bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Machine Learning Applications in Nondestructive Testing of Concrete Structures
Authors: Algernon Daniel , Münch Ingo , Muller Aurélia , Thurnherr Claudia 
Published: September 2023

AbstractMachine Learning bears great potential for data‐driven solutions in the field of nondestructive testing (NDT) of concrete structures. The analysis of the data collected with NDT methods, such as ultrasonics, impact‐echo and ground penetrating radar, can be complex and requires experience. The expected benefit of Machine Learning applications in this context goes beyond the increase of efficiency obtained by automating the analysis process. While traditional analysis approaches are usually solely based on key features according to the basic principles, Machine Learning algorithms can consider the full data content and reveal hidden correlations. For an organized approach to Machine Learning on NDT data, an analysis tool has been developed. The tool provides a graphical user interface to manage and label training/test data and interactively define the Deep Neural Network architecture. In particular, Convolutional Neural Networks, as proven successful in various image recognition tasks, are implemented. The Machine Learning concepts are demonstrated in show cases, comprising ultrasonic as well as impact‐echo applications. In particular, the relevance of a targeted preprocessing is addressed, comparing the effectiveness of time‐, frequency‐ and joint‐time‐frequency‐representations.
Data Cleansing & Overfitting Check for Interpretable ML in Concrete Design – a punching shear paradigm
Authors: Mellios Nikolaos , Spyrdis Panagiotis 
Published: September 2023

AbstractEvaluation of shear capacity is crucial for existing concrete buildings and bridges. Shear failure can cause an abrupt and brittle loss of load‐carrying capacity, leading to load redistribution and progressive collapse. An internationally research and scietific discourse is actively ongoing on the best prediction model for shear, torsion, and punching shear capacity, with no clear consensus. A machine learning‐based strength model is suggested for accurate prediction of punching shear capacity, using Gaussian Process Regression and Support Vector Regression models. Data elaboration and thorough evaluation are needed to enhance the model's performance and interpretability. The paper discusses critical methodological steps based on the authors' experience of developing ML‐models for structural concrete design against punching shear failure using 544 full‐scale tests.
Multi source Interferometry Synthetic Aperture Radar for monitoring existing bridges: a case study
Authors: Calò Mirko , Ruggieri Sergio , Nettis Andrea , Uva Giuseppina 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBridge maintenance and safety are key goals for transportation management companies, considering that several vulnerability sources can affect these assets. Although necessary and hardly replaceable, traditional surveillance techniques represent time‐ and cost‐consuming activities that cannot be widely employed on the entire infrastructural portfolio. Hence, innovative techniques could be exploited, among which the use of Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR). InSAR is a well‐known remote sensing technique that allows to reconstruct the displacement time‐series of persistent scatterers (PS) on the Earth's surface. The current available PS time series present different levels of spatial accuracy and temporal frequency, which depend on satellite data source. On this base, the paper deals with the evaluation of displacement scenarios for existing RC bridges, by means of two different popular satellite time‐series datasets: Sentinel‐1 and COSMO‐SkyMed. In detail, the analysis of the interferometric products provides different out‐comes, which are discussed in this paper. Pros and cons are provided with reference to a real‐life case study, showing differences in terms of geometry, resolution, and displacement results.
A deterministic model combining NDT to estimate permissible bending loads on trees
Authors: Muench Ingo , Loske Simon 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe stability of trees is the subject of numerous studies, as their loss poses a threat to life and limb. Bending loads are responsible for the two most common failure modes: uprooting and stem break. Uprooting is strongly related to soil conditions, water saturation and the root system itself. These parameters are difficult to measure in situ. Since both failure modes result in loss of vitality, arguments from evolutionary theory suggest that roots and stems should have similar load limits under normal conditions. Therefore, we propose a deterministic model to estimate the allowable bending load in the stem of European beech (Fagus sylvatica). The model assumes a non‐linear stress distribution in the cross section. Destructive bending tests show that damage progresses in three stages. Furthermore, the local compressive and tensile strength in fibre direction are crucial parameters to determine the ultimate load. Since the tensile strength cannot be measured by NDT, the experimental data from the large‐scale tests are used to relate this parameter to the compressive strength from the NDT data. This provides a method for determining the risk of a tree, for example in urban areas. It is also useful for estimating the allowable limit of engineering loads on trees.
Strength reduction curves for corroded seven‐wire strands
Authors: Marra Matteo , Palermo Michele , Trombetti Tomaso , Silvestri Stefano 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSteel seven‐wire strands are highly vulnerable to corrosion phenomena, which can strongly reduce their strength and ductility capacities. Following several parametric studies already conducted on corroded wires and strands, which allowed to identify the key parameters that govern their mechanical behavior, this paper presents a new resistance model for corroded seven‐wire strands. The model introduces a new coefficient that takes into account the variability of the corrosion in the seven wires that constitute the strand, with the purpose of representing the dispersion in the peak strength often emerged from tensile tests available in the literature. The lower bound of this coefficient is estimated analytically considering a brittle behavior for the wires. The ductile behavior is then taken into account by means of several Monte‐Carlo simulations of corroded strands. Finally, the resistance model allows to define strength reduction curves that allow to estimate the strength of corroded strands taking into account both the geometry of the corrosion and the steel material parameters. They represent simple engineering tools that are of great interest from both a design and safety assessment point of view.
The role of durability monitoring in taking infrastructure maintenance to the level of industry 4.0
Authors: Angst Ueli M. , Femenias Yurena Seguí , Moro Fabrizio 
Published: September 2023

