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This article presents a numerical study that aims to explore the dynamic behavior of railway bridges under vibrations induced by heavy-haul traffic. For this purpose, a finite element code that can conduct moving load and moving mass analysis of single span bridges was developed. The software was validated by comparing the numerical response to the analytical solution for various speeds. The numerical analysis of the benchmark bridge under the benchmark train showed the interplay between the natural frequency of the bridge, the mass of the train and the loading frequency. A comprehensive parametric study to investigate the impact of different parameters on the dynamic behavior of railway bridges is also provided. The bridge span length, normalized train length, normalized mass of the train, bridge deck stiffness, and train speed are the variables considered in the parametric study. The results of the extensive numerical analyses improve the understanding of railway bridge behavior under heavy-haul trains, and highlight the impact of the inertial effect of the trains on bridges, especially for varying span length and deck stiffness. It is also demonstrated that, when the train-to-bridge mass ratio exceeds 40%, the inertial effects of the train mass needs to be included in the analysis in order to obtain a reliable estimate of the bridge behavior under different train speeds., Peer Reviewed, Objectius de Desenvolupament Sostenible::9 - Indústria, Innovació i Infraestructura, Postprint (published version)

The final authenticated version is available online at https://doi.org/10.1007/s11709-024-1055-5., Researchers are paying increasing attention to the development of low-cost and microcontroller-based accelerometers, in order to make structural health monitoring feasible for conventional bridges with limited monitoring budget. Parallel with the low-cost sensor development, the use of the embedded accelerometers of smartphones for eigenfrequency analysis of bridges is becoming popular in the civil engineering literature. This paper, for the first time in the literature, studies these two promising technologies by comparing the noise density and eigenfrequency analysis of a self-developed, validated and calibrated low-cost Internet of things based accelerometer LARA (low cost adaptable reliable accelerometer) with those of a state of the art smartphone (iPhone XR). The eigenfrequency analysis of a footbridge in San Sebastian, Spain, showed that the embedded accelerometer of the iPhone XR can measure the natural frequencies of the under study bridge., The paper is supported by the projects PID2021-126405OB-C31, funded by FEDER funds—A Way to Make Europe and Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness MICIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033/, the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 52278313 and 52411540031), the Project to Attract Foreign Experts (No. G2023133018L), and the Top Discipline Plan of Shanghai Universities—Class I., Peer Reviewed, Postprint (author's final draft)

Este Anteproyecto tiene por objeto definir una solución para la ejecución de una nueva pasarela peatonal de conexión entre el nuevo barrio de La Catalana y el barrio de Sant Joan Baptista de Sant Adrià de Besós. Uno de los objetivos principales es estableces un recorrido cívico y directo entre la futura zona residencial y la zona de equipamientos docentes actuales en el barrio de Sant Joan Baptista. La propuesta debe convertir el camino escolar en un recorrido amable y cómodo, al mismo tiempo que genere un espacio público de calidad. Es por ello que se plantean diversas soluciones alternativas de pasarelas teniendo en cuenta el valor estético, que se integren en el entorno y que sean lo mas económicas posibles. Se realiza un estudio de alternativas con seis propuestas diferentes justificando la solución adoptada.

A hybrid girder bridge adopts a steel segment at the mid-span of the main span of a continuous concrete girder bridge. The critical point of the hybrid solution is the transition zone, connecting the steel and concrete segments of the beam. Although many girder tests revealing the structural behavior of hybrid girders have been conducted by previous studies, few specimens took the full section of a steel–concrete joint due to the large size of prototype hybrid bridges. In this study, a static load test on a composite segment to bridge the joint between the concrete and steel parts of a hybrid bridge with full section was conducted. A finite element model replicating the tested specimen results was established through Abaqus, while parametric studies were also conducted. The test and numerical results revealed that the concrete filling in the composite solution prevented the steel flange from extensive buckling, which significantly improved the load-carrying capacity of the steel–concrete joint. Meanwhile, strengthening the interaction between the steel and concrete helps to prevent the interlayer slip and simultaneously contributes to a higher flexural stiffness. These results are an important basis for establishing a rational design scheme for the steel–concrete joint of hybrid girder bridges., This research was funded by Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (grant number PID2021-126405OB-C31), Shanghai Science and Technology Commission (grant number 20XD1432400) and Guangdong Yejian Construction Drawing Review Center Co., Ltd. (grant number GDYJ-RD-17)., Peer Reviewed, Postprint (published version)

