structure using particle swarm optimization algorithm
Authors: Quang Minh Tran , Bento Ana Margarida , Tiago Ferradosa , Sousa Hélder S. , Duc Binh Nguyen , Cam Nhung Nguyen Thi , Campos e Matos José 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe Finite Element Method (FEM) is a widely applied method for design calculations in many industries, including civil engineering, textile technology and aerospace. Computational simulation is subject to many uncertain parameters that greatly affect the results of structural analysis and evaluation. This is especially true for structures made of composite materials and complex structures. Determining the exact computational parameters is difficult because the structure involves many materials and components. Not to mention that for some structures, removing some additional components also affects the calculation results. Therefore, the present research aims to propose a simple and straightforward calculation method that ensures the accuracy of the finite element model based on swarm intelligence, namely the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm. The results reveal a good compromise between the laboratory results and the computational simulations for the model scale studied. In this way, an accurate and reliable model can be produced that can be applied to structural health monitoring, design optimization, or reliability analysis.
QUICK‐B‐WIM: Large scale application of a moving force identification method on a railway bridge
Authors: Riedel Henrik , Firus Andrei , Vospernig Michael , Apostolidi Eftychia , Schneider Jens 
Published: September 2023

AbstractGlobally, infrastructure faces the challenge of aging bridges and increasing traffic loads. Extended operational availability and safety of the bridge structures can be enabled by Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) methods. For this, knowledge of the actual vehicle loads is of crucial importance for evaluation of the remaining service life. Direct measurement of the moving loads, however, is either very cumbersome and requires considerable financial effort or in some cases even impossible. Bridge Weigh‐In‐Motion (B‐WIM) methods use the structural responses of bridge structures to determine the external vehicle loads. The present contribution deals with the testing of a novel moving force identification (MFI) method, denoted as Quick‐BWIM (QBWIM) under real operating conditions. In this study, 43 train crossings within 18 hours were investigated and compared with a nearby axle load measurement point. QBWIM achieves an average error of only 1.1% with a standard deviation of 7.5% for individual axles and an average error of 2.1% with a standard deviation of 1.5% for the identification of gross vehicle weights (GVW). This study shows that QBWIM can meet European and US guidelines even under poor conditions and is able to reliably determine axle loads in real time.
Effect of material strength uncertainties on the structural assessment of existing RC bridges
Authors: Zizi Mattia , Di Gennaro Luciana , Bencivenga Pasquale , De Matteis Gianfranco 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe structural assessment of existing bridges is a topic of noteworthy interest for the engineering community given the general conservation state characterizing the infrastructural assets and the need of performing upgrading interventions. One of the key aspects of this process is represented by the material strength definition based on destructive and non‐destructive tests. As for reinforced concrete structures, the design strength determination of both reinforcing steel and concrete should account for the statistical distributions of strength values returned by tensile and compressive tests, respectively, as well as the related confidence factors assumed for the analysis. In this context, existing reinforced concrete structures commonly exhibit a notable dispersion of resistance values making necessary the adoption of improved approaches for design strength determination. The present paper addresses this topic by analyzing the effects of uncertainties on the capacity assessment of reinforced concrete elements which are typical of Italian bridges realized during the last century. The study aims at highlighting how the knowledge process based on investigation campaigns can influence the capacity assessment of existing structures.
Risk assessment of a masonry arch bridge: from on‐site inspections to continuous monitoring
Authors: Borlenghi Paolo , Gentile Carmelo , D'angelo Manuel , Ballio Francesco 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe paper presents an application of a risk‐based methodology – developed as a joint research between Politecnico di Milano and Regione Lombardia – for the prioritization of interventions and the subsequent monitoring of a masonry arch bridge affected by riverbed erosion. Firstly, available data on the regional bridge inventory is evaluated to assign a structural and hydraulic class of attention. Subsequently, onsite inspections and in‐depth documentary analysis were performed, and, finally, a quasi‐static structural and hydraulic monitoring system was installed to detect scour‐induced effects. The monitoring of piers rotation is performed using tiltmeters installed at the skewback of the arches. Environmental parameters, such as temperature, water level and riverbed changes, are also measured to check possible correlation with the monitored rotations. The results from the first two years of monitoring highlight abnormal changes in the rotationtemperature correlation of some piers.