AbstractOver the last years, significant advances were made with respect to sensors, data logging, data communication, and algorithm‐based data analysis. These developments have the potential to take structural health monitoring, especially structural corrosion health monitoring, to the next level. This contribution focuses on corrosion and durability monitoring of reinforced concrete structures. It is discussed how monitoring can play an important role in the diagnosis of the condition of a structure, as well as in predicting the future evolution of material's ageing and related deterioration processes. Measuring chemical and physical parameters in the concrete can serve as “early warning system” to detect potential durability issues ahead of time and optimize repair. Combined with modelling tools and taking into account the exposure conditions, such information can form the basis for predictive maintenance. In addition, the roles of monitoring as a method for checking the effectiveness of repair products in‐situ and to assess the performance of new concretes with low greenhouse gas emissions are discussed.
Condition Information Models in the context of Structural Health Monitoring
Authors: Köhncke Martin , Keβler Sylvia 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe realistic modelling of condition of structures with building information modelling (BIM) is beneficial for the assessment of structures. Condition survey in form of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) and testing is one important source of data to support this task. However, the interpretation of data is even more reliable if the condition – or in the worst case – the damage of the particular structure is known. Therefore, the condition information should be easily available and preferably machine interpretable. Currently, standards for the integration and processing of condition/ damage information in BIM are missing. The integration of condition/ damage information in the BIM method is necessary for a more realistic representation of the structure. Going beyond the as‐build information towards the as‐is condition of the structure it requires information from Non‐Destructive‐Testing (NDT) and inspections in the BIM model. For that purpose, besides the information itself, it is crucial to define the interfaces between NDT and BIM for an automated transfer of data. The accuracy and reliability of the NDT methods is of importance to enable condition assessment. Consequently, this contribution provides a comprehensive approach for the integration of SHM and NDT data in BIM.
Optimisation of Cantilever Based Energy Harvester Design for Railway Bridges
Authors: Cámara‐Molina Javier C. , Romero Antonio , Galvín Pedro , Moliner Emma , Martínez‐Rodrigo María Dolores 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn this paper, the authors investigate energy harvesting on railway bridges. A tuning process based on a statistical analysis of the mechanical energy generated by a lumped‐mass model is presented and validated. A cantilever‐based energy harvester configuration is applied, and the optimal design of 3D printed energy harvesters is studied. The electromechanical behaviour of the device is represented by an analytical model for the estimation of the energy harvested from train‐induced bridge vibrations. A genetic algorithm constrained to geometry and structural integrity is used to solve the optimisation problem. The design flexibility and energy performance are maximised by 3D printing of the substructure of the harvester. An optimal device prototype with PAHT CF15 substructure is designed and manufactured for a real bridge in the Madrid‐Sevilla High‐Speed line. The prototype is experimentally validated under laboratory conditions. Finally, the performance of energy harvesting is evaluated from in situ experimental data measured by the authors. The results allow quantifying the energy harvested in a time window of five hours and twenty‐seven train passages.
UAV‐based GPR prototype for structural monitoring of bridges: preliminary results and perspectives
Authors: Esposito Giuseppe , Salari Alan , Catapano Ilaria , Erricolo Danilo , Soldovieri Francesco 
Published: September 2023

