A risk-based multi-level stress test methodology: Application to six critical non-nuclear infrastructures in Europe

Recent natural disasters that seriously affected critical infrastructure (CI) with significant socio-economic losses and impact revealed the need for the development of reliable methodologies for vulnerability and risk assessment. In this paper, a risk-based multi-level stress test method that has been recently proposed, aimed at enhancing...

A pro-active concept in asset management supported by the quantified Value of Structural Health Monitoring

Over the past century, European countries have developed mature and extensive transportation infrastructure networks, in which bridges play a vital role. Their design is increasingly influenced by life-cycle multi-objective performance criteria, which comprise economic, environmental and social factors. Hence, the emphasis has shifted from new...

Application of rational methods for the selection of the most plausible FE models in structural analysis

The accuracy of predictions of structural behavior by finite element analysis strongly depends on the formulation of the numerical model. Depending on the problem at hand, the analyst has to make a number of choices, which influence the numerical results to a greater or lesser extent. For complex cases, e.g. existing reinforced concrete...

A Two-Dimension Dynamic Bayesian Network for Large-Scale Degradation Modeling with an Application to a Bridges Network

Modeling the stochastic evolution of a large-scale fleet or network generally proves to be challenging. This difficulty may be compounded through complex relationships between various assets in the network. Although a great number of probabilistic graph-based models (e.g., Bayesian networks) have been developed recently to describe the behavior...

Characterization of precipitation through copulas and expert judgement for risk assessment of infrastructure

In this paper two methodologies are investigated that contribute to better assessment of risks related to extreme rainfall events. Firstly, one-parameter bivariate copulas are used to analyze rain gauge data in the Netherlands. Out of three models considered, the Gumbel copula, which indicates upper tail dependence, represents the data most...

InSAR for risk-based asset management of pipeline networks (poster)

Pipeline networks for gas and water are the lifelines of our society. Most pipelines are buried, which impedes direct monitoring of the structural reliability of the networks. The behavior of the soil surrounding the pipes may impose hazardous loads or deformations threatening the integrity of the network or even cause failure of pipes. This is...

Value of monitoring in road network management

We present a framework for road network management to assist road authorities in maintenance budget estimations and long-term maintenance strategies definition. Information about road conditions is obtained from monitoring. Available data are used to estimate and update prediction of degradation evolution. Our decision-making under uncertainty...

Strength characteristics for the structural assessment of existing concrete structures

For the assessment of the in situ compressive strength in structures and precast concrete components EN 13791 applies. Among others, this standard may be adopted when doubt arises about the compressive strength in the structure. However, for assessing the structural safety of existing structures of many years of age, the method given in EN 13791...

Value of monitoring in asset management: A social costbenefit analysis approach

We present a framework to investigate new monitoring techniques for infrastructures and assess their potential value for the network management. This framework is based on a social cost benefit analysis tool that aims to (i) assist decision makers in selecting and developing cost-effective new monitoring techniques and (ii) provide managers with...

Performance and working life of cathodic protection systems for concrete structures

Corrosion of reinforcing steel in concrete structures causes concrete cracking and steel diameter reduction, eventually resulting in loss of safety. Conventional repair means heavy, labour intensive and costly work and the required quality level is under economic pressure. Consequently, conventional repair is short lived in many cases. An...

Working life of cathodic protection systems for concrete structures: Analysis of field data

Corrosion of reinforcing steel in concrete structures causes concrete cracking, steel diameter reduction and eventually loss of safety. In infrastructure this is mainly due to penetration of chloride ions from de-icing or marine salts. Conventional repair means heavy, labour intensive and costly work, and economic pressures (time and money) work...

Effect of the foundation stiffness on the response of a seismically isolated tank under SSE conditions

This paper presents the results of a feasibility study of a seismic isolated 120.000 m³ LNG tank. A simple model was used to evaluate the seismic response of the isolated tank under Safe Shutdown Earthquake conditions. The frequency dependent dynamic stiffness of the foundation was modeled by means of Boundary Elements. Three possible...

Structural detailing of openings in sandwich panels

European Recommendations exist which provide calculation rules to determine the strength and stiffness of sandwich panels composed of two metal faces with a foam in between. In case of openings in such panels (e.g. for windows) an influence will appear with regard to the stiffness and loadbearing capacity. At the institute TNO Building and...