Simplified Matrix Calculation for Analysis of Girder-Deck Bridge Systems

In the design of girder-deck bridge systems, it is necessary to determine the cross-sectional distribution of live loads between the different beams that make up the cross section of the deck. This article introduces a novel method that allows calculating the cross-sectional distribution of live loads on beam decks by applying a matrix formulation that reduces the structural problem to 2 degrees of freedom for each beam: the deflection and the rotation of the deck slab at the center of the beam’s span. To demonstrate the proposed method, the procedures are given through three different examples by applying loads to a bridge model. Deflection, bending moment, and shear force of the bridge girders are calculated and discussed through the given examples. The use of the proposed novel method of analysis will result in significant savings in material resources and computing time and contributes in the minimization of total costs, and it contributes in the smart modeling process for girder bridge behavior analysis allowing to feed a bridge digital twin (DT) model based on Inverse Modeling holding the latest updated information provided by distributed sensors. The presented methodology contributes also to speed up real-time decision support system (DSS) demands

Novel method for an optimised calculation of modal analysis of girder bridge decks

A correct modal analysis of girder bridge decks requires a correct characterisation of the deformation of their cross-section, governed by the longitudinal bending of the girders and the transverse bending of the slab. This paper presents a novel method that allows the modal analysis of girder bridge decks by applying a matrix formulation that reduces the structural problem to one degree of freedom for each girder: the deflection at the centre of the beam span. A parametric study is presented that analyses the structural response of 64 girder bridge decks. The study compares the dynamic structural response obtained by the proposed method with that obtained by traditional grillage calculation methods. The method is experimentally contrasted by a dynamic load test of a full-scale girder bridge. As a result of the analysis, the proposed method reflects adequate convergence with the experimental dynamic structural response. The use of the proposed novel analysis method contributes to the intelligent modelling process for the analysis of the dynamic behaviour of bridges opening the way to easily feed a Digital Twin accelerating the demands of the Decision Support System in real time.Tis work has received funding from the European’s Union Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the grant agreement No 769373 (FORESEE project)

Temporary cable force monitoring techniques during bridge construction-phase: the Tajo River Viaduct experience

This article deals with the comparative analysis of current cable force monitoring techniques. In addition, the experience of three cable stress monitoring techniques during the construction phase is included: (a) the installation of load cells on the active anchorages of the cables, (b) the installation of unidirectional strain gauges, and (c) the evaluation of stresses in cables applying the vibrating wire technique by means of the installation of accelerometers. The main advantages and disadvantages of each technique analysed are highlighted in the Construction Process context of the Tajo Viaduct, one of the most singular viaducts recently built in Spain.This work has received funding from the European’s Union Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the Grant Agreement No. 769373 (FORESEE project)

3D numerical simulation of slope-flexible system interaction using a mixed FEM-SPH model

Flexible membranes are light structures anchored to the ground that protect infrastructures or dwellings from rock or soil sliding. One alternative to design these structures is by using numerical simulations. However, very few models were found until date and most of them are in 2D and do not include all their components. This paper presents the development of a numerical model combining Finite Element Modelling (FEM) with Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) formulation. Both cylindrical and spherical failure of the slope were simulated. One reference geometry of the slope was designed and a total of 21 slip circles were calculated considering different soil parameters, phreatic level position and drainage solutions. Four case studies were extracted from these scenarios and simulated using different dimensions of the components of the system. As a validation model, an experimental test that imitates the soil detachment and its retention by the steel membrane was successfully reproduced.The FORESEE project has received funding from the EuropeanUnion’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program undergrant agreement No 769373

Structural safety assessment criteria for dismantling operations of unique structures. San Mames Roof Arch Experience

Publisher Copyright: © 2024 The AuthorsDismantling is a fundamental phase of the life cycle on transport infrastructures and buildings in terms of sustainability and environmental impact but also in terms of structural safety. The requirements of the dismantling operation of a structure are linked to the complexity of the structure, and it is necessary to monitor the evolution of its structural behavior to avoid unexpected and demanding conditions and facilitate it reuse in the future. The authors present (1) an optimal methodology for the approach to the dismantling project of a structure, (2) a new global structural safety indicator for real time assessment, as well as (3) its application in the dismantling of the San Mames arch roof. The application of the vibrating chord technique in order to obtain the existing stresses in the lower tie rod of the arch of the San Mames roof arch and the monitoring of the evolution of the stresses in this tie rod during the operation of lifting and dismantling of the roof arch is presented. As a result, the paper contributes to reducing the lack of shared experience in the sector, as it is one of the few in the literature on the dismantling of large structural elements.Peer reviewe

Novel Method for an Optimised Calculation of the Cross-Sectional Distribution of Live Loads on Girder Bridge Decks