A case study for the reliability evaluation of an existing prestressed bridge according to current Standard
Authors: Poeta Alberto , Micozzi Fabio , Gioiella Laura , Dall'Asta Andrea 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe structural reliability of existing post‐tensioned concrete bridges is a non‐trivial topic because of uncertainties affecting many parameters involved in their assessment process. This last is performed according to the current Codes specification through the partial factor method. Such method can be applied considering realistic material properties variability and accounting also for ageing, deterioration, and damage by means of all prior data that can be collected, as stated in present Standards like Fib 80. These data span from existing design specifications up to original design documents and experimental campaigns for the material investigations through in‐situ tests. Regarding existing post‐tensioned concrete bridges, the prestressing cables characteristics are the most important components in the reliability of the final safety verification, but their values (in terms of probability distribution) are affected by many uncertainty sources. This paper focuses on the evaluation of the structural reliability of a real case study by applying the partial factor method and by comparing the results achieved considering the ideal case of perfect knowledge with those achieved considering different levels of knowledge acquired through simulated experimental tests.
Strengthening of Precast Segmental Bridge built in 1960s using External Tendons
Authors: Moravcik Martin , Bujnakova Petra , Kralovanec Jakub 
Published: September 2023

AbstractRecently more attention has been paid to ageing infrastructure under increased traffic on the roads in Slovakia. As a result, selected prestressed concrete bridges have been inspected. Evidence of their poor technical condition has been discovered including serious faults such as large permanent deflection, wide cracks, extensive prestressing degradation, and others. The original conceptual design and poor quality of prestressing steel protection are often the decisive factor. This paper provides an example of bridge rehabilitation design of the concrete precast segmental bridge in an emergency condition. The bridge in question which is located over the water reservoir Ruzin was built in 1967 as one of the first‐generation precast segmental bridges in Slovakia. Its service life was successfully extended using structural system modification and strengthened using external prestressing. The initial assumptions for the rehabilitation have been based on the detailed analysis of the defects, and assessment of existing conditions including the analytical approach of residual prestressing determination. This concept represents the potential solution for achieving enhanced service life of similar bridges.
On Mathematical Models of Degradation Processes According to ISO 16204 and fib Model Code
Authors: Šomodíková Martina , Doležel Jiří , Lehký David 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe main factors affecting the service life of concrete structures are the presence of chloride ions and carbon dioxide, alternating frost action and mechanical stresses on the structure. In practice, these effects can be taken into account by using mathematical modelling of these phenomena. In this contribution, the authors focus on the processes of chloride ions and carbon dioxide (carbonation process) diffusion through concrete and the associated subsequent corrosion of reinforcement. Mathematical models recommended by the fib Model Code and ISO 16204 are described and the effect of simultaneous environmental and mechanical load on the service life of the structure is discussed. The models are used to study the residual service life of a simple reinforced concrete frame bridge based on the percentage loss of reinforcement area analysis over time.
Inspection and maintenance KPIs to support decision making integrated into Digital Twin tool
Authors: Stipanovic Irina , Palic Sandra Skaric , Casas Joan Ramon , Chacón Rolando , Ganic Emir 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn the H2020 European project ASHVIN “Assistants for Healthy, Safe, and Productive Virtual Construction Design, Operation & Maintenance using a Digital Twin”, a set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Performance Indicators (PIs) to plan and control productive, resource efficient, and safe maintenance are being developed for transport infrastructure. This paper is presenting PIs and KPIs for the assessment and monitoring of the following aspects: Productivity, Resource Efficiency, Cost, Health & Safety during the operational life cycle stage, which is mainly focusing on the inspection and maintenance planning. Quantifiable and measurable PIs and KPIs are proposed and applied on two demonstration projects, highway bridge in Spain and airport runway in Croatia, as part of transportation infrastructure. Proposed PIs and KPIs are integrated into digital twins of the analyzed assets and into decision making tools for risk based maintenance planning. This paper presents the overview of the proposed digital PIs and KPIs applied on two demonstration projects and the integration into decision support tools for efficient and sustainable maintenance planning.
