Papers by Keyword: Bridge

Abstract: A modern „Building Information Modelling” – BIM technology is a subject of this conference paper. It is focused on BIM application in bridge and civil engineering. The computational examples presented in the paper are based on structures made of concrete. Results of BIM modelling together with FEM analyses are discussed. Presented structures’ models were prepared during university courses and as part of the international Erasmus+ project, leaded by several EU countries, in which both authors are involved. The overview of this project includes its objectives, achievements, outlining of new ideas and development of training methods.

Abstract: Digitalisation of the construction sector is one of the priorities in the European Union and one of the main technologies used for this purpose is Building Information Modelling (BIM). An important advantage of BIM is that it enables management of information about the built environment through all phases of the asset lifecycle: procurement, design, construction, operation and maintenance. Major promotion for the use of BIM in construction projects in EU member countries comes from the EU directive on Public Procurement and many public investments are related to infrastructure projects, including bridges. Indeed, in some countries, for certain public projects it is now mandatory to use BIM. This paper focuses on the implementation of BIM for bridges, which was overall much slower than for buildings. Some of the differences between BIM for bridges and BIM for buildings are pointed out, as well as what is identified as major barriers for implementation of BIM in bridge projects. At the same time, there are significant advancements with respect to openness and standardization on the international level, which are essential for widespread and effective use. Several software developers have taken on the challenge to provide bridge BIM solutions, some with the intention of using a single model for both physical representation of a bridge in blueprints and analytical calculations to design and verify mechanical resistance of the structure. This paper uses one such example to discuss current possibilities, some of the great advantages this technology offers, but also potential problems in the bridge BIM modelling procedure, when BIM model is used for structural analysis.

Abstract: This paper provides an overview of significant UHPFRC structures built in the Czech Republic over the past decade. The use of precast UHPFRC elements in bridge construction has grown substantially during this period. The accumulated knowledge in design, production, and construction culminated in the publication of the new Czech standard, TP 267, in 2024.Additionally, this paper offers a brief insight into the research and development of this advanced composite material, tracing its progression from laboratory studies to real-world construction applications. Concrete examples illustrate this evolution, and upcoming projects, along with future visions for UHPFRC, are also discussed.

Abstract: Bridge design developed for centuries. Bridges were originally designed on the basis of experience, during the time a lot of additional criteria influencing the design have been involved. The primary role of the design is played by the design engineer, who is responsible for the evaluation of conditions in the location, design of the bridge structural system, of structural details and of the construction process. The opinions on the structural system changed with development of the design methods. On the other hand, the advanced numerical tools are not able to replace the creativity of the designer.

Abstract: Safety and sustainability of reinforced concrete bridges may be increased by observing their condition during operation and thus accurately predicting their behaviour under various load conditions. This can be achieved through a monitoring system and automatic error detection based on the measured data. By detecting potential issues early on, significant damages can be prevented before they occur. Despite extensive data collection from many monitored bridges, this data often remains unprocessed and uninformative in its raw form. We aim to transform this data into a format that can help to estimate a bridge’s health condition. This approach is presented through a case study of an existing reinforced concrete box girder bridge in Hungary. Digital twin (DT) technology was used to simulate the bridge’s behaviour and to verify structural conditions under any given traffic load arrangement. Static calculations and verification of load-bearing and serviceability conditions were performed on a validated 3D finite element (FE) model. Different traffic load scenarios were randomly generated using Monte Carlo simulation, and the bridge’s condition was evaluated for each case. The actual condition was quantified by parameters such as the bridge’s utilization for different USL and SLS limit values, especially for deflection and crack width. In the FE model, the physical characteristics that are recorded on the real bridge by the actual measuring instruments were also recorded at the locations corresponding to the monitoring points on the actual structure. The relationship between the virtual bridge’s condition and the virtual monitoring data was determined using artificial intelligence (AI) applications, particularly artificial neural networks (ANN). Based on this relationship, the monitoring data measured on the real bridge can be processed, and predictions about the bridge’s actual condition can be made to support maintenance and improve the safety and sustainability of the structure. This approach demonstrates the potential of DT and AI in structural health monitoring techniques.