The integration of multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) methods with building information modeling (BIM) provides robust support for decision-making when assessing the sustainability of construction projects. Among the MCDM methods, the Integrated Value Model for Sustainability Assessment (MIVES) has proven to provide a representative and meaningful quantification of sustainability in different areas of civil engineering. Although previous studies have integrated BIM and MIVES, none automated the sustainability assessment process as BIM was only used to define the measurements of the MIVES indicators. This study accordingly developed a new method coupling the MIVES and BIM methodologies to realize automatic sustainability assessment of bridges. The proposed technique was validated using a real viaduct to evaluate sustainability and conduct a sensitivity analysis identifying the indicators with the most influence on sustainability performance. Critically, this methodology is not limited to the sustainability assessment of bridges as it can be readily adapted to other types of infrastructure., The authors are indebted to the projects PID2021-126405OB-C31, and PID2021-126405OB-C32 funded by MICIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033/ and FEDER funds A way to make Europe., Peer Reviewed, Postprint (published version)

La infraestructura, particularment els ponts, és essencial perquè el món modern funcioni sense problemes. Aquestes estructures són crucials per al transport, el comerç i les interaccions socials, i la seva gestió adequada és vital per a garantir la seva longevitat i seguretat. Per tant, és necessari aplicar sistemes de gestió com el Modelatge d'Informació d'Edificacions (BIM, per les seves sigles en anglès) i els Sistemes de Gestió d'Edificacions (BMS, per les seves sigles en anglès). Aquesta tesi té com a objectiu demostrar l'eficàcia d'un BMS basat en BIM per a la gestió de ponts. Les dades de BIM i BMS s'integren mitjançant el desenvolupament d'un esquema de dades, que serveix com a base per a crear elements estructurals detallats. El model paramètric desenvolupat amb el modelatge basat en algorismes i l'alineament en algorismes permet adequar qualsevol projecte de manera més ràpida i eficient. La metodologia desenvolupada per a aquest propòsit garanteix que la informació continguda en l'esquema de dades es tradueixi en elements estructurals precisos i exactes en el model. Aquests elements estructurals detallats s'utilitzen després per a crear el BMS, que proporciona monitoratge en temps real, control i recomanacions de manteniment per als ponts. El BMS desenvolupat en aquesta tesi s'aplica a un sistema pilot de gestió de ponts per a demostrar la seva importància i usabilitat. Els resultats mostren que el BMS pot ajudar a gestionar la infraestructura de manera més eficient, especialment en el cas dels ponts. Pot detectar problemes potencials abans que es tornin greus i permetre que es prenguin accions correctives oportunes, millorant la vida útil i la seguretat., La infraestructura, particularmente los puentes, es esencial para que el mundo moderno funcione sin problemas. Estas estructuras son cruciales para el transporte, el comercio y las interacciones sociales, y su gestión adecuada es vital para garantizar su longevidad y seguridad. Por lo tanto, es necesario aplicar sistemas de gestión como el Modelado de Información de Edificaciones (BIM, por sus siglas en inglés) y los Sistemas de Gestión de Edificaciones (BMS, por sus siglas en inglés). Esta tesis tiene como objetivo demostrar la eficacia de un BMS basado en BIM para la gestión de puentes. Los datos de BIM y BMS se integran mediante el desarrollo de un esquema de datos, que sirve como base para crear elementos estructurales detallados. El modelo paramétrico desarrollado con el modelado basado en algoritmos y el alineamiento en algoritmos permite adecuar cualquier proyecto de manera más rápida y eficiente. La metodología desarrollada para este propósito garantiza que la información contenida en el esquema de datos se traduzca en elementos estructurales precisos y exactos en el modelo. Estos elementos estructurales detallados se utilizan luego para crear el BMS, que proporciona monitoreo en tiempo real, control y recomendaciones de mantenimiento para los puentes. El BMS desarrollado en esta tesis se aplica a un sistema piloto de gestión de puentes para demostrar su importancia y usabilidad. Los resultados muestran que el BMS puede ayudar a gestionar la infraestructura de manera más eficiente, especialmente en el caso de los puentes. Puede detectar problemas potenciales antes de que se vuelvan graves y permitir que se tomen acciones correctivas oportunas, mejorando la vida útil y la seguridad., Infrastructure, particularly bridges, is essential for the modern world to function smoothly. These structures are crucial for transportation, commerce, and social interactions, and their proper management is vital to ensure their longevity and safety. Therefore, it is needed to apply management systems such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Building Management Systems (BMS) are needed. This thesis aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of a BMS based on BIM for managing bridges. BIM and BMS data are integrated by developing a data schema, which serves as the foundation for creating detailed structural elements. The parametric model developed with the algorithm-based modeling and the alignment-based algorithm allows adequating any project faster and more efficiently. The methodology developed for this purpose ensures that the information contained in the data schema is translated into accurate and precise structural elements on the model. These detailed structural elements are then utilized to create the BMS, which provides real-time monitoring, control, and maintenance recommendations for bridges. The BMS developed in this thesis is applied to a pilot bridge management system to demonstrate its usability. The results show that the BMS can help manage infrastructure more efficiently, particularly in the case of bridges. It can detect potential problems before they become severe and enable timely corrective actions to be taken, improving the lifespan and safety.