Towards standardized guidelines in digital data acquisition for monitoring and maintenance of European transport infrastructures
Authors: Justo Andrés , Sánchez‐Rodríguez Ana , Varela María , Arias Pedro 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe digital transformation of the architecture, engineering, and construction sector is associated with an enormous production of data. The appearance of new technologies is leading the way for more sustainable and interconnected infrastructures. Therefore, data analytics is crucial to know the current state of infrastructure and will help towards the efficient management of assets. The main issue is how to collect and exploit meaningful data throughout the lifecycle of infrastructure assets to further allow human experts and computers to make accurate diagnostics, predictions, and decisions. This contribution presents the insights gained in the course of IM‐SAFE project, showing the strategy followed to create guidelines for data collection to monitor and maintain critical assets in the infrastructure network (bridges and tunnels). It tackled a variety of surveying technologies, from destructive and non‐destructive, to chemical methods, among others. The results obtained will support the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) in the standards for monitoring and maintenance of bridges and tunnels, accelerating the adoption of new standards by public authorities and stakeholders in transport infrastructure.
Model updating of in‐service bridges using multidisciplinary research ‐ case studies in Spain
Authors: Riveiro Belen , Bouzas Óscar , Barros Brais , Conde Borja , Cabaleiro Manuel , Rodríguez Ana Sánchez , Arias‐Sánchez Pedro 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis paper presents several experiences focused to create and update accurate numerical models of ageing bridges in Spain. The experimental campaigns included integration of various NDT technologies such as laser scanning, ultrasounds, etc., combined with vibration‐based methods such as Operational Modal Analysis. From these multi‐source data it was possible to create an accurate numerical model of each structure, which was lately subjected to a calibration using the actual dynamic response of the structure. Thus, the updated structural model presents the same behaviour as the real construction, offering a powerful tool to more accurately predict the safety level of the structure. On the other hand, structural assessments based on reliability analysis has been proved to improve the quality and accuracy of safety analysis due to the consideration of the possible deviations presented in the parameters of a structure. These works were compiled as case‐studies in Spain within IM‐SAFE project.
FRAMEWORK FOR PROACTIVE MAINTENANCE PRACTICES FOR TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURES
Authors: Daró Paola , Alovisi Isabella , Mancini Giuseppe , Negri Serena , Vliet Agnieszka Bigaj‐van , van Meerveld Hendrik 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe intensive use, as well as climate change, accelerates structural deterioration of transport infrastructure, leading to an increased risk level. Hence, well‐founded procedures to improve asset management and optimize utilization of the limited resources for conservation are needed. The foreseen harmonization of standards at European level aims to facilitate the transition from traditional maintenance approaches (corrective and time‐based maintenance) towards a risk‐based approach to maintenance decision‐making. The condition‐based maintenance strategy is favored since enables early identification of risks. Analysis of best practices show that the acceptance and use of preventive maintenance strategies in the current practice is increasing. Therefore, it is essential to provide an harmonized basis for decision‐making concerning the implementation of maintenance strategies in asset management. This contribution summarizes the lessons learned and explores the vision developed in H2020 CSA IM‐SAFE project, which envisages the use of risk‐based maintenance management system and employing condition‐based maintenance strategies supported by inspection, testing and monitoring to ensure reliability, safety, availability and economical operation over the assets' lifetime.
Electromagnetic testing of multi‐strand stay cables: novel technique and instrumentation
Authors: Semenov Alexey , Slesarev Dmitry 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSteel stay cables are widely applied in various civil constructions. In recent decades, the so‐called multi‐strand stay cables have become widely used, particularly in the construction of cable‐stayed bridges. Conventional method of stay‐cable diagnostics utilizes magnetic rope testing instruments. However, because of the large diameter of multi‐strand stay cables, the appropriate magnetic instrument should have an inappropriate high mass and create a significant force of attraction between the magnetic head and the stay cable, which likely would cause damage to the cable's outer protective shell. Alternatively, the eddy current method can be used for testing of stay cables. The special probe was developed that provides equal sensitivity to surface and subsurface breaks of the strands and reduces a disturbance of irregularity of magnetic properties along the cable. On the basis of this probe, a specific electromagnetic instrument was designed for nondestructive testing of multi‐strand stay cables. The instrument was tested on a multi‐strand mock‐up and applied for inspection of the stay cables of bridges. Results of this are discussed in the article.