AbstractStructural Health Monitoring (SHM) is a challenging task requiring novel inspection paradigms and methodological tools devoted to support effective and timely maintenance actions. In this context, non‐destructive technologies (NDTs) turn out to be of paramount importance and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is worthy of consideration for on‐demand, high‐resolution, subsurface surveys. Although GPR is an assessed technology, commercially available systems mainly work close to the structure under test, and those suitable to be mounted on moving platforms are hard to be used for the inspection of vertical structures. In this frame, mini–Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) equipped with radar systems are worthy of consideration because of their potential advantages in terms of versatility. This paper deals with the design of a compact mini‐drone‐based radar prototype for contactless imaging of elongated, horizontal and vertical structures. Herein, the design guidelines are discussed qualitatively and the assembled prototype is presented. Moreover, a performance analysis is provided by accounting for simulated data and preliminary experiments carried out in controlled conditions. Conclusions analyze challenges and perspectives.
Predicting Wall Thickness Loss in Water Pipes Using Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Taiwo Ridwan , Seghier Mohamed El Amine Ben , Zayed Tarek 
Published: September 2023

AbstractWall thickness loss in water pipes has been found to be positively correlated with water pipe failure. The reliability of water pipes reduces as their wall thickness loss increases. Although previous studies have investigated pipe failure modeling using historical failure data, however, indirect failure modeling via wall thickness loss is yet to be explored. Hence, this study develops machine learning (ML) models to predict wall thickness loss in water pipes. Random Forest (RF) and Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM) are chosen as the base models and are integrated with Bayesian Optimization (BO) algorithm for hyperparameters selection. The predictive models are evaluated using root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MEA), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), and coefficient of determination (R2). Based on the evaluation metrics, the hybrid models (i.e., RF+ BO and GBM+BO) outperformed the base models (RF and GBM), showing the importance of the systematic selection of hyperparameters. The best model (RF + BO) achieved an RMSE, MAE, MAPE, and R2 value of 3.212, 2.494, 11.506, and 0.910, respectively. These metrics show the high predictive capability of the model, which can be used by water infrastructure management to predict wall thickness loss in water pipes.
Does vehicle‐bridge interaction resemble the effect of tuned‐mass dampers on bridges during earthquakes?
Authors: Homaei Hossein , Dimitrakopoulos Elias G. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn many seismic studies, the coupled vehicle‐bridge system is treated as a tuned‐mass damper (TMD)‐bridge system, and unsurprisingly, the vehicle usually reduces the seismic bridge response. The current study challenges this common belief. To this end, it investigates the influence of running vehicles on the seismic performance of bridges. Specifically, it compares the effect of vehicle‐bridge interaction (VBI) to that of a TMD on bridges subjected to earthquakes. The discussion explores the underlying physical mechanisms of VBI and TMD, and highlights the superficial similarities and the substantial differences between them. In this context, the study presents pertinent numerical simulations for a set of natural earthquake records.
Detection of wire breaks and corrosion in external prestressed tendons using a magnetic rope testing device
Authors: Vaurigaud Bastien , Germain Didier , Chemineau Hélène , Cherrier J.‐F. , Piednoir R. , Guyot Fabien 
Published: September 2023

AbstractExternal prestressing tendons are a major structural element for the durability of concrete bridges. In France several cases of sudden breaks in external pre‐stressing tendon made of HDPE duct injected by cement grout directly in contact with strands have been recorded in the past decade [2].In order to prevent this sudden breaks Cerema has experimented the magnetic rope testing technology from ropeways to develop a non‐destructive inspection technic of the free length and junction of prestressing. The method is based on magnetic leakage field detection and allows to detect defaults of the strands inside the tendon such as corrosion and wire breaks.The article first focuses on the magnetic rope testing technic. Then tests previously performed on laboratory tendons with reference wire breaks will be analyzed for defaults characterization. Finally, the particular methodology adapted to the nondestructive magnetic inspection of prestressing tendons on site will be detailed. A general feedback including handling issues and analysis of non‐destructive magnetic controls completed with visual controls by removing the high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) sheath will be given.
Applications of State of the Art NDT Techniques in Bridge Inspections
Authors: Rapaport Guy 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis article introduces the author's accumulated experience in applying state of the art NDT techniques in bridge special inspections. The NDT techniques and their applications introduced in this paper, including some examples from actual bridge inspections, are the Ultrasound Tomography, Impact‐Echo and Impulse‐Response. The main applications of those systems in bridge special inspections are in evaluation of post‐tensioned bridges' ducts' injection as the prestressing system is an internal system embedded inside the concrete structure, in integrity evaluation of road bridge decks surface structures (especially with asphalt pavement) and in detection of hidden faults and damages inside concrete structures. The main objective of a bridge special inspection is to evaluate the condition of a bridge by onsite testing, sample taking and laboratory examinations. Regular inspection techniques yield only limited results. Reliable data from the inspection is required for repair planning and for setting its logical timing and for ensuring the bridge safe usage. Suitable NDT techniques significantly assist in overcoming the downfalls of regular inspection techniques and in ensuring bridges' safe use, as the author has proven in large number of cases.
Unexpected flange crippling of a newly built cyclist bridge
Authors: Van Bogaert Philippe 
Published: September 2023

