SMAR 2024 - 7th International Conference on Smart Monitoring, Assessment and Rehabilitation of Civil Structures

Session

Parallel sessions

4 Sept 2024, 14:00

University of Salerno, Fisciano Campus - Buiding E1

Conveners

Parallel sessions: 1-O Performance and damage assessment/1

• Lorenzo Macorini (Imperial College London, United Kingdom)
• José Sena-Cruz (University of Minho, Portugal)

Parallel sessions: 1-D Structural strengthening and repair/1

• Gianvittorio Rizzano (University of Salerno, Italy)
• Atsushi Sato (Nagoya Institute of Technology, Japan)

Parallel sessions: 1- P Structural health monitoring/1

• Luigi Petti (University of Salerno, Italy)
• Matteo Breveglieri (Empa, Switzerland)

Parallel sessions: 1-G MS06 Innovative Methods in Strengthening of Concrete Bridges using FRP

• Giovanni Terrasi (Empa, Switzerland)
• Riadh Al-Mahaidi (Swinburne University of Technology, Australia)

Parallel sessions: 1-E MS12 Innovative solutions for fatigue strengthening of existing structures

• Elyas Ghafoori (Leibniz University of Hannover, Germany)
• Pierluigi Colombi (Politecnico di Milano, Italy)

Parallel sessions: 1-F MS04/1 Intelligent digitalization in structural health monitoring and lifetime maintenance of complex structures

• Chongjie Kang (TU Dresden, Germany)
• Yuri Petryna (Technische Universität Berlin, Germany)

Parallel sessions: 2-F MS05 Smart FRP and steel structures

• Elyas Ghafoori (Leibniz University of Hannover, Germany)
• Lingzhen Li (The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, China)

Parallel sessions: 2- P Structural health monitoring/2

• Fae Azhari (University of Toronto, Canada)
• Carmelo Gentile (Politecnico di Milano, Italy)

Parallel sessions: 2-G MS03 Digital Manufacturing in Construction

• Moslem Shahverdi (Empa, Switzerland)
• Saim Raza (Empa, Switzerland)

Parallel sessions: 2-E MS15/1 Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) for Engineering Applications

• Maryam Mohri (Empa, Switzerland)
• Mehdi Saiid Saiidi (University of Nevada - Reno, Unite States)

Parallel sessions: 2-D Structural strengthening and repair/2

• Yago Cruz (Universidade de Vigo, Spain)
• Cristina Barris (Universitat de Girona, Spain)

Parallel sessions: 2-O MS13/1 Natural fibres for eco-compatible solutions in seismic and energy upgrading of masonry structures

• Antonio Formisano (University of Naples "Federico II", Italy)
• Flavio Stochino (University of Cagliari, Italy)

Parallel sessions: 3-F MS08/1 Advances in the investigation of the bond mechanism of externally bonded composites and FRP bars

• Francesco Focacci (eCampus University, Italy)
• Tommaso D'Antino (Politecnico di Milano, Italy)

Parallel sessions: 3-G MS09/1 Advances in Fiber Optical Sensing Solutions for Infrastructure, Geotechnics and Earth Sciences

• Massimo Facchini (fibrisTerre Systems, Switzerland)
• Carlo Rabaiotti (OST University of Applied Sciences of Eastern Switzerland, Switzerland)

Parallel sessions: 3- P Structural health monitoring/3

• Andrey Lapshinov (Moscow state university of civil engineering, Russia)
• Matteo Breveglieri (Empa, Switzerland)

Parallel sessions: 3-O Performance and damage assessment/2

• Joan Ramon Casas (UPC-BarcelonaTech, Spain)
• Chao Wang (Luleå University of Technology, Sweden)

Parallel sessions: 3-D MS07 Bio-based composites for rehabilitation and retrofitting of buildings and structures

• Eddie Koenders (TU Darmstadt, Germany)
• Marco Pepe (University of Salerno, Italy)

Parallel sessions: 3-E MS04/2 Intelligent digitalization in structural health monitoring and lifetime maintenance of complex structures

• Yuri Petryna (Technische Universität Berlin, Germany)
• Julian Unglaub (TU Braunschweig, Germany)

Parallel sessions: 4-G MS09/2 Advances in Fiber Optical Sensing Solutions for Infrastructure, Geotechnics and Earth Sciences

• Luca Schenato (University of Padua, Italy)
• Carlo Rabaiotti (OST University of Applied Sciences of Eastern Switzerland, Switzerland)

Parallel sessions: 4-E MS15/2 Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) for Engineering Applications

• Antoni Cladera (University of Balearic Islands, Spain)
• Christoph Czaderski (Empa, Switzerland)

Parallel sessions: 4-F MS11 Seismic-Fire combined assessment and optimization of interventions for buildings and infrastructures

• Emidio Nigro (University of Naples "Federico II", Italy)
• Donatella de Silva (University of Naples "Federico II", Italy)

Parallel sessions: 4- P Structural health monitoring/4

• Luigi Pisani (G.N.R. srl, Italy)
• Gian Piero Lignola (University of Naples "Federico II", Italy)

Parallel sessions: 4-D Structural strengthening and repair/3

• John Myers (Missouri University of Science and Technology, United States)
• Michele Mirra (Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands)

Parallel sessions: 4-O MS13/2 Natural fibres for eco-compatible solutions in seismic and energy upgrading of masonry structure

• Romildo Dias Toledo Filho (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)
• Antonio Formisano (University of Naples "Federico II", Italy)

Parallel sessions: 5-E Shape memory alloys in civil structures/1

• Philipp Krooß (University of Kassel, Germany)
• Christoph Czaderski (Empa, Switzerland)

Parallel sessions: 5-F MS17/1 Advancements in Object Digitization and Analysis: A Mini-Symposium on Innovative Tools and Methods

• Lukasz Scisło (Cracow University of Technology, Poland)
• Nicola Nisticò (Sapienza University of Rome, Italy)

Parallel sessions: 5-D Structural strengthening and repair/4

• Massimo Latour (University of Salerno, Italy)
• Marco Bressan (G&P Intech srl, Italy)

Parallel sessions: 5-G MS02 R&D of Iron-based Shape Memory alloys and their engineering application technology in China

• Zhiqiang Dong (Southeast University, China)
• Jianghao Ji (Southeast University, China)

Parallel sessions: 5- P Structural health monitoring/5

• Piotr Omenzetter (University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom)
• Serdar Soyöz (Boğaziçi University, Turkey)

Parallel sessions: 5-O MS14 Advancements in Risk and Reliability Assessment of Existing Structures

• Vincenzo Piluso (University of Salerno, Italy)
• Fadi Oudah (Dalhousie University, Canada)

Parallel sessions: 6- P Structural health monitoring/6

• Emmanuel Ferrier (Université "Claude Bernard" Lyon 1, France)
• Susan Taylor (Queen's University Belfast, United Kingdom)

Parallel sessions: 6-G MS10 Economic assessment and Life-Cycle performance in building and civil engineering works

• Antonio Nesticò (University of Salerno, Italy)
• Renato Passaro (University of Naples Parthenope, Italy)

Parallel sessions: 6-D MS16 Systems and methods for transport infrastructure surveillance and monitoring

• Antonio Bilotta (University of Naples "Federico II", Italy)
• Francesca da Porto (University of Padua, Italy)

Parallel sessions: 6-F MS08/2 Advances in the investigation of the bond mechanism of externally bonded composites and FRP bars

• Tommaso D'Antino (Politecnico di Milano, Italy)
• Francesco Focacci (eCampus University, Italy)

Parallel sessions: 6-O Practical applications and case studies/1

• André Weber (Schöck Bauteile GmbH, Germany)

Parallel sessions: 6-E Shape memory alloys in civil structures/2

• Mohammad AlHamaydeh (American University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates)
• Antoni Cladera (University of Balearic Islands, Spain)

Parallel sessions: 7-D Structural strengthening and repair/5

• Alper Ilki (ITU, Turkey)
• Elide Nastri (University of Salerno, Italy)

Parallel sessions: 7-G Durability issues as related to harsh environments

• Parinaz Panjehbashi Aghdam (Universite de Sherbrooke, Canada)
• Antonio Cibelli (University of Naples "Federico II", Italy)

Parallel sessions: 7-F MS17/2 Advancements in Object Digitization and Analysis: A Mini-Symposium on Innovative Tools and Methods

• Francesco Colace (University of Salerno, Italy)
• Nicola Nisticò (Sapienza University of Rome, Italy)

Parallel sessions: 7- P Structural health monitoring/7

• Dario De Domenico (University of Messina, Italy)
• João Conde Silva (National Laboratory for Civil Engineering, Portugal)

Parallel sessions: 7-E MS01 Multifunctional materials for sustainable constructions: integrated thermal, structural and sensing systems

• Antonella D'Alessandro (University of Perugia, Italy)
• Antonio Caggiano (University of Genova, Italy)

Parallel sessions: 7-O Practical applications and case studies/2

• Petr Tej (Klokner Institute CTU, Czech Republic)
• Annalisa Napoli (University of Salerno, Italy)

14. Advancing Smart Health Monitoring: A Review of Low-Cost Sensors for Structural Assessment

04/09/2024, 14:00

In response to the global demand for structural health monitoring (SHM), particularly in the context of expanding structural assets, this paper conducts a thorough exploration of the integration of low-cost sensors in SHM applications. The primary focus is to introduce various low-cost sensors commonly used in SHM applications for bridges, aiming to unveil their full potential as economical...

35. Monitoring heavy vehicle braking events using smartphones to improve the braking force model

04/09/2024, 14:00

Despite the high quality of available traffic data, there is a significant gap in the understanding of heavy vehicle deceleration and the frequency of braking events involving these large vehicles. This paper presents a practical and scalable approach based on the use of smartphones to collect braking event data. Dedicated Android applications were developed to collect essential data,...

52. Performance assessment of overhead conductors subjected to combined thermal and wind loads

04/09/2024, 14:00

The overhead power conductors carry electricity power from distribution feeders to consumers, providing a necessary service. In the Australian distribution network, Aluminium Conductor Steel Reinforced (ACSR) cables are widely utilised. They offer increased strength and conductivity by combining both steel and aluminium strands. Due to factors like current flow, elevated ambient temperatures,...

43. Re-use of 25 year old CFRP pultrusions for bridge strengthening via post-tensioning cables

04/09/2024, 14:00

Kleine Emme bridge was a truss bridge built in 1998 for pedestrians and bicycles with a span of 46.8 m in the city of Lucerne - Central Switzerland. The bridge structure was a space truss made of steel pipes in composite action with a reinforced concrete deck. The bottom chord consisted of a steel tube that was post-tensioned with 2 parallel-wire CFRP cables inside the channel, a world...

19. Seismic Retrofitting of a 7-storey Hospital Building

04/09/2024, 14:00

In this work, two main structural solutions have been proposed to retrofit an existing Italian hospital building located within the National Cancer Institute “G. Pascale Foundation” in Naples. The structure under consideration is composed by nine reinforced concrete cores connected by means of steel structural members.
Preliminarily, the seismic vulnerability has been evaluated according to...

27. Stress recovery behavior of a promising NiTiNb-SMA plate for bonded prestressed strengthening

04/09/2024, 14:00

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are functional metallic materials, possessing a remarkable characteristic known as the shape memory effect (SME), by which a considerable recovery stress can be generated through a simple thermal activation. A NiTiNb-SMA plate is employed in this study, aimed at prestressed strengthening of steel members. To better understand the mechanism of the generation of...

20. An integrated approach for seismic design and modelling of plywood-retrofitted timber floors

04/09/2024, 14:15

The application of timber-based strengthening solutions to existing wooden and masonry structures, combines several benefits, such as reversibility, compatibility, lightness, sustainability, affordability, and effectiveness. With specific reference to existing timber floors, the superposition of plywood panels fastened to the sheathing has proved to be an excellent method to enhance the...

53. Dynamic Validation and Assessment of an Historical Bell Tower

04/09/2024, 14:15

The work investigates the dynamic validation and seismic assessment of a bell tower located in Caserta Vecchia, emphasizing its relevance in structural engineering. Given the tower historical significance, understanding its structural behavior under seismic loading is vital for preservation efforts.
To capture the bell tower structural intricacies, advanced photogrammetric surveying...

15. Effective structural health monitoring (SHM) system for bridges: a case study (ID:299)

04/09/2024, 14:15

In the last few years, an increasing amount of resources have been invested in the maintenance of existing infrastructure systems in Italy because of the recent catastrophic collapses of structures. In fact, it is now clear that bridges require proper management by the administering entities, which foresee a detailed control of the health condition of the structure over time, as well as the...

36. Interaction between BIM and FE models in structural health monitoring

04/09/2024, 14:15

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is already widely used in civil engineering projects. Digital building models that contain geometric as well as semantic information are generated and could be managed throughout a structural life cycle. A BIM model could generally serve as a primary source of any required information on building construction, including the finite element (FE) models or...

101. Repair and strengthening of existing structures using FRP composites externallybonded with toughened epoxy adhesives

04/09/2024, 14:15

This literature review investigates the efficacy of toughened epoxy adhesives for structural repair and strengthening of existing structures with FRP composites. Highlighting the limitations of traditional epoxy adhesives, such as susceptibility to fatigue loading and impact actions, the study explores the potential of toughened formulations to mitigate fracture propagation issues. Through the...

44. Reusing aircraft CFRP fragments to strengthen concrete structures: bond behaviour assessment

04/09/2024, 14:15

Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) composites are used for strengthening existing structures with different techniques such as Externally Bonded Reinforcement (EBR) and Near-Surface Mounted (NSM). While the use of CFRPs enhances the flexural response of Reinforced Concrete (RC) constructions, their high cost and environmental impact of manufacturing remain a substantial barrier to spread...

21. Design and modelling tools for timber-based seismic retrofitting: from research to practice

04/09/2024, 14:30

Reversible retrofitting techniques for protecting existing or historical buildings against seismic events have found increasing application in in the recent years. In particular, the use of wood-based strengthening solutions for both timber and masonry structures has shown promising results in terms of reversibility, compatibility, lightness, sustainability, and effectiveness. With reference...

29. Extension of service life: Novel approaches to repairing fatigue- damaged steel structures

04/09/2024, 14:30

This literature review investigates the efficacy of toughened epoxy adhesives for structural repair and strengthening of existing structures with FRP composites. Highlighting the limitations of traditional epoxy adhesives, such as susceptibility to fatigue loading and impact actions, the study explores the potential of toughened formulations to mitigate fracture propagation issues. Through the...

45. Fly Ash Geopolymer Paste for NSM CFRP Application Under Elevated Temperatures: Material Development

04/09/2024, 14:30

Strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) structures using near surface mounted (NSM) carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) technique is exhibited as effective and promising technology. However, having epoxy adhesive as the binding agent between the CFRP laminate and concrete substrate presents a serious drawback due to its low glass transition temperature (GT), which when exceeded, the epoxy...

37. Modifying the dead load safety factor of the Nibelungen Bridge based on 3D measuremen

04/09/2024, 14:30

The calculation, verification and assessment of structures in Europe shall follow Eurocode 0, which employs a semi-probabilistic safety concept with partial safety factors to account for scattering uncertainties in materials and actions. However, in the case of existing structures, the features like materials and actions are already determined and can be in many cases measured. Hence, a...

16. Reliability of closed-form damage quantification for material and measurement uncertainty

04/09/2024, 14:30

The application of any existing damage quantification techniques requires validation through several real case studies to ensure a higher level of reliability. Absence of such extensive studies presents a limitation to successful implementation of these methods in practical scenarios. A reliability study is hence performed in this work considering material and measurement uncertainties to...

54. Structural Performance of Buildings affected by Mining Activities: A review

04/09/2024, 14:30

Subsidence and earthquakes induced by mining activities often cause significative damage in the near surface structures. These damages may endanger the life safety of the occupants and deteriorate the structural performance of the buildings under serviceability and ultimate limit state conditions. As many of these structures might have not been designed to withstand the new loads and...

46. A convolutional autoencoder for damage assessment of FRP strengthened RC beams

04/09/2024, 14:45

The use of fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) in civil construction applications has gained considerable popularity worldwide as suitable method for strengthening existing concrete structures. However, there is very little experience in the implementation of methods able to give a reliable prediction about the health of this type of structures even although sudden and brittle failure modes are...

