- Extreme wind load and its influence on the stress and deformation state of the structure (2023 - 2026, N. JENDŽELOVSKÝ, VEGA 1/0155/23)
Annotation:
The project aims to analyse the behavior of the building structure as a whole and also its individual load-bearing elements. In project reinforced concrete and steel structures will be analysed under extreme static and dynamic climatic loads, which include: wind, snow, earthquake, or fire loads. At present, we are facing extreme weather fluctuations, which amplifies the chosen solution topic. The analysis of structures will take into account modern technologies and construction procedures. Wind effects acting on individual structures as well as system of buildings will be analysed. If possible, the wind tunnel will be used. The influence of uncertainty of input quantities in individual case studies is determined by sensitivity and probabilistic analysis. The structures are calculated taking into account the interaction with the subsoil. All new structural design procedures and detection of quality are based on the idea of reducing the economic costs of the building construction.
- Smart on-line system for bridge health monitoring (2022 - 2025, M. SOKOL, VEGA 1/0230/22)
Annotation:
The main objective is to define an appropriate system for data collection and processing, numerical modeling, analysis and calibration of bridge structures in order to provide the responsible authorities with an early warning
system for bridges especially for these they are not in very good condition and therefore need constant monitoring. The necessary technical equipment needs to be designed, prepared and tuned. The strengths and weaknesses of the system should be defined and its parameters should be set by a deeper numerical analysis with regard to different damage scenarios. Numerical analyzes related to a specific traffic load should be compared with experimental data. Temperature effects should also be considered. Larger parametric case studies combined with measurements with a larger number of sensors are needed to verify and calibrate the
numerical model.
- Digital twins of bridges as bases of monitoring for maintenance management (2023 - 2027, M. SOKOL, APVV-22-0431)
Annotation:
There is a large number of infrastructure assets which have reached or are about to reach their design service life. Under current economic conditions it is desirable to extend the service life of these structures. The key structural assets of transport infrastructure networks are mostly bridges. Bridges are expensive structures which require special attention for proper operation and maintenance. Bridges nearing or at the end of their design service life constitute only a subset of bridge objects that need to be periodically monitored. Such older structures often require reactive maintenance. Preservation measures can prolong the serviceability of a bridge before costly reconstruction or replacement would be necessary. On the other hand, preventive maintenance is a more planned action and generally more cost-effective. Timely proactive planning is, however, necessary in both cases of prevention or preservation. To allow for effective maintenance management reliable information regarding the condition of the structure is necessary. The main aim of this project is to devise a feasible methodology for structural assessment of bridges. The methodology should be universal and applicable for various types of bridges. It is to be based on digital twins which are very accurate numerical models of real structures, developed based on measurement data. Such hybrid numerical-experimental method is expected to yield a better representation of the structure, enhanced identification capabilities and allow for a more reliable assessment of structural integrity. Using well-tuned digital twins a reliable prediction of changes in the state of the structure may be possible. Such in-depth knowledge of the state of the structure is deemed beneficial to the bridge administrator and may support decision making for operation and maintenance. Timely information on structural integrity can lead to increased effectiveness, reduced costs and prolong the service life of the structure.