L’utilisation de l’aluminium dans la construction de ponts routiers apporte une combinaison de légèreté, de résistance et de durabilité qui en fait une option attrayante pour les ingénieurs-concepteurs à la recherche de solutions modernes pour le design de nouvelles structures ou la réfections des ponts vieillissants. Une solution prometteuse d'utilisation de l'aluminium dans les ponts est l'utilisation de tabliers extrudés en aluminium. Étant plus léger que les platelages plus traditionnels en bois ou en béton, ces structures sont plus susceptibles aux vibrations et possèdent donc un comportement dynamique différents. Le présent projet de recherche vise à étudier le comportement dynamique des ponts à platelage d’aluminium sur poutres d’acier en vue d’évaluer les facteurs d’amplification dynamique observés sur ces structures à la suite du passage de camions lourds. Ce projet de recherche vise à mettre les bases d’une étude détaillée visant à évaluer l’applicabilité des coefficients de majoration dynamique spécifiés par les normes de conception américaine et canadienne et utilisés pour le dimensionnement de ce type de structure au Canada. Le pont de St-Ambroise, constitué d’un platelage d’aluminium extrudé posés sur cinq poutres principales en acier est ici étudié. Plus précisément, un modèle numérique par éléments finis d’interaction pont-véhicule couplant le camion H20-44 américain à la structure du pont de St-Ambroise et intégrant des profils de rugosité de la chaussée est développé sous l’environnement COMSOL. Des simulations en régime statique et dynamique sont ensuite effectuées dans le but d’évaluer le comportement dynamique de la structure. Finalement, les résultats des simulations réalisés à l’aide de ce modèle ont été comparés aux résultats d’essais dynamiques in situ réalisés en 2015 par le Ministère des Transport et de la Mobilité durable du Québec sur la structure du pont de St-Ambroise. Il est démontré que le comportement du modèle numérique permet d’ob

El pont de Bac de Roda, conegut també pel nom del seu dissenyador, Santiago Calatrava, fou construït entre 1985 i 1987. Passa per sobre de las vies del tren, unint els carrers de Bac de Roda i Felip II; conectant així el barri de Sant Martí de Provençals amb el de la Sagrera. Emplaçament: carrer Felip II / carrer Bac de Roda

Pre-stressed concrete with post-tensioned (PT) cables historically represented an attractive alternative to ordinary reinforced concrete (RC). A wide portion of the world-wide existing concrete bridges was PT. As the nominal service life of those structures expires, several collapses occurred, highlighting the problem of the inspection. The main issue is that PT cables may be affected by relevant corrosion phenomena related to the presence of air or water inside the duets: such 'hidden' defects need to be determined through reliable testing methodologies. This paper presents the in-progress research aiming to quantify the influence of the damage of the single cable on the entire structure. The case study is an ltalian viaduct composed of simply supported beams connected by an upper slab. An extensive investigation campaign was carried out to locate and quantify the damage. Starting from the data collected on-site a series of damage conditions of cables can be simulated., Peer Reviewed, Postprint (published version)

This material may be downloaded for personal use only. Any other use requires prior permission of the American Society of Civil Engineers. This material may be found at https://ascelibrary.org/doi/abs/10.1061/JBENF2.BEENG-5955., A partial connection–prestressing (PCP) method is proposed in this paper to decrease the prestress that was transferred to steel girders in the negative moment region of steel–concrete composite bridges. The partial connection is achieved by the application of rubber-sleeved studs (RSS) in the prestressed concrete slab in the negative moment region. Since there is no experimental research on the PCP method in continuous composite girders, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, two continuous composite girders were tested under a four-point static load to evaluate their mechanical performance. The test results showed that without decreasing the ultimate strength and overall stiffness of the steel–concrete composite girders, the PCP method enhanced the cracking load (Pcr) 3.1 times. In addition, 12.5% of the prestressing force was transferred into the steel girder at the internal support section with the PCP method, and the girder without the PCP reached 25.9%. Then, to elucidate the partial interaction effect and prestressing effect on continuous girders’ mechanical behavior, numerical models were developed and calibrated with the test results. From the numerical analysis, compared with normal composite girders, the application of RSS or prestressing could improve Pcr by 11.8% and 157.0%, respectively, and the value increases to 234.3% when RSS and prestressing are applied at the same time. The results indicate that the application of RSS in the negative moment region could effectively increase the prestressing efficiency in the concrete slab and enhance the bridge's durability., This research is sponsored by the National Natural Science Foun-dation of China (No. 51978501) and the Major Research and De-velopment Project of Jiangxi Province (No. 20165ABC2800)., Peer Reviewed, Postprint (author's final draft)

