A need exists to determine the fatigue life of multi-span continuous bridges in the design stage. It is difficult to conduct a full-scale fatigue test of a bridge, hence the simulation of bridge-vehicle interaction dynamics is important to estimate the fatigue life of bridges. The vehicles entering the bridge are random in nature. In the present study, the arrival time of the vehicles is considered

Transformer bushing systems have exhibited vulnerability during past earthquakes. Based on past qualification tests, it was found that the seismic performance of transformer bushing systems is improved when the bushings are mounted on a rigid base, as opposed to when mounted on more flexible cover plates of transformers. The addition of flexural stiffeners on the transformer cover plates has been proven

Over the past years, a remarkable number of bridges have been collapsed or failed worldwide, underlying the growing importance of condition assessment of bridge structures within the context of health monitoring of structures and their life cycles become important to prevent such events. If utilised correctly, advanced Non-Destructive Techniques (NDTs) have proved to be effective in detecting imperfections

Application of massive data to structural health monitoring (SHM) may lead to serious problems such as difficulty, computational inefficiency, and low damage detectability. This paper proposes innovative hybrid methods in order to detect damage under massive data, ambient vibration, and environmental and/or operational variability. Each of the proposed methods consists of a three-stage algorithm including

Bridges in service may experience accidental actions, which may alter their structural integrity. Bracing systems are provided along the arch to reduce the risk of damage or failure. In this work, the post-buckling response of a generic network arch bridge has been investigated throughout an intensive finite element analysis. Initially, a buckling analysis was carried out on the steel bridge to find

This work addresses structural model reduction, a process necessary in structural health monitoring, where large quantities of data are recorded and must be evaluated. Therefore, numerical modelling of a structure is necessary for processing the recorded data and for estimating structural degradation over time. In order to avoid complex structural models and to economize computational resources, reduced

This paper is focused on the description and application of an extended version of the Interpolation Method for the damage localization where a statistical characterization of the indicator is proposed. The damage indicator is defined in terms of the probability of exceedance of a detection threshold corresponding to the accepted probability of false alarm. The verification of the accuracy of the novel

This paper presents a uniform and consistent semi-quantitative classification of consequences of failure of buildings as part of a multi-level seismic risk management framework for existing buildings to help building owners make risk-informed decisions for the seismic evaluation and retrofit of existing buildings to minimise the life safety risk. The management framework consists of three levels of

Finite-element-model updating allows reducing the discrepancies between the numerical and the experimental dynamic behaviour of civil engineering structures. Among the different methods to tackle the updating problem, the maximum likelihood method has been widely used for practical engineering applications. In this method, the updating problem is transformed into an optimization problem where the relative

Business recovery after a disaster plays an important role in the socioeconomic recovery of a community. This study focuses on the development of a probabilistic modelling approach for quantifying and predicting business recovery through Bayesian linear regression. The proposed modelling approach consists of three steps including data collection, development of model forms, and model selection through

This article investigates the impacts of the column system on bridge life-cycle costs in high seismic areas. It focuses on hybrid sliding-rocking (HSR) columns, which are an accelerated bridge construction (ABC) technology. The authors conduct a life-cycle cost assessment, quantifying costs of bridge construction and potential earthquake damage and subsequent repairs, as well as the cost of bridge

This paper presents robust design optimisation (RDO) of offshore jacket platforms under random wave force. It is well-established that the direct Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) is the most accurate way to deal with RDO under uncertainty. However, such approach requires extensive computational time for real complex structures. In the present study, a new cumulative distribution function (CDF)-based RDO

Vulnerability analysis has become a recent concern for bridge administration authorities. This paper presents a Bayesian network-based vulnerability evaluation methodology for a large-scale national highway (NH) bridge network, using the improved ORDER-II-Dijkstra algorithm. The NH bridge network consists of 1772 bridges, and includes their spatial locations, types, completion years, and assessment

For a bridge, its columns or piers, which are the main seismically resistant members of the bridge, are generally retrofitted to improve seismic performance. However, retrofitting may cause unexpected damage to the non-retrofitted components/members. Therefore, a corresponding retrofitting of these components/members should be considered as part of any retrofitting method to eliminate unexpected damage

This paper describes a numerical study on the vehicle instability when crossing curved highway bridge during an earthquake. Analytical framework using two-axle vehicle dynamics model is developed to describe vehicle vibration when moving under seismic excitation from the curved bridge girder. The model includes out-of-plane and in-plane motion along with the effect of curved girder with specific radius