38. A data-driven approach for linking models of large-scale bridges and monitoring data

04/09/2024, 14:45

Predictive maintenance of large-scale structures such as bridges requires precise numerical models to describe their current condition. Typically, solving an inverse problem is necessary to determine model parameters from Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) data. However, conventional methods such as Finite Element Updating through optimization algorithms demand substantial computational...

57. Durability of GFRP composites produced by pultrusion under thermal environments

04/09/2024, 14:45

Composites materials (also known as fibre reinforced polymers - FRP) are being increasingly used in civil structural applications due to their advantages over conventional materials. Regarding durability, the relatively long experience of using FRP in various applications provides evidence of their improved performance, namely in relatively harsh conditions. However, such empirical experience...

30. Identifiability of the parameters contained in a cyclic cohesive zone model for CFRP-tosteel bonded joints

04/09/2024, 14:45

The application of externally bonded CFRP reinforcements has shown its effectiveness in reducing crack growth and extending fatigue life of steel elements subjected to cyclic loadings. Failure usually occurs due to cohesive debonding within the adhesive interface and therefore the interfacial behavior is crucial in guaranteeing the effectiveness of the bonded system. The adoption of cohesive...

4. Long-Term Indirect Monitoring System for Short and Medium Span Bridges

04/09/2024, 14:45

Bridge health monitoring has been widely discussed for establishing the rational maintenance strategies of existing bridges. Meanwhile, we need to provide discussions and recommendations on how to establish fully automatic data collection system and how to manage the big data for holistic bridge maintenance decisions.
The author has been developed a vehicle-based (coupling of a moving vehicle...

22. Seismic retrofitting of an existing hospital with external steel lattice

04/09/2024, 14:45

Earthquakes cause serious damage to buildings and result in heavy losses to society, therefore, it is necessary to enhance the seismic capacity of existing buildings via structural retrofitting. The traditional retrofitting approaches are based on the component-level, but their improvement effect for the overall structure is not obvious.
Up till now, the seismic retrofitting technology can be...

39. Advances of Digital Twins in Bridge Structures Maintenance

04/09/2024, 15:00

The conception and development of digital twins (DT) are increasingly under investigation within the civil engineering sector. They exhibit significant potential in nearly all phases of construction, including design, construction, operation, and maintenance. However, the precise function and implementation of DT lack a clear definition and continue to be the subject of research. This paper...

51. Evaluation of concrete frost resistance using concrete drilling powder

04/09/2024, 15:00

Concrete structures in cold climates suffer from frost damage. The evaluation of frost resistance requires big samples, which is not suitable for structural assessment. Therefore, developing an evaluation method that induces minimal damage to the structure is necessary. The drilling powder method has been proven to cause minimal damage to the concrete (1 mm hole) and can be used to estimate...

47. Flexural strengthening of a bridge deck slab using near surface mounted CFRP rods

04/09/2024, 15:00

Swanley I/C East and West form part of the M25 Junction 3 interchange roundabout at Swanley in the UK. They are similar three span reinforced concrete beam and slab bridges with integral inclined piers. The soffits of the side spans of the structure started cracking soon after it opened in 1977 due to insufficient reinforcement in the deck. To remedy this, steel strengthening plates were...

3. Full-scale load test of a PRC bridge beam after 60 years of service life

04/09/2024, 15:00

The safety assessment of existing infrastructure is a matter of significant concern for infrastructure management authorities. Specifically, in Italy, numerous reinforced concrete (RC) and prestressed concrete (PRC) bridges were constructed during the 1960s and 1970s. Many of these bridges are still in operation, raising questions about their current load-bearing capacity given the long...

23. Seismic retrofit strategy for nonconforming existing steel buildings with CBFs

04/09/2024, 15:00

Recent advancements in materials engineering have introduced new possibilities in the field of Civil Engineering. A noteworthy example is the development of metal foam, an innovative material with a favourable weight-to-stiffness ratio and excellent damping and energy dissipation properties. The increasing interest in the characteristics of metal foam has motivated researchers to explore...

31. The influence of CFRP fatigue behavior on CFRP-to-steel bonded joints systems

04/09/2024, 15:00

The application of externally bonded CFRP reinforcements has shown its effectiveness in reducing crack growth in steel elements. However, externally bonded CFRP-to-steel joints may exhibit fatigue degradation when subjected to repeated cyclic loadings, consequently leading to cohesive debonding within the adhesive layer. Therefore, the cyclic degradation of both adhesive and the composite...

56. 3D deep learning for segmentation of masonry tunnel spalling

04/09/2024, 15:15

Historic masonry lined tunnels form a large proportion of the world’s railway tunnel stock. However, as many of these date from the second industrial revolution over 150 years ago, they typically contain large areas of structural deterioration. Masonry spalling is a pervasive form of surface damage and its severity, defined by the depth of spalling, is indicative of a tunnel’s structural...

50. Comparative Assessment of FRP Composite Materials in Structural Applications under Low-Velocity Impact Loads: A Review

04/09/2024, 15:15

Structural members can undergo various types of loading during their lifetime, including impact loads. Fiber-reinforced polymer materials (FRPs) have been investigated as enhancing materials for various structural members against impact loading. This study reviews and highlights the impact resistance properties of different composite strengthening materials with a specific focus on vehicle...

24. Flexural Buckling Strength of Steel Angle with Reinforcement in Electric Transmission Towers

04/09/2024, 15:15

In Japan, mid-size electric transmission towers are composed of steel angle members connected with snug-tightened high-strength bolts. The dominant load for these structures is wind load; specific Ministerial Ordinances are used for structural design. Seismic design was omitted due to the small seismic effective mass. However, collapses have occurred recently due to the increasing wind...

33. Numerical analysis of SCF of CHS T-joints strengthened with prestressed CFRP

04/09/2024, 15:15

Fatigue failure is one of the main concerns of welded tubular joints owing to inevitable welding defects and severe stress concentration along the intersection. In addition, the complex geometry of the joint makes it inconvenient to reinforce by traditional repair methods. Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite has been widely used for structural strengthening due to superior...

17. Satellite-derived Digital Surface Models for InSAR Deformation Measurements on Bridges

04/09/2024, 15:15

Canadian bridges need structural health monitoring (SHM) to ensure their safety and longevity. In-situ inspections are expensive and time-consuming, and climate change effects on river bridges may make previous legacy inspection schedules inadequate. Remote sensing can help supplement in-situ inspections or alert bridge operators to the need for a new inspection. Satellite-based Persistent...

40. Vibration monitoring of structures with indirect load identification and Kalman update

04/09/2024, 15:15

In September 2022 the German Research Foundation (DFG) has launched the priority program SPP 2388 100+ to develop new methods for digital representation, SHM and lifetime management of complex structures, due to the continuously increasing amount of old infrastructure buildings. The present contribution is prepared within the LEMOTRA project as a part of SPP 2388 100+.
Among various SHM...

55. Diaphragm effect of unreinforced historical masonry vaults

04/09/2024, 15:30

In historical masonry structures, and particularly in churches, vaults have a fundamental role in bearing the vertical loads of floors and roofs. However, in past earthquakes they have proved vulnerable, representing a source of fragility for churches and palaces. In addition, the global seismic behaviour of masonry structures is strongly affected by the stiffness of flooring elements...

34. Numerical study on inelastic cyclic behavior of CFRP wrapped substandard RC columns

04/09/2024, 15:30

Few numerical investigations have been carried out on fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP)-jacketed substandard RC columns with characteristics not normally met in properly designed structural members. Three columns were modeled through finite element method (FEM) by means of ATENA and OpenSees considering their cyclic lateral-load displacement hysteretic responses, where i) the first column (S)...

18. Structural health monitoring of concrete constructions using BIM and non-destructive techniques

04/09/2024, 15:30

Structural health monitoring of a concrete construction is addressed in order to make a damage assessment. Different methods are proposed to associate to the 3D model all the information collected on the structures, specially designed for the case of concrete structures and adapted to the type of information to be associated. The aim is to achieve a model with the information linked in a more...

41. System identification and monitoring of bridge structures

04/09/2024, 15:30

The research presented is part of the SPP100+ of the German Research Foundation. Subject of the research is the early detection of damage, especially on large bridge structures. For this purpose, investigations carried out at the technical centre of the I4S, in particular to take into account the environmental conditions (EOC) in the context of system identification of mechanical structures....

25. Welding under service conditions –Monitoring, repair strategy and rehabilitation

04/09/2024, 15:30

Steel structures, such as bridges, must be continuously maintained. Due to increasing traffic loads, design and execution shortcomings, many steel bridges are subject to various types of damage, such as cracks. To address these problems, it is necessary to perform maintenance, typically by removing these cracks by re-welding. During this repair process, the affected bridge needs to be closed...

42. BIM-oriented approach for the setting up of a Bridge Management ECO-System

04/09/2024, 15:45

When it comes to risk management of the very diverse Italian infrastructures – notably concerning bridges, viaducts, and overpasses, most of which were built between the end of the Second World War and 1980, with only 15% less than 20 years old – the national scenario is quite heterogeneous, since ownership, if verified, pertains to different managing bodies and each of them employs its own...

32. Failure damage analysis of UHWMPE/PET foam sandwich structures under highvelocity impact

04/09/2024, 15:45

The present work deals with the high-velocity impact (HVI) behaviour of composite sandwich structures based on experimental and numerical method. The composite sandwich structure consists of two ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHWMPE) laminates and a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) foam core. A series of HVI tests were conducted on the UHWMPE/PET foam sandwich structures to...

26. Sustainable system with non-intrusive anchors for the preservation of historic steel structures

04/09/2024, 15:45

Historic steel constructions, such as riveted bridges, are valuable heritage assets that require preservation without invasive interventions such as welding or drilling. Auxiliary structures installed on these constructions to carry out structural strengthening or structural repairs must be easily removable. The difficulty of access to these structures makes it difficult to carry out...

76. A Graphical Solution to Bond Capacity

04/09/2024, 16:30

This study proposes an analytical model, referred to as the "Wine Glass model", offering an elegant graphical solution to the bond capacity. It is built on the basis of two key assumptions: (i) the bond length is sufficiently long (longer than an effective bond length) and (ii) the stress-strain behavior of the adherent monotonically increases, which is typically met by the majority of...

102. Characterization of Interlaminar Durability of Fiber Anchors Used with FRP Strengthening Systems

04/09/2024, 16:30

To mitigate debonding, FRP anchors such as U-wraps and fiber splay anchors, are typically employed. Fiber splay anchors are often preferred because they are efficient in terms of materials usage and can be applied in locations with geometric constraints or limited space. Given that FRP strengthening systems aim to prolong the service life of structures, ensuring their durability is paramount...

2. Detection of internal defects in RC structures using GPR and ultrasonic methods

04/09/2024, 16:30

The ultrasonic research method for studying the structures and determining the possible presence of defects has been known for a long time and has been successfully used to solve various issues directly at construction sites. However, this method has a number of disadvantages, such as the low speed of work and the lack of visual visualization of research results. At the same time, the new...

83. Energy absorption and dissipation in negative stiffness metallic architected materials

04/09/2024, 16:30

With the recent advancements in additive manufacturing, engineers now have the capability to tailor the geometry in harmony with the base material in order to achieve superior performance. This allows for the production of metamaterials with extraordinary properties, such as negative stiffness, negative Poisson's ratio, and enhanced energy absorption capacity, surpassing the capabilities of...

88. Performance of Flax Textile-Reinforced Mortar Systems Subjected to Accelerated Ageing

04/09/2024, 16:30

Natural fibre textiles have recently attracted the interest of both academia and industry as an alternative structural reinforcement in Textile-Reinforced Mortars (TRM), as they can offer the required mechanical performance while minimizing their environmental impact. Although the short-term performance of these novel bio-composites has been documented, their durability, which is fundamental...

70. Strengthening of bridges with iron-based shape memory alloy bars embedded in UHPFRC

04/09/2024, 16:30

Bridges are designed for a service life of up to 100 years. Hence, and as older design codes are partly obsolete today, a significant number of structures still in use lack the required levels of resistance and exhibit heavy deterioration. With the increasing focus of the construction industry towards sustainability and circularity, there is a trend to develop innovative and efficient...

89. A new biocomposite material mixing past and present to look toward the future

04/09/2024, 16:45

In the last decades interest of researchers in the field of vegetal fiber-based biocomposite materials to be used for structural strengthening has grown significantly. This interest is primarily driven by the plant fiber abundance, renewability, cost-effectiveness, historical-compatibility, and eco-friendly features. This work investigates a novel biocomposite material for structural...

78. An Attention-based Detection Method of Displacement Field on Steel Surface

04/09/2024, 16:45

Steel structures are prone to fatigue cracks when subjected to cyclic loading, which may lead to catastrophic failure. Generally, the width of fatigue cracks in steel structures is below 0.1 mm at the early stage of crack propagation. Although high-resolution images can be obtained by consumer-grade cameras at low cost, these tiny cracks are difficult to detect by images alone. This paper...

84. Digital Fabrication of Segmental Concrete Columns for Accelerated Bridge Construction

04/09/2024, 16:45

The combination of digital fabrication technology and pre-stressed segmental column construction holds great promise for the accelerated construction of bridges while optimizing material usage. This study aims to explore this potential by introducing a innovative pre-stressed segmental column system that utilizes permanent formwork made from 3D printed concrete (3DPC) and partially bonded...

65. Exploring the Influence of Strain Rate on BTRM Tensile Behaviour

04/09/2024, 16:45

Extensive research has been conducted on textile-reinforced mortars (TRM); however, a significant gap exists in understanding how strain rate influences their mechanical performance. TRM composites reinforced with basalt textiles (BTRM) have become increasingly popular due to the remarkable sustainable profile of basalt fibres. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the tensile response...

71. Ni-Ti SMA bars in bridge engineering- research and new development

04/09/2024, 16:45

The highlights of many research projects are presented discussing the evolution of studies on Nickel-Titanium (NiTi) superelastic shape memory alloy bars that eventually led to their deployment in an actual bridge in Seattle, Washington, USA. The paper also briefly describes a new generation of SMA (shape memory alloy) bars that incorporate Cobalt (NiTiCo) and the related ongoing research to...

59. Simulation of acoustic emission events in reinforced concrete structures for Structural Monitoring

04/09/2024, 16:45

Given the aging state of critical infrastructure, encompassing bridges, buildings, and pipelines, Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) techniques have assumed paramount significance in the evaluation of these assets' structural health without interrupting their operational functionality. The Acoustic Emission (AE) technique, renowned for its proficiency in detecting various types of structural...

60. Acoustic Event Detection for Prestressing Wire Breakage Monitoring in Concrete Bridges

04/09/2024, 17:00

Aging infrastructures, particularly concrete bridges, in most developed countries are growing, directly impacting their safety and longevity. Therefore, early detection of damages such as wire breakage is not only vital; it is urgent to prevent catastrophic structural failures such as the Polcevera bridge in Genova, Italy. Prestressing cable degradation in concrete bridges poses a significant...

79. Fatigue durability of adhesively bonded joints between steel plates and patch plates

04/09/2024, 17:00

In the adhesive bonding method of steel plates or FRP plates to restore the performance of steel members, the evaluation of delamination of adhesive joints in design and verification is an important concern. In particular, there are few data on debonding strength under cyclic loading, and standards for fatigue design have not yet been established. In this study, specimens were prepared by...

85. Innovations to Improve 3D Concrete Printing of Portland Cement-Steel Slag Blended Mortars

04/09/2024, 17:00

Concrete has the potential to sequester CO2. However, the extent of carbonation is proportional to the degree of hydration of cement. On the other hand, steel slag, a by-product from the steel-making industry, can react with CO2 directly due to its reactive gamma–C2S morph. Introducing steel slag by partially replacing cement and taking advantage of more CO2 exposure surface area by 3D...

72. Self-centering capacity of RC columns reinforced by martensitic NiTi SMA bars in plastic hinge region

04/09/2024, 17:00

This study aimed to assess self-centering in reinforced concrete (RC) columns incorporating martensitic shape memory alloy (SMA) bars within the plastic hinge region. Three RC columns were prepared: one conventional, the others with SMA bars in the hinge zone. Columns, 400 mm in diameter and 1400 mm in height, with an aspect ratio of 3.5, were used. SMA bars, 400 mm long, were connected to...

66. Shear strengthening of RC beams with U-wrapped FRCM composites: assessment of current design guidelines

04/09/2024, 17:00

Fabric-reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) composites have been widely used in the past two decades as externally bonded (EB) reinforcement of existing concrete structures. They represent an effective solution for the flexural, shear, and torsional strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) members. Shear strengthening with EB FRCM can be performed by either side bonding, U-wrapping, or...