Les aplicacions de monitorització de la salut estructural (SHM) estan rebent cada vegada més atenció, això és perquè mitjançant la seva aplicació es pot aconseguir la detecció i caracterització dels danys en una fase de prevenció. A més, SHM és un procés dissenyat per proporcionar informació precisa i exacta relacionada amb l'estat i rendiment d'una estructura al llarg del temps. Cal destacar que aquest monitoratge també pot ajudar en els processos de prendre de decisions per optimitzar el funcionament, proporcionar manteniment, reparar i, possiblement, substituir elements estructurals. Un sistema de monitoratge típic comprèn una xarxa de sensors encarregats de mesurar diferents paràmetres rellevants. Tot i això, l'elevat cost dels sensors comercials representa una limitació crítica per a la seva implantació. Per superar el cost elevat de la instrumentació, es poden desenvolupar i validar sensors de baix cost per a aplicacions de SHM. En aquest treball de fi de màster es fa una campanya experimental per a l'Anàlisi Modal Operativa (OMA) d'un pont de carretera utilitzant dos acceleròmetres: un prototip de baix cost (LARA: Low-cost Adaptable Reliable Accelerometer) i un de comercial (PCB 907A61). Amb la finalitat d'avaluar la fiabilitat de les dades adquirides per LARA i validar-les com a acceleròmetres de baix cost per a la monitorització de la salut estructural, es van instal·lar aquests sensors en un pont de carretera ubicat a Andoain, País Basc. Els resultats obtinguts per a cada tipus d'acceleròmetre es van comparar amb el Criteri de Garantia Modal (MAC) i es va avaluar la diferència entre les freqüències pròpies calculades. A més, els paràmetres modals obtinguts durant la campanya experimental es van fer servir per calibrar un model d'elements finits del pont en estudi. Aquest procés es va fer per obtenir una representació més propera a l'estat real de l'estructura., Las aplicaciones de monitorización de la salud estructural (SHM) están recibiendo cada vez más atención, esto se debe a que mediante su aplicación se puede lograr la detección y caracterización de los daños en una fase de prevención. Además, SHM es un proceso diseñado para proporcionar información precisa y exacta relacionada con el estado y el rendimiento de una estructura a lo largo del tiempo. Cabe destacar que esta monitorización también puede ayudar en los procesos de toma de decisiones para optimizar el funcionamiento, proporcionar mantenimiento, reparar y, posiblemente, sustituir elementos estructurales. Un sistema de monitorización típico comprende una red de sensores encargados de medir diferentes parámetros relevantes. Sin embargo, el elevado coste de los sensores comerciales representa una limitación crítica para su implantación. Para superar el elevado coste de la instrumentación, se pueden desarrollar y validar sensores de bajo coste para aplicaciones de SHM. En este trabajo de fin de máster se realiza una campaña experimental para el Análisis Modal Operativo (OMA) de un puente de carretera utilizando dos acelerómetros: un prototipo de bajo coste (LARA: Low-cost Adaptable Reliable Accelerometer) y uno comercial (PCB 907A61). Con la finalidad de evaluar la fiabilidad de los datos adquiridos por LARA y validarlos como acelerómetros de bajo coste para la monitorización de la salud estructural, se instalaron estos sensores en un puente de carretera ubicado en Andoain, País Vasco. Los resultados obtenidos para cada tipo de acelerómetro se compararon bajo el Criterio de Garantía Modal (MAC) y se evaluó la diferencia entre las frecuencias propias calculadas. Además, los parámetros modales obtenidos durante la campaña experimental se utilizaron para calibrar un modelo de elementos finitos del puente en estudio. Este proceso se realizó a fin de obtener una representación más cercana al estado real de la estructura., Structural health monitoring (SHM) applications are increasingly getting more attention. It is due to the fact that through their implementation, the detection and characterization of damage during a prevention phase can be achieved. Furthermore, SHM is a process designed to provide precise and accurate information associated with the condition and performance of a structure over time. It should be noted that SHM can also help with decision-making processes to optimize the operation, provide maintenance, repair, and possibly replace structural elements. A typical monitoring system comprises a network of sensors in charge of measuring different relevant parameters. However, the high cost of commercial sensors can be a critical limitation for their implementation. To overcome the high cost of instrumentation, low-cost sensors can be developed and validated for SHM applications. This Master's thesis carries out an experimental campaign for the Operational Modal Analysis (OMA) of a highway bridge using two accelerometers: a low-cost prototype (LARA: Low-cost Adaptable Reliable Accelerometer) and a commercial one (PCB 907A61). In order to evaluate the reliability of the data acquired by LARA and to validate it as a low-cost accelerometer for structural health monitoring, these accelerometers were mounted on a highway bridge located in Andoain, Basque Country. The results obtained for each type of accelerometer are compared by using the Modal Assurance Criteria (MAC) and assessing the difference between the analyzed eigenfrequencies. Moreover, the modal parameters obtained during the experimental campaign are used to calibrate a finite element model of this bridge. This analytical model is calibrated to have a closer representation of the real state of the structure.

