Abstract This paper presents the problem of assessing degradation process of a selected railway steel bridge in the final period of its operation. Changes in the technical condition of the analysed steel railway bridge in time on the basis of special inspections carried out in 2009–2014 are investigated. The methodology for conducting steel railway bridge assessment in an engineering approach is being

Abstract A prominent challenge in performance-based earthquake engineering is to select a suitable set of ground motions records with which to perform probabilistic seismic assessment of structures. The most common approach for engineering purposes is to employ actual recordings of worldwide events, given that large earthquakes do not occur frequently hence regional recordings of such events are usually

Abstract In this study, seismic fragility analysis of multi-span steel truss bridges still giving service in railway network of Turkey was aimed. For this purpose, two representative multi-span steel truss bridges were selected in Turkish railway lines. A detailed three-dimensional inelastic finite element (FE) model for each bridge was created using commercial FE software. These models were used to

Abstract This article studies the quantitative influences of corrosion on the fatigue life of high-strength steel wires, considering a wide variation in the degree of corrosion. A multiparameter Weibull model for corrosion-stress-life (C-S-N) is proposed, and the Goodman relation is employed to deal with the dependences of stress ranges on positive stress ratios. Fatigue data are collected from the

Abstract Reinforced concrete structures are often subjected to corrosion, inducing a decreasing reliability over time. This corrosion often exhibits spatial variation, which can be modelled by random fields. To improve the accuracy of the estimated reliability, measurements can be performed. In this work, focus will be on static strain data. Taking into account these measurements leads to updated distributions

Abstract Timber utility poles are widely used in power distribution and telecommunication networks. Wood is subjected to deterioration with time, and routine condition assessment works are carried out for in-service timber poles to identify potential defects and their extent for renewal planning. These condition assessment methods need to be reliable and accurate to represent the actual status of poles

Abstract There are many uncertainties related to existing bridges that are approaching or have exceeded their original design life. Lifetime extension analysis of bridges should be based on validated numerical models that can be effectively established. This paper presents a new procedure to obtain an optimal solution from sensitivity-based model updating with respect to an improvement in the modal

Abstract Cable-stayed bridges have been constructed with different type of towers (pylons) in the World, namely H-shaped, A-shaped, inverted Y-shaped, single column, diamond-shaped. More than half of the cable-stayed bridges utilised the towers with inclined legs. The dynamic response of inclined tower legs can be extremely complicated during earthquakes. Real earthquakes provide an excellent opportunity

Abstract In this work, dynamic performance of precast reinforced concrete beam connected by unbonded prestressing tendon under impact loads was conducted using the numerical simulations. First, a detailed numerical model for cast-in-place beam was established, and the simulation method was verified with the available test observations. Then, the numerical model of precast beam connected by unbonded

Abstract Bridge censored databases can be used to analyze and assess structural deterioration conditions, but conducting the analysis is difficult. This difficulty occurs because many factors affect deterioration, and the time span of the data for these factors depends on the years in service of the respective bridge. In addition, the values of some factors are not regularly observed. The present study

Abstract The probabilistic dependence in a multi-variate random field consists of two parts: the spatial dependence of a random quantity at different positions and the probabilistic dependence between different random variables at the same position. The classical model cannot capture the possible non-Gaussian dependence or nonlinear dependence between different random variables. To this end, in this

Abstract Fatigue is among the most critical forms of deterioration damage that occurs to steel bridges. The performance of steel bridges, which may be seriously affected due to fatigue, should be assessed and predicted. However, the code-based reliability assessment only provides a clear criterion for single details. The whole bridge or a splitting system from the bridge may contain many details which

Abstract Recent national level guidelines and research efforts increasingly suggest the use of resilience and sustainability concepts for natural hazard mitigation and recovery planning at the regional and community levels. This paper aims to distinguish and compare the two abstract concepts in the context of road networks recovering from a hazard event since resilience and sustainability metrics are

Abstract Reinforced concrete (RC) pontoons have been widely used as floating foundations to support various structures. However, pontoons are under the threat of accidental collisions from passing ships and service vessels. To ensure the integrity of pontoons and the supported structures in a collision accident, special strengthening techniques may be required to increase the impact resistance of the

Abstract Contrary to conventional buildings, the structural robustness of modular high-rise buildings has not been studied due to the lack of the numerical and experimental studies and design guides. To gain a better understanding of their structural robustness against progressive collapse, this paper investigates the robustness of modular high-rise buildings using the alternative load path method

