This research focuses on the automation of an existing structural health monitoring system of a bridge using the BIMification approach. This process starts with the Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of an existing bridge for the numerical calculations of static and dynamic parameters. The validation of the FE model and existing SHM system was carried out by the field load testing (Static and dynamic) of the bridge. Further, this study tries to fill the research gap in the area of automatic FE model generation by using a novel methodology that can generate a BIM-based FE model using Visual Programming Language (VPL) scripts. This script can be exported to any FE software to develop the geometry of the FE model. Moreover, the SHM devices are deployed to the Building Information modelling (BIM) model of the bridge to generate the BIM-based sensory model (as per the existing SHM system). In this way, the BIM model is used to manage and monitor the SHM system and control its sensory elements. These sensors are then linked with the self-generated (Internet of Things) IoT platform (coded in Arduino), developing a smart SHM system of the bridge. Resultantly, the system features visualisation and remote accessibility to bridge health monitoring data.

Buckling analysis of arches is an important issue of the design of timber structures containing such structural elements. In the article an analytical and an approximate solution is proposed for lateral torsional buckling analysis of truss-braced timber arches. Application of the proposed methods was introduced by a numerical example. Critical forces calculated by the analytical and approximate methods were also compared to the results of numerical analysis, proving the sufficient accuracy of the different solutions. The effect of different timber truss-bracing solutions on the critical force of the examined timber arch was analysed using the introduced analytical method. The critical force of the examined truss-braced arch was up to two orders of magnitude greater than the critical force without bracing, proving that the consideration of the lateral bracing is important during the design because on the one hand, it ensures the static conformity of the structure, and, on the other hand it leads to more economical structural configuration in terms of lateral torsional buckling. Both analytical and approximate method presented in the article can be used to determine the optimal geometric configuration of the bracing truss in order to maximize the critical force of the laterally braced arch.

Durability design of structures is an important part of the design process. A possible method for the durability design is the probabilistic approach considering changes of structural resistance and the load effect during a certain time period. In order to determine stochastic parameters of structural resistance as a function of time, deterioration of materials and the decrease of structural sizes due to environmental effects must be predicted. This paper is mainly focusing on the analysis of the bending moment resistance of pre-cast concrete beams as a function of time. The effect of creep, shrinkage, relaxation, carbonation induced corrosion and deterioration of cross-sectional sizes on the mean value and standard deviation of bending moment resistance were considered. The performed calculation method is illustrated by numerical example on a pre-cast, prestressed concrete beam. In case of the presented beam, the mean value of bending moment resistance decreases 4-6% and its standard deviation increases 200-350% after 100 years depending on the relative ambient humidity. Results concerning mean value and standard deviation of structural resistance can be used for the purposes of probabilistic durability design. Considering the same safety level as in Eurocode 2, the introduced probabilistic design method delivers about 10% higher load carrying capacity as the application of relevant Eurocode 2 standard in case of the presented beam.

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<p>The Kerepesi Ügető (racecourse) in Budapest included several reinforced concrete grandstands of different classes for use by the audience. The racecourse was closed in year 2000 and most of its buildings were demolished except the Class II. Grandstand which was declared as a national monument. Our task was on one hand to perform a complete statical investigation for this Grandstand, on the other hand the methodology of the strengthening and renovation had to be developed. Statical investigations of the Grandstand included in-situ measurements, material tests in the laboratory and finite element analysis of the structure. Results of statical investigation showed that the requirements of the European Standard (EC) are satisfied for most of the controlled cross-sections and structural members, however the load carrying capacity was insufficient in some places therefore strengthening was necessary. Strengthening methods included injection of cracks, integration of new structural elements (anchoring beam, suspending column), application of new concrete shell on some of the columns and application of CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced polymer) sheets on roof beams. The strengthening extended the life-span of this Grandstand by 50 years.</p>