bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Automated Creation of an IFC‐4 Compliant Damage Model from a Digital Inspection Supported by AI.
Authors: Furtner Peter , O'Brien Peter 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis paper describes a technological solution for digital condition inspection, which includes the entire process, starting with on‐site image acquisition upto the IFC‐4‐compliant result. In detail, the process includes the following steps:

– Digital image recording of the entire object on site
– Automated creation of a 3D model from the image data in the form of a textured scatter plot
– Generation of a BIM geometry model from the scatter plot
– Fully automated damage detection in the original images using AI (accurate to the pixel)
– Correct location of the damage on the 3D model as a polyline and linking the damage with the associated damage information in a database (e.g., crack length, crack width, damage area)
– Fully automated creation of an IFC‐4 compliant damage model.
Probabilistic Analysis of Corrosion Rates and Degradation of Weathering Steel Bridges
Authors: Sykora Miroslav , Kreislova Katerina , Markova Jana , Mlcoch Jan 
Published: September 2023

AbstractCorrosion of weathering steels in outdoor conditions has been observed since their pioneering applications in construction in the 1960s. Changing environmental conditions such as decreasing SO2 concentration and changes in temperature and relative air humidity affect the formation and development of a protective layer of corrosion products on the surface of these steels. The study compares the long‐term corrosion rates of weathering steels according to EN ISO 9224 with the measured rates for various environments in the Czech Republic and abroad, with a focus on sites with high concentrations of chlorides from de‐icing salts. When considering related uncertainties, the corrosion rate models provide estimates in a wide range, and in‐situ measurements can significantly improve corrosion loss predictions. The reliability of bridges made of weathering steels with a well‐developed protective layer is insignificantly affected by corrosion. However, low reliability levels may be experienced in critical details where for example leakage may damage the protective layer of patina.
Seismic performance of RC bridge piers reinforced through FRCM confinement
Authors: Toska Klajdi , Zanini Mariano A. , Faleschini Flora 
Published: September 2023

AbstractCorrosion of reinforced concrete (RC) structures is one of the main issues concerning existing buildings and especially of infrastructures. Corrosion phenomena, that is induced mainly by carbonatation and by high chlorides concentration, can significantly affect the performance of existing structures. In particular, the seismic performance can be significantly affected. Loss of transversal reinforcement in RC elements can reduce the concrete ductility while corrosion affecting bending reinforcement reduces the lateral load‐bearing capacity of RC elements. To enhance the performance of corroded elements and extend service life of deteriorated structures confinement is one of the most effective and commonly used techniques. This paper investigates the deterioration of the seismic performance of a RC bridge affected by corrosion and retrofitted through FRCM confinement. Different deterioration and retrofitting scenarios are combined and seismic fragility curves are computed for each case. Finally, time‐variant seismic reliability profiles are used to evaluate the best retrofitting scenario and intervention time to maximize reliability gains.
A Bayesian Framework for Simulation‐based Digital Twins of Bridges
Authors: Arcones Daniel Andrés , Weiser Martin , Koutsourelakis Faidon‐Stelios , Unger Jörg F. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSimulation‐based digital twins have emerged as a powerful tool for evaluating the mechanical response of bridges. As virtual representations of physical systems, digital twins can provide a wealth of information that complements traditional inspection and monitoring data. By incorporating virtual sensors and predictive maintenance strategies, they have the potential to improve our understanding of the behavior and performance of bridges over time. However, as bridges age and undergo regular loading and extreme events, their structural characteristics change, often differing from the predictions of their initial design. Digital twins must be continuously adapted to reflect these changes. In this article, we present a Bayesian framework for updating simulation‐based digital twins in the context of bridges. Our approach integrates information from measurements to account for inaccuracies in the simulation model and quantify uncertainties. Through its implementation and assessment, this work demonstrates the potential for digital twins to provide a reliable and up‐to‐date representation of bridge behavior, helping to inform decision‐making for maintenance and management.
Buckling analysis of steel members by extension of EC‐3 methods in bridge girders under Patch Loading
Authors: Micelli Francesco , Maci Lorenzo , De Vitis Fabiano Alex 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe buckling “General Method” of EN 1993‐1‐1 and EN 1993‐1‐5 can be applied to solve problems characterized by non‐uniform geometries and complex stress fields. A typical example occurs during the incremental launching of bridge girders with slender web panel subjected to patch loading. However, this method does not explicitly provide the most critical verification point of a structural element and does not allow to consider the mechanical interaction between instability modes. The objective of the study is the development of a novel methodology that can solve these important special design issues, using a completely automatic process by linear static and linear buckling analyses only. The procedure provides the definition of a slenderness parameter for each point of the structure, in order to avoid the nonlinear analyses with imperfections permutation (as described in Annex C of EN 1993‐1‐5) that require a high computational effort. This pointwise slenderness parameter indicates not only where the slenderness is maximum in each buckling mode, but also the slenderness in other points of the structural elements. This would allow to consider the interaction between global and local buckling, with the definition of an equivalent slenderness parameter for buckling modes coupling.
Assessment of existing bridges: difficulties and challenges following the Italian experience
Authors: Buttarazzi Francesca , Chiaia Bernardino , Marano Giuseppe Carlo , Palmisano Fabrizio 
Published: September 2023