Articulated slab bridges have been widely used by transportation administration for short-to-medium span bridges because of their good economy, convenient construction, and environmental advantages, while the presence of shear keys increases the complexity of structural behavior. Developing more reasonable analysis approaches of quick assessment, pre-design, and hand calculations for the articulated slab bridges is a challenge because of the peculiar shear key mechanism. This paper is devoted to presenting a recursive algorithm, based on the force equilibrium conditions of each individual slab, thus resulting in simultaneous equations of the transfer matrix method (TMM). In this procedure, the state vector is an array composed of vertical displacement, shear force, unit constant; and the transfer matrix contains the bending and torsional stiffness parameters of simply supported slabs. Then, the influence line of transverse load distribution (TLD) is calculated for each slab by introducing boundary conditions. To validate and verify the efficiency of the TMM algorithm, a transversely prefabricated void slab bridge with a span of 20 m is considered as a case study. The traditional force (FM) and finite element (FEM) methods are used for comparison and validation. It is demonstrated that the TMM can provide good results with higher algorithm efficiency by exempting the modeling tasks in FM and FEM and capture variations in TLD along the bridge’s span. In addition, the influence of the span length and relative stiffness coefficient of slabs on the TLD of articulated slab bridges are analyzed from the parametric analysis., This research was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, grant number 51978161., Peer Reviewed, Objectius de Desenvolupament Sostenible::9 - Indústria, Innovació i Infraestructura, Objectius de Desenvolupament Sostenible::9 - Indústria, Innovació i Infraestructura::9.1 - Desenvolupar infraestructures fiables, sostenibles, resilients i de qualitat, incloent infraestructures regionals i transfrontereres, per tal de donar suport al desenvolupament econòmic i al benestar humà, amb especial atenció a l’accés assequible i equitatiu per a totes les persones, Objectius de Desenvolupament Sostenible::9 - Indústria, Innovació i Infraestructura::9.4 - Per a 2030, modernitzar les infraestructures i reconvertir les indústries perquè siguin sostenibles, usant els recursos amb més eficàcia i promovent l’adopció de tecnologies i processos industrials nets i racionals ambiental­ment, i aconseguint que tots els països adoptin mesures d’acord amb les capacitats respectives, Objectius de Desenvolupament Sostenible::9 - Indústria, Innovació i Infraestructura::9.5 - Augmentar la investigació científica i millorar la capacitat tecnològica dels sectors industrials de tots els països, en particular els països en desenvolupament, entre d’altres maneres fomentant la innovació i augmentant substancialment, d’aquí al 2030, el nombre de persones que treballen en el camp de la investigació i el desenvolupa­ment per cada milió d’habitants, així com la despesa en investigació i desenvolupament dels sectors públic i privat, Objectius de Desenvolupament Sostenible::9 - Indústria, Innovació i Infraestructura::9.a - Facilitar el desenvolupament d’infraestructures sostenibles i resilients als països en desenvolupament per mitjà de més suport financer, tecnològic i tècnic als països africans, països menys avançats, països en desenvolu­pament sense litoral i petits estats insulars en desenvolupament, Objectius de Desenvolupament Sostenible::11 - Ciutats i Comunitats Sostenibles, Postprint (published version)

This document presents an automated pipeline to process sensor-based data produced during load tests on digitally twinned HS railway bridges. The research is developed within the frame of the H2020 European project ASHVIN, related to Assistants for Healthy, Safe, and Productive Virtual Construction, Design, Operation & Maintenance using Digital Twins. The pipeline is developed within a digital twin application based on event-driven microservices, which integrates the ASHVIN IoT platform, the IFC building information model and an array of services dedicated to automating processes performed during the operation stage of structural assets. A load test carried out on a bridge located on a HS railway in Spain is used as a demonstrator., All authors acknowledge the funding of ASHVIN, “Assistants for Healthy, Safe, and Productive Virtual Construction Design, Operation & Maintenance using a Digital Twin” an H2020 project under agreement 958161., Objectius de Desenvolupament Sostenible::9 - Indústria, Innovació i Infraestructura, Objectius de Desenvolupament Sostenible::8 - Treball Decent i Creixement Econòmic, Postprint (published version)