Abstract Social dimensions, as one of the three pillars of sustainability, are commonly not fully considered in the planning, bidding, and design processes of construction projects, primarily due to a lack of standardized estimation methods. Despite the potential economic and social benefits of these projects, they may lead to various negative social impacts during the construction process. In this

Abstract This paper presents a case study of corrosion damage of a concrete chimney sited in a steel production plant in front of the Mediterranean Sea. The aggressive environment to which the chimney is exposed and its limited accessibility make the assessment of its condition critical. Destructive and non-destructive tests have been carried out over time to evaluate possible deterioration phenomena

Abstract Reinforcement corrosion induced by chloride penetration is a major threat to reinforced concrete structures in marine environments. The use of surface treatments to improve the durability of reinforced concrete structures has drawn increasing attention in recent decades due to their cost-effectiveness and convenience in construction. However, current knowledge of a practical, durable design

Abstract The re-centring ability and durability of important bridges have been the main objectives in recent provisions of seismic design codes. To achieve better recoverability and durability for piers, this article presents a double-reinforced pier configuration, in which the outer layer is reinforced with fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) rebar and the inner layer is reinforced with steel rebar. An

Abstract Investigating the economic consequences of the natural hazards on the infrastructures is a crucial task in any risk-based decision-making process. Life-cycle cost (LCC) analysis is an important tool in both design (to choose the most economic configuration) and analysis (to estimate the future cost of ownership) stages. The pile-supported wharves, as one of the main parts in a marine harbor

Abstract In Italy, the recent regulatory and legislative developments relevant to the seismic risk mitigation of the existing building stock aim to propose tax deductions and simple but reliable approaches for the quantitative evaluation of the beneficial impacts of seismic retrofitting. Nevertheless, currently policy makers need tools and models able to assess the seismic risk and the cost/benefit

Abstract This paper aims to explore the seismic performance of a novel earthquake-resilient bridge column with replaceable elements, including external ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) cover plates and internal steel dissipaters, based on a numerical model including local and overall levels. The overall model was established to assess the seismic behavior of the bridge columns considering the

Abstract Performance evaluation and maintenance planning are gaining importance with ageing rail infrastructure and increasing demand on track safety and continuous availability. The discrete/point railway assets (e.g. bridges, level crossings) together with extended track sections constitute the main railway network infrastructure. The former has important implications in train safety, riding comfort

Abstract Scour erosion poses a significant risk to bridge safety worldwide and affects the stiffness of the soil-foundation system, resulting in global changes in the dynamic behavior of the bridges. In this paper, a new approach to detect scour at multiple locations is proposed, using wavelet-based Operating Deflection Shape (ODS) amplitudes. A numerical model of a bridge with four simply supported

Abstract Non-destructive testing (NDT) methods are typically utilized to thoroughly inspect existing defects in the concrete bridge deck and tackle the limitations of common inspection practices (e.g. visual inspection). Nevertheless, the reliability of inspection outcomes crucially depends on choosing the most appropriate NDT technologies. In this regard, a comprehensive Performance Assessment Model

Abstract Based on the experimental estimation of the key dynamic properties of a seven-storey building made entirely of cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels, the finite element (FE) model updating was performed. The dynamic properties were obtained from an input-output full-scale modal testing of the building in operation. The chosen parameters for the FE model updating allowed the consideration of

Abstract There has been a vision of creating bridge digital twins as virtual simulation models of bridge assets to facilitate remote management. Bridge model updating is one digital twin technology which can enable the continuous updating of the structural model as new monitoring data is collected. This paper examines why there is currently little industry uptake of monitoring, modelling and model

Abstract This paper presents a novel method for prioritising bridge retrofits within a regional road network subject to uncertain seismic hazard, using a technique that accounts for network performance while avoiding the combinatoric computational costs of exhaustive searches. Using global variance-based sensitivity analysis, a probabilistic ranking of bridges is determined according to how much their

Abstract Wind turbine tower (WTT) is a vital part of wind energy development, which gains huge momentum globally over the past decades. In this study, an ingenious solution is provided with the proposed performance-based design framework for the WTTs. To represent the performance of the wind projects, an intuitive variable, i.e., the expected lifetime profit, is considered as the performance index

Abstract Automated operational modal analysis (OMA) is attractive and has been extensively used to replace traditional OMA, which requires much empirical observation and engineers’ judgment. Still, the uncertainties on modal parameters and spurious modes are challenging to estimate under the field conditions. For addressing this challenge, this research proposed an automated modal identification approach