90. Use of nanocomposite coatings and chemical treatments to improve mechanical performance of bio-composite materials

04/09/2024, 17:00

The building industry demonstrated a growing interest in recently developed biocomposite materials for structural strengthening based on natural fibers as an alternative to synthetic fibers. In the last years, research activities are focused on investigating the mechanical properties of different types of natural fibers, e.g. hemp, sisal, kenaf, Spanish Broom fibers. Despite the numerous...

67. Behaviour of Full Scale Shear Critical RC Beams Strengthened with Textile Reinforced Mortar

04/09/2024, 17:15

Textile reinforced mortars (TRM) have recently used for strengthening of Reinforced Concrete (RC) beams by researchers. The use of Carbon, glass, aramid and PBO fibres have extensively caught the eyes of the scientists and research enthusiasts, basalt fibre has been mostly explored for strengthening of masonry. For beams, a narrow band of data is available TRM using basalt fibres as...

61. Experimental study on identification of rebar prestress based on acoustic elastic effect

04/09/2024, 17:15

As the core vertical prestressed force member of the bridge structure, the finish rolling rebar can not effectively control the stress loss in the whole process of anchoring and is affected by environmental corrosion and other factors during the actual construction, resulting in the vertical prestress can not meet the design requirements or even failure, which seriously threatens the...

80. Fatigue behaviour of CFRP strengthened ultra-high strength steel

04/09/2024, 17:15

Ultra-high strength steel (UHSS) with exceptional mechanical properties is gaining widespread use across various industries. However, research on strengthening UHSS with surface cracks using Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) is limited.
Accordingly, a series of CFRP strengthening UHSS Q890 and Q960 experiments with surface cracks are carried out under fatigue loading. Two loading...

91. Hemp-FRCM for seismic retrofitting of masonry structures/Experimental investigations on lime mortars reinforced with hemp braids

04/09/2024, 17:15

The recent earthquakes in the Mediterranean area provoked serious damages and collapses to the existing buildings, including masonry ones, that represent the highest percentage of current structures. The need of preserving the existing structures to prevent economic and human losses is always accompanied by the compelling necessity of also conserving the environment due to the increasing...

103. Numerical and experimental study on steel members retrofitted by directed energy deposition

04/09/2024, 17:15

Wire and arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) is a versatile technology with applications ranging from manufacturing to the strengthening and repair of aging components. This paper investigates the effectiveness of strengthening techniques using WAAM through both numerical simulations and experimental observations. A thermo-mechanical analysis is employed to predict the temperature and stress...

73. Strengthening of an Existing RC Building with Superelastic SMAs

04/09/2024, 17:15

Retrofit of deteriorated Reinforced Concrete (RC) structures has been widely investigated to enhance their performance and avoid the environmental impact due to demolishing and reconstruction. As conventional design concept is oriented to a predictable, ductile behavior allowing for significant inelastic deformation, implying extensive damage of structural members and leading to costly repairs...

81. Adaptation of the pipeline supporting structure into a footbridge using FRP deck with SHM

04/09/2024, 17:30

In order to create a convenient pedestrian and bicycle crossing along the existing road bridge, the city authorities decided to adapt the existing heat pipeline supporting structure, located next to the road bridge, for this purpose. The three-span supporting structure with a total length of 109 m was built in 1975 from two steel plate girders, braced with crossbeams, on which a heat pipeline...

62. AE-based Health Monitoring of Full-scale RC Beams Strengthened with FRCM Composites

04/09/2024, 17:30

The use of fiber-reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) offers several advantages, making it a potential replacement for conventional fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP). The integration of mechanical anchorage enhances the robustness and cost-effectiveness of the FRCM system. This research study is primarily focused on the comprehensive flexural strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) beams...

68. Available measurement methods to evaluate the fiber and matrix bond performance of FRCM composites

04/09/2024, 17:30

Measuring the bond between Fiber-Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) composites and the substrate onto which they are applied is crucial for assessing the performance of these materials when used for the strengthening of existing structures. Experimentally, this parameter has been investigated by conducting single/double lap shear tests. However, as the bond failure is usually reached at the...

104. Digital Fabrication of Ribbed Slabs With Post-Tensioned 3D Printed Concrete Formwork

04/09/2024, 17:30

This paper presents a novel digital prefabrication concept for the ribbed slabs, wherein post-tensioned 3D printed concrete (3DPC) serves as a lightweight stay-in-place formwork. The formwork is designed to withstand the dead loads from its own weight and the cast concrete topping, along with live loads from construction equipment. The proposed concept simplifies the construction process for...

105. Natural Fiber Textile Reinforced Mortar (NFTRM) for Integrated Masonry Upgrading

04/09/2024, 17:30

The construction and building industry is responsible for a significant amount of carbon emissions due to its high energy consumption throughout the lifecycle of buildings. Many masonry buildings were constructed without following any seismic or energy standards, making them vulnerable to both natural and man-made disasters.
This paper discusses the use of a Natural Fiber (NF) in the Textile...

74. Study of activation parameters in Fe-SMA reinforced concrete structures using multiphysics modelling

04/09/2024, 17:30

In recent years, shape memory alloys (SMAs) have been widely employed for a variety of structural purposes. Among different types of SMAs, iron-based SMAs (Fe-SMAs) have been recently used as reinforcement for concrete structures because of their distinct mechanical properties and lower production costs. In such applications, the pre-strained Fe-SMAs must first be activated in order to apply...

82. Applications of digital twins in reinforced and prestressed concrete bridge infrastructure

04/09/2024, 17:45

This study investigates into the innovative application of Digital Twins to monitor the structural health of reinforced and prestressed concrete bridges. Digital Twins, precise digital representations of real structures, emerge as an advanced solution, integrating data collected through drones and sensors to simulate and analyze structural behavior. This approach is decisive for anticipating...

77. Bond Behavior of CFRP-Strengthened Steel Structures and Its Environmental Influence Factors: State-of-the-Art Review

04/09/2024, 17:45

Bonded carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP) strengthened damaged steel structures show good application prospects in improving the load-bearing capacity and service life of steel structures. The insufficient performance of the bond interface is a core issue affecting the stability and durability of the CFRP-steel bond system. Firstly, this study discussed the influence of the mechanical...

69. Experimental investigation of C-FRCM confinement effect on concrete cylinders using micro-fibre reinforced mortar

04/09/2024, 17:45

In recent years, fabric reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) became a desirable material in the rehabilitation of concrete structures. The FRCM system features some advantages such as compatibility with the substrate, easier and non-expensive installation on a wet concrete, and ultraviolet degradation resistance. As FRCM is a new material, the existing literature provides limited knowledge on...

93. Investigating the volume stability Performance of paste with Phragmites Australis (PA) Fibers

04/09/2024, 17:45

Environmental sustainability is a critical concern in the construction industry due to its substantial energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. This study addresses the sustainability of building materials by exploring the volume stability of cementitious system by adding natural fibers, specifically those derived from the Phragmites Australis (PA) plant. Natural fibers exhibit high...

75. Practical Applications of Fe-SMA for Punching Shear Strengthening of RC Slabs

04/09/2024, 17:45

Punching shear failure causes a sudden and brittle collapse in column-supported reinforced concrete slabs, which can occur due to increased loading, design and construction deficiencies, or long-term degradation of the structural system. Recently introduced innovative materials aim to improve strengthening methods, minimizing disruptions for building owners. Among these materials, iron-based...

63. Self-Sensing Capacity of Calcium Aluminate Cement-Based Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube and Nanocarbon Black Composites at Elevated Temperatures

04/09/2024, 17:45

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and nanocarbon black (NCB) possess intrinsic self-sensing capabilities and show promising potential for structural health monitoring. The self-sensing performance of MWCNT and NCB concrete at elevated temperatures has rarely been studied to assess its feasibility for long-term monitoring applications. In this study, the mechanical properties and...

143. Accuracy of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) in locating post-tensioned cables

05/09/2024, 11:00

The inspection and assessment of post-tensioned (PT) bridges is a complex issue, first involving the evaluation of the conservation status of the cables. One of the most crucial pieces of information to be confident with is the cables' location since it allows for all subsequent tests (both non-destructive and destructive). Many non-destructive techniques (NTDs) are studied and employed by the...

119. Distributed fiber optic sensing for early-age monitoring of concrete structures

05/09/2024, 11:00

Rayleigh based fiber optic sensing enables quasi-continuous strain measurements with high spatial resolution over extended ranges up to 100 m per sensor. The dense strain readings provide valuable insights into the structure, both locally and globally. On the global scale, deformation and load redistribution within a structure can be observed. On the local scale, even the smallest cracks, with...

135. Distributed Optical Fiber-Based Monitoring of Passive Anchors for Soil Stabilization

05/09/2024, 11:00

Geotechnical structures, such as piles and anchors, play a critical role in providing stability and support in a wide range of civil engineering applications. Ensuring the integrity and safety of these structures and reliably understanding their structural behavior are of paramount importance. This paper explores the application of distributed fiber optic sensors (DFOS) as a cutting-edge...

111. Earth-based materials reinforced with flax fibers: an experimental investigation

05/09/2024, 11:00

Climate change and global warming have recently led to a notable shift towards sustainable design practices within the civil engineering community. Earthen construction materials are sustainable due to their local character with reduced transportation needs, low embodied and operational energy, and ease of recyclability. In this context, this work presents an experimental investigation of...

127. Experimental slip determination of upper GFRP-reinforcement in double span beam tests

05/09/2024, 11:00

The ductility and rotation capacity of steel rebar-reinforced concrete structures is one of the main advantages of this material combination. However new material combinations are arriving due to environmental issues. This can be caused by aggressive environmental conditions with an impact on the durability but on the other hand also by the demand for a reduction of greenhouse gasses. By...

5. Structural monitoring, FEM updating and performance assessment of a wind turbine

05/09/2024, 11:00

In this study, long-term monitoring of a 900-kW onshore wind turbine with a tubular steel tower of 54 meters high and foundation with 26 reinforced concrete piles is performed based on vibration data. Modal properties such as frequency, mode shape and damping ratios were obtained by Enhanced Frequency Domain Decomposition method. Then, change in modal parameters due to environmental and...

120. Damages Detection combining Modal Analysis and Acoustic Emission in Concrete Structures

05/09/2024, 11:15

To ensure the structural stability of large infrastructure systems like concrete bridges, a range of measurement techniques are needed to identify and detect various types of damage or decay, including rebar corrosion, cracking, tendon failure, or alkali-silica reactions.
In an experimental study, a progressively increasing point load was applied at the centre of a flipped-T-shaped concrete...

128. Investigations on the ageing of GFRP rebar-concrete bond under sustained load

05/09/2024, 11:15

FRP rebars present interesting advantages over steel rebars for internal concrete reinforcement. Yet, as the technique is rather recent, durability investigations are still needed to better understand degradation mechanisms and to provide designers with optimised safety coefficients. Although several authors have been interested in the evolution of FRP rebars during ageing, few authors have so...

136. Optical fiber sensing for monitoring chloride ion concentration and pH in concrete structures

05/09/2024, 11:15

This paper presents the development and assessment of an optical fiber sensing platform for monitoring chloride concentration and pH range in structural health monitoring of concrete structures. Excessive chloride ions possess the ability to corrode the steels of reinforced concrete structures that affect the safety and health of concrete structures. In addition, the pH of concrete structures...

112. Tensile behavior of Textile Reinforced Mortars made with Flax fabrics

05/09/2024, 11:15

Nowadays, several industrial sectors are more and more motivated to develop and adopt sustainable solutions. In this context, the construction industry is not an exception: new materials, possibly obtained from renewable and locally available sources, are being worldwide developed and explored. As part of this common effort, special attention is being paid to an emerging class of materials...

144. Wave-based fault detection in concrete by the Full Waveform Inversion considering noise

05/09/2024, 11:15

In the field of non-destructive testing of concrete, the use of ultrasonic waves became state of the art, among other techniques. Nevertheless, there is still room for improvement, in particular concerning resolution and robustness of the monitoring results.
One approach is the application of the Full Waveform Inversion (FWI) originating from geotechnical engineering, known here as seismic...

106. X-ray diffraction application for tensile evaluation of Post Tensioned Cables

05/09/2024, 11:15

X-ray diffraction (XRD) is an analytical technique that can provide reliable solutions to many issues related to material science and industrial application, as quality control and process parameter optimization of manufacturing processes as geology, chemistry, pharmaceuticals, mechanics, semiconductors, nano-materials, additive manufacturing etc. However, it remains a technique with several...

121. Detection of strain and crack development in RC under tensile fatigue loading using 2D FOS

05/09/2024, 11:30

For reliable service life prediction of reinforced concrete (RC) structures, a fundamental knowledge of the damage development under repeated subcritical loading is essential. Even though computational models are becoming increasingly capable of performing numerical analysis of the structural behavior, the calculation of the entire structure involves an immense computational effort, especially...

129. Experimental and theoretical study on flexural behaviour of hybrid bonded CFRP RC beams

05/09/2024, 11:30

Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) materials are widely used to strengthen Reinforced Concrete (RC) structures due to their high mechanical and durability properties with respect to traditional techniques. However, intermediate crack debonding (ICD) failure limits the effectiveness of strengthening RC beams in flexure with externally bonded (EB) FRP laminates. Anchorage of the FRP can mitigate...

137. Monitoring of fracture processes in reinforced concrete beams with DFOS: feasibility study

05/09/2024, 11:30

In this paper, we present the application of distributed fibre optic sensors (DFOS) for the detection of bending and shear cracks in reinforced concrete beam specimens loaded in three- and four-point bending in lab conditions. The main goal of this study is to prove the feasibility for future application of DFOS for monitoring of existing concrete structures such as bridges or tunnels. Each...

107. Research on the Application of Intelligent Steel Strands in Prestressed Concrete Beams

05/09/2024, 11:30

Steel strands are extensively used in large-span buildings, roads, bridges, dams, and other prestressed reinforced concrete structures. Due to reasons such as design and construction, environmental corrosion, and fatigue accumulation, the service life of steel strands is often much shorter than initially designed. They usually only meet the structural requirements and lack long-term, effective...

113. Sisal fiber reinforced mortar for 3D printing applications in construction

05/09/2024, 11:30

The use short fibers in mortars can address some issues for 3D printing technology, providing reinforcing and improving material sustainability. Among fibers, Sisal fiber (SF) is a good option for mortar reinforcement due to its natural origin, irregular cross-section and high flexibility. The aim of this study was to assess fresh and hardened properties modified by sisal fibers on 3D...

145. Unraveling factors affecting the reversibility of martensitic phase transformation in FeNiCoAlTi

05/09/2024, 11:30

The reversibility of the martensitic phase transformation is crucial for the functionality of shape memory alloys. The easier the martensite is pinned, the faster the degradation of the shape memory alloy occurs during cyclic loading. This study investigates various factors influencing the stabilization of martensite during deformation of single-crystalline states in the FeNiCoAlTi system....

114. Bio-based self-modulating thermal and moisture buffer mortars for Architectural applications

05/09/2024, 11:45

New construction materials for architectural applications need to face environmental and energy efficiency. Self-modulating materials are promising solutions to optimize the energy performance of buildings, by compensating hygrothermal changes of the climate. Among bio-based components for self-modulating mortars, Phase-change materials (PCM) and Superabsorbent polymers (SAP) highlight. PCM...

138. DFOS-based inclinometers: challenges and potentialities in monitoring slow landslides

05/09/2024, 11:45

In recent decades slope engineering greatly benefited from the use of optical fiber sensing In recent decades slope engineering greatly benefited from the use of optical fiber sensing technology which offers a few advantages over conventional landslide monitoring approaches, including distributed measurements over long distances, and remote, real-time monitoring. Among various uses of...

122. Influence of the re-anchoring behaviour on the detection of internal tendon rupture by fibre-optic measurements

05/09/2024, 11:45

Unannounced tendon rupture is a dreaded failure mechanism in pre-stressed concrete bridges. Failure of single wires or tendons does not necessarily lead to concrete cracking. Then, damage cannot be detected by visual inspection. In the case of tendons bonded in concrete, re-anchoring after cracking causes characteristic local strain fields: tensile strains occur between the crack edges, while...