Guideline on NDT‐supported reliability assessment of existing structures ‐ Current developments in Germany
Authors: Küttenbaum Stefan , Braml Thomas , Heinze Marco , Kainz Christian , Keuser Manfred , Kotz Peter , Lechner Thomas , Maack Stefan , Reinke Klaus‐Dieter , Schulze Sebastian , Soukup Alexander , Stettner Christian , Taffe Alexander , Wöstmann Jens 
Published: September 2023

AbstractInformation about an existing structure can be collected at certain costs to evaluate the reliability and condition as realistically as necessary. This information can be relevant or irrelevant, true or biased, precise or imprecise. The incorporation of relevant and quality‐assessed measured information into reliability reassessment offers the chance to extend remaining lifetimes and support decision making about optimal actions or maintenance strategies. This paper shows recent developments in a national research project that aims to produce a guideline on the NDT‐based, structure‐specific modification of partial safety factors. The general methodology, results from recalculations according to the Eurocodes and metrologically solvable testing tasks relevant in the recalculation of the concrete bridges are shown and compared with the non‐destructive testing methods applicable to concrete bridges. A case study is used to demonstrate that as‐built drawings, in this case of the positions of tendons and shear reinforcement, can be verified using the radar method.
A Unified concrete damage model for monotonic loading and fatigue loading
Authors: Guo Chenggong , Li Jie 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn this work, a unified damage model is proposed for describing the mechanical behavior of concrete under monotonic loading and fatigue loading. Based on the micro‐meso stochastic fracture model (MMSF), the multiscale energy dissipation within the microspring is investigated. The rate process theory and a crack hierarchy model are employed to describe the nanocrack growth rate and crack number, respectively. It is found out that the fracture strain of the microspring can be derived from the energy dissipation analysis. The expression of the stochastic damage evolution law is changed to “energy dissipation threshold” instead of “fracture strain.” The new model can describe different damage evolution forms under monotonic and fatigue loading with the same parameters. The mechanisms of different damage evolution laws under different loading modes are analyzed in detail. Finally, a numerical example is presented to verify the proposed model.
Low frequency Piezoelectric Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducers optimized for concrete structures.
Authors: Sammut Stephen , Gatt Edward , Borg Ruben Paul 
Published: September 2023

AbstractEmbedded sensors operating within a reinforced concrete structure enable the timely detection of structural degradation causes, such as chloride ions present in the pore solution. The best communication protocol to use for inter‐device communication within the concrete structure would ideally be wireless such as an ultrasonic system. Concrete is a composite material which imposes constraints on ultrasonic transmission, especially when operating at frequencies above 100kHz where incident radiation is scattered by the aggregate. Furthermore, for an effective coupling mechanism, a liquid with high acoustic impedance is required to reduce energy reflection at the interface. This paper outlines the design, construction, and characterisation of a range of Piezoelectric Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducers (PMUTs) which are specifically designed to operate in liquids, at frequencies near or below 100kHz. The PMUT devices described in this paper have diaphragm diameters ranging between 550μm and 2,000μms which sizes are needed for PMUTs to resonate at the required low frequency. This paper outlines the device geometry calculations and the design and fabrication of the prototype devices. The resonant frequencies were determined using a laser vibrometer.
Flood vulnerability assessment: an effective tool to evaluate the lifecycle risk analysis of bridges.
Authors: Kosič Mirko , Anžlin Andrej , Bau' Valentina 
Published: September 2023

AbstractFrom a lifecycle perspective, assessing bridge vulnerability is a key element of implementing effective risk mitigation and management strategies. This study offers an integrated and computationally efficient approach to evaluate bridges' vulnerability to failure due to hydrodynamic and wood debris forces and the concurrent action of local scour. The vulnerability analysis follows a stochastic approach and is developed through a case‐study analysis of a bridge that has a high proneness to flood‐related hazards. The modelling of the wood debris accumulation is accomplished based both on a Standard approach and on findings drawn from up‐to‐date research data. It is found that the shape of wood debris accumulation envisioned in the first approach has a particularly adverse effect on the bridge's vulnerability, exposing its limitations. A detailed and comprehensive methodology for assessing the risk related to flood hazards on bridges is also presented. It is perceived that not only will this new tool be valuable in estimating the flood loss assessment on bridges, but it will also be beneficial for facilitating decision‐making processes and in finding effective countermeasures for risk mitigation of flood‐related hazards.