General Information
Project Title: Resistant – Multiple hazard fRagility assEssment of deteriorated RC bridges uSIng STructural heAlth moNiToring (RESISTANT)
Principal Investigator (PI): Professor M. Fragiadakis
Scientific Area: Engineering Science & Technology
Host Institution: National Technical University of Athens (NTUA)
Duration: 36 months
Total Budget: 194,150€
Cooperating Organizations: Egnatia Odos SA, OSMOS Hellas SA, REDI PC
The research project was supported by the by the Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation (H.F.R.I.) under the “2nd Call for H.F.R.I. Research Projects to support Faculty Members & Researchers” (Project Number: 04140)
Description
Transportation infrastructure ensures the reliable and efficient connectivity of a roadway network under normal and emergency conditions. Infrastructure plays a significant role in regional development and is vital for economic growth. Bridges serve as critical nodes of transportation networks since the financial investment for their construction and maintenance is significant, while a possible bridge failure may cause substantial direct and indirect social and economic losses. Roadway bridges are exposed to various natural and environmental hazards such as earthquakes, floods, ground subsidence, etc. and hence the periodic inspection and maintenance of the bridge network is important for bridge operation and safety.
RESISTANT project will facilitate bridge operators and owners in decision-making and in developing efficient resource allocation strategies for the well-informed risk management of their bridge portfolio.
RESISTANT aims to propose a holistic framework for the efficient bridge assessment in a multiple hazard environment.
Objectives
The project addresses the critical issue of aging Reinforced Concrete (RC) infrastructure (specifically bridges), whose operational life often exceeds their design life. This deterioration, coupled with exposure to increasing natural hazards, raises vulnerability (citing examples like the Morandi Bridge collapse). Main Objectives:- Develop a Holistic Framework: Propose an integrated framework for bridge fragility assessment in a multiple hazard environment, focusing on seismic, flood, and scour hazards.
- Deterioration Modeling: Develop appropriate modeling tools to account for deteriorated capacity due to aging (e.g., corrosion, concrete cracking).
- Integrate SHM Data: Develop a methodology for updating fragility estimates using Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) vibration and response measurements.
- Decision-Making Tool: Create a holistic management platform/software to process data, monitor damage evolution, calculate failure probability, and guide proactive maintenance decisions.