108. Operation modal analysis on prestressed concrete beams with shear or flexural cracks

05/09/2024, 11:45

This study aimed to apply Operation Modal Analysis (OMA) techniques on prestressed concrete beams (PCBs) in order to identify early warning signs of structural damages, such as changes in natural frequencies and/or relevant mode shapes. The main novelty, compared to past similar investigations, is the employment of OMA to these particular damage-scenarios: (1) a PCB equipped with bonded...

130. Shear stress transfer at the SRG-concrete interface: influence of the number of layers

05/09/2024, 11:45

Externally bonded Steel Reinforced Grout (SRG) is a promising technique for strengthening existing reinforced concrete (RC) and masonry structures. SRG is a composite material made of high-strength steel fibers embedded in a geopolymeric (inorganic) matrix. The failure of structural members strengthened with SRG composites typically occurs due to debonding when an interfacial crack develops at...

146. The effect of controlled fiber alignment of carbon fibers on the electrical properties of carbon fiber-cement composite under cyclic flexural loading

05/09/2024, 11:45

The desirable mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced cementitious composite (FRCC) have been proven in the past. In addition to the advancement of the material and material tailoring that significantly enhances the wide applications of FRCC, the fiber alignment control has been used to enhance the flexural strength recently. However, the investigation on the effect of aligned carbon fiber...

147. Alternative ULS Assessment Methodology for Existing Freyssinet Concrete Hinges in UK Highway Structures

05/09/2024, 12:00

This paper outlines a method of assessment for the Freyssinet concrete hinges present at the existing structures on the A465 Heads of the Valleys Section 5 & 6 Scheme in the UK beyond that provided by National Highways’ Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) document CS468, which does not provide a sufficient mechanical model to demonstrate either safety or previous acceptable performance...

109. Assessment of the structural integrity of glulam using modal analysis and finite element updating

05/09/2024, 12:00

The increasing adoption of glued laminated timber (Glulam) as an environmentally conscious material in construction has been driven by its excellent structural properties and lower carbon footprint compared to other conventional materials. However, its organic nature underscores the need to ensure the long-term integrity of these glulam structures. This paper proposes a novel approach to...

139. Distributed fiber-optic temperature monitoring in boreholes of a seasonal geothermal energy storage

05/09/2024, 12:00

Monitoring the in-situ temperature is key for the characterization of a seasonal geothermal energy storage. Distributed fiber-optic temperature sensing (DTS) systems provide temporally and spatially continuous measurement data in near real-time that captures borehole temperature dynamics.
In the presented project, three boreholes of a seasonal geothermal energy storage with a vertical depth...

131. Interfacial behaviour of CFRP-to-concrete joints with mechanical fastening

05/09/2024, 12:00

Mechanical fasteners are employed to anchor externally bonded reinforcement (EBR) carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates to concrete structures by generating compressive stresses on the joint. However, the optimum parameters for the anchoring system that minimize the potential for premature debonding failure while maximize the ultimate load still need to be investigated.
In this...

115. Jute Fiber Composite Mortars: Sustainable Solutions for Thermo-Mechanical Retrofitting in Construction

05/09/2024, 12:00

Notably Man-made fibers are predominantly utilized in the construction and building sector for retrofitting or reinforcing purposes. However, these fibers are costly, non-biodegradable, non-recyclable, and contribute significantly to a higher carbon footprint, unlike natural fibers. Jute fiber, being a bio-based natural alternative, ranks as the second most produced natural fiber and is...

123. Satellite monitoring of reinforced concrete buildings in areas affected by slow-moving landslides

05/09/2024, 12:00

Slow-moving landslides are very spread phenomena in Italy and worldwide. The study of their impact on the existing structures is of great interest, since they can provoke more or less serious consequences for structures, facilities and human lives safety. Traditional monitoring techniques on site are usually adopted for landslides. The innovative Differential Interferometry Synthetic Aperture...

140. Levee monitoring: DFOS Applications for understanding Levee Seepage

05/09/2024, 12:15

Enhancing the understanding of the geotechnical features of existing levees through on-site examination and monitoring is essential to estimate their security and that of the adjacent environment. However, these tasks are intricate given the extensive length of the levees and the significant variability of soil texture within the structure and base of the levee, particularly in mountainous...

148. Long-term Corrosion Monitoring for Evaluating the Performance of Repair Measures

05/09/2024, 12:15

For a highway operator, such as ASFiNAG, bridges are very important assets. Despite all regular maintenance measures, these structures are strongly subjected to ageing and degradation, because of their exposure. Chloride contamination poses a significant challenge, gradually reducing the durability and service life of these structures, necessitating repair measures. This paper focuses on the...

132. Machine learning for analysing concrete cover separation in externally bonded FRP RC beams

05/09/2024, 12:15

trengthening of concrete structures with Externally Bonded (EB) Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) is one the most cost effective, efficient, and sustainable rehabilitation techniques. However, usually the ultimate tensile strength of the FRP cannot be achieved due to the premature debonding of the FRP or delamination of the concrete cover. In this last case, known as concrete cover separation...

116. Shear strengthening of existing concrete beams using Fiber Reinforced Concrete

05/09/2024, 12:15

The improvement of repairing and/or strengthening techniques of existing reinforced concrete structures is a subject of interest in the field of Civil Engineering regarding that a great percentage of civil works involves interventions on existing structures. This research is in the frame of an experimental ongoing program aimed at studying strengthening techniques of concrete structural...

124. Simulation workflow for fault detection and localization in sandwich structures

05/09/2024, 12:15

Sandwich panels in civil engineering have the advantage of a high flexural strength and thermal insulation while providing a very low density. They are made of two steel sheets and a core of polyurethane or polyisocyanurate foam. Due to the manufacturing process, the panels occasionally have defects, that are not visible from the outside. These may cause visible damages after installation in...

110. Structural Response of Containment Structure of NPP to Internal Pressure and Thermal Gradients

05/09/2024, 12:15

As a final task for the life-extension program of the Embalse N.P.P. located in Córdoba, Argentina, the pre-stressed concrete Containment Structure (CS) has been subjected to a full-scale pressure-leak test after more than 30 years of service. The test was carried out at the start of the summer season, after completion of a general overhaul of main functional components; the CS had previously...

117. Bamboo bio-concretes: a literature review of 8 years of laboratory researches at NUMATS/UFRJ

05/09/2024, 12:30

During the last ten years, the Teaching and Research Center for Low Environmental Impact Materials and Technologies in Sustainable Construction (NUMATS) of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) has been working on developing several solutions for green construction. The different research groups promoted solutions such as, the use of vegetable fibers/textiles as reinforcement of...

133. Complementary Use of CFRP U-Wraps as Supplemental Shear Reinforcement and Anchorage in Reinforced Concrete Beams Strengthened with Flexural Externally Bonded CFRP Sheets

05/09/2024, 12:30

This research explores complementary shear strengthening and anchorage effects of CFRP U-wraps on reinforced concrete beams strengthened in flexure using externally bonded CFRP sheets. Through experimental testing of large-scale beams, the research aims to enhance the understanding of how the dual strengthening and anchorage functions of U-wraps interact and contribute to the overall...

319. Deep Learning-Based Prediction Model of Temperature-Induced Deflection of a Multi- Span Continuous Box Girder Bridges: Case Study

05/09/2024, 12:30

The deflection of a bridge is a crucial factor in assessing its structural integrity and safety, serving as an indicator of the overall rigidity of the bridge. The deflections stemming from temperature variations may surpass those attributed to live loads. However, the monitoring data acquired from the sensors indicate a time-lag effect exists between temperature variations and resulting...

125. Development of a Low-Cost IoT-based Sensor for Early-Stage Concrete Monitoring

05/09/2024, 12:30

Concrete is an essential construction component that needs to be examined carefully for an early strength assessment in order to guarantee structural integrity and long-term durability. This paper delves into the viability of utilizing low-cost sensors, interfaced with an Arduino-based microcontroller, for real-time data acquisition in concrete structures. The study focuses on their...

149. NDT Technologies for Post Tensioned Concrete: National Highways’ ‘Structures Moonshot’

05/09/2024, 12:30

The "Structures Moonshot" project, initiated by National Highways and led by Atkins, Jacobs, and supported by VSL, advances non-destructive testing (NDT) for highway structures, with a focus on post-tensioned bridges and half joints. Launched in late 2022 and continuing until 2024, its vision to revolutionise asset management for vulnerable bridges, enabling better and more efficient data...

141. Performance of low-cost fibre optic cables as leak detection sensors for water pipelines in unsaturated soil

05/09/2024, 12:30

Around a world a large volume of potable water is lost every year from leaks in water distributions networks. Such leaks may go undetected for a long time. When water leaks are suspected to occur from a distribution network, it is usually necessary to appoint a specialist contractor to locate the leak(s), who may use a range of technologies for this purpose. However, all these technologies...

134. Analytical study of FRP debonding in a real-scale concrete strengthened beam

05/09/2024, 12:45

The exploitation of the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP) externally bonded to concrete members is limited by the occurrence of debonding. Single- and double-lap shear tests were performed to study the debonding process. However, the results of these tests fail to describe the debonding process when multiple substrate cracks occur, as in the case of reinforced concrete...

142. DFOS monitoring system of the longest Polish footbridge made of FRP composites

05/09/2024, 12:45

The high durability, low weight and excellent mechanical properties of fiber reinforced polymers are the main reasons for the increasing popularity of composites as a material for pedestrian and bicycle bridges. This was also the case with the widening of an existing Carpathian Bridge in the center of Rzeszów (Poland). This footbridge consists of five single-supported spans of 4.17 + 23.55 +...

118. Experiments on concrete test beams with recycled aggregates and natural fibers

05/09/2024, 12:45

To develop more sustainable concrete mixes, circular and bio-based constituents for the concrete mix are sought. As traditional concrete contains 70% aggregate by volume, using recycled aggregates is an attractive solution within the circular economy. To address concrete brittles, bio-based renewable fibers, such as abaca and coconut, can replace the traditional steel or polypropylene fibers....

126. Experiments on mechanical and physical properties of self-sensing concrete

05/09/2024, 12:45

This paper deals with the preliminary results of an experimental investigation carried out at the Structural Engineering Testing Hall (STRENGTH) of the Department of Civil Engineering of the University of Salerno (Italy) on the mechanical and physical properties of self-sensing concrete (SSC) incorporating Industrial Grade Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs). It has been recently...

150. Nondestructive test for visualization of water movement in concrete using neutron imaging

05/09/2024, 12:45

Water penetration in concrete has been introduced into Japanese Standard Specifications for Concrete Structures ‘Design’ in 2018. This clearly shows that water ingress through surfaces can affect steel corrosion. Test method for water penetration rate coefficient of concrete subjected to water in short term was indicated at the same time. In 2022, Specifications ‘Maintenance’ has involved this...

320. Vibration-based novelty detection using autoencoders: application to KW51 bridge

05/09/2024, 12:45

In recent years an increasing attention has been given to the application of Artificial Intelligence techniques within the context of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) of Civil Engineering structures. Multiple advantages compared to traditional OMA-based techniques are achieved, such as a relatively low computational efforts and a possible insensitivity to environmental and operational...

162. Contact Pressure Evolution in Heat-Treated Iron-Based Shape Memory Joints

05/09/2024, 14:30

This paper presents an experimental investigation into the behavior of open-ended Fe-based Shape Memory Alloy (Fe-SMA) tubes under biaxial pre-straining conditions, focusing on development of interface contact pressure as a result of the shape memory effect (SME). During the pre-straining process of Fe-SMA tubes, the cross-section undergoes complete inelastic deformation with a non-uniform...

174. Diagnostics of post-tensioned bridge girders using distributed fiber optic sensors

05/09/2024, 14:30

In contemporary bridge construction, post-tensioned concrete technology stands as one of the prevailing methods. Over the past several decades, it has been extensively employed in the construction of medium-span bridges worldwide. As time has elapsed, many of these structures now demand diagnostic assessments due to their deteriorating technical conditions. A promising approach for diagnosing...

156. GA-based economic and environmental optimization procedure for seismic upgrading of RC frames

05/09/2024, 14:30

The seismic upgrading of existing RC structures has become a timely challenge that often civil engineers are meant to deal with. Although this particular design problem can be solved adopting an appropriate combination of member-level and structure-level techniques, it is really hard to find any design rule for supporting engineers in a similar choice. Thus, if such decision process is seen as...

92. Influence of PLA impregnation on the performances of vegetable fibers for lime-based composites

05/09/2024, 14:30

In the recent years the application of inorganic lime-based Textile Reinforced Mortar (TRM) for repairing existing masonry structures has gained a relevant interest due to the strong compatibility between masonry elements and the strengthening composite. In addition, several research groups worldwide have recently focused on the possible use of natural fibers for replacing the traditional...

9. Machine-learning-driven automatic application of the stochastic subspace identification method

05/09/2024, 14:30

This contribution illustrates a new paradigm for the automatic output-only modal identification of linear structures under ambient vibrations, namely the intelligent automatic operational modal analysis (i-AOMA). The proposed approach relies on the covariance-based stochastic subspace identification (SSI-cov) method whereas a machine learning technique is implemented to automatically tune its...

168. Post-earthquake fire performance of a steel frame

05/09/2024, 14:30

The effects of earthquakes and fires are typically analyzed separately in engineering design. However, historical events highlight that fires following earthquake (FFE) can cause significantly more damage than an earthquake alone. The 1906 San Francisco earthquake exemplifies this, with fires destroying 80% of the city. Other major FFE events include Tokyo (1923), Kobe (1995), and Tohoku...

175. Distributed Fiber Optic Smart Geosynthetics for Geotechnical Applications in Transportation

05/09/2024, 14:45

We present the latest works in the design, development, validation and industrial application of geosynthetic materials equipped with integrated fiber-optic sensing cables for distributed strain and temperature measurements. The integration of fiber-optic sensors into geotextiles and geogrids – as they are commonly used in geotechnical construction for soil stability improvement, erosion...

163. Durability of RC Beams with NSM Fe-SMA after Eight-Year Exposure and Sustained Loading

05/09/2024, 14:45

Low-cost iron-based shape memory alloys (Fe-SMAs) have emerged as a viable alternative to carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) for near-surface mounted strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) structures, particularly due to their ease of prestressing and their plastic behavior similar to reinforcing steel. The short-term behavior has already been investigated in detail, yet the durability...

151. Exploiting time-frequency analysis for damage detection using Generative Adversarial Networks

05/09/2024, 14:45

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is of utmost importance to ensure the safety and to enhance the safety and longevity of various engineering structures, from buildings and bridges to aircraft. Detecting the onset of damage within these structures is a challenging task that requires cutting-edge methodologies. Time-frequency analysis has proven its prowess in characterizing structural...

169. Fire-induced Structural Failure Analysis of an Industrial Warehouse Roof Truss System

05/09/2024, 14:45

Fires are complex and hazardous phenomena governed by the laws of thermodynamics and fluid dynamics. Contrary to common belief, they are not rare occurrences, with approximately 130 buildings in Italy alone experiencing fires daily. The structural behavior under such extreme conditions is difficult to model as material mechanical properties are significantly influenced by temperatures, and...

180. FRCM System with natural fibers mesh

05/09/2024, 14:45

In the context of wall consolidation of historic or monumental buildings, there is an increasing demand to use strengthening techniques that involve eco-friendly materials. FRCM (Fibre Reinforced Cementitious Matrix) systems are widely used in the static and seismic rehabilitation of existing Italian buildings, in particular for the reinforcement of masonry structures. They consist in the...

157. Structural assessment and numerical analysis of existing reinforced concrete frame structure

05/09/2024, 14:45

On March 20, 2020, Zagreb was hit by a strong earthquake with a magnitude of 5.5 on the Richter scale, with the epicenter located 7 km away from the city center. A large number of buildings in the city center were damaged, as they were dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. After the earthquake in Zagreb, the area of Petrinja, which is approximately 40 km away from Zagreb, was...

176. A ground-breaking distributed fiber-optic pressure sensor for geohydraulic applications

05/09/2024, 15:00

Distributed fiber optic (DFO) technology has provided significant insight into various engineering problems by enabling high spatial resolution and accurate temperature and strain measurements. Recently, a novel distributed fiber-optic pressure sensor (DPS) has been developed at the University of Applied Sciences of Eastern Switzerland (OST), which may change the paradigm of monitoring...