AbstractMany Italian bridges were built more than 50 years ago and are subjected to significant phenomena of deterioration that in some cases, especially in presence of hidden structural defects due to design or construction errors, have triggered catastrophic collapses. The current situation would require in‐depth analyses to be carried out on all infrastructures to assess the current level of safety, according to in‐force national standard, and to define appropriate construction or operational interventions. However, taking account of the large number of infrastructures, the necessity to define the priorities for detailed assessments arises and, this is why the recent Italian ‘Guidelines for risk classification and management, safety assessment and structural health monitoring of existing bridges’ includes, for the first time in Italy, a stepwise approach with increasing level of detail. In this article the main difficulties and limitations arisen in recent assessments of existing bridges according to these guidelines are discussed. The aim is to highlight either if they can be solved e.g. by improving the guidelines and/or the current codes of practice, or if they should be taken into account when setting the acceptable level of risk and the relevant assessment and rehabilitation requirements.
Inspection and condition assessment of existing overpass, Sofia, Bulgaria
Authors: Jiponov Alexander 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThat paper describes the activities related with an inspection and condition assessment of existing bridge over a railway line in Sofia, Bulgaria. The structure is part of important transport connection between two major residential areas and the Owner wants to enlarge. The aim is to build a new bridge parallel to the existing one and then to refurbish the old one due to its poor exploitational condition. In the assessment report, it is included scanning with UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) and making of Digital Twin of the structure. The registration of the damages and the identifying of maintenance problems is based on a Visual inspection, NDT Tools and Building Information Model. The quality control assessment of the bridge is based on PI's and KPI's and then two scenarios are elaborated for further action – Reference and Preventive.
Experiences in assessment, replacement and repair of external tendons
Authors: Weiher Hermann 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe paper presents experiences with damages that occurred when using external tendons. Reason for these damages could be both technical deficiencies of a tendon system (system = components, design, corrosion protection, installation, stressing etc.) or simply human mistakes. Damages often could occur at deviators and anchorages, since forces are transferred to the structure there and the tendon is loaded in transverse direction. Damages will be presented, explained (why it is a damage), which measure had been taken and of course also advice for the future (lessons learned). The damages occurred on site or during testing of external tendon systems. Hence, the paper shall help the reader/attendant to understand sensitivity of external tendons. Furthermore, to these damages experiences with replacement (mainly cutting of the old tendon) of external tendons with flexible filler mass are shared. “Experience” focusses mainly on the de‐installation, re‐installation, grouting and stressing process. Topics that will be covered are:‐ Improper design and/or installation of deviators and subsequent damages to the tendon sheath‐ Torsional strand failure due to improper deviation at stressing anchor‐ Limitations of the tendon path‐ Deficient encapsulation of the prestressing steel‐ Tendon force measurement options
Analysis of the Joint Effects of Thermal Stresses and Corrosion on Integral Abutment Bridges
Authors: Contento Alessandro , Aloisio Angelo , Xue Junqing , Quaranta Giuseppe , Briseghella Bruno , Gardoni Paolo 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe corrosion of reinforced concrete structures in coastal areas turns out to be very severe and can extend significantly in windy zones. Additionally, frequent temperature changes and, above all, exposure to extreme temperatures might induce wider cracks and micro‐cracks in concrete structures which, in turn, might accelerate the diffusion of corrosive agents. Motivated by this evidence, the present study aims at verifying the sensitivity of integral abutment bridges to the combined effect of thermal stresses and corrosion. Preliminary results show that a high thermal stress may amplify the negative effects of corrosion but also that the bridge used for the case study is more sensitive to thermal stresses than to corrosion.
Nonlinear probabilistic structural assessment: Findings from Austrian and Czech bridges
Authors: Novák Drahomír , Strauss Alfred , Novák Lukáš , Lehký David , Šomodíková Martina , Lipowczan Martin , Slowik Ondřej , Doležel Jiří , Pukl Radomír , Sattler Fabian , Apostolidi Eftychia 
Published: September 2023