Abstract: The flood caused by the heavy rainfall during July and August 2022 in Balochistan led to massive and widespread damage to the infrastructure and lifelines. A total of 6953.83 km of roads and 435 bridges were damaged in Pakistan. To prevent such losses and create a climate-resilient transport infrastructure system by creating bridges strong enough to endure various natural challenges with minimal harm and swiftly recover their functionality, this study used the data from 35 flood-affected bridges in Balochistan as a case study to create patterns and relationships between flood disaster and bridge failure mechanisms. Using qualitative data from field visits, the bridges were statistically analyzed for failure modes such as geological and structural failure, and for damage states including slight, moderate, extensive, and completely washed out. Then all possible failures in each component of the substructure and superstructure were observed. After data interpretation, it was disclosed that most bridges were moderately damaged, accounting for 37.14% of the total, with 62.86% experiencing a combination of geological and structural failures. The abutments, wing walls, and approaches were identified as the most affected components. Based on these findings, practical recommendations are proposed to mitigate the possible failures due to floods.

Abstract: Bridges are essential infrastructure elements vital for transportation, commerce, and societal connectivity. Ensuring their structural integrity is paramount for public safety and economic stability. However, traditional bridge inspection methods relying on periodic visual assessments may not detect subtle structural issues in real-time, potentially leading to hazardous situations. To address this challenge, we propose a Multipurpose Smart Bridge Health Monitoring System (MSBHMS) utilizing Arduino-based sensors. The MSBHMS integrates various sensors, including accelerometer, load cells, and moisture sensors, strategically placed across the bridge structure to continuously monitor its health. These sensors gather data on factors affecting bridge structural integrity, such as vibrations, strain, and environmental conditions. An Arduino microcontroller serves as the central processing unit, collecting real-time data from distributed sensors. The various data collected transmitted wireless format to a central monitoring station, where it analysis by enhancing machine learning algorithms and data visualization techniques. The MSBHMS's versatility enables early detection of structural anomalies, such as excessive vibrations or abnormal strain patterns, allowing for prompt maintenance actions to prevent potential failures or hazards. Compared to traditional inspection methods, the proposed system offers continuous real-time monitoring, early fault detection, reduced inspection costs, and enhanced safety. Moreover, it facilitates data-driven decision-making for bridge maintenance and management, ultimately improving overall infrastructure resilience and longevity.

Abstract: The paper discusses the criteria of sustainability applicable in design of concrete structures, bridges in particular. It shows that old structures were usually sustainable, while todays trends supported by the technical progress provide more space for extravagant and unsustainable structures. The examples of bridges satisfying and unsatisfying criteria of sustainable design are presented. It is shown that the conceptual design is the stage, where the structure is defined and where it is decided on its sustainability.

Abstract: Determining the load-carrying capacity of existing bridges is a crucial task in assessing the current reliability and remaining service life of prestressed concrete structures and bridges. Nowadays, prestressed bridge structures that have been in operation for more than sixty years are proving to be problematic from the reliability point of view. If we want to comprehensively assess the reliability level of these structures, it is necessary to determine the current level of the prestressing as accurately as possible. This fact leads to the need to apply different methods that can determine these values. The paper is focused on the analysis of prestressing using indirect or analytical-experimental methods. Specifically, the Structural Response Method and the Saw-Cut Method. These techniques were tested both on prestressed members, in laboratory conditions, but mainly directly in-situ on a post-tensioned bridge. Finally, the experimental results are compared with the theoretically determined levels of prestressing.

Abstract: The subject of the article is a summary of the results of inspection of 8 highway bridges, where the superstructure is made of prestressed precast girders. Standardized girders KA-73 for clear span of 9 - 18 meters are used since approximately 1975 for the construction of bridges in the Czech Republic. As part of the inspection, the corrosion of the prestressing reinforcement and the grouting of ducts were verified. Furthermore, actual strength class of concrete in relation to the design strength, a visual inspection of the outer surface and the internal chambers of the girders using a videoscope. At the end, the most common defects are summarized.