Advanced nonlinear analysis and digital twinning for infrastructures

Synopsis

Nonlinear Finite Element Analyses (NLFEA) provide a highly accurate method for assessing the behavior of complex structural details and systems, especially in cases where standard approaches fail to deliver reliable verification or computational models. However, applying these sophisticated techniques to real-world problems is not without challenges. The assumptions made during NLFEA can significantly impact the results, leading to important questions regarding the procedures outlined in codes and the selection of appropriate computational methodologies.

Key challenges include the need for a high level of experience and expertise, which is currently limited, making it difficult to incorporate these advanced analyses into routine structural assessment and design. Additionally, there is a pressing need to develop reliable and efficient models and tools to manage and interpret the large volumes of complex input and output data generated when analysing real structures.

This presentation will introduce new advancements and solutions to overcome these challenges, focusing on addressing structural and Soil-Structure Interaction problems. On the one hand, there are new FE models that help describe complex mechanisms. On the other new solutions are explored that rely on cutting-edge Digital Twinning technology that integrates digital sensors, artificial intelligence, and Finite Element methods to create a continuously updated digital replica of infrastructure. This digital twin monitors the health of the infrastructure in real-time and predicts future responses under conditions of abnormal stress or damage, thereby supporting maintenance, repair, and reinforcement efforts.

The artificial intelligence algorithms used in this technology are designed for model calibration, damage interpretation, and the generation of alarm signals. These signals are then cross-verified against the finite element model to identify and eliminate false positives, using state-of-the-art algorithms that combine data-driven and model-based approaches. This integrated system represents a significant leap forward in monitoring and maintaining critical infrastructure's safety and integrity.

About the Speakers

Dr Guido Camata is a Full Professor of Structural Engineering at the University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy. He earned his Master’s in Civil Engineering from the University of Bologna, Italy and completed his PhD at the University of Colorado at Boulder, USA. An internationally recognized researcher, he has served as a visiting professor at numerous prestigious institutions and was an adjunct professor at the University of Colorado from 2011 to 2018. Professor Camata has authored over 100 publications and is renowned for his research in both experimental and numerical structural engineering, with expertise in finite element analysis, nonlinear analysis, seismic design, and structural health monitoring. In addition to his academic work, he is the founder, partner, and technical director of ASDEA (www.asdea.eu), bringing over 20 years of experience as a structural analyst and designer, particularly in assessing the safety and integrity of bridges and infrastructure in seismic-prone areas.

Dr Enrico Spacone is a Full Professor of Structural Engineering in the Department of Engineering and Geology of the University G. d’Annunzio of Chieti Pescara, Italy. He received his undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering at University La Sapienza of Rome in 1987 and his MS and PhD in Civil Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley in 1990 and 1994, respectively. In 1995 he joined the University of Colorado, Boulder, where he was first Assistant and then Associate Professor in the Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering. He joined the University of Chieti-Pescara in 2001. He later served for six years as head of the Department of Engineering and Geology at the University of Chieti-Pescara, where he also served for six years in the University Academic Senate. His early research work dealt with modeling of reinforced concrete structures under severe ground motions. His work later extended to a wide range of applications of nonlinear analyses to different structures (notably steel-concrete structures, strengthened reinforced concrete structures, raw earth and masonry buildings, both historical and new). Among other topics, he is currently working on the seismic vulnerability assessment at the urban level. He is a Fulbright scholar and a Leverhulme scholar. He is a member of the EU Academy of Sciences.

Further information

This event is organised by SECED. The event will be chaired by Dr Damian Grant (Arup). Attendance at this meeting is free for members and non-members alike. 

In person attendance

The event will held in-person at the Institution of Civil Engineers (see map below). Prior registration is not required. Seats are allocated on a first come, first served basis. We encourage everyone to attend in person if they can. 

Online attendance

This event will be broadcast online. Please register for the event prior to joining. The registration process will provide you with the link you need to join the main event.

Link to follow.