AbstractEncouragement of cycling is an effective way to reduce energy consumption by traffic. Cycling lanes will, to the greatest extent practicable, be built close to currently used traffic roads in order to establish new, swift lanes that require little space. Building near railroads appears acceptable for the latter, preferably by cantilevered structures atop existing bridges. In the event that this is not acceptable, separate bicycle bridges may be constructed next to the railroad bridges. On the Brussels Ring Highway, close to the Zaventem Airport, the latter was the situation. The oblique bearing points at the extremities of the straight‐ended sections, used to construct this bicycle bridge experienced torsional moments during installation. This resulted in distinct folds in the bottom flange of the closed cross‐section of one of the six bridge decks. Both global FE‐models and more detailed models were created to explain this. None could adequately account for the observed flange crippling. The crippling can only be explained by an unintentionally increased torsion, which may have occurred during the manipulation of the bridge's component elements. Additional thin metal strips have been added to this section of the bicycle bridge to restore its bearing capacity.
Fire modelling and structural assessment of automated clad‐rack warehouses
Authors: Autiero Margherita , de Silva Donatella , Bilotta Antonio , Nigro Emidio 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAutomated Rack Supported Warehouses (ARSW) are self‐bearing rack structures designed to support, besides self‐weight and weight of products, environmental loads (i.e., wind, snow and seismic action) and all the other non‐structural elements. These structures are unique in the design; indeed, they represent a topic of great interest for both the scientific community and for the manufacturers of industrial racks. However, the behavior in case of fire of these structures is still poorly known. In order to study the fire resistance of these structures to consider a natural fire curve is necessary. In particular, a vertically traveling fire model in the upright frames, starting from a localized fire has to be modelled.This paper proposes a fire model that considered both the vertical and horizontal fire propagation, evaluated and validated against experimental test results. In addition, advanced thermo‐mechanical analyses using both natural and nominal fire curves, were performed with a finite element software (SAFIR), which allows modeling Class 4 steel elements considering the local instabilities that can occur in these slender sections. A comparison between the capacity models that the regulations propose for these structural elements, was also conducted.
Bond between Ultra High‐Performance Fiber Reinforced Concrete and existing concrete: a review
Authors: Berthod Lara , Trento Daniel , Faleschini Flora 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe application of Ultra High‐Performance Fiber Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC) is increasing worldwide to repair and strengthen existing structures. One of the main applications is in bridge components, e.g., to repair bridge decks and piers, but also to strengthen existing floors in residential or industrial buildings and to realize construction joints in prefabricated members. To properly design a strengthening intervention with UHPFRC, bond between the existing structure and the new layer of reinforcing material should be properly developed. In this work, a review about the interface behavior between UHPFRC and concrete is carried out, analyzing in detail the available test methods, and the variables influencing the bond behavior between the two materials. Among them, the role of moisture exchanges, the material properties of the concrete, the surface roughness, and the effect of bonding agents are discussed in detail. This work shows only proper surface treatments can enhance bond strength, otherwise they could be detrimental. In most previous experiences, UHPFRC bond efficiently with the substrate, resulting in composites that behaves monolithically.
Spanish guides and code specifications on concrete bridges inspection and maintenance: an overview
Authors: Martí‐Vargas José R. , Castro‐Bugallo Carmen , Navarro‐Gregori Juan , Mateu‐Sánchez Juan A. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe maintenance needs of bridges have often resulted in costly interventions, not only due to the lack of an adequate inspection and maintenance plan, but also due to a common practice in the design‐building process focused on solving requirements under “instantaneous” economic conditions. This situation is not compatible with the new paradigm of environmental, social and economic sustainability. Aspects related to durability, service life, life cycle, circular economy, etc. are increasingly present in codes and practice guides, so the inspection and maintenance take special relevance by considering economic factors of “deferred” scope. To contextualise the Spanish case, this paper presents a practical overview of the main documentary references that, in the form of regulations and guides, establish mandatory specifications and/or provide tools to facilitate the inspection and maintenance of concrete bridges. From a historical perspective, the changes introduced by the evolutions of main rules are highlighted, starting from the double conception of reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete, passing through the integration towards structural concrete, and reaching our days with the recent appearance of the Structural Code contextualized in the framework of the Eurocodes.