• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.105-118
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• 2024

In order to realize tiny bridge crack discovery by UAV-based machine vision, a novel method combining deep learning and tensor voting is proposed. Firstly, the grid images of crack are detected and descripted based on SE-ResNet50 to generate feature points. Then, the probability significance map of crack image is calculated by tensor voting with feature points, which can define the direction and region of crack. Further, the crack detection anchor box is formed by non-maximum suppression from the probability significance map, which can improve the robustness of tiny crack detection. Finally, a case study is carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in the Xiangjiang-River bridge inspection. Compared with the original tensor voting algorithm, the proposed method has higher accuracy in the situation of only 1-2 pixels width crack and the existence of edge blur, crack discontinuity, which is suitable for UAV-based bridge crack discovery.

• Proceedings of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute Conference
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• 2008.04a
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• pp.50-55
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• 2008

In order to investigate and estimate the cause of fatigue crack occurred to curved girder bridge that is used during 20 years, in this study, filed tests to obtain the characteristic of stress hysteresis were performed under the real traffic flows. From these test results, we analyzed the cause of fatigue crack for various fatigue crack patterns. Also, the characteristic of structural behavior for the curved girder bridge were examined from the FE analysis. In addition, to retrofit various fatigue cracks occurred in the bridge, FE analyses considering the characteristics of crack patterns were performed and retrofitting methods were suggested.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Safety
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• v.21 no.6 s.78
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• pp.96-100
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• 2006

In this thesis, the crack investigation, the damage investigation, the drawing check, and the structural analysis were performed on a curved hollow RC(reinforced concrete) slab bridge structure to assess the structural safety of that. From the crack investigation result, main reason of crack occurrence is guessed with travelling of the large truck. Therefore reinforcement of slab structure is necessary by using the steel plate. When structural analysis, the straight beam model, the curved beam model, and the curved plate model is used. From the results of structural analysis for curved hollow RC slab bridge, the maximum bending moment and the maximum shear force was not a difference in each models. But the vertical displacement of mid span using the curved beam model was greater than that using the other models.

• Journal of the Korea Concrete Institute
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.231-238
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• 2002

Dry shrinkage md temperature change cause to develope concrete bridge decks on main girders have initial unidirectional cracks in longitudinal or transverse direction. As they receive traffic loads, the crack gradually propagate in different directions depending on the concrete dimension and reinforcement ratio. Since existing equations that predict crack width are mostly based on the one directional bond-slip theory, it is difficult to determine the actual crack width of a bridge deck with varying the spacing of rebar or strengthening material and to estimate the improvement rate in serviceability of the strengthened bridge deck. In this study, crack propagation mechanism is identified based on the test results and a new crack prediction equation is proposed for evaluation of serviceability. Although more accurate results are derived using the proposed equation, the extent of error is increased as the strain of the rebar or the strengthening material increases after the yielding of rebar Therefore, further research is required to better predict the crack width after the rebar yields under fatigue loading condition.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.569-584
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• 2016

This paper presents a method for stochastic modelling of fatigue crack growth and optimising inspection and maintenance strategy for the structural members of steel bridges. The fatigue crack evolution is considered as a stochastic process with uncertainties, and the Gamma process is adopted to simulate the propagation of fatigue crack in steel bridge members. From the stochastic modelling for fatigue crack growth, the probability of failure caused by fatigue is predicted over the service life of steel bridge members. The remaining fatigue life of steel bridge members is determined by comparing the fatigue crack length with its predetermined threshold. Furthermore, the probability of detection is adopted to consider the uncertainties in detecting fatigue crack by using existing damage detection techniques. A multi-objective optimisation problem is proposed and solved by a genetic algorithm to determine the optimised inspection and maintenance strategy for the fatigue affected steel bridge members. The optimised strategy is achieved by minimizing the life-cycle cost, including the inspection, maintenance and failure costs, and maximizing the service life after necessary intervention. The number of intervention during the service life is also taken into account to investigate the relationship between the service life and the cost for maintenance. The results from numerical examples show that the proposed method can provide a useful approach for cost-effective inspection and maintenance strategy for fatigue affected steel bridges.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.217-224
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• 2001