Abstract In the past, reinforced concrete structures were built utilising plain reinforcement bars. Currently, this construction method is seldom considered by codes and research; however, many heritage structures are still standing and in need of proper assessment. In particular, there is a lack of knowledge on the effect of corrosion on the bond between concrete and plain reinforcement bars. To address

Identifying key variables that influence crack formation in buried concrete sewer pipes and impact their structural integrity is crucial for evaluating the leakage and collapse vulnerability of these underground structures. The present study performs a comprehensive global sensitivity analysis for these critical pipe responses considering various uncertainties associated with material properties and

It is well recognised that the severity of pipeline external corrosion is highly related to the corrosivity of the surrounding soil environment. However, in practice, the explicit effects of the soil corrosivity variables on the spatial distribution of external corrosion defects are largely unknown. This paper presents a novel modelling and predicting approach for pipeline external corrosion defect

Structural health monitoring (SHM) activities are essential for achieving a realistic characterisation of bridge structural performance levels throughout the service life. These activities can help detect structural damage before the potential occurrence of component- or system-level structural failures. In addition to their application at discrete times, SHM systems can also be installed to provide

This paper uses a Bayesian capacity model to approximate the loss of low-rise buildings from hurricane damage. Many previous vulnerability models utilized components capacities using an analytical estimation composed with a statistical distribution of an error. In this paper, a Bayesian capacity model that combines physics-based analytical results with experimental results was used in the vulnerability

Damages on light poles and utility poles mounted on elevated highway or railway bridges were observed in the past several large earthquakes. They were mostly due to excessive pole deformation, bending failure caused by yielding, buckling of the pole and falling of the mast. The damages did not only affect functionalities but also impeded the traffic and further complicated post-earthquake recovery

This paper presents the assessment of historic seismic bridge performance of the New Zealand highway bridge stock from the 1968 Inangahua earthquake through to the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake. Spatial ground motion details based on recorded and observed ground motion intensities were used to estimate the peak ground acceleration (PGA), as a measure of the seismic demand at each bridge location. Across

A framework for seismic life-cycle cost (LCC) evaluation is proposed for low to mid-rise framed buildings based on structural fundamental response quantities such as stiffness, strength, and ductility. The LCC is calculated using simple formulas for a basic reference model (BRM) with assumed fundamental response quantities after it is transformed into an equivalent single degree of freedom (ESDOF)

One of the key issues on orthotropic steel deck (OSD) is the reduction of serviceability due to fatigue cracks even though the bridge still keeps a certain level of robustness itself, and accurately simulating crack growth process becomes crucial to evaluate the fatigue performance of OSDs. This paper proposes to measure the fatigue damage based on the two-stage crack growth model derived from experimental

The article studies the inelastic seismic response assessment of structures with spatially varying material properties via the stochastic finite element method. This is a problem with a complex response function due to stochastic variability and material nonlinearity. Existing formulations either assume linear-elastic behaviour, or use dense models in order to capture both stochasticity and inelasticity

This paper aims to study the effect of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) strengthening techniques on the fatigue limit of Reinforced Concrete (RC) beams. An accelerated fatigue method was utilized to find the fatigue limit based on the hypothesis of linear cumulative damage as determined by the Palmgren-Miner rule. Six RC beams with dimensions of 152.4 × 152.4 × 1,520 mm were tested under monotonic

Abstract Drinking water distribution networks (WDNs) are a crucial infrastructure for life in cities. Deterioration of this ageing, and partly hidden from view, infrastructure can result in losses due to leakage and an increased contamination risk. To counteract this, maintenance strategies are required to maintain the service level. Information on the most critical elements of a WDN, with respect

Reliable computational models of transmission towers are key to improved hurricane risk management of transmission systems. However, a comprehensive understanding of involved complexities and their effects on the extreme wind performance of towers is not available. Particularly, buckling effects have not been captured properly and the failure of joints and the post-buckling behaviour of towers have

Abstract Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has become one of the dominant construction materials for sewer systems over the past decades, as a result of its reputed merits. However, since PVC sewer pipes have operated for decades in a hostile environment, concern over their longevity has been lately raised by sewer managers in the Netherlands. Towards that direction, the main factors and mechanisms that affect

This article proposes a method for assessing fatigue damage in reinforced concrete bridges based on a train-bridge coupled dynamic analysis system. The analysis system can be used to perform coupled vibration analyses of the bridge’s behavior during train passages. The Palmgren–Miner rule is used to estimate the linear accumulation of fatigue damage based on recommended S–N relationships for reinforced