170. Acoustic Emission monitoring of OPC mortars at elevated temperatures in fracture tests

05/09/2024, 15:00

The action of moderate and high temperatures produces the degradation of main physical and mechanical properties of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) composites. As an example, from an application point of view and at a structural level, the case of concrete radiation shielding containers in nuclear facilities can be mentioned, which can be severely affected by thermal cracking. In this work, the...

164. Experimental study on recovery stress behavior of memory-steel patches bonded on cracked steel plates

05/09/2024, 15:00

The use of iron-based shape memory alloy (Fe-SMA) demonstrates effectiveness in repairing cracked steel structures for lifetime extension. This study presents an activation test of memory-steel (i.e., Fe-SMA) patches adhesively bonded on cracked steel plates to investigate the recovery stress behavior. Fe-SMA strips with different lengths ranging from 100 to 500 mm are bonded over cracks using...

181. Masonry structures retrofitting by geopolymer plaster reinforced with natural fibers

05/09/2024, 15:00

Geopolymers describe a class of aluminosilicate materials obtained by alkaline activation of an aluminosilicate precursor at low temperatures and nowadays represents a very strong competitor to Portland cement-based materials in the field of constructions. To improve the mechanical characteristics of geopolymers the adoption of fibers (natural or not) has been proposed and this is the topic of...

158. Seismic strengthening of existing structures by External steel Exoskeletons

05/09/2024, 15:00

The evaluation of the structural safety of existing schools and the planning of their retrofit measures are vital and top priority tasks. This research intends (i) to assess the structural safety of a steel school building in Italy and (ii) to suggest retrofitting measures to improve its seismic resilience. The first section describes and discusses the data collection and the numerical model...

152. Vision-Based Structural Beams for Real-Time Structural Health Monitoring

05/09/2024, 15:00

Real-time assessment presents a significant challenge in Structural Health Monitoring (SHM), where the timely detection of structural defects, assessment of actual loads, and determination of in-service strength are crucial. This paper introduces an innovative approach that utilizes Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and vision-based technology to revolutionize SHM. A laboratory test on...

165. Development and Characterization of Thin Iron-Based Shape Memory Alloy Prestressing Wire

05/09/2024, 15:15

Iron-based shape memory alloys (Fe-SMA) have been used successfully in the previous years as prestressing reinforcement in the form of rebars, rods and flat strips, for various types of structural elements and loading scenarios. This paper introduces a new application of this material in the form of thin wire. An experimental characterisation study is presented herein for Fe-SMA wire that was...

159. Dissipative exoskeletons for seismic rehabilitation of RC buildings

05/09/2024, 15:15

A large number of highly seismically vulnerable buildings includes several relevant and strategic buildings. Relevant buildings like schools, assembly halls, public offices, and cultural institutions should retain their structural integrity since their collapse could cause major human losses and significant economic impact. Moreover, it would be appropriate for such buildings to remain fully...

171. Fire behavior of Automated Rack Supported Warehouses

05/09/2024, 15:15

The fire behavior of the automated rack-supported warehouse (ARSW) is a topic of great interest both for the scientific community and for the manufacturers of industrial racks, however, their behavior in case of fire of is still poorly known. ARSWs are a particular type of steel racks that combine the structural efficiency of steel construction with automated machines for handling stored...

182. Strengthening Existing Structures with Post-tensioned Natural Fibre Ropes

05/09/2024, 15:15

Natural fibre products have recently been introduced to the construction industry owing to their advantages, such as cost-effectiveness, lightweight, corrosion resistance, and low carbon footprint. Such products have been utilized for flooring, roofing, insulation systems, and more limitedly, as a replacement for steel reinforcements in reinforced concrete (RC) members. This study investigates...

153. Tension estimation of bridge stay cables using vision-based methods

05/09/2024, 15:15

In this study, it is aimed to estimate the cable tensions of the New Kömürhan Cable-stayed Bridge using a vision-based monitoring system. The number of structures where cables are used as main supports is increasing with the development of material properties, analysis, and construction processes. Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is necessary to ensure operational and structural safety and...

177. Unveiling the persistence of Rayleigh signature in Challenging Distributed Measurements

05/09/2024, 15:15

Among the different fiber optic techniques, Rayleigh-based distributed fiber optic sensing offers unmatched spatial resolution and accuracy. With its sub-centimeter spatial resolution and microstrain accuracy over tens of meters, this technology is ideal for precise monitoring in geotechnical and civil engineering applications.
This technique utilizes Rayleigh scattering to track...

160. Comparative analysis of seismic performance enhancement in irregular RC buildings using friction and fluid viscous dampers

05/09/2024, 15:30

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the impacts of friction dampers (FD) or fluid viscous dampers (FVD) in irregular in plan and in elevation reinforced concrete buildings. The buildings (a four-story building, a nine-story building, and a twenty-story skyscraper) were analyzed using nonlinear dynamic time-history analysis on earthquake recorded accelerograms, three of which were real...

166. Computational Modeling of Concrete Composites with Short Shape Memory Alloys Fibers

05/09/2024, 15:30

The application of fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) in the construction sector is a developing area of study and application. Shape memory alloy (SMA) is one promising material for use as fibers in FRC due to its ability to revert to its original shape after deformation, a phenomenon known as the shape memory effect (SME). FRC may be pre-stressed and self-repaired by combining SMA with the SME...

183. Experimental study on thermal matrix composite for seismic-energy upgrade of masonry building

05/09/2024, 15:30

The existing building stock is mainly constituted of masonry constructions built long before the modern seismic regulations and the issue of energy saving in energy-intensive buildings as well. Following the well-known problems referred to climate change and the need to reduce energy consumption, the issues of sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of the construction sector have...

172. Fragility curves derivation under fire actions for different types of bridges

05/09/2024, 15:30

The Italian infrastructure network of bridges is complex, due to the orography of the territory and the presence of different hazard sources. Furthermore, during their service life these infrastructures can be subjected also to extreme actions such as the fire. This paper presents a procedure for the fragility curves derivation under fire actions for different types of bridges. The novelty the...

178. Implementation of an enhanced fiber optic sensing network for structural integrity monitoring at the Brenner Base Tunnel

05/09/2024, 15:30

The reliable assessment of structural characteristics along tunnel linings is essential to understand ongoing deformation processes during construction and operation. Conventional monitoring techniques may involve limitations, either in the spatial or the temporal resolution and do not deliver the overall deformation behavior along the entire lining. Distributed fiber optic sensing (DFOS) has...

154. Vibration-based fault Detection of a Hydraulic Pump Using a Convolutional Neural Network

05/09/2024, 15:30

This research presents a method for vibration-based fault detection in hydraulic pumps using a convolutional neural network (CNN). The reliability and efficiency of the hydraulic pump are crucial for the effectiveness of the hydraulic system. Hence, in order to ensure optimal performance of the hydraulic pump, it is imperative to implement problem detection and monitoring. Initially, by...

155. Damage Classification Using CNN-Based Model for Multi-Part Strengthening System

05/09/2024, 15:45

Strengthening and retrofitting systems, including FRCM (Fiber-Reinforced Cementitious Matrix), play a vital role in improving the durability and safety of structures facing challenges such as aging, increased loads, or seismic risks. To ensure the long-term integrity and performance of these structures, it's crucial to monitor the health of repaired structural components. Acoustic emission...

179. Distributed Fibre Optic Sensors (DFOS) in Measurements of Rail Strain and Displacements

05/09/2024, 15:45

Distributed fibre optic sensing (DFOS) is increasingly being used in civil engineering and geotechnical applications. The key feature, and advantage over conventional point-based measurement methods, is the ability to measure the selected physical quantities continuously over the length of the structure, from a few centimetres to several hundred kilometres. The benefits of this technique are...

161. Influence of torsional effects in seismic retrofit of RC buildings

05/09/2024, 15:45

The nonlinear static procedures are very popular for the design and assessment of buildings subjected to earthquake ground motion in current structural engineering practice. Their application and relative accuracy are very relevant issues, especially in the case of seismic retrofit of irregular and/or high-rise buildings. Many retrofit design procedures are valid for low-rise buildings and/or...

173. Modelling of fire behavior of RC girders strengthened by external prestressing

05/09/2024, 15:45

Since the 1950s, external post-tensioning has been a powerful tool for retrofitting existing bridges. In unbonded prestressing, the post-tensioning tendons are positioned outside the concrete cross-section, and the prestressing forces are transferred to the girder through end anchorages, deviators, or saddles. This implies that these could be critical elements for the bridge performance...

167. Self-Centering of RC Columns with Prestressed Fe-SMA Reinforcement

05/09/2024, 15:45

Severe seismic events often lead to detrimental residual displacements in traditional monolithic bridge columns, resulting in serviceability issues and substantial repair costs. Conversely, post-tensioned segmental columns display beneficial self-centering behavior and minimal residual drifts owing to the post-tensioning force and rocking behavior at segment joints. Despite these advantages,...

184. Structural performance of self-healing concrete by bacillus bacteria with addition of rice husk ash

05/09/2024, 15:45

The spores of the bacillus bacteria release calcium carbonate (CaCo3) that fill-up the microcracks in the concrete, that is to say that this biological agent added in the concrete instead of deteriorating the material works as a self-healing agent, several investigations have studied the influence of this bacillus bacteria in the concrete mainly in the species baccilus genus showing its...

191. 3D-printing technology for integrating the monitoring and rehabilitation of civil structures

05/09/2024, 16:30

In the last decade, 3D-printing technologies are widely spreading also in the field of architectural restoration of historic structures, buildings and monuments, thanks to the possibility to simply and precisely reproduce complex shapes with different materials. Nowadays, 3D printing technologies, in the aforementioned field, are generally employed for the physical reproduction of...

185. Application of Digital Image Correlation to Field Monitoring of Masonry Arch Bridges

05/09/2024, 16:30

A large number of masonry bridges constructed in Europe during the Industrial Revolution are still in service. Continuous operation for far more than a century and weathering effects have contributed to material degradation in the main bridge components. To ensure that old masonry bridges remain safe even under increasing traffic loading, it is important to identify potential deterioration in...

227. Experimental investigation on load carrying capacity of UHPC shell reinforced with ironbased shape memory alloys (Fe-SMA)

05/09/2024, 16:30

The utilization of iron-based shape memory alloys (Fe-SMA) can significantly enhance the mechanical properties and durability of civil engineering structures as prestressing tendons. The martensitic transformation-induced self-prestressing force, resulting from temperature changes, offers a more convenient approach to generate prestress compared to traditional method, which is suitable for...

203. Innovative tools and methods for digitizing both visible and non-visible attributes of cultural heritage items. Part I: needed tools and strategies

05/09/2024, 16:30

This work explores the steps that can facilitate the implementation of a collaborative cloud for cultural heritage.
Digitization serves as the initial step toward digitalization, encompassing a range of socio-technical phenomena that may unfold after digitization. Both processes are integral to a broader domain that: 1) involves physical inspection methods, business models aimed at enhancing...

197. Slenderness effect on failure modes in RC beam strengthening with unbonded Fe-SMA strips

05/09/2024, 16:30

This paper presents an experimental investigation on reinforced concrete beams with different slenderness strengthened with unbonded Fe-SMA strips. The retrofitting system acts as an external prestressed tendon with a mechanical anchorage. In a first step, the strips are positioned against the concrete bottom surface and fixed against the concrete substrate with a direct fastening system....

233. Test and Evaluation Concepts for Building Materials with Time Dependent Properties

05/09/2024, 16:30

For all buildings and structures a sufficient safety standard is essential. In the basic building codes like the EN 1990 failure probabilities are defined for different buildings members and applications. Materials as well as actions are characterized by safety factors to fulfil the failure probability requirements and to enable in this way a safe design. But materials with time dependent...

228. Improving the fire performance of concrete beams with iron-based shape memory alloys

05/09/2024, 16:45

The traditional method for satisfying fire resistance requirements of reinforced concrete (RC) structures is to provide adequate concrete cover depth. However, excessive concrete cover depth may increase the risk of concrete spalling during a fire and result in a wider crack width. The structure will be difficult to repair due to the large residual deformation after fire. Iron-based shape...

198. Innovative hybrid CFRP composite and Fe-SMA bonded systems for structural glass flexural strengthening

05/09/2024, 16:45

In the last few decades, contemporary architecture has been pushing the use of structural glass in many applications. Thus, the glass industry has developed the thermal toughening to increase its tensile strength and lamination to prevent brittle failures. However, additional structural redundancy is required, since glass elements can still fail unexpectedly due to the growth of existing...

204. Innovative tools and methods for digitizing both visible and non-visible attributes of cultural heritage items. Part II: a multi scale approach

05/09/2024, 16:45

The process of object digitization and digitalization includes several key steps and considerations: 1) segmentation and classification involves dividing the object into regions with homogeneous properties and assigning labels to each region based on its characteristics. 2) Digitalization refers to the process of discretizing specific geometric entities based on a predefined level of detail....

234. NLFEA damage assessment of RC framed buildings subjected to column settlements

05/09/2024, 16:45

The prevention of progressive collapse of buildings due to abnormal actions has gained interest in recent years. In Reinforced Concrete (RC) frames, strong settlements of one or more columns, caused e.g., by design or construction errors, underground works or foundation failure, can be considered as an example of such abnormal actions. Downward displacement of a limited number of structural...

186. Preliminary ranges of critical vertical settlements of Italian masonry building stock for SHM applications

05/09/2024, 16:45

Structural health monitoring plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and reliability of masonry structures, by providing continuous and real-time monitoring of their structural behavior and identifying any potential issues or anomalies before they become critical. The measurement of vertical displacements (by means of mechanical gauges, optical instruments or even satellite-based...

192. Static strength in adhesive joints with different patch plate end subjected to bending force

05/09/2024, 16:45

Adhesively debonding from the end of patch plates is one of the major concerns in the application of externally bonded joint methods for repairing or strengthening steel structures. This paper focuses on enhancing the adhesive strength of adhesively bonded joints by investigating different patch plate end configurations. The target specimen model was the adhesively bonded joints of the single...

205. Enhancing Heritage Building Preservation with MCDM and HBIM: A Research Proposal

05/09/2024, 17:00

Heritage Building Information Modelling (HBIM) has emerged as a response to the global focus on sustainability and architectural heritage preservation. This specialized subset of Building Information Modelling (BIM) caters to the challenges posed by historical structures, facilitating their conservation and safeguarding. HBIM integrates semantic and geometric data to comprehensively represent...

229. Monitoring and Strengthening of PCCP utilizing distributed acoustic sensing and ironbased shape memory alloy

05/09/2024, 17:00

This investigation proposes an integrated technology for monitoring and strengthening the prestressed concrete cylinder pipe (PCCP) with broken wires, which is based on distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) and self-prestressing iron-based shape memory alloy (Fe-SMA). The technology was evaluated in a full-scale study on two PCCPs with an inner diameter of 1400 mm and a length of 6000 mm. A...

193. Open issues on the use of composite bars as prestressed reinforcement of concrete members

05/09/2024, 17:00

In the last decades, fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites gained popularity in the field of structural engineering thanks to their high strength-to-weight ratio, limited corrosion in harsh environments, and permeability to electromagnetic fields. These composites are used as reinforcement of new concrete members as well as for strengthening of existing structures. For existing reinforced...

199. Potential of Fe-Mn-Al-Ni shape memory alloys for prestressing applications in civil engineering

05/09/2024, 17:00

Iron based shape memory alloys (SMAs) attracted considerable attention in recent years, especially with respect to potential applications in civil engineering. The inherent shape memory phenomena like superelasticity and the shape memory effect (SME) offer great opportunities for use as damping, coupling or prestressing elements. Considering the SME, a deformation initially remains after...

235. Robustness versus redundancy of existing structures: critical review and application

05/09/2024, 17:00

Progressive collapse is defined as the propagation of failure from a local damage that results in structural collapse. Throughout history there have been many tragic building and bridge collapses that have increased the amount of interest and research in the field of progressive collapse within the structural engineering community. Notable cases include the collapse of the two World Trade...

100. The A3 Highway Monitoring Model for Bridges Surveillance – Results and Considerations

05/09/2024, 17:00

n the context of road infrastructures management, the development of an optimal and efficient maintenance plan is fundamental to guaranteeing a safety service for the users and an optimal use of the financial resources. For this purpose, an appropriate monitoring methodology becomes necessary to support the managing bodies in the network administration and to give priority on the...