AbstractConsideration of uncertainties in bridge structural engineering is a growing topic because it provides valuable information on the reliability of bridges in time while addressing life‐cycle aspects. Utilization of nonlinear finite element method (NLFEM) and Monte Carlo (MC) type simulation is essential for modelling of the concrete bridge random behaviour and its reliability assessments. This contribution describes keystones of a complex methodology for statistical, reliability and risk analyses of concrete structures including advanced nonlinear finite element analysis, uncertainty propagation and degradation modelling. It presents virtual simulation used on the way from assessment of experimental results to reliability analysis of a bridge structure, based on randomization of nonlinear fracture mechanics finite element analysis. Keystones of complex methodology are material parameters identification, nonlinear computational modelling, uncertainties propagation, surrogate modelling, degradation modelling, and safety formats. The paper describes methodology and for a routine complex assessment utilizing developed software tools and practical application of the approach for selected case studies of concrete bridges from Austria and the Czech Republic.
Monitoring and data‐informed assessment of steel bridges ‐ lessons learned from a case study
Authors: Abspoel‐Bukman Linda , Vliet Agnieszka Bigaj‐van , den Besten Caroline , Joostensz Ostar 
Published: September 2023

AbstractTo support the asset owners and operators, in the IM‐SAFE project a framework for life‐cycle asset management has been developed, highly interrelated with the framework for data‐informed safety assessment. A practical decision‐making process has been proposed, aiming at enable proactive maintenance of transport infrastructure, supported by data from monitoring, inspection and testing. The decision making flow, which is a part of the proposed decision‐making process, describes the different stages of the assessment of new and existing structures, focusing on various levels (network, system and component) and taking into account the available data.This paper presents a case study which demonstrates application of the decision making flow for the Galecopper bridge in the Netherlands where corrosion related damage near the anchorage of the stay cables has been discovered during inspection and on which structural health monitoring (SHM) has been applied for diagnostics and support of the asset management. The paper discusses the factual application of the theoretical decision making procedure on different conceptual levels, adding additional dimension to the decision making flow, based on the practical experience and lessons learned (retrospective).
STRUCTURAL HEALTH MONITORING OF CURVED ROADWAY BRIDGES THROUGH SATELLITE RADAR INTERFEROMETRY AND COLLAPSE SIMULATION
Authors: Farneti Elisabetta , Meoni Andrea , Natali Agnese , Celati Simone , Frascella Carmine , Lupi Maria Cristina , Cavalagli Nicola , Venanzi Ilaria , Salvatore Walter , Ubertini Filippo 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis paper presents the application of a Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) strategy for bridges affected by slow deformation phenomena to a curved roadway bridge undergoing slow landslide‐induced movements. The chosen multidisciplinary approach is based on the combination of remote sensing data through satellite Synthetic Aperture Radar Interferometry (InSAR) and structural analysis up to collapse investigated through the Applied Element Method (AEM). The results of the application to the considered case study demonstrate that the integration of the displacement information obtained through InSAR technique with the numerical analysis allows for improving the comprehension of the health state of the bridge undergoing slow movements and identifying potentially critical conditions for the structure.
Uncertainty of the crack width model based on fracture of concrete
Authors: Cervenka Vladimir , Rimkus Arvydas , Gribniak Viktor , Cervenka Jan 
Published: September 2023

AbstractA reliable crack width assessment is a basic part of the sustainability control of the reinforced concrete structures subjected to corrosion degradation. The uncertainty of the concrete cracking model based on a finite element method and nonlinear fracture mechanics is investigated. The parameters of numerical model, such as the finite element mesh size and amount and arrangement of reinforcement are the subject of a case study. The uncertainty of the crack width model is verified on the experimental data from the tests of reinforced concrete beams. The constitutive model of crack propagation is based on the smeared cracks. The effects of numerical discretization as well as dimensional simplification are shown.
Influence of strengthening interventions on the structural performance of a Maillart‐type arch bridge: the case of “Ciolo Bridge” in the South of Italy
Authors: Micelli Francesco , Perrone Daniele , Aiello Maria Antonietta 
Published: September 2023