A probabilistic analysis approach for reliability-based assessment of masonry arch bridges is presented in this work. The methodology is tested on a medieval in-service construction located in Galicia, northwest of Spain. To estimate its ultimate load-carrying capacity, two different numerical approaches are employed; a three-dimensional non-linear finite element model and a two-dimensional rigid blocks

Recent seismic events demonstrated that excessive post-earthquake residual drifts might result in high repair costs, temporary interruption of building functions due to required repairs, or even in the total destruction of the buildings. As such, minimizing residual drifts is a critical step in facilitating the rehabilitation of a building after an earthquake. To this end, a highly resilient post-tensioned

After a catastrophic ground motion, the strength of a damaged steel bridge to resist both its self-weight and traffic loads usually needs to be re-evaluated. This aspect is especially true for bridges located in highway network intersections. However, in the current evaluation process, the strength of the deteriorated material is often underestimated, which may lead to the adoption of an inappropriate

Lognormal distribution is one of the most applicable distributions in many different probabilistic seismic assessments such as seismic hazard analysis, fragility analyses, and reliability evaluations. This study compares the sample median (SM), sample geometric mean (SGM) and Sample Bias Corrected Geometric Mean (SBCGM) as three different estimators of lognormal central estimator from different aspects

This article reports on a detailed study of the wind characteristics and dynamic behaviour of a transmission tower, based on field monitoring during the passage of Typhoon Haima. It was found that the wind direction at the eye of the storm has an approximately 180° turn, and the mean wind speed shows an apparent M-shaped variation during the passage of the typhoon. The turbulence intensity and gust

The ageing and deterioration of road tunnels due to environmental factors are inevitable. Rational and appropriate maintenance methods are required to maintain safety. This study aims to establish a maintenance strategy that determines the timing, location, and methods adopted to repair a degraded tunnel. Ageing models, which are key to maintenance strategy decision-making, are established with three

North America’s infrastructure, in general, and stormwater system, as a crucial component of our urban infrastructure, are in dire condition states that require attention and, in some cases, urgent intervention. According to the American Society of Civil Engineering (ASCE), the stormwater system received a condition state “D+”. Even though existing management systems for storm pipes optimize the timing

The two incident reports for MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) Napoli in 2008 and MOL (Mitsui O.S.K. Lines) Comfort in 2015 both pointed out that whipping response was one main reason for inducing the catastrophes. Subsequently, International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) proposed a Unified Requirement (UR) S11A for ultimate strength evaluation of container ships, and main classification

The paper presents a case study demonstrating the methods used to estimate the value of the information (VoI) delivered by a structural health monitoring (SHM) system. The monitored object is a blade of an operating wind turbine. The case study shows how the maintenance cost optimization can be performed using a risk-based approach cast in a Bayesian decision analysis framework, in which probabilistic

Stability analysis for pedestrian-induced vibration on footbridges is a complicated and multidisciplinary problem, which includes a series of complex mechanics, such as pedestrian–bridge interaction, vibration instability, and excitation randomness. Thus far, an effective method of dealing with such problem remains lacking. In this study, a novel nonlinear stochastic vibration model is proposed by

Under the combined impacts of the operation time, design concept, and construction technology, extensive damage has occurred in tunnels built in China during the early stages of rapid development. Therefore, relevant research on tunnel damage is of urgent importance. This study takes the Liupanshan Highway Tunnel on G312 in Guyuan City as a case study, and uses field investigations, radar scans, and

Post-earthquake fires (PEF) are a frequent phenomenon of earthquakes and usually causes severe damage to reinforced-concrete (RC) columns. To determine the high-temperature performance of RC columns damaged by PEF, the geometric-damage forms of concrete columns after an earthquake are mainly classified as cracking, concrete spalling, and residual deformation on the basis of existing hazard and experimental

A failure of a massive concrete dam could cause catastrophic consequences. The purpose of monitoring is to detect anomalies and damage at an early stage to prevent failure. Data-based models for anomaly detection are based on the hypothesis that the behaviour of an undamaged dam will follow an expected pattern, and deviation from this pattern is an indication of damage. In this study, simulations were

Asymmetric structures experience higher seismic damage compared with their symmetric counterparts. This damage is mainly attributed to the coupled torsional vibrations, which tend to induce twisting in the structural floors and increase the shear demands in the corner column of the flexible side (CCFE) of asymmetric structures with in-plan stiffness eccentricity. Such floor twisting consequently leads

(2020). Life-cycle, risk, resilience and sustainability of civil infrastructure. Structure and Infrastructure Engineering: Vol. 16, Special issue on IALCCE 2018 :Life-Cycle, Risk, Resilience and Sustainability of Civil Infrastructure, pp. 517-519.

