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Abstract: In this study, we investigate the load-bearing capacity of pre-stressed concrete girders under various damage levels. We employed Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) technology to monitor and quantify changes in the girder response as damage levels were incrementally introduced. This approach enabled the real-time measurement of dynamic behavior over the entire length of the girder, allowing for a detailed characterization of damage-induced structural changes. To complement the DASbased approach, we also applied classical acceleration-based damage detection techniques. By integrating these methods, we aimed to cross-validate the results and provide a more comprehensive understanding of damage progression and its impact on structural performance. The experimental campaign, conducted in Ljubljana, ZAG, involved full-scale testing of pre-stressed concrete girders subjected to controlled damage scenarios. This setup ensured a realistic assessment of the girders’ residual capacity and failure mechanisms. The paper presents preliminary results from this experimental study, emphasizing the capability of DAS measurements to detect and characterize damage, while also comparing its performance against traditional methods. By combining advanced sensing technologies with established techniques, this research highlights the potential of DAS as a transformative tool in structural health monitoring.
Keywords: distributed acoustic sensing, distributed fiber optic sensing, structural health monitoring, frequency analysis, load test, infrastructure monitoring, bridge monitoring
Published in DiRROS: 22.01.2026; Views: 219; Downloads: 127
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Abstract: Transportation infrastructure demands reliable, cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and safe solutions. It is, therefore, crucial to leverage both the knowledge gained from current practices and the potential offered by emerging technologies. This paper uses the scoring system approached in the INFRACOMS project to offer a framework for asset managers and technology providers to identify areas of improvement and make informed decisions regarding selecting and implementing remote condition monitoring solutions. We focus on two technologies for bridges, like bridge weigh-in-motion and digital inspection and centre around four areas: data analysis, visualisation and integration and potential for practical decision-making. Technologies are evaluated based on their intended use, acknowledging that some may have multiple applications due to novel sensor installations or data interpretation/visualisation methods. Consequently, a technology may undergo multiple appraisals within this system. We showcase the benefits of the scoring system, alignment with specific use cases, and potential for broad applicability.
Keywords: bridge, remote monitoring, scoring system
Published in DiRROS: 14.08.2024; Views: 1168; Downloads: 614
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Abstract: Paper presents selected results of the diagnostic load testing of a newly-built footbridge in Novo Mesto, Slovenia. The bridge is significant as the first bridge in Slovenia being built with the stress ribbon technology. The diagnostic load testing took place in March 2023 and comprised of three-stage static load testing, dynamic testing with a light truck driving over artificial obstacles, and measurement of ambient vibrations. The consistency between the actual response of the bridge and the response of the finite element (FE) model, used in the design, was evaluated by comparing vertical displacements from the static load testing, natural frequencies and mode shapes. The comparison of the results indicates a satisfactory agreement between the measurements and the response of the FE model, confirming the appropriateness of the employed FE model.
Keywords: bridge, bridge response measurements, stress ribon, load test
Published in DiRROS: 14.08.2024; Views: 1040; Downloads: 664
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Abstract: Traffic load models used for the design of new bridges are based on conservative assumptions and have not been proven efficient for assessing safety of existing bridges. In the case of existing bridges, it is reasonable to use load models that are based on bridge weigh-in-motion data which, in addition to axle loads and spacing of bridge-crossing vehicles, provide information on bridge behaviour under traffic load. This paper provides an overview of traffic load models, as well as guidelines on the use of weigh-in-motion data when assessing condition of existing road bridges.
Keywords: prometna obtežba, tehtanje vozil med vožnjo, mostni WIM, ocenjevanje stanja, obstoječi mostovi, traffic load, weigh-in-motion, bridge WIM, condition assessment, existing bridges
Published in DiRROS: 27.03.2024; Views: 1444; Downloads: 1163
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Abstract: Most of the existing railway steel bridges are nowadays older than 70 years, experiencing serious aging and overload problems. Therefore they either need to be replaced or strengthened to fulfil the increased requirements. The main idea of strengthening existing steel bridges is considering the possibility of adding load bearing deck above the main girders without replacing them. In this particular case study, the original steel structure of the 9m long railway bridge was dismantled and transported to the laboratory for the experimental assessment and development of the new rehabilitation method. Based on the assessment results, a strengthening slab was designed using Ultra High Performance Fibre Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC) formula. In the life cycle analysis, using LCC and LCA models, the comparison of the application of UHPFRC cast in-situ deck is compared to the bridge replacement solution, which was actually selected method by the owner. The executed solution used also a temporary bridge in order to enable continuous traffic, which has caused very high construction costs. In order to compare different options, we have additionally analysed a solution without a temporary bridge, which created three life cycle scenarios. Most important steps during the construction, exploitation and end-of-life stage have been taken into account and integrated into the LCA and LCC models. Finally the environmental, economy and societal impacts of three solutions were compared over the period of 60 years. The rehabilitation option with UHPFRC deck has shown by far the lowest direct and environmental cost while the user delay costs only after the period of 50 years are not the most convenient for users. Superior characteristics of UHPFRC enabled the optimization of the load bearing deck and by that a very low total used quantity of material resulting in minimum direct and indirect costs.
Keywords: railway steel bridge, UHPFRC, strengthening, LCA, LCC model
Published in DiRROS: 25.01.2024; Views: 1334; Downloads: 980
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