Trillingsgebaseerde monitoring voor de beoordeling van bestaande betonconstructies onderhevig aan corrosie

Steel corrosion is generally considered the most hazardous damage mechanism in reinforced and prestressed/post-tensioned concrete structures. The assessment of concrete structures is traditionally conducted using visual inspection, but they fall short in providing comprehensive and real-time information on the structural condition. Within the frame of this doctoral research project, it is investigated how both local and global vibration-based monitoring (VBM) data as well as long-term strain monitoring data can be used for the assessment of existing concrete structures. The research combines experimental investigations with finite element modelling within a Bayesian framework, both in laboratory conditions and on an ageing post-tensioned concrete girder bridge. In both cases, the applied methodologies allowed for damage detection and localization of corrosion-induced damage, as well as improved estimations of stiffness related parameters and their uncertainty. This research was performed as part of the FWO SBO project lifeMACS, which focuses on developing an integrated and interactive life-cycle methodology for the assessment of existing concrete structures using advanced engineering approaches. Partners in this project are University of Ghent, KU Leuven, and Buildwise.