Abstract
This project aims at addressing some research challenges improving the engineering knowledge in the safety assessment of structural systems through a tightly-knit interdisciplinary collaboration among research units belonging to structural engineering (i.e., “Politecnico di Torino”, “Università di Bologna”, “Università degli Studi di Roma - Tor Vergata” and “Università degli Studi di Napoli - Federico II”) and mechanical measurements (i.e., “Politecnico di Milano”). As for experimental tests of both ordinary and pre-stressed reinforced concrete structural elements, the proposed project is finalized to investigate the fusion between different measurement techniques from different sensors for a more effective updating of the non-linear structural digital twins, taking into account the various uncertainty sources. This improvement can lead to a more reliable assessment of both the safety level of the structural elements and the definition of the pre-alert thresholds with respect to structural damage. The project is composed of 5 work packages. Three work packages deal with, respectively: image processing, optical fibers and MEMS (Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems). Another work package is focused on sensor data fusion by all the research groups. The last one involves all the research units for the definition and updating of the structural models, for an improved safety assessment. The project can lead to advantages with positive effects in terms of human safety, economic and social impacts. Indeed, it is possible to improve the use of economic resources with the definition of any intervention priority with respect to both space and time. These impacts are compliant with the sustainability and circular economy principles: in fact, a proper check and an informed maintenance strategy can lead to a huge spare of resources and construction materials.
Results achieved
The UNIBO research unit developed and tested innovative structural monitoring technologies based on fibre-optic sensors and image-processing techniques. In particular, mechanically amplified Fibre Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors were developed, capable of detecting very small dynamic strains and supporting the modal identification of reinforced concrete elements. The performance of FBG, MEMS and piezoelectric accelerometers was also assessed under varying temperature conditions, showing good stability of both FBG and MEMS systems. The activities included laboratory testing, experiments on a bridge model, and the use of Digital Image Correlation (DIC) and optical flow techniques for crack monitoring and automated crack segmentation.Project details
Unibo Team Leader: Nicola Buratti
Unibo involved Department/s:
Dipartimento di Ingegneria Civile, Chimica, Ambientale e dei Materiali
Coordinator:
Politecnico di TORINO(Italy)
Total Unibo Contribution: Euro (EUR) 37.762,00
Project Duration in months: 24
Start Date:
28/09/2023
End Date:
28/02/2026