AbstractRecent collapses of existing bridges occurred worldwide demonstrated the need of risk mitigation strategies. The failure of existing bridges can be attributed to many reasons: unexpected external actions due to both natural and anthropogenic catastrophes, materials degradation, increased traffic loads, inadequate original design or construction, lack of maintenance. In this context, it is remarkable that a significant percentage of the existing infrastructures has reached its nominal service life, requiring the allocation of relevant resources for their assessment, repair and upgrading. This study investigates the structural performance of a Maillart bridge built in 1960s in the South‐East of Italy. Due to its exposure close to the sea, the bridge has been subjected to a significant degradation, which asked strengthening interventions over the years. A detailed survey and tests were performed to investigate the mechanical properties of structural materials and detailing. A structural analysis was led by considering the original configuration and the retrofitted one. The results of the numerical analyses are shown and discussed in the paper, also by assessing the safety levels of the bridge and the effectiveness of the strengthening interventions occurred during the service life.
FIRE MODELLING AND STRUCTURAL ASSESSMENT OF CONCRETE LININGS OF UNDERGROUND STRUCTURES
Authors: Cardellino Enrico , de Silva Donatella , Bilotta Antonio , Perović Darko , Rios Oriol , la Mendola Saverio , Nigro Emidio , Andreini Marco 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe structural fire safety of tunnels is a highly debated theme at international level. Car accidents in road tunnels, failures on the power lines in railway tunnels [1,2] and electrical related issues of technological installations in underground research infrastructures can lead to trigger a fire. Fire due to cars, trains and combustion of cable insulations can be considerably dangerous. Fire in such infrastructures causes the stress increases and the losses of bearing capacity in the exposed concrete linings. Thus, in presence of a relevant fire risk, both new and existing underground structures need to be assessed. This paper shows the analyses carried out on the cavern UX15 of the ATLAS experiment, located at the Point 1 of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) of CERN – Meyrin, Switzerland. The structural fire assessment of tunnels requires to model the lining restrain conditions, the related structural resistance and the spalling phenomena. This modelling is done by Finite Element Method (FEM) code taking into account the spalling in advanced thermo‐mechanical analyses. The shell elements have been used due to their relatively conservative temperature distribution predictions, the acceptable accuracy of the displacement estimates, and a reasonable computational burden.
Evaluation of the pull‐out test to determine the residual prestressing in concrete bridges.
Authors: Pannuzzo Paola , Titton Michele , Furlan Matteo , Tecchio Giovanni 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn the context of existing post‐tensioned concrete bridges, a reliable assessment of load carrying capacity is still a challenging issue. The effective concrete compressive strength is related to the degradation process of post‐tensioned cables which cannot be detected by visual inspection only. Currently, in‐situ test methods combined with destructive techniques have been used as common methodology to assess either the concrete compressive strength and post‐tension cables losses. Yet, in‐situ tests are indirect approaches, and can be affected by several uncontrolled factors, playing a misleading role in strength determination. In this perspective, the paper aims to firstly introduce a theoretical background of pull‐out tests with their developments and limitations. Then, configuration test has been discussed to obtain reliable strength relationship, with emphasis on post‐installed inserts for pull‐out test. The main current standard provisions have been compared. This study intends to set the basis to test existing post‐tensioned concrete bridges with modified pull‐out test, having no effects on the structural integrity.
Influence of equipment, weather and personnel experience on the digitalization and damage detection of concrete bridges
Authors: Gonzalez‐Libreros Jaime H. , Wang Chao , Khaloo Ali , Krishnan Nikhil , Carolin Anders , Sas Gabriel 
Published: September 2023

AbstractTraditional visual inspections of existing infrastructure have limitations such as safety risks, limited accuracy for subsurface defects, and subjective assessments. Modern inspection techniques like terrestrial laser scanning, closerange photogrammetry (CRP), and infrared scanning offer faster and more accurate data collection, allowing for more informative and precise descriptions of objects, while minimizing traffic disturbances often associated with visual inspections. In this paper, CPR, a non‐destructive survey technique for reconstructing 3D shapes from 2D images, is used for the inspection of five bridges in Northern Sweden. The surveys were performed under different weather conditions, using different data acquisition equipment and personnel with different levels of experience. The acquired images were used to create 3D models of the bridges and to evaluate the evolution of damages over time. Results showed that although better models were created when using equipment with higher specifications, cheap gear such as GoPro or cellphones can also be used for the cases in which a lower level of detail is required. Furthermore, initial experience of the personnel does not seem to have high influence on the results.
Evaluation of the snow loads on the snow galleries on the Iron Ore Line in Northern Sweden
Authors: Saback Vanessa , Gonzalez‐Libreros Jaime , Daescu Cosmin , Hojsten Tommy , Sas Gabriel 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe Iron Ore Line is a railway in northern Sweden and Norway, crucial for iron ore transportation. Snow galleries safeguard this route, ensuring uninterrupted traffic for efficient operations. A snow gallery is a protective structure that shields roads and railways from heavy snowfall and avalanches. Reported damages to these structures caused by excessive snow loads have prompted an investigation to prevent further issues. This paper presents an analysis of the evolution of snow load calculations over time, though a comparison of Swedish design standards. The design snow loads required by current standards have increased up to 60% from the initial regulations, depending on the location of the structure. Besides, climate change is predicted to further increase snow loads due to more frequent winter precipitation, higher snow density, and extreme snowfall events. This analysis is part of a broader research project involving numerical simulations, live monitoring, and a digital twin monitoring system of some snow galleries in the Iron Ore Line.