Monitoring system for execution control applied to a steel arch footbridge

The construction of innovative structural systems and the use of unconventional erection procedures need refined tools to assess the phased behaviour and control the site operations. The combination of a specific monitoring system with a detailed numerical model constitutes an adequate tool to assist bridge construction. The application of this tool to the construction of a 275 metre long footbridge, displaying innovative structural characteristics, is discussed in the paper. A dedicated monitoring system, including strain gauges and thermal sensors was implemented to monitor critical cross sections during both the construction process and in-service. A detailed numerical model was developed and applied for the prediction of the phased construction behaviour and to help in the interpretation of the experimental measurements. In this paper the focus is driven to the aspects related with the installation of the monitoring system, the implementation of the bridge model and the discussion of the results obtained during the construction stages, namely the removal of the propping system. The unusual but direct construction procedure used to build the footbridge greatly relied on the monitoring predictions and continuous assessment to control and reduce the inherent risks of the adopted construction process.     

土体流变特性与基坑支护的监控量测

本文结合浦东新区某工程的基坑开挖，研究土体的流变特性及其在基坑支护监控量测中的应用。采用最小二乘法原理将实测位移一时间曲线拟合为多项式，并在此基础上利用位移反分析方法获得三元件粘弹性模型的各项参数，进而得到一个综合线弹性模量Ｅ（ｔ），从而以简单的线弹性有限元程序计算出各时刻的位移值ｕ（ｔ）。计算结果表明三元件模型能较好地反映上海地区软粘土的流变特性。     

Three‐dimensional computer‐aided finite element method retrofitting modeling and non‐destructive testing techniques for the assessment of actual existing high‐rise fire‐damaged reinforced concrete building

Concrete is generally fire resistant. A fire in a concrete structure rarely results in a serious damage as to require substantial demolition. But, loss of the utility of a building could result in serious financial consequences for the owner, which calls for immediate reinstatement. To work out proper and efficient repair strategy, however, would require a thorough investigation of the effect of fire on the structural properties of the concrete and steel; the significance which any permanent change in material characteristics may have on the future structural performance of the member; the feasibility of repairs to compensate of any unacceptable reduction in structural performance, durability, and so on; and the influence which fire exposure of individual member may have on the performance of the entire structure. These all said tasks are dependent on the complete analysis of the fire‐damaged building. Without it, no repair works estimation, extent of repair and kind of repair can be carried out for the fire‐damaged buildings. Therefore, the impeccable analysis and design is of utmost importance for repair of such buildings after preliminary investigation of the extent of fire damages to the concrete structural members. This forms the basis of this research study, which aims at detailed analysis and design of the actual existing high‐rise fire‐damaged buildings for fire retrofitting and assessment of fire damages by non‐destructive techniques. Fire damages in buildings due to explosion, accidents or by some other reasons cause severe structural damages. The structural integrity of existing buildings is now a burning issue. Analytical, theoretical and design‐cum‐construction techniques are constantly being reviewed by government agencies and engineering consultants. Therefore, researchers are delving into this matter to find the best retrofitting techniques for fire‐damaged buildings. This paper is an outcome of such detailed research studies. It covers the actual case study of existing buildings, review of existing knowledge for fire damages and their mitigation and protective design technologies, and analytical and computational techniques, which have limited research data. In this study, Extended 3D Analysis of Building Systems (ETABS) is used as software for fire retrofitting analysis, and UBC‐97 is used as a code for the fire analysis and design. The ETABS building model is verified by manual calculations as well. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.