During the last decades the use of ¿ber reinforced concrete (FRC) has been increasing and extending to different areas where structural responsibility was required, being the latest research focused on sus-pended slabs only made of FRC. This could suggest that more ¿elds of concrete structures could bene¿t from this material, including bridges. This paper presents the research about a bridge design considering FRC. An assess-ment on how the material can in¿uence both design strength and expected service response is given (sectional strength and crack width). The existing Line 2 Metrorrey’s viaduct is used as reference to perform the structural analysis and design, where both conventional and ¿ber reinforced concretes are evaluated. The bridge is modeled and analyzed by means of standard numerical analysis and current code regulations are used to obtain preliminary ultimate and serviceability design loads. The assessment of the bridge is mainly based on the veri¿cation of the bottom slab of the girder, as it is one of the major elements where FRC can provide an increase in the element performance (compared to a conventional solution). Considering the Metrorrey transverse prestressing, FRC can effectively replace the required reinforcement to ful¿ll ultimate load case while the prestress itself provides decompression in serviceability load levels. This is possible as the internal load levels require for little amount of rebar reinforcement, which can be structurally comparable to FRC mechanical contribution, similarly to previous applications of the material, such as suspended slabs. Due to higher internal forces, in terms of ULS load-bearing capacity the transversal cross-section near the pier do not bene¿t from FRC as much as the mid-span slab although its minimum serviceability reinforcement can be reduced up to 56%, as the contribution of FRC to reduce the crack width is considerable. This could turn FRC into an attractive solution for tight crack requirements as, The first author would like to acknowledge the funding support provided by the Spanish Ministry of Universities through the PhD grant program FPU (Formación de Profesorado Universitario). Additionally, all the authors are indebted to the Secretaria d’Universitats i Recerca of the Generalitat de Catalunya for the funding provided through AGAUR (2017 SGR 1481) and to the Spanish Min-stry of Economy and Competitiveness and the FEDER for the funding provided through the project BIA2017-86811-C2-1-R., Postprint (published version)

El diseño y la materialización del proceso constructivo es uno de los aspectos más complicados en proyecto de los puentes atirantados. En la mayoría de las estructuras este proceso se define en base únicamente a la experiencia del proyectista sin optimizar el comportamiento estructural de ningún elemento del puente. En este artículo se propone la optimización del proceso de tesado de puentes atirantados mediante la utilización de algoritmos heurísticos. Uno de los principales inconvenientes de este tipo de herramientas es el hecho de que la solución depende, en mayor o menor medida, de los parámetros del algoritmo. Para determinar estos parámetros, tradicionalmente se realizan numerosas combinaciones aleatorias de estos parámetros. Sin embargo, y pese a su elevado coste computacional, este procedimiento no permite garantizar que se haya encontrado la combinación óptima de estos parámetros. Para solucionar este problema, el presente artículo propone la aplicación de las técnicas de diseño de experimentos para calibrar los parámetros de las herramientas de optimización heurística con un reducido coste computacional. La metodología propuesta se valida mediante la optimización del proceso de tesado de un puente atirantado., Los autores desean agradecer el apoyo proporcionado por el Ministerio de Economía y competitividad, por los proyectos de investigación BIA2013-47290-R, BIA2017-86811-C2-1-R y BIA2017-86811-C2-2-R financiados con fondos FEDER., Postprint (published version)

This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Delgadillo, RM, Casas, JR. Bridge damage detection via improved completed ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise and machine learning algorithms. Struct Control Health Monit. 2022; 29( 8):e2966. doi:10.1002/stc.2966 , which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1002/stc.2966. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving., Structural health monitoring field is growing in the use of more modern techniques and tools in order to identify damages in civil structures. The improvements in signal processing techniques and data mining have, recently, been employed due to their powerful computational ability to detect damage in bridges. Despite the majority of researchers have been studying laboratory-scale implementations and theoretical developments, the limited data to identify structural faults in real bridges are still a problem. The current study presents a novel approach for damage identification by using two improved methods such as decomposition techniques and machine learning algorithms. Since the data obtained from the traffic vibration in real bridges are non-linear and time varying, the Hilbert–Huang transform is used to process the vibration data. Additionally, a phenomenon of mode mixing is presented in the current decomposition methods, such as empirical mode decomposition (EMD). Therefore, a novel improved completed ensemble EMD with adaptive noise (ICEEMDAN) was adopted. After the signal decomposition and identification of the damage parameter, a symbolic data analysis and clustering-based approach were developed. Additionally, an unsupervised machine learning algorithm was used to group substructures with similar behavior and then detect damages. This learning method was used for automatically classifying the damages using a moving windows process sequentially applied to the structural response of the bridge. The validity of the approach is demonstrated using real data collected from a truss bridge. The results show that the proposed mixed method was effective and can endow better results in bridge health monitoring., The first author would like to thank Ministry of Education of Peru with the Educational Credit Program PRONABEC – Bicentennial Generation Scholarship for the great support as part of the work on his PhD diploma thesis. The authors also wish to thank the Prof Chul-Woo Kim, Department of Civil and Earth Resources Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan for giving us the data as well as documentation from the steel truss bridge utilized in this research work., Peer Reviewed, Postprint (author's final draft)