One of the main goals in the design of girder bridge deck systems is to determine the cross-sectional distribution of live loads across the different girders that make up the cross-section of the deck. Structural grillage models and current bridge design standards based on a Load Distribution Factor (LDF) provide oversized designs, as demonstrated in this paper. This research introduces a novel method that allows the cross-sectional distribution of live loads on girder bridge decks to be calculated by applying a matrix formulation that reduces the structural problem to 2 degrees of freedom for each girder: the deflection and the rotation of the deck-slab at the centre of the girder’s span. Subsequently, a parametric study is presented that analyses the structural response of 64 girder bridge decks to a total of 384 load states. In addition, the authors compare the outputs of the novel method with those obtained using traditional grillage calculation methods. Finally, the method is experimentally validated on two levels: a) a laboratory test that analyses the structural response of a small-scale girder bridge deck to the application of different load states; b) a real full-scale girder bridge load test that analyses the structural response of the bridge over the Barbate River during its static load test. Based on this analysis, the maximum divergence of the proposed method obtained from the experimental structural response is less than 10%. The use of the proposed novel analysis method undoubtedly provides significant savings in material resources and computing time, while contributing to minimizing overall costs. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2022-08-03-01 Full Text: PD

Technical Risks and, Intervention and Mitigation Actions in Bridges. A Technical Management Strategy

This paper describes a new strategy defined within RAGTIME for the technical management of transport infrastructures, focused on the road and rail sectors, and affecting mainly in the phase of operation and maintenance. This strategy has been defined based on the incorporation of the infrastructure monitoring technologies, with the overall objective of being able to contribute with real, reliable and on-time data to the decision process. The outcome of the technical management strategy has being defined in order to be able to face the most relevant technical risks, the indicators, and responding to the end needs of ownership, operators and users of the transport infrastructure. As described, the strategy defines the target transport assets to be studied, as well as their main components and variables to be analysed. Likewise, this definition of the technical management strategy responds to the manner, in which data is collected and transmitted, as well as the diagnostic process. This paper includes the selection of the best intervention/mitigation action (corrective, preventive or predictive) according to RAMSSHEEP aspects

Design Criteria for Structural Health Monitoring Systems. Application to the Construction of Arches Using the Cantilevered Cable-Stayed Technique. Tajo Bridge Experience

Publisher Copyright: © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.The design and definition of the Structural Health Monitoring Systems (SHMS) of large structures is a process of continuous updating. Its integration with domain knowledge provided by experts allows advancing in new construction procedures. The authors develop the design criteria of these SHMS and present the experience of its application in monitoring the structural response during the construction of Tajo Bridge: an arch-type viaduct with a span of 324 m, built using the cable-stayed cantilever technique. In the structural monitoring of the Tajo Bridge, a total of 114 sensors were used, which made it possible to monitor the following phenomena: (a) stress experienced by the provisional suspension tie rods; (b) existing stress in the anchors of the temporary cable-stayed towers; (c) deformation experienced by the passive reinforcement of the semi-arches and stay piers; (d) thermal gradients experienced in different sections of the semi-arches, piers and temporary stay towers; (e) acceleration experienced in different structural sections of the semi-arches and temporary suspension tie rods; (f) the rotation experienced by different sections of the semi-arches and the heads of the piers and temporary stay towers; (g) incident wind on the semi-arches, piers and temporary cable-stayed towers. The authors raise the differences techniques to control the stress in bridge stay cables: installation of load cells in active anchorages; installation of extensometers in one of the strands that make up the tie rod; and installation of accelerometers.The authors would like to thank “Administración de Infraestructuras Fer-roviarias ADIF” (Administrator of Railway Infrastructures) for trusting the University of Cantabria’s Structures Laboratory to carry out the structural monitoring of the Tajo River Viaduct. This work has received funding from the European’s Union Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the grant agreement No 769373 (FORESEE project). This paper reflects only the author’s views. The European Commission and INEA are not responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein. This work has received funding from the European’s Union Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under the grant agreement No 769373 (FORESEE project). This paper reflects only the author’s views. The European Commission and INEA are not responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.Peer reviewe

KPI for Bridge Management. A First Step for Bridge Digitation

Introducing a bridge management approach helps asset managers to negotiate among budgets, needs, vulnerabilities and trade-offs. Often being understood as management of maintenance, bridge management is broader than that, and it aims to deliver pre-defined goals, in terms of measurable outcomes or service levels. The overall aim of asset management is to optimise the service level delivered by infrastructure over its life cycle. The focus of management should be on value to users or customers and not solely, nor even primarily, on cost or asset-replacement cost perceived by the infra-structure provider. Moreover, optimal service levels are not in a static form but evolving over time both over the short- and long-term. As an international review of best practices for road management shows, agencies today are moving toward a service-based approach for managing road networks and are moving away from a strictly condition-based approach. Customer-driven priorities, such as safety, reliability, comfort, have become the primary drivers for maintenance and renewal options. This paper is focused in Key Performance Indicators (KPI) selection procedure for an holistic bridge management what is considered by authors as the first step for a real impactful of the bridge digitation

Enhancing stress measurements accuracy control in the construction of long-span bridges

Abstract This paper introduces new contributions for construction procedures designed to enhance the robustness and precision of stress control in active anchorage and short presetressing units for long-span bridges, particularly addressing potential technical risks. The primary focus is on optimizing stress management for bridge stays, suspension cables, and short prestressing units by emphasizing a unified parameter: stress. The contributions of this research encompass (1) the introduction of advanced load cells for stress control in active anchorages and (2) the implementation of a novel synchronized multi-strain gage load cell network for short prestressing units, crucial in situations where prestressing losses can attain significant magnitudes. To validate these advancements, the authors present (3) a practical experience and results obtained from applying these methodologies in monitoring the structural response during the construction of the Tajo Bridge using the cable-stayed cantilever technique