Project R-9081

Modelling and Monitoring of Critical Connections in Aging Concrete Bridges (Research)

Much of the critical infrastructure in the western world was built in the 1970s-80s. As a result, in the coming decade a large number of bridges will enter a critical age of 50 years, typically linked to significant corrosion and deterioration. At the same time, the traffic loads are constantly increasing, posing additional challenges for the safety and durability of the infrastructure. Therefore, it becomes increasingly more important to identify critical structural components, which need to be monitored with modern sensorial technologies to inform timely, sustainable, and cost effective interventions. However, while these technologies advance rapidly, two main challenges remain: 1) What are the important quantities to be measured and where? 2) How to interpret the large amounts of data and transform it into useful knowledge about the safety of the structure? This project is aimed at addressing these pressing issues for critical bridges with dapped-end connections that have exhibited sudden collapses. The main objectives of the project are: 1) Develop rational kinematics-based models for the behaviour of dapped-end connections; 2) Develop a methodology for the monitoring of dapped end connections by coupling modern sensing technologies with the kinematic-based models. These objectives will be achieved through a comprehensive program including experimental, numerical, and analytical research relying on the complementary strengths of the partner research groups.

01 October 2018 - 30 September 2022