292. Assessing the Evolution of Structural Health Monitoring through Smart Sensor Integration

05/09/2024, 17:15

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is a vital, continuous, and real-time process for evaluating the physical and functional conditions of various structures, such as buildings, bridges, dams, tunnels, and infrastructures. The primary goal of SHM is to ensure the long-term safety and integrity of these structures by minimizing risks associated with unforeseen failures and extending their...

230. Compression performance of FRP externally wrapped Fe-SMA strips confined concrete columns under large load eccentricity

05/09/2024, 17:15

Due to the shape memory effect of iron-based shape memory alloy (Fe-SMA)，it can be utilized to rapidly apply the active confinement on concrete columns. Therefore, this study presented an innovative strengthening method, which can emergency repair damaged columns. The eccentric compression test was used to investigate the relative compressive behavior of concrete columns that were individually...

200. Effects of semi-cyclic loading on the recovery stresses of iron-based shape-memory alloy bars

05/09/2024, 17:15

Shape-memory alloys (SMAs) have attracted considerable interest in structural engineering because of their ability to ‘memorise’ their original form when subjected to thermomechanical variations, a phenomenon termed the shape memory effect. By controlling the heating and cooling (activation) of SMAs under constrained deformation, recovery stresses can be generated, making SMAs suitable for use...

194. How much code-based shear models affect seismic assessment of pre-code RC buildings?

05/09/2024, 17:15

Existing Reinforced Concrete (RC) building stock often have exhibited a significant vulnerability under seismic shaking after the most recent earthquakes worldwide. They were often designed without capacity design principles, even where seismic hazard is very high, such as in Italy. Two-third of Italian existing RC buildings have been designed to sustain gravity loads only (GLD). Almost all of...

206. IoT and Digital Twin: a new perspective for Cultural Heritage predictive maintenance

05/09/2024, 17:15

The cultural heritage of a nation represents one of its most important assets because of the multiple economic and social implications connected to it. In the case of Italy, it is safe to say that its tangible and intangible cultural heritage represents one of its most important resources both from an economic point of view, due to the induced effects it creates, and for the historical memory...

236. Random finite element reliability assessment of existing concrete structures – case studies and research direction

05/09/2024, 17:15

The material properties of concrete and reinforcing steel in reinforced concrete structures vary spatially across the structural dimensions due to the inherent heterogeneous nature of concrete. The spatial variation is further affected by active deterioration mechanisms such as freeze thaw damage, alkali silica reactivity, and corrosion of the reinforcing steel as all of these mechanisms are...

201. Complementary in situ characterization of Fe-Mn-Al-Ni-Ti shape memory alloys

05/09/2024, 17:30

Prospective materials for large-scale structural applications, Fe-based shape memory alloys stand out due to their cost-effectiveness and the relatively low temperature dependence of their transformation stress. Coupled in situ investigations were conducted on a Fe-Mn-Al-Ni-Ti single crystal subjected to compression and two Fe-Mn-Al-Ni-Ti oligo-crystals deformed in tension. The superelastic...

207. Digital models for the knowledge, protection and enhancement of historic bridges. Definition of an operational protocol

05/09/2024, 17:30

The tools and methods of investigation for the knowledge of architectural artefacts have received a notable boost in the last decade thanks to the rapid evolution of technologies such as 3D laser scanners, mobile scanners, range-based modeling, image-based Modeling. The coordinated use of these technologies, in an integrated digital methodology, allows us to provide accurate three-dimensional...

189. Monitoring of historical monuments: 5 years dynamic monitoring of the Milan Cathedral

05/09/2024, 17:30

Vibration-based monitoring is receiving increasing attention in Civil Engineering but practical applications on heritage structures are still not frequent. Since October 2018, a dynamic monitoring system is active in the Milan Cathedral with the main objective of continuously extracting features which are representative of the current state of structural health.
The paper is aimed at...

237. Novel reliability evaluation of existing structures using digital image processing and random finite element simulation

05/09/2024, 17:30

The growth in the number of structural assessment and evaluation projects worldwide is attributed to the gradual aging of existing structures and the necessity to prolong the lifespan of deteriorating structures. Reinforced concrete (RC) structures are susceptible to deterioration as a result of concrete cracking and steel corrosion. Evaluations of current RC structures are undertaken to...

195. Preliminary results of three-point bending tests of concrete notched beams with different content of PVA fibers

05/09/2024, 17:30

During the last few decades, fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC) has been widely used in the construction industry to increase strength and toughness of concrete structural members. Different types of fiber have been used in FRC, with different dimensions, shapes, and mechanical properties. The addition of short, dispersed steel fibers in concrete gained large popularity in recent years and steel...

231. Study on the flexural behaviour of T-shaped RC beams strengthened with NSM Fe-SMA bars

05/09/2024, 17:30

Iron-based shape memory alloys (Fe-SMAs) have gradually become a research hotspot in the field of structural strengthening due to their convenient application of prestress. However, unlike traditional prestressing methods, it is challenging to intuitively determine the effective prestress of Fe-SMAs using instrumentation. This study conducted bending tests on eight concrete T-beams...

202. Activation strategies for Fe-SMA bonded to glass substrates

05/09/2024, 17:45

Previous research has demonstrated the potential of improving glass beams' performance through prestressed bonded iron-based shape memory alloys (Fe-SMAs). The bonded Fe-SMAs significantly enhance both the initial glass cracking load and the residual load-bearing capacity of glass beams, compared with unstrengthened ones. Ductile failure modes can be achieved after being reinforced with...

190. Best practices for SHM in conservation: the case study of a Saint John, NB cathedral

05/09/2024, 17:45

Heritage buildings stand as a testament to past generations and a promise to future ones, linking those who built them, those they were built for, and the people who continue to tread their floors. Given their profound cultural significance, enabling their continued use is crucial for sustainability in the built environment. Effectively conserving these structures presents a unique set of...

208. Monitoring of the polychrome of the historic vaulting in the main presbytery of St. Mary's Basilica in Krakow using advanced 3D techniques

05/09/2024, 17:45

The paper presents the results of the analysis of the conservation status of the historic polychrome covering the surface of the vault in the main presbytery of St. Mary's Basilica in Krakow. Due to the historical value of the examined construction, the main assumption of the implemented research program was to use non-destructive and non-contact methods. Based on 3D scans, an inventory of the...

238. Multi-scale and multi-refinement framework for seismic risk assessment of urban areas

05/09/2024, 17:45

In the last decade, significant advancements have been carried out towards a national seismic risk assessment in terms of expected damage and related impact measures. These studies typically rely on a statistical census-data-based characterization of the building stock. Nevertheless, the decision-making process for the selection of the most suitable risk mitigation policies would highly...

196. Simulation of Two-way Slabs Strengthened in Punching with CFRP Strips

05/09/2024, 17:45

Two-way slabs are vulnerable to two-way punching shear which may cause catastrophic failures. Furthermore, over the recent past, the trend has been set to use construction waste as recycled aggregates in structural concrete. Therefore, the work presented herein, numerically investigates in detail, the behaviour of the two-way reinforced concrete slabs, cast with both natural aggregate concrete...

232. Study on the shear properties of I-shaped concrete beams reinforced with Fe-SMA rebar

05/09/2024, 17:45

The cracking of the prestressed box girder bridge web is one of the difficult problems in the engineering field. The vertical prestressed loss is one of the reasons for the cracking of the box girder bridge web. Fe-SMA rebar, as a new type of prestressed material, can be used as vertical prestressed rebar in box girder bridge web to supplement the vertical prestressed loss and inhibit the...

261. Bond behaviour of FRCM-masonry joints after high temperature exposure

06/09/2024, 11:00

This paper presents experimental and analytical investigations about the bond behaviour between different types of FRCM systems (basalt, steel and Polypara-phenylene-benzo-bisthiazole (PBO) FRCM) and masonry substrates. Single lap direct shear tests (DS) were performed on single layer FRCM-clay brick masonry joints after a preheating process at temperatures ranging from 100 ºC to 500 ºC...

8. Drive-by modal identification of high-speed railway bridge via CP response identification

06/09/2024, 11:00

High-speed railway bridges are subjected to heavy operational loads and significant impact forces due to the moving trains. It is important to carry out an effective structural health monitoring to ensure the safe operation of railway bridges. Traditional online bridge monitoring methods require sensor installations on the structures that can be time-consuming and expensive making it very...

269. Evaluation of technical, environmental and social performances and impacts of biobased products for a more sustainable building sector

06/09/2024, 11:00

In Italy, several circular start-ups and university spin-offs active in the green building sector are producing innovative materials and building products (e.g., vegetal materials for insulation, bio-bricks, thermo-acoustic insulating panels, screeds and substrates, non-toxic natural paints) and construction systems by using local agricultural products (e.g., hemp) and by-products (e.g. wheat...

253. Experimental study on semi-cyclic loading effects on Fe-SMA reinforced concrete structures

06/09/2024, 11:00

Concrete structures often face unforeseen challenges, whether from degradation or unexpected actions, requiring innovative strengthening techniques to extend their lifespan. In the last decade, shape-memory alloys (SMAs) have gained significant attention in structural engineering owing to their unique ability to recover from deformation, attributed to the shape-memory effect (SME). When...

245. Real-Time evaluation of bridge girder deflection under heavy vehicles

06/09/2024, 11:00

Bridges are crucial components of infrastructure and facilitate the movement of goods and people. Ensuring the preservation of the structural integrity is critical to the safety of users.
Modern Anomaly Detection techniques enable the detection of structure damage from data recorded by structural monitoring systems. One of the most significant quantities is beam deflection, which, however, is...

277. Seismic vulnerability evaluations of a masonry tower by considering creep effects

06/09/2024, 11:00

Historical masonry constructions were typically designed and built by considering exclusively the gravity loads. Unfortunately, their structural weaknesses are mostly related to two different factors: the horizontal loads (earthquake) and creep effects. The first is currently object of intense research activity, which results in updated design codes and guidelines at both national and...

262. Bond and tensile behavior of Textile Reinforced Mortars with traditional and alternative matrices

06/09/2024, 11:15

Reinforced and prestressed concrete structures frequently need to be repaired and strengthened during their service life due to corrosion deterioration and other pathologies. Composite materials, such as textile reinforced mortar (TRM), have emerged as a promising solution for restoring or improving the load bearing capacity of structural concrete. Previous studies have demonstrated that the...

270. Cultural heritage and seismic disasters: Assessment methods and damage types / A Cost-Based programming model for reduction of seismic vulnerability in Neapolitan metropolitan area

06/09/2024, 11:15

The identification of adequate evaluation methodologies of earthquake damages to Cultural Heritage is a highly topical subject, considering the frequency and intensity of the seismic phenomenon, in recent times, in Italy. The subject is related to the broader theme of the attribution of a “monetized” economic value to the cultural assets, widely investigated in the appraisal and evaluation...

239. FEA for improved implementation of IRT for monitoring of concrete bridges

06/09/2024, 11:15

Infrared thermography (IRT) is a non-destructive technique (NDT) known for fast, contactless, and wide area monitoring of concrete structures like bridges in transportation networks. Dealing with practical challenges of IRT such as the determination of favourable timeframe for data collection, detection of defects of various types and geometry, differentiation of the true concrete defects from...

278. Implementation of the Non-destructive Testing for Damage Analysis in Structural Engineering

06/09/2024, 11:15

The renovation of existing buildings and infrastructures is becoming in the last years increasingly important. This results in a greater and greater need to understand the real condition of building components and what can determine its level of damage. There are many known methods in the field of structural health monitoring and damage control. Among them, non-destructive testing (NDT)...

254. Mixed-Mode Cohesive Failure of CFRP to Steel and Fe-SMA to Steel bonded Joints

06/09/2024, 11:15

The integrity of CFRP to steel and Fe-SMA to steel adhesively bonded structural strengthening patch must be maintained to ensure a durable application. The influence of the adhesive thickness, surface preparation, and adherend material behavior on the joint fracture has been well documented in the literature. The influence of mode-mixity has yet to be investigated and is studied experimentally...

246. Structural health monitoring design for the A3 bridges in Naples

06/09/2024, 11:15

The paper shows the design approach of structural health monitoring (SHM) systems for a group of viaducts realized in ’70 that connect in the port of Naples with the A3 Italian highway. Given the frequent traffic of heavy vehicles, due to the commercial activities of the port, and deterioration phenomena of the existing structures, a reliable monitoring system can be an important support to...

187. A sustainable monitoring approach to manage archaeological complex sites – The example of Pompeii

06/09/2024, 11:30

The climate-change effects are becoming ever more significant in the management of archaeological sites, which in itself are notoriously a particularly complex system within the heritage preservation matter. The decay trend can be heavily affected by extreme and/or fast changes of weather conditions. While short-term solutions are not always available to avoid disasters, pro-active maintenance...

279. Assessing Asphalt Pavement Pre-Compaction with Paver Screed Frequency Measurements

06/09/2024, 11:30

The quality and longevity of an asphalt road hinge on the meticulous compaction of the asphalt pavement. Particular emphasis should be placed on the pre-compaction process involving the paver’s screed. Inadequate or excessive pre-compaction can result in paving errors and inhomogeneities within the pavement, which even expert roller operation cannot rectify. In practical paving, however, the...

263. Numerical modeling of the bond behaviour of PBO FRCM-concrete joints at elevated temperature

06/09/2024, 11:30

Fabric reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) composite systems are being increasingly used to strengthen degraded reinforced concrete (RC) structures because of their high strength-to-weight ratio, ease of handling, reduced costs, and non-combustibility properties. Although these advantageous characteristics, the information available about their mechanical response when subjected to elevated...

255. Recent Trends in Novel Fe-based Shape Memory Alloys

06/09/2024, 11:30

Iron-based shape memory alloys such as Fe Ni Co Al X (Ti, Ta, Nb) and Fe Mn Al Ni-X (Ti, Cr), attracted considerable attention due to their unique material properties. Low costs for alloying elements and high reversible transformation strains qualify them for industrial mass applications. Both alloy systems feature unique functional material characteristics. One of the key features of the...

271. The irreversible depreciation of a building and the threshold for demolition

06/09/2024, 11:30

The Italian territory is characterized by the presence of numerous degraded buildings, which consequently experience significant depreciation due to their age and obsolescence, resulting in a reduction in their attributed value. This phenomenon is observed in various areas of the country, both in large cities and small urban centers. Degraded properties pose a problem from an aesthetic...

247. Vibration-based Bayesian FE-model updating of a curved approaching span of the Indiano Bridge

06/09/2024, 11:30

The development of accurate finite element (FE) models of existing bridges represents a challenging issue due to the uncertainties on boundary conditions (e.g., friction of the supports and their behavior with the traffic loads, out of plumb of pylons, soil-structure interaction, etc.), material properties and damping estimations. Full-scale measurements are usually employed for updating a...

272. Building upcycling vs. building reconstruction investment decisions: a life cycle methodology simulation / Building upcycling vs. building reconstruction investment decisions: a focus on the discount rate

06/09/2024, 11:45

Decision-making processes concerning investments in building upcycling vs. building reconstruction of the existing stock involve environmental aspects besides the economic-financial ones. For example, material and energy preservation, waste management, Embodied Energy (EE), and Embodied Carbon (EC) management in construction processes are crucial aspects that concern different scales: from the...

248. Experimental correlations between crack opening and corrosion measurements in PC beams

06/09/2024, 11:45

The assessment of concrete structures suffering corrosion deterioration represents nowadays one of the most crucial topics for the engineering community, in order to avoid sudden failures result-ing in human losses and high financial damages. Within this framework, monitoring through in-situ inspections the conditions of existing reinforced concrete (RC) and prestressed concrete (PC)...

264. Influence of glass-fiber epoxy coating on bond and tensile behavior of FRCM systems

06/09/2024, 11:45

Fibre Reinforced Cementitious Matrix composite systems display outstanding capabilities for the reinforcement of existing structures. Their modeling is challenging for the numerous damage scenarios, and test methods for mechanical characterization are still debated. An open issue concerns the improvement of textile-matrix bonding due to the low capacity of matrix particles to imbue all textile...

280. Rebar detection: Comparison of stepped frequency continuous wave and pulsed GPR

06/09/2024, 11:45

Reinforced concrete structures are widely used in civil engineering owing to their versatility, strength, and durability. One of the most recommended methods for rebar mapping is Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) because of its non-destructive and non-invasive character. In concrete mapping, GPR is mainly used for locating subsurface objects (rebars, tendons, ducts), measuring concrete cover,...

