A digital twin-based analysis framework for structural health monitoring of existing masonry structures

In recent decades, structures have been experiencing increased severity in external actions caused by natural and anthropogenic hazards (earthquakes, floods and fire) due to climate change and global warming. According to United Nations’ 2018 Revision of World Urbanization Prospects, the world’s population living in urban areas is expected to increase up to 68%. The prospect of a dramatic increase in urbanization is expected to intensify the demand for new structures and simultaneously the strain on existing infrastructures. To effectively intervene on resilience and robustness of existing structures, it is necessary to define their state of health and consider the effect that any improvements have from a global perspective.

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is considered a promising solution for the condition assessment of existing structures. a wide range of techniques which enable timely inspection and maintenance, resulting in enhanced serviceability and a longer structural life cycle. The scientific community has been actively pursuing novel approaches by either developing sensing construction materials or embedding sensing units into them to detect a vast array of structural features, including stress/strain and vibration.

The project focuses on the development of a digital twin-based analysis framework for Structural Health Monitoring of existing masonry structures coupling sensor readings with advanced numerical modelling. The project offers a unique opportunity to carry out a high-quality research project in collaboration with several recognized universities. The project will comprise experimental laboratory tests to enable the development of the digital-twin framework.

References

• State-of-the-art review and future research directions for FRP-to-masonry bond research: Test methods and techniques for extraction of bond-slip behaviour, J. Vaculik, P. Visintin, N.G. Burton, M.C. Griffith, R. Seracino, Construction and Building Materials, Volume 183, 2018.
• State-of-the-art on strengthening of masonry structures with textile reinforced mortar (TRM), L. A. S. Kouris, T. C. Triantafillou, Construction and Building Materials, Volume 188, 2018.
• Effectiveness of Textile Reinforced Mortar (TRM) materials for the repair of full-scale timbrel masonry cross vaults, E. Bertolesi, B.Torres, J. M. Adam, P. A. Calderón, J. J. Moragues, Engineering Structures, Volume 220, 2020.

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