This paper shows the developments on the digital twinning of a set of new High speed Railway bridges located in South Western Spain. The aim of this digitization is the generation of a twin-driven maintenance planning. This research is performed within the frame of a H2020 European project called ASHVIN, related to the use of Digital Twins for Design, Construction and Maintenance purposes within the AEC sector. The project provides a series of demo cases for all stages. One of the demo cases is a series of new bridges belonging to a high speed train network in Extremadura, Spain. The demo case is aimed at establishing sensor-based and image-based requirements, procedures and examples for the generation of realistic virtual replica of the physical bridges. The twins are deemed to as living assets that can be updated during operation. The paper depicts actions and deployments undertaken during the routine static load tests. The efforts related to sensoring, simulation, modelling, assessment and validation can be wrapped up systematically for further use during regular operation of the asset., All authors acknowledge the funding of Ashvin, “Assistants for Healthy, Safe, and Productive Virtual Construction Design, Operation & Maintenance using a Digital Twin” a H2020 project under agreement 958161., Objectius de Desenvolupament Sostenible::9 - Indústria, Innovació i Infraestructura, Postprint (published version)

In this paper, the project case of Qiwu bridge in Jiangxi Province using link slab action between simply sup-ported spans is introduced. The structural system of Qiwu Bridge consists of a series of 3 simply supported steel-concrete composite spans connected at the pier supports by a link slab, so at this point only continuity through the concrete slab is achieved (semi-continuous bridge). This solution has both advantages of smooth driving condition of continuous bridge and enhancement of durability by removing expansion joints and clear structural behavior as simply supported spans. A non-linear finite element model of Qiwu Bridge was estab-lished through ABAQUS to simulate and predict the mechanical response and structural performance of this semi-continuous solution. Numerical results showed that the removal of the shear connection between steel beams and concrete slab close to the supports magnificently increased the stress level in the shear stiffness mutation region and made it easier to crack. A monitoring plan is also introduced to follow the actual structural response of Qiwu bridge during construction and along the service life to check the long-term performance of the proposed solution. The monitoring system is also described in the paper and the preliminary results during the early construction stages are also presented., Postprint (published version)

Outgoing

Nowadays, researchers are paying close attention to using inclinometers for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) applications. Moreover, the applications based on using inclinometers can detect the magnitude and location of bridge pathologies. However, as these applications are based on expensive commercial inclinometers, their use is typically exclusive to the SHM of structures with a high monitoring budget. There is a gap in the literature with the development and validation of low-cost accurate angular-meters for decreasing the monitoring cost of inclinometer-based damage detection applications. This work aims to develop low-cost IoT-based inclinometers for detecting damage in bridge structures. The Low-cost Adaptable Reliable Angle-meter (LARA) is a novel inclinometer that accurately measures an induced inclination by combining the measurements of five gyroscopes and five accelerometers. The accuracy, resolution, Allan variance, and standard deviation of LARA are examined through laboratory experiments and are compared with those obtained by numerical slope calculations and a commercial inclinometer (HI-INC). For further experimental validation, a robotic vehicle model is designed and developed to simulate a moving load over a bridge model. The vehicle model integrates IoT technology and can be utilized in different damage detection experiments. The outcomes of a load test experiment using a simple beam model demonstrate the high accuracy (0.003 degrees) of LARA measurements. LARA may be used for structural damage identification and location in bridges utilizing inclinometers because of its low cost and high accuracy.

L'opció més factible per a l'encreuament de l'estret de Messina és un pont penjant amb 1 obertura de 3,3 km de longitud. En diverses ocasions ha estat aprovada la factibilitat estructural d'aquesta mena de pont, mentre que la culpa de la no construcció sempre s'ha donat a la rendibilitat econòmica negativa. Per tant, en aquest treball s'avaluarà la mateixa des del punt de vista financer per a l'empresa constructora i econòmic per a la població seguint les guies d'ACB vigents en els següents països: Anàlisi de sensibilitat, Itàlia, Catalunya, Espanya, Unió Europea i Estat Units., La opción más factible para el cruce del estrecho de Mesina es un puente colgante con 1 vano de 3,3 km de longitud. En varias ocasiones ha sido aprobada la factibilidad estructural de este tipo de puente, mientras que la culpa de la no construcción siempre se ha dado a la rentabilidad económica negativa. Por lo tanto, en este trabajo se evaluará la misma desde el punto de vista financiero para la empresa constructora y económico para la población siguiendo las guías de ACB vigentes en los siguientes países: Análisis de sensibilidad, Italia, Cataluña, España, Unión Europea y Estado Unidos., The most feasible option to crossing the Strait of Messina is a suspension bridge with one span of 3.3 km in length. On several occasions the structural feasibility of this type of bridge has been approved, while the blame of the non-construction has always been given to negative economic profitability. So, in this work it will be evaluated from the financial point of view for the construction company and economically for the population according to the guidelines of the ACB in force in the following countries: Sensitivity analysis, Italy, Catalonia, Spain, European Union and Stat Units.