The reliability-based design of structural components has been well established based on calibration. However, the reliability-based design of structures as a system remains an issue that has not been addressed adequately. This issue requires the assessment of the system reliability of a complete structure, considering the effects of both the aleatory and the epistemic types of uncertainty. This can

Managers of civil infrastructure systems are facing the challenge to effectively and efficiently manage the ageing and deteriorating asset portfolio while accommodating ever increasing demand resulting from socioeconomic development and climate change. In this article, a novel approach using robust optimisation is proposed for risk-based portfolio management of civil infrastructure assets under deep

The impact of several devastating hurricanes revealed the vulnerability of large areas of the U.S.A. to this catastrophic natural hazard. Therefore, especially considering the uncertainties in future climate and demographic conditions, exposure and vulnerability, there is a strong need to include storm surge predictions in hurricane risk analyses. In general, the models used for storm surge are unsuited

Owing to environmental and loading effects, complex processes of deterioration in structural performance will be encountered in the maintenance and management of long-span bridges during their service life. Therefore, the method of evaluation for acquiring the current status and trend in the deterioration of bridge performance is important. To improve the efficiency and objectivity of performance evaluations

Corrosion of ferrous metals and its effects on degradation of mechanical properties and the remaining service life of metal structures have been a serious challenge to research community globally. This paper aims to investigate the problem thoroughly with experimental, numerical and analytical means. It presents results produced from a comprehensive experimental program on corrosion and its effect

Hydraulic structures, such as ship locks and weirs, form an essential part of waterway networks. An efficient life-cycle management is necessary to manage these large concrete structures safely and economically. Inspections and material testing form an important part of this process, as they enable an improved assessment of the condition, materials and properties of the structure. Traditionally, the

General frameworks for reliability differentiation have evolved over time and are mainly developed for buildings. However, recommendations for the safety of existing quay walls are lacking. In this study, target reliability indices for assessing existing quay walls were derived by economic optimisation and by evaluating the requirements concerning human safety. In quay-wall design, some dominant stochastic

Highway bridges play a significant role in maintaining safety and functionality of the society. The immediate damage of highway bridges caused by natural hazards can disrupt transportation systems, impede rescue and recovery activities. This disruption may result in tremendous financial and societal losses. Therefore, assessing vulnerability, recovery capability, and potential losses of bridges under

In this work, partial factors for the design of temporary scaffold structures are calibrated based on reliability calculations. Scaffolds are commonly designed in accordance with the rules in standards (e.g. EN12811, EN12810) and information found in codes of good practice. However, there is no clear proof that these design procedures result in an appropriate and consistent safety level for scaffold

This paper presents a probabilistic framework for life-cycle seismic resilience assessment of aging bridges and transportation road networks subjected to infrastructure upgrade. The proposed framework accounts for the uncertainties in damage occurrence of vulnerable deteriorating bridges and restoration rapidity of the overall system functionality. The time-variant bridge fragilities and the damage

Many methods of damage identification in bridge structures have focused on the use of numerical models, modal parameters or non-destructive damage tests as a means of condition assessment. These techniques can often be very effective but can also suffer from specific pitfalls such as, numerical model calibration issues for non-linear and inelastic behaviour, modal parameter sensitivity to environmental

This article presents an interdisciplinary methodology that provides decision makers with key figures on the reliability of ageing structures in transport infrastructures. The methodology is closely connected to ongoing discussions about proactive and sustainable maintenance strategies under increasing economic and ecological pressures. Since the infrastructures of the main modes of transport in Germany

Net Present Value (NPV) is proposed as an indicator for decision-making processes entailed in the development of comprehensive maintenance strategies for mooring facilities of a port with consideration of variations in states of facility deterioration. In order to show the validity of the NPV as an effective indicator for a comprehensive maintenance strategy, the NPVs are compared through several case

In this paper, a novel approach for life-cycle reliability-based design and reliability updating of reinforced concrete (RC) shield tunnels in coastal regions has been developed. For new shield tunnels, a reliability-based durability design criterion to determine the concrete cover and concrete quality for preventing the deterioration of structural performance during the structural service life is

Abstract Climate change may have multifaceted impacts on the safety and performance of infrastructure. Accounting for the different ways in which potential climate change scenarios can affect our infrastructure is paramount in determining appropriate adaptation and risk management strategies. Despite gaining some attention among researchers in recent years, this research area is still largely uninvestigated