Lunch Lecture Wagemaker

The Netherlands is currently facing significant challenges to demonstrate the structural safety of the existing infrastructure (bridges, fly-overs, etc). Due to increased and heavier traffic, deterioration of the structures and new insights into structural safety, existing infrastructure is subjected to regular reassessment. Rijkswaterstaat, the provinces and municipalities are responsible for this operation, which covers inspections, assessment, repair and strengthening or a complete replacement. However, replacement is expensive, on top of the negative impact it has on the climate and the road network accessibility issues it brings along.

If we can avoid complete replacement through advanced analysis, this is a no-brainer most of the time. The cost of these analyses which potentially lead to demonstrating that the structure is sufficiently safe is justified by the much higher impact of a replacement. An example of these advanced analyses is nonlinear finite element analysis (NLFEA). NLFEA uses the physically non-linear behaviour of concrete, reinforcement and prestressing steel, which allows for redistribution of internal forces. This type of analysis can be perceived as virtual testing, since it offers a detailed overview of the structural behaviour, as would be obtained from physical tests.

As Wagemaker we have already used NLFEA successfully in several projects. We will take you through the basics of NLFEA during this lunch lecture and tell you more about those projects and their project-specific challenges. The lecture will be presented by Dennis Schoenmakers and Lex van der Meer, both alumni of the TU/e.

Lunch will, of course, be provided by the lovely board!