Rock masses are usually discontinuous in nature due to various geological processes and contain rock joints and bridges. Crack propagation and coalescence processes in rock bridge mainly cause rock failures in slopes, foundations, and tunnels. In this study, we focused on the crack initiation, propagation and coalescence process of rock materials containing two pre-existing open cracks arranged in different geometries. Specimens of 120${\times}$60${\times}$25 mm in size, which were made of Yeoman Marble, were prepared. In the specimens, two artificial cracks were cut with pre-existing crack angle ${\alpha}$, bridge angle ${\beta}$, pre-existing crack length 2c and bridge length 2b. Wing crack initiation stress, wing crack propagation angle, and crack coalescence stress were measured and crack initiation, propagation and coalescence processes were observed during uniaxial compression. Crack coalescence types were classified and analytical study using Ashby and Hallam model (1986) was performed to be compared with the experimental results.

• Proceedings of the KIPE Conference
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• 2008.06a
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• pp.160-163
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• 2008

Currently workmen take charge of the maintenance work of bridges. But the process of sealing cracks in damage bridge is dangerous, costly, and labor-intensive operation Labor turnover and training are increasing problems related to crack sealing crews, and as traffic volumes increase, crack sealing operations become increasingly disruptive to the general public. Automation crack sealing can reduce labor and road user costs, improve work quality and decrease worker exposure to bridge hazards. This research aims to develop an automated damage bridge crack sealing system and developing of algorithms for hybrid controlling.

• Computers and Concrete
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.215-227
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• 2017

A finite element model (FEM) for predicting early-age behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) bridge deck slabs with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) bars is presented. In this model, the shrinkage profile of concrete accounted for the effect of surrounding conditions including air flow. The results of the model were verified against the experimental test results, published by the authors. The model was verified for cracking pattern, crack width and spacing, and reinforcement strains in the vicinity of the crack using different types and ratios of longitudinal reinforcement. The FEM was able to predict the experimental results within 6 to 10% error. The verified model was utilized to conduct a parametric study investigating the effect of four key parameters including reinforcement spacing, concrete cover, FRP bar type, and concrete compressive strength on the behavior of FRP-RC bridge deck slabs subjected to restrained shrinkage at early-age. It is concluded that a reinforcement ratio of 0.45% carbon FRP (CFRP) can control the early-age crack width and reinforcement strain in CFRP-RC members subjected to restrained shrinkage. Also, the results indicate that changing the bond-slippage characteristics (sand-coated and ribbed bars) or concrete cover had an insignificant effect on the early-age crack behavior of FRP-RC bridge deck slabs subjected to shrinkage. However, reducing bar spacing and concrete strength resulted in a decrease in crack width and reinforcement strain.

• International Journal of Highway Engineering
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.11-19
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• 2017

PURPOSES : The purpose of this study is to verify the property of self-healing, and to propose an appropriate duration for wet curing of bridge deck concrete overlays. METHODS : In this study, reinforced bars were inserted into concrete molds in order to prevent brittle fracture and induced cracks in the concrete resulting from indirect tension mode. The induced time of concrete cracking was 3 to 7 days, following which the concrete specimens were cured in water. The resulting concrete crack width was measured using image analysis equipment. Additionally, the self-healing tests were performed using the following three mixtures: OPC, SFC, and LMC. RESULTS : Concrete mixtures with crack widths of $150{\mu}m$ or lower were completely healed by Day 28. Hydrates of crack fills were found to be the calcium carbonate. CONCLUSIONS : The cement-based mixtures exhibit properties of self-healing. Considering these properties, it is necessary to increase the curing duration of concrete overlays for bridge decks.

• Journal of the Korea institute for structural maintenance and inspection
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.98-107
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• 1998

There are many weld defects such as surface crack, lack of fusion, and imcomplete penetration in the butt joint of the existing steel bridges. The crack-like defects may significantly reduce the fatigue life of the structure. This paper presents the procedure and the results of the fatigue assessment of the butt joints with weld defect in the existing steel girder bridge. The butt joints with imcomple penetration were instrumented with strain gages to determine the stress histogram under normal traffic. Based on the measured stress histogram the crack propagation analyses were performed for the fatigue assesment. By using the suggested procedure and methodology, one can decide the time of periodic inspection and the necessity of repair of the butt joints with serious weld defects in the existing steel bridge.