Probabilistic nonlinear finite element modelling, quality control and lifetime assessment for today's engineering practice

Mission Statement/Objectives

In the past few years, there has been an increasing societal and industrial demand for the reliable assessment and design of structural systems with service-life criteria of at least several decades. The life cycle characterisation of engineering structures in terms of an anticipated service life remains a significant aspect of sustainability in the construction industry. This requires special attention to the definition of structural performance under various actions, and to the implemented engineering materials and methods as well as to the inverse identification and monitoring of structural conditions.

In this period of TG1.4, the basic reliability concepts of probabilistic non-linear finite element modelling of performance-based assessment with a focus on service life assessment in conjunction with reliability and safety concepts are addressed. The proposed methodology is verified using case studies from the design of structural components and the importance of quality assurance in the service life assessment of civil engineering structures is demonstrated. We have also confirmed that reliability and quality assurance criteria are closely related. Therefore, a methodology for quality-based service life assessment is presented and elaborated on the basis of case studies.

Scope & Limitation

TG1.4 focuses on systems, continuum mechanics, engineering structures, static and dynamic aspects, time-dependent aspects, linear and nonlinear material and system aspects, finite element methods (FEM), discrete element methods (DEM) and associated methods, partial safety factor and reliability index/probabilistic based safety formats. TG1.4 does NOT focus on design, systems with large deformations and large non-linear effects, load models, structures made of timber, soil systems.

The output of TG1.4 in the previous term, 2017-2023, will serve as basis for the activities, among others:

• Strauss, A.; Beigel, A.; Sattler, F.; Täubling-Fruleux, B.; Seywald, C.; Neuner, H.; Kostjak, V.; Frangopol, D.M. (2023): Digital twins and sensor monitoring for alpine engineering structures: Applications for tunnels. [Life-Cycle of Structures and Infrastructure Systems , Milano, Italy , 02.07.2023 - 06.07.2023] In: CRC Press, Life-Cycle of Structures and Infrastructure Systems; ISBN: 978100332302. published
• Strauss, A.; Täubling-Fruleux, B.; Novák, D.; Novák, L.; Frangopol, D.M. (2024): Advanced non-linear probabilistic modelling methods for the existing 100 m high columns of the Jauntal railway bridge.[11th International Conference on Bridge Maintenance, Safety and Management IABMAS 2024, Copenhagen, Denmark, 2024], In: CRC Press. Submitted.

Expected Project Output

• Publications: Three publications in Scopus Indexed Journals are planned.
• Research project: Attempts are being made to initiate a project in which the task force T1.4 will also provide support
• Ghent 2025 IABSE Congress: Special Session “Quality control and lifetime assessment for today's engineering practice”
• Structural Engineering Document (SED): Finalisation of “Probabilistic nonlinear finite element modelling” in 2025.

Start Date: May 2024
Target Date of Completion: April 2028

Chair
Alfred Strauss, Austria

Vice Chair
Ana Mandić Ivanković, Croatia

Members
Vladimir Benko, Slovakia
Jochen Köhler, Norway
Drahomir Novak, Czech Republic
Jose Matos, Portugal
André Orcesi, France
João André, Portugal
Roman Wan-Wendner, Austria
Neryvaldo Galvao, Portugal
Pierre Marchand, France
Mohammad El Hajj Diab, France
Dominik Skokandić, Croatia
Mladen Srbić, Croatia
Venkatchalam Karthik, India

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