256. Susceptibility of a Fe-Mn-Al-Ni-Cr shape memory alloy to stress corrosion cracking

06/09/2024, 11:45

In recent years, iron-based shape memory alloys have become increasingly interesting for application in the construction industry. The reversible phase transformation between a high temperature austenitic phase and a low temperature martensitic phase opens up applications in many different areas, e.g. as damping elements in earthquake prone areas or as prestressing elements in concrete...

240. Wavelet analysis to detect nonstationary and nonlinear behaviours in railway bridge

06/09/2024, 11:45

This research concerns Structural Health Monitoring (SHM), with the use of an advanced modal analysis. Using accelerometric measurements, the classical approaches are the study of correlation between damage and the frequencies, mode shapes or damping ratios of the structure, and the detection of cracks from modal curvatures. Moreover, without experimental reference solution, identification of...

265. Bond behavior between metallic and non-metallic bars and sustainable concrete: preliminary study

06/09/2024, 12:00

The study presented in the paper deals with the development and the characterization of an innovative shrinkage-compensating high-workability alkali activated slag-based eco-concrete for the repair and strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) members. For instance, reference to the section enlargement of beams and columns (concrete jacketing) can be made.
Furthermore, after the...

241. Hybrid vibration testing for bridge modal system identification

06/09/2024, 12:00

Output-only system identification of a large post-tensioned concrete bridge using hybrid excitation was conducted. To boost ambient excitations, a dynamic force induced by two light-weight electro-dynamic shakers was adopted for hybrid testing. The bridge modal characteristics were identified using three output-only identification methods: auto-regressive (AR) time series model, eigensystem...

257. Modelling of Hybrid Steel-SMA Shear Walls with Local Stress and Reinforcement Considerations

06/09/2024, 12:00

The incorporation of Super-elastic (SE) Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs), such as Nitinol, presents a method of passively improving the damage resiliency of traditional reinforced concrete structural elements. This resiliency can be of particular use in seismic applications owing to the super-elastic behavior allowing for increased recentering. Currently available experimental data on hybrid slender...

249. Safety assessment of a CFRP retrofitted bridge

06/09/2024, 12:00

The maintenance of existing bridges sometimes requires an intervention to increase their residual bearing capacity during their service life. The bridge strengthening can modify significantly the original structural behaviour, but in many cases the lack of a specialized standard for existing structures in the past prevented the designer to operate a suitable check of the updated performance....

273. Sustainable structural retrofitting for historic buildings: a long-term decision analysis approach

06/09/2024, 12:00

The structural design of retrofitting solutions for historic buildings is a complex decision-making process and can be effectively integrated by various approaches able to take into consideration the entire life cycle of the project. The present study develops a decision tool for the design of refurbishment interventions for historic buildings, adopting a Life Cycle Thinking approach and...

282. The role of in situ dynamic tests on model updating of existing R.C. infilled structures

06/09/2024, 12:00

Infill masonry walls are one of the most common non-structural elements worldwide adopted to create external and internal partition walls in reinforced concrete (RC) frame structures. Both in the design of new RC frame buildings and in the assessment of the existing ones, it is common practice to neglect the presence of infill walls that are only considered as added masses and loads. However,...

250. Assessment of Environmental-induced Degradation on Reinforced Concrete Tie Rods in a 70-Year-Old Arch Bridge

06/09/2024, 12:15

Given the present landscape of existing bridges in Italy, a significant portion of which dates back to the mid-20th century, the need to conduct detailed investigations on the current deterioration state and on the safety of these infrastructures becomes indispensable. This work, focusing on a case study involving reinforced concrete tie rods removed from a 70-year-old arch bridge and...

283. Case study: Câmara Municipal de Guimarães. HBIM modeling from non-destructive techniques

06/09/2024, 12:15

This study focuses on the application of HBIM for the comprehensive monitoring of the structural health of the Câmara Municipal de Guimarães. To carry out this comprehensive assessment, advanced inspection techniques were employed, including ground-penetrating radar (GPR), thermal imaging, terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), and visual inspection. GPR was used to assess wall thickness and detect...

258. Effect of thermomechanical training on recovery stress of Fe-based shape memory alloy

06/09/2024, 12:15

This research explores the impact of thermomechanical treatment on the recovery stress induced by the shape memory effect in an Fe-based shape memory alloy with the composition of Fe-17Mn-5Si-10Cr-4Ni-1(V,C) wt.%. Fe-based shape memory alloys have gained considerable attention for their potential applications in vibration control, energy dissipation, and structural strengthening or...

266. Experimental and numerical bond behavior of PBO FRCM tested using a pull-out set-up

06/09/2024, 12:15

Fabric-reinforced cementitious matrix (FRCM) composites have become increasingly popular in the field of externally bonded (EB) reinforcement of existing concrete and masonry structures. They are used as flexural, shear, and torsional strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) members. They are comprised of high strength textiles embedded in an inorganic-based matrix. FRCM tensile mechanical...

274. Life Cycle Costing for Structural Analysis and Design

06/09/2024, 12:15

Life cycle engineering has emerged as an effective approach to improve the design of products and materials, to reduce maintenance, and to contain costs from the construction phase to the end of life. In other terms, construction decision-makers need to consider the sustainability of a material or building element at any stage of its life cycle, discussing the resulting economic and...

242. Multidisciplinary monitoring in continuous of the Cannavino bridge

06/09/2024, 12:15

The ground-based radar interferometry (T-InSAR) provides such high-precision, contactless measurement capabilities for structural deformations, achieving accuracy levels of 0.001 mm in real-time. Its capacity to measure main vibration frequencies up to 100 Hz and assess deformations across multiple points of a structure simultaneously, with a range resolution of at least 0.75 m, showcases its...

267. An investigation on the bond behavior of basalt fiber reinforced polymer (BFRP) rebars embedded in conventional concrete

06/09/2024, 12:30

This research investigates the bond behavior of basalt fiber-reinforced polymer (BFRP) bars in conventional concrete, focusing on its relation to mild steel bar bond behavior and the magnitude of variation. Using BFRP as a replacement for traditional mild steel reinforcement has gained attention due to its inherent corrosion resistance and high tensile strength properties. In environments...

259. Improving the Structural Performance of RC Beams with Openings Using Iron-based Shape Memory Alloy (Fe-SMA) Reinforcement

06/09/2024, 12:30

Incorporating openings within reinforced concrete (RC) beams poses significant risks to their structural integrity and performance, presenting a formidable challenge in structural engineering. This research employs numerical simulations to assess the efficacy of Iron-based Shape Memory Alloy (Fe-SMA) reinforcement in mitigating these adverse effects. Focusing on two critical factors, the size...

251. Integrating Structural Health Monitoring for Safety Assessment and Restoration Planning

06/09/2024, 12:30

The aging of structures and infrastructures in Italy highlights the necessity of procedures to assess their safety conditions and life-cycle performance. Very often, the costs associated with the repair and maintenance operations needed for all infrastructures overcome the available budget of managing bodies. It is thus necessary to set up and use prioritization methodologies. Within this...

275. Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment of Industrial Flooring

06/09/2024, 12:30

The use of fibre-reinforced concrete for industrial floors makes it possible to significantly contain the phenomenon of crack formation and propagation, which is the cause of degradation in traditional concrete floors. In fact, the structural fibres in place of the welded mesh form a homogeneous and omnidirectional reinforcement throughout the screed layer and, as a result, increase the...

284. Stability-Based Optimum Design of Tuned Mass Damper using Chaos Game Optimization in Pole Placement Scheme

06/09/2024, 12:30

The present work investigates the optimization of Tuned Mass Dampers (TMDs) for improving the seismic behavior of structures by considering system stability using a robust Chaos Game Optimization (CGO) metaheuristic algorithm. In this regard, a new approach was introduced to locate the poles of the system as an objective function in the optimum design of TMDs. In this scheme, the mechanical...

243. Virtual Sensing in Steel Bridges: Time Series Deep Learning for Stress Prediction

06/09/2024, 12:30

This study introduces an innovative approach for predicting stress responses in steel bridges, specifically focusing on a railway bridge in Vänersborg, Sweden. Four deep learning models have been evaluated: Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), Temporal Convolutional Network (TCN), and a hybrid LSTM-TCN. Training on stress history data from a multiscale Finite Element...

268. Bond behavior of magnesium potassium phosphate cement (MKPC) coating for steel reinforcement in conventional concrete and related repair materials

06/09/2024, 12:45

This research investigates the bond behavior of magnesium potassium phosphate cement (MKPC) coated mild steel bars in conventional concrete, focusing on its relation to both epoxy coated and mild steel bar bond behavior related to the magnitude of variation. In traditional concrete a passive layer protects the mild reinforcing steel from corrosion until the concrete becomes carbonated and then...

252. Large scale implementation of SHM and control rooms for the remote control of bridges

06/09/2024, 12:45

Planning, maintaining and optimizing the resources in the field of infrastructural networks management entails complex decision management to be effective. The involved activities generally include compiling an inventory, carrying out monitoring and maintenance activities, and executing interventions to upgrade the safety levels to the increasing demands. From a structural and financial point...

244. Modal identification of existing concrete half-joint bridges through free vibration tests

06/09/2024, 12:45

Vibration-based tests are widely used for the assessment of existing structures. They allow the estimation of modal parameters, a possible deviation of which may be symptomatic of the onset of damage in the structure. Specifically, in the case of bridges, free vibration testing is a rapid, low-cost method that requires the installation of a limited number of sensors on the structure. This...

260. RC beams externally strengthened by steel plates: Experimental database and preliminary analysis

06/09/2024, 12:45

External steel plating is a popular technique for the flexural strengthening of RC beams thanks to the ease of application which does not require skilled labor, the relatively low-cost and the optimal mechanical properties of the steel material.
Research on externally plated RC beams is much older than the literature related to the strengthening methods employing fiber reinforced (FRP)...

276. Recovery of historic real estate: Life Cycle Costing and economic feasibility

06/09/2024, 12:45

The tools currently available for the parametric estimate of the costs for the recovery of properties, in the phase of verifying the economic feasibility of the interventions, do not present satisfactory levels of accuracy.
In addition to the intrinsic forecasting difficulties at a planning level characterized by a limited level of knowledge of the artefact to be recovered, and a certain...

309. 3D vibration measurements with optical systems: selected methods for measurement enhancements

06/09/2024, 14:15

This paper presents selected surface measurement enhancement techniques while using a three-dimensional vibration measurement optical system. In this case, the 3D scanning Laser Doppler Vibrometer (3D LDV) is used to obtain the frequency response function of the investigated objects. The 3D LDV system allows for contactless measurements of complicated objects and is ideal for cultural heritage...

293. Experimental assessment of the flexural/shear strengthening effectiveness of new CFRP bars

06/09/2024, 14:15

The potential of a new carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) bar is explored for the simultaneous flexural and shear strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) beams. This bar has a stick geometric configuration, with a part applied according to the near surface mounted (NSM) technique and the other according to the embedded through section (ETS) technique, both connected with a smooth...

209. Load-Bearing Capacity Assessment of Traffic Superstructures for Roads and Tramways

06/09/2024, 14:15

The load-bearing capacity of traffic superstructures is usually assessed based on deformation measurements. The bearing capacity is defined as the superstructure's resistance to short-term deformations. However, different measurement concepts and evaluation methods are required for different superstructures to assess the bearing capacity. Therefore, different methods for road and tramway...

301. Multifunctional prefabricated textile capillary tube panels for integrated renovation of buildings

06/09/2024, 14:15

In this paper, a novel seismic-plus-energy retrofit solution for building envelopes is presented. The intervention aims to simultaneously improve the thermal efficiency and seismic safety of buildings with a light, cost-effective, and sustainable approach. The so-called TCP system consists of prefabricated textile capillary-tube panels, which at the same time improve the seismic performance...

285. Smart monitoring of RC T beams strengthened by external bonded FRP

06/09/2024, 14:15

This study aimed to investigate the cracking behaviour of RC beams strengthened by external bonded smart FRP. A smart CFRP consists of two texture fabrics inside which a distributed fibre-optic sensor (DFOS) is inserted. During the test, the sensor measured the mechanical strain distribution of the composite with a millimetric spatial resolution. Simultaneously crack openings along the beams...

217. Theoretical effects of corrosion on lateral stress along reinforcement bars in concrete

06/09/2024, 14:15

Literature review of latest research findings on the bond behavior of corroded reinforcing steel bars suggests that the bond mechanism is minimally affected by corrosion. However, discrepancies exist among researchers concerning the influence of corrosion on the critical parameters that govern bond behavior of bars.
Former studies have primarily focused on the diminishing bond strength caused...

310. A Deep Active Learning Framework for Crack Detection in Digital Images of Paintings

06/09/2024, 14:30

Over time, all paintings tend to deteriorate because of aging and storage conditions. Cracks formed on the surface of paintings are the most common types of degradation. The automatic detection and mapping of cracks is a key problem for art restoration, conservation treatments, and analyses such as art authentication. However, this task is challenging, and existing methods often require...

302. Bond performance of a multifunctional strengthening system for concrete structures

06/09/2024, 14:30

The combined application of two baseline technologies (i- strengthening of concrete structures using fibre-reinforced polymers (FRP) reinforcement and, ii- monolithic Al/Na2.99Ba0.005OCl/Cu batteries synergistically embedded into a FRP material) leads to a multifunctional retrofitting system for concrete structures, where the reinforcement is a FRP structural battery. On the one hand, the...

286. Cointegration technique to account for environmental variability in a concrete dam

06/09/2024, 14:30

Within Operational Modal Analysis (OMA) and Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) frameworks, novelty analysis aims to detect structural anomalies by inspecting the time evolution of the modal parameters of a structure subjected to ambient (unknown) excitations. However, real structures are subjected not only to structural anomalies, but also to environmental and operational variability (EOV), so...

218. Degree of composite action of steel beams with precast concrete hollow core slabs

06/09/2024, 14:30

Different construction challenges followed by harsh environmental conditions, triggered the human intention for precast composite structures. The precast concrete hollow core (PCHC) slabs have been popular especially for multi-story long-span composite structures. In comparison to conventional solid concrete slabs, they have the advantages of being more light-weighted, fire-resistant,...

318. Preliminary bridge damage assessment through machine learning

06/09/2024, 14:30

Bridges worldwide are failing at increasing rates as they heavily suffer from deterioration, leading to the transport infrastructure system disruptions and millions in losses. For example, the failure of the Polcevera bridge alone cost € 359 million in the immediate wake, with estimated annual losses to the Italian economy in the vicinity of one billion euros. Despite the aid of technologies...

294. Structural Rehabilitation using C-FRP: A Two-Decade Evaluation of Durability and Guidelines

06/09/2024, 14:30

This paper focuses on a strengthening intervention carried out in 1996 on reinforced concrete (RC) portal frame structures using Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (C-FRP). In that period, there were no standards or guidelines (both national and international) governing the design procedure, which also lacked specific details, thereby requiring that the design of the intervention be based on a...

303. Eco-friendly alternative to autoclaved aerated concrete with heat storage/release function

06/09/2024, 14:45

The European climate law imposes a legal obligation to meet the EU's climate target of reducing EU emissions by at least 55% by 2030. Consequently, numerous endeavours are underway to achieve this objective and ensure climate neutrality by 2050. Special efforts are being made to reduce the energy consumption associated with heating and cooling in buildings, as this need consumes a significant...

295. Effectiveness of FRP bar anchors for prestressed concrete members

06/09/2024, 14:45

Prestressed concrete members are widely used around the word for making different types of structures, from bridges to tall buildings. Steel strands are generally employed to apply a compression force into the concrete. Recently, fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composite bars have been considered for replacing traditional steel strands in specific applications. The main advantage of FRP bars is...

219. Live Load Design and Safety Concept for Building Materials with Time Dependent Properties

06/09/2024, 14:45

For all buildings and structures a sufficient safety standard is essential. In building codes like the EN 1990 failure probabilities are defined for different buildings members and applications. Materials as well as actions are characterized by safety factors to fulfil the failure probability requirements and to enable in this way a safe design. But materials with time dependent properties can...

287. Monitoring internal swelling reactions in concrete dams

06/09/2024, 14:45

Internal swelling reactions (ISR) is a term used to refer to the chemical reactions that result in the expansion and, eventually, damage of the concrete elements in which they occur. Alkali-silica reaction (ASR) and delayed ettringite formation (DEF) are the most common reactions of this type, both of which are relatively frequent in concrete dams. The concrete deterioration caused by ISR can...