Abstract Highway concrete bridges are subjected to fatigue, with stress cycles from the traffic defining the fatigue lives of reinforcement and concrete. Most existing studies on fatigue reliability of bridges address bending, ignoring the fatigue effect on stirrups. This paper evaluates the service life and reliability indexes, from the fatigue point of view, of longitudinal and transverse reinforcements

Abstract To understand the longitudinal seismic damage progress and failure mode of extradosed bridges, an experimental investigation was conducted on a 1/20 scaled shake table test model. Detailed design of the test model is firstly introduced. During the experimental investigation, the test model was longitudinally subjected to the site-specific artificial ground motion with the peak ground acceleration

Abstract Seismic performance evaluation is carried out for reinforced concrete bridge columns using both normal (SD400) and high (SD700) yield strength of reinforcement. A total of 12 column specimens are tested under lateral load reversals. Primary design parameters are types of cross-section, yield strength of both longitudinal and lateral reinforcements, longitudinal reinforcement ratio, and vertical

Abstract The edge beams of reinforced concrete bridges with de-icing salts sprayed experience extensive corrosion damage. The average service life of edge beams needing replacement in Sweden has been reported as only 45 years, causing great economic loss to both owners and users. Hence, finding a durable solution for edge beams would benefit society. Hybrid reinforced concrete structures, produced

Abstract Seismic structural assessment of masonry arch bridges is essential due to their cultural, economic and strategic importance and vulnerability. A realistic and rigorous structural assessment is necessary in order to protect the bridges and use resources carefully. At this time, there are no standardised or widely accepted assessment procedures, and the performance criteria for masonry arch

Abstract Numerous physical models using frequency-independent elements have been developed to reproduce impedance functions for the purposes of time-domain soil–foundation interaction analysis. Most of the models have been developed to simulate homogeneous soils. However, the physical models developed in past research for layered soils are mostly focused on surface foundations only. Accordingly, this

Abstract Ageing structures located in moderate to high seismicity regions are exposed to multiple natural stressors during their lifetime. Large earthquake events coupled with environmental aggressive agents increase the progressive failure probability of these structures. The accumulated damage during the main earthquake event might be exacerbated by its following aftershocks. This might result in

Abstract Structural deterioration due to environmental and mechanical stressors is a major concern for civil and marine structures. Inspection actions can reduce uncertainties, facilitate decision-making on maintenance, and in general assist life-cycle management. Risk-based inspection (RBI) planning is a useful tool to minimize life-cycle cost while preserving safety margin of structures. This paper

Abstract Network-scale maintenance planning mainly depends on the expected improvement in a structure’s condition following an intervention. Quantifying the effect of interventions is commonly based on either the expert judgement and reference values, or ad hoc estimation from visual inspection data. However, visual inspections are subjective and have large variability over time due to the inspectors’

Abstract The transportation network resiliency plays a significant role in reducing the devastating impacts of a disaster. This paper develops a mathematical model to improve the resilience of road–bridge transportation networks in the recovery phase. The model consists of two objective functions. The first objective function minimises total recovery time, and the second one prioritises damaged bridges

Abstract The present study focuses on the effects of wind yaw angle and pylon interference on the buffeting responses of bridge decks during construction. Two typical cable-stayed bridges with rhombus pylons (RPs) and single-column pylons (SPs) in the maximum double cantilever state were selected as research objectives. The influence of the wind yaw angle and pylon interference on the lateral, vertical

Abstract Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) sewer pipes have operated for decades in a hostile environment, raising concern among sewer managers over the longevity of their drainage systems. Inspection data (CCTV and Panoramo®) reveals that severe defects have already surfaced, yet it is unknown if the material properties of PVC sewers have been affected. In order to address this issue, extensive testing (among

Abstract This paper discusses the uncertainty when estimating extreme values of wind-induced lateral accelerations in a high-rise building based on wind-tunnel measurements. The acceleration signals for an aeroelastic scale model under ten different velocities and three different wind angles were processed to evaluate the extreme acceleration values. The empirical cumulative distribution function (CDF)

Abstract This paper presents a multi-tier methodology for understanding the cascading impacts of hazards on the internal operations of a facility. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is utilized to create a 3D representation of a facility where each building element is linked with its design, operation, and maintenance data. The building data stored inside BIM is processed by the interdependency model

Abstract Rapidly growing societal needs in urban areas are increasing the demand for tall buildings with complex structural systems. Many of these buildings are located in areas characterized by high seismicity. Quantifying the seismic resilience of these buildings requires comprehensive fragility assessment that integrates iterative nonlinear dynamic analysis (NDA). Under these circumstances, traditional