S'ha projectat una passarel·la per a vianants i bicicletes entre el municipi de Llinars del Valls i el parc natural del Montnegre i el Corredor. L'accés actual discorre per la rotonda habilitada als vehicles generant situacions perilloses. L'estructura projectada de 380 metres de llarg s'ha realitzat mitjançant bigues arteses prefabricades pretesas. Aquesta estructura facilita un pas segur entre Llinars del Valls i el parc natural passant per sobre del riu Mogent, de l'autopista AP-7, de la via de l'AVE Barcelona - Figueres i de la carretera C-35., Se ha proyectado una pasarela para peatones y bicicletas entre el municipio de Llinars del Valles y el parque natural del Montnegre y el Corredor. El acceso actual discurre por la rotonda habilitada a los vehículos generando situaciones peligrosas. La estructura proyectada de 380 metros de largo se ha realizado mediante vigas artesas prefabricadas pretesadas. Esta estructura facilita un paso seguro entre Llinars del Valles y el parque natural pasando por encima del río Mogent, de la autopista AP-7, de la vía del AVE Barcelona - Figueres y de la carretera C-35., A walkway for pedestrians and bicycles has been designed between the municipality of Llinars del Valles and the "Montnegre i el Corredor" natural park. The current access runs through the road enabled for vehicles, generating dangerous situations. The 380 meter long projected structure has been made using prestressed prefabricated U shaped beams. This structure provides a safe passage between Llinars del Valles and the natural park, passing over the Mogent river, the AP-7 highway, the AVE Barcelona - Figueres and the C-35 road.

Twin-I girder bridge systems are representative structures used in bridge industrialization construction. They have advantages including structure simplification, material save and accelerated construction, but the system using two main girders limits the span and makes the lateral effect more significantly. The general suitable spans range from 25m to 45m, which limits the use of twin-girder bridges. To increase the span limit, the use of tube as top flange and high strength steel can improve structure behavior and increase bridge spans. In the paper, parametrical study and structure optimization were conducted to investigate the behavior of tubular flange girder bridges using high strength steel. Parameters including cross-beam arrangement, stiffeners, tube size were studied. Comparisons between the systems using ordinary steel and that using high strength steel were conducted., Postprint (published version)

Nowadays, low-cost accelerometers are getting more attention from civil engineers to make Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) applications affordable and applicable to a broader range of structures. The present accelerometers based on Arduino or Raspberry Pi technologies in the literature share some of the following drawbacks: (1) high Noise Density (ND), (2) low sampling frequency, (3) not having the Internet’s timestamp with microsecond resolution, (4) not being used in experimental eigenfrequency analysis of a flexible and a less-flexible bridge, and (5) synchronization issues. To solve these problems, a new low-cost triaxial accelerometer based on Arduino technology is presented in this work (Low-cost Adaptable Reliable Accelerometer—LARA). Laboratory test results show that LARA has a ND of 51 µg/vHz, and a frequency sampling speed of 333 Hz. In addition, LARA has been applied to the eigenfrequency analysis of a short-span footbridge and its results are compared with those of a high-precision commercial sensor., The authors are indebted to the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness for the funding provided through the research project BIA2017-86811-C2-1-R directed by José Turmo and BIA2017-86811-C2-2-R. All these projects are funded with FEDER funds. The authors are also indebted to the Secretaria d’ Universitats i Recerca de la Generalitat de Catalunya, Catalunya, Spain, for the funding provided through Agaur (2017 SGR 1482). It is also to be noted that funding for this research has been provided for the Seyedmilad Komarizadehasl by the Spanish Agencia Estatal de Investigación del Ministerio de Ciencia Innovación y Universidades grant and the Fondo Social Europeo grant (PRE2018-083238)., Peer Reviewed, Postprint (published version)

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) of bridges is getting special attention of infrastructure management agencies, due to its success in minimizing maintenance costs. The acquisition of structural behaviour data and its analysis to assess the structural condition are critical tasks of SHM. In this paper both are addressed. A cost - effective measurement equipment based on triaxial accelerometers is developed. It is coupled with an operational modal analysis tool that allows extracting natural frequencies, mode shapes and damping under operational loads. Both, hardware and software, are tested in a case study of a railway bridge of the Madrid Metro network. Other measurement equipments are deployed to compare results. Natural frequencies are calculated, showing a good correlation between the different systems. The obtained results provide relevant information about the global behaviour of the structure. Therefore, the proposed cost - effective solution could be used in a SHM system for continuous bridge monitoring., The first author would like to acknowledge the funding support provided by the Spanish Ministry of Uni-versities through the PhD grant program FPU (Formación de Profesorado Universitario). Additionally, all the authors are indebted to the Secretaria d’Universitats i Recerca of the Generalitat de Catalunya for the funding provided through AGAUR (2017 SGR 1481) and to the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness and the FEDER for the funding provided through the project BIA2017-86811-C2-1-R., Postprint (published version)