311. Optimized Supporting Structures for Small Artefacts: Generative Designed prototypes

06/09/2024, 14:45

Retrievals of small and medium scale are one of the fundamental and most numerous parts of the entire museal heritage set. Their exposition represents an issue, looking for supporting structures that could be non-invasive, aesthetically pleasant, customized, and, last but not least, safe and stiff enough to avoid any damage to the artefacts. Through the usage of several engineering methods,...

211. Structural Monitoring and Rehabilitation of a Gerber Bridge

06/09/2024, 14:45

Many existing reinforced concrete bridges exhibit behaviour at the Service Limit State and the Ultimate Limit State which can be considered unsatisfactory with respect to the current provisions of Codes, but which are actually deficiencies deriving from obsolete calculation methods, structure age, material degradation, diffuse or localized corrosion and increased loads. Among these, cantilever...

212. Combined strain, vibration, and acoustic monitoring of the Jules Verne viaduct

06/09/2024, 15:00

Prestressed concrete viaducts have been widely built in France and Europe in the past decades and are often strategic assets for the road networks, which deserve structural health monitoring (SHM) techniques to assess and anticipate the effects of their ageing.
The Jules Verne viaduct near Amiens in France has been chosen as a case study to gather high volumes of data on its response to the...

296. Comparative Study of Design Models for Shear Strengthening of RC Beams with NSM FRP

06/09/2024, 15:00

This study investigates the accuracy and reliability of the existing design models for shears-strengthened reinforced concrete (RC) beams with near-surface mounted (NSM) fibre-reinforce polymer (FRP) rods and laminates. Separate statistical and reliability-based studies have been conducted on the predicted shear contributions of NSM FRP materials in the strengthened beams using seven existing...

288. Development of generic AI models to predict the movement of vehicles on bridges

06/09/2024, 15:00

For civil, mechanical, and aerospace structures to extend operation times and to remain in service, structural health monitoring is vital. Structural health monitoring (SHM) system is a method to examining and monitoring the dynamic state of essential constructions. Because of its versatility in adapting to unfavorable structural changes and enhancing structural dependability and life cycle...

304. Geopolymers as adhesive for sustainable NSM CFRP strengthening of RC structures

06/09/2024, 15:00

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites are known to be a very effective material for strengthening and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete (RC) structures. Near surface mounted (NSM) technique, has been used as an effective method for this purpose, over the past two decades. The conventional technique benefits from the superb properties of polymeric adhesives as the matrix, e.g.,...

312. Manini Connect: IoT for integrated building monitoring

06/09/2024, 15:00

Constructions are conceived today following multi-risk scenarios encompassing natural and anthropic hazards, in the context of a rapid climate change. Nevertheless, currently the monitoring of local demand and/or performance on specific buildings is very poor due to the absence of a praxis towards the installation and the management of sensors, dedicated to the performance of the whole...

220. Multiphysics-Lattice Discrete Particle Model: possible strategies for upscaling

06/09/2024, 15:00

The optimisation of civil infrastructures maintenance and management is a challenging task, disseminated of open issues requiring the synergic development of effective structural health monitoring systems and reliable models to be addressed. Relevant to concrete structures, models cannot disregard the multi-physics nature of the problem: moisture and heat transport phenomena in uncracked and...

213. A framework for the assessment of road network resilience: application to different urban contexts

06/09/2024, 15:15

Road networks include strategic and critical infrastructures that must operate effectively at any moment for the well-functioning of a country’s economy. In this context, the risk of traffic closure and/or limitations is constantly present due to a plurality of natural and man-made hazards. In this work, a novel framework for the assessment of road network resilience to both single and...

305. A novel structural and energy cementitious materials for nearly-zero energy buildings

06/09/2024, 15:15

A novel material with tunable dynamic insulations, thermal energy storage skills, and structural properties is presented in this work. The so-presented NRG&STRUCT concrete is a porous concrete made of microencapsulated phase-change materials (mPCM) embedded within the cement-based mix. A strength-based theory accounting for the porosity together with a quality-based index, and the mPCM content...

64. Accuracy of fib Bulletin 90 formulations for the bending capacity of FRP-strengthened RC beams

06/09/2024, 15:15

In the last two decades, fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have become a popular solution for flexural strengthening of existing reinforced concrete (RC) members. Their success is partly due to the extensive research performed to deeply understand the behavior of FRP-strengthened RC members, which resulted in the publication of various design codes and guidelines all over the world....

221. Development and validation of a creep frame adapted for ELS (End Load Split) test

06/09/2024, 15:15

In industry, structural bonding can play an important role in repairing and reinforcing metallic structures. To ensure this, the design strategy for adhesively bonded joints should be selected carefully. One reliable method is to use fracture mechanics tests that allow the determination of fracture toughnesses in mode I, II or mixed-mode. Such strategy can be used during the analysis of the...

313. The Helmallery multy-storey building: an example of metaverse museum for cultural heritage dissemination

06/09/2024, 15:15

The paper delves into an innovative collaboration between Pini Group and Helm, leveraging their distinct expertise across various engineering domains, encompassing the design of civil and industrial structures, 3D modeling, and software development, among others. The culmination of this partnership is a groundbreaking metaverse museum that is a synergy of technological advancements. This...

7. Vehicle Classification using BiLSTM for Predictive Maintenance and Digital Twins

06/09/2024, 15:15

The service life of infrastructure is directly related to the traffic load. In the past, this traffic load has often been underestimated, resulting in significant damage to structures, especially steel bridges. In order to establish the paradigm of predictive maintenance in bridge engineering, prediction models for the state of damage and service life are necessary. In particular, the...

289. Bus Network Based Fleet Monitoring Towards Net Zero Transport

06/09/2024, 15:30

Since its first invention in 2004, drive-by Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) has been widely adopted to assess ageing infrastructures worldwide. In 2019, the EU Joint Research Centre highlighted it as one of the most promising techniques for the bridge SHM. Recently, a fleet composed of different vehicles has been regarded to be more efficient in obtaining the bridge component in contrast...

222. Durability of concrete assessed via different unsaturated and steady-flow methods

06/09/2024, 15:30

Recently there is a growing interest in how to decrease the environmental impact of concrete and how to increase its durability. As concrete is mostly unsaturated during its service life, measuring unsaturated flow (through imbibition or diffusion) can provide information to assess its durability. Additionally, permeability values are often used to describe concrete’s ability to withstand the...

314. Metaverse and Museum: a Case Study

06/09/2024, 15:30

The Metaverse concept, which has developed very rapidly in recent years, has also reached the cultural sector by defining new ways of visiting museums, archaeological parks, exhibitions, and other events. The aim of this research article is to present the experience conducted with the MAV - Museo dell'Artigianato Valdostano located in Fènis in Valle d'Aosta, which saw the design and...

297. Seismic Performance of Damaged RC Column Repaired with Structural Mortar

06/09/2024, 15:30

Knowledge on the seismic performance of damaged reinforced concrete (RC) structures after repair is essential for an effective post-earthquake disaster management policy. However, the number of experimental studies investigating the seismic behavior of repaired RC members are insufficient, especially for structural members that have suffered damages of slight or moderate levels. In this study,...

214. The dynamic analysis of the Troja footbridge – the analysis of the possibility of the early warning before the collapse

06/09/2024, 15:30

The subject of this paper is to summarize the results of the analysis of the Troja footbridge collapse. The analysis included the remains inspection, creation of the numerical models, and analysis of the measurement, done on the bridge. The analysis included the impact of variable influences, including the defect of the tendons. Based on variable methods, the conclusions are given, if the...

306. The First Attempt at Utilizing Mineral-Impregnated Carbon Fibre Reinforcements as Load Sensors for Structural Health Monitoring

06/09/2024, 15:30

A novel reinforcement of mineral-impregnated carbon fiber (MCF) composite has been introduced to replace traditional steel or fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcements, primarily attributed to its high-temperature endurance, cost-effectiveness, and sustainable utilization. Previous studies have investigated the advantages of MCF in terms of its processing and exceptional mechanical...

315. A workflow for rigorous tunnel deformation analysis of MLS data

06/09/2024, 15:45

Inspecting and monitoring the conditions of an infrastructure are two key steps in increasing user safety and properly managing available resources and are preliminary to the later steps of decision-making on the interventions to be put in place. Traditional techniques involve visual and manual inspections, which inevitably involve the closure of the section being investigated with time and...

223. Experimental Response of Headed Stud Shear Connectors in Steel-UHPC Composite Slabs

06/09/2024, 15:45

Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC) is widely used nowadays with the aim to obtain more resilient and sustainable structures. In particular, interest is rising on the use of UHPC for replacing existing slabs in steel-concrete bridge decks, which generally leads to a possible reduction in thickness and, consequently, results in a lower material demand.
As the possibility of substituting...

215. In-situ testing and modeling of a masonry bridge in Surrey (UK): Waverley Mill bridge

06/09/2024, 15:45

Many historic masonry arch bridges within the road and railway systems across Europe and the United Kingdom remain operational despite exhibiting structural deficiencies. In the United Kingdom alone, there are more than 70,000 masonry arch spans have undergone design modifications and load adjustments over the years. These modifications typically entail incorporating new materials and bearing...

307. Multifunctional sensing mortar for masonry structures: first development and characterization

06/09/2024, 15:45

This study delves into the potential of self-monitoring masonry components constructed with specialized mortars containing conductive carbon-based fillers. The primary objective is to assess their ability to autonomously evaluate their structural integrity. These innovative masonry elements are designed to produce an integrated monitoring system within a structure. This system can effectively...

298. Numerical characterisation of FRP curved reinforcement produced by filament winding

06/09/2024, 15:45

Previous studies have demonstrated that an automated filament winding process can be conveniently used to produce shear reinforcement for concrete structures. The method allows the creation of geometrically complex elements suitable for materials optimisation. This is in addition to the advantages of non-metallic reinforcement. On the contrary, the biggest drawback is the anisotropy properties...

290. Structural health monitoring of bridge under road traffic: data-driven approach

06/09/2024, 15:45

For existing bridges, reassessment and prognostic on lifespan is a key issue, especially in Europe where bridge assets are over 40 years old. Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) systems using various type of sensors, optical fibers, strain gauges and accelerometers offer a significant tool for safety verification approaches. In most of the use cases, engineering expertise is necessary to...

308. Dynamic and static thermal performance of foam concrete with phase change materials via Hot Box

06/09/2024, 16:00

Human population is constantly growing, and with it, the consumption of energy which is provoking in recent times a severe shortage of fossil fuels. In particular, energy efficiency of buildings plays a preponderant role, being the core of multiple research projects around the globe. Within the European Union, half of the energy consumption is dedicated to heating and cooling in buildings and...

316. Field monitoring, BIM representation and FEM analysis of preheater towers in cement plants

06/09/2024, 16:00

The major goal of this paper is to use effective and accurate procedures to monitor, model and predict the evolution of the deterioration and safety conditions of highly complex structural systems such as preheater towers (PTs) in cement plants. The main structural elements of reinforced concrete PTs are exposed to severe conditions during their service life, which can trigger deterioration...

299. New bonding agents for the NSM FRP strengthening system for concrete structures

06/09/2024, 16:00

Over the past few decades, the implementation of near-surface mounted (NSM) FRP has become a promising strengthening method for improving the performance of concrete structures. Despite the common use of epoxy adhesives in NSM FRP systems, concerns have arisen due to their drawbacks, including the emission of toxic fumes and reduced mechanical strength when subjected to elevated temperatures...

224. On the assessment of the in-place concrete quality: Rebound hammer and Pull-off tests reliability

06/09/2024, 16:00

Several non-destructive and partially destructive tests are available for assessing of the in-place concrete quality. In this article, rebound hammer and pull-off tests are used to check the in-place concrete quality of reinforced columns after one year of exposure to natural conditions, and which have been previously characterized in compression based on the influence of core diameter. Both...

226. Possible Approaches to the Reconstruction of the Vyšehrad Bridge in Pragu

06/09/2024, 16:00

Prague has two iconic views. The first is Charles Bridge with the silhouette of Prague Castle in the background, the second is the Vyšehrad Railway Bridge framed by the imposing structure of Vyšehrad. It has been a listed cultural monument since 2004. The Vyšehrad Railway Bridge was opened in its first form on 15 August 1872, its current appearance dates back to 1901. It is a riveted structure...

291. Structural Health Monitoring of Cable Stays in Power Distribution Networks

06/09/2024, 16:00

Cable stays are widely used in power distribution and telecommunication sectors to support utility poles. A cable stay consists of a steel cable and rod system that ties the pole to the ground to provide lateral stability. The cable is normally tied to the pole using a number of different details and the other end it is tied to a rod which is embedded into the ground. As a steel structure...

188. An Innovative Monitoring Strategy of Ancient Temples made of Rigid-Block Structures

06/09/2024, 16:15

The need to preserve ancient monumental architecture in conditions of high risk finds crucial support in innovative methods and technologies that can contribute to improve our knowledge of the buildings’ structural health and its evolution for the purpose of proactive maintenance. In this respect, an innovative experimental monitoring strategy has recently been developed and applied to the...

317. Application of 3D laser scanning technique in precise identification of falling-off hazards of external walls

06/09/2024, 16:15

Falling-off of the external walls on high-rise building had occurred frequently in recently years, which caused the property damage or personal casualties and endanger urban public safety. A method using 3D laser scanning technique was studied for the detection of potential safety hazards such as hollowing and falling-off of building external walls. Based on the point cloud data, especially...

216. Global Perspectives on Recycled Concrete Aggregates (RCA): A Comprehensive Review of Worldwide Applications and Best Practices

06/09/2024, 16:15

Given the high consumption of natural resources, sidewalks are considered one of the most cost-intensive pieces of infrastructure. The use of recycled concrete aggregates in road pavements can provide a beneficial approach to improving economic, social and environmental sustainability. RCA is considered a multi-layered solution that protects natural resources, minimizes road construction...

300. Use of equivalent interface samples during fracture mechanics investigations

06/09/2024, 16:15

During an international project called SBO (Strength Bond Offshore), a design strategy of adhesively bonded composite reinforcements for steel structures was developed and assessed. It relied on the use of a large number of fracture mechanics tests in mode I, mode II and mixed-mode. To reduce the number of samples while remaining representative of the studied reinforcement a new methodology...

225. Development for Corrosion Protection Method of Reinforcement in RC Structures by Electromagnetic Induction

This study focuses on the development of a method for preventing corrosion in RC structures by inducing current non-destructively and non-contactly into the internal reinforcing bars using the principles of electromagnetic induction. In this paper, firstly we conduct fundamental investigations into the characteristics of induced current on the reinforcing bar surface using experimental and...

49. Effect of glass fibre on slag-fly ash based geopolymer concrete

Geopolymer concrete is a durable and environment friendly construction material. However, less ductility and high brittleness are the major challenges of the geopolymer concrete. The addition of fibres in concrete impedes the fracture propagation and improves the overall mechanical properties of the concrete. This study investigates the fresh and the hardened properties of ambient cured plain...

281. Evaluation of Historic Truss Bridges

The prioritization of the maintenance and rehabilitation of bridges based on their historic importance is challenging. While the AASHTO’s Guidelines for Historic Bridge Rehabilitation and Replacement contain guidance on selecting bridges for preservation, there is currently no guidance on how to prioritize historic bridges selected for rehabilitation.
A ranking system for rehabilitation...

48. Influence of Geogrid on the Flexural Behavior of Cracked Concrete

This paper investigates the influence of geogrid reinforcement on the flexural behavior of concrete pavements after the initiation of cracks up to failure. Two groups of notched concrete beam specimens with the dimensions of 150 × 150 × 550 mm were tested. The concrete specimens of the first group were tested under static loads. The concrete specimens of the second group were tested under...

13. Measured Displacement Data Analysis and Modelling for Structural Health Monitoring

Non-physics-based modeling is gaining attention in the area of structural health monitoring due to underlying advantages e.g. finite-element or physics-based model might not exist at all. Therefore, in case of aforementioned scenario, it may be useful to have a model that is developed via the use of time-series data instead of underlying physics. Such model can be developed using parametric,...

58. Statics of masonry walls with openings: a singular stress approach

A large portion of current structures, including historical monuments (churches, mosques, temples, etc.) and ordinary buildings, is made of masonry. Masonry consists of blocks joined by mortar, assembled with a texture to prevent sliding through methods like Friction/Interlocking/Confinement. It is inherently heterogeneous, and the mechanical properties of the blocks, mortar, and their bond...