Abstract Scour is one of the main causes of bridge failures resulting in significant macro-economic impacts, often beyond the direct costs of infrastructure damage. Given the pressure to increase the resilience of transport networks, ageing bridge infrastructure, constrained budgets, variable knowledge of asset conditions and limited data, mixed ownership and operation of bridges, and concerns about

Abstract Despite extensive research in the field of human-induced vibration in the last twenty years, there is still lack of reliable load and response models to assess vibration serviceability of footbridges under human-induced excitation, especially with reference to crowded conditions. This paper aims to provide a reliable characterization of pedestrian-induced loading on footbridges in restricted

Abstract The benefit of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) can be properly quantified using the concept of Value of Information (VoI), which is, applied to an SHM case, the difference between the utilities of operating the structure with and without the monitoring system. The aim of this contribution is to demonstrate that, in a decision-making process where two different individuals are involved in

Abstract Numerous bridges are exposed to increasingly frequent and intense extreme events due to climate change, while serving more traffic than originally designed due to population growth. Thus, predictive maintenance of bridges is of paramount importance for securing structural safety and bridge network reliability. However, the application of predictive maintenance for networks of bridges, considering

Abstract To improve the crack-resisting behavior of normal-strength concrete (NC) bridge deck and to reduce the deadweight of conventional steel-concrete composite girders, a new steel-ultrahigh performance concrete (UHPC) continuous composite box girder was proposed. Aiming to reveal the static behavior of the proposed structure, including the load-deflection response, the strain distribution, the

Abstract A new method is proposed to obtain the equivalent static forces of a vehicle collision with bridge columns. The method is based on energy-conservation and, conversely to other existing methods, does not require the use of complex models or experimental data to obtain time histories of impact. A simplified numerical model is also developed to generate data and compare the performance of the

Abstract In this paper, the seismic mitigation effect of self-centering tension-only brace (SCTB) and bidirectional force bearing self-centering brace (SCBB) are compared through the seismic fragility evaluation method. The structural configurations, hysteretic curves of SCBBs and SCTBs are summarised. Besides, the numerical models of SCBB and the SCTB are developed, which are verified based on experimental

Abstract A challenging task in earthquake engineering is investigation of engineering demand parameters under regional records of large earthquakes due to inherently low frequency of these events. Use of simulated records in such cases is a recent alternative. Ground motion simulations were traditionally performed to model physical processes in earthquake occurrences. Nowadays, simulations are also

Abstract The rigid-frame bridges with a fully continuous moment connection between the superstructure and substructure piers are suitable for high-seismic regions; however, research on the response of these bridge types under tsunami loads is limited. This paper presents a framework for developing fragility functions of coastal rigid-frame bridges, and bridges with strong pier-to-deck connectivity

Abstract Bridges are frequently subjected to permit loads. While deciding on permitting such loads, bridge owners usually adopt a tiered approach for structural analysis, assessment, and measurement. Under these complexities of decision-making, the owner can decide to adopt structural health monitoring (SHM) strategies in guiding the issuance of permits. A value of information (VoI) framework can be

Abstract Due to continuous population expansion and the threat of climate change, the past century has witnessed increasing occurrences of natural hazards, leading to significant global losses and requiring substantial restoration efforts. This issue challenges decision makers to act in a timely and effective manner to protect infrastructure systems from future natural hazards. This study presents

Abstract In this research, the response of high voltage transmission towers under wind load patterns is discussed from the point of view of structural reliability. The paper focuses the attention on the response of two existing tension towers that are part of the 400 kV circuit at the perimeter of Mexico City. Two hundred nonlinear pushover analyses were carried out in detailed models in order to study

Abstract The dynamic component of bridge traffic loading is commonly taken into account with a Dynamic Amplification Factor (DAF)—the ratio between the dynamic and static load effects on a bridge. In the design codes, this factor is generally more conservative than in reality. Recently a new method of calculation of this factor had been developed. Data from 15 different bridges have been analysed since

Abstract For practical decisions on common recurring maintenance actions, the information from routine inspections form a decision basis for the bridge manager. It is often difficult to assess whether this information is sufficient for deciding on a repair action, or if more information is needed. For many bridges the information for supporting decisions may be limited, although those bridges cause

Abstract A formulation to assess a breakwater damage probability and to select the optimal maintenance strategy is presented and illustrated with a case study in Mexico. The formulation includes the calculation of annual and lifetime exceedance damage probabilities, the cost of damage/failure consequences, epistemic uncertainty and information on port logistics. The limit-state corresponds to the stability