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Alsharif, Mohamed Ayham (2025) Damage information modelling and retrofitting solutions for substandard RC bridges. PhD thesis, University of Nottingham.

PDF (PhD Thesis final version_corrected) (Thesis - as examined) - Repository staff only until 8 August 2027. Subsequently available to Anyone - Requires a PDF viewer such as GSview, Xpdf or Adobe Acrobat Reader Available under Licence Creative Commons Attribution. Download (56MB)

Abstract

Bridges in developed countries are continually ageing. There is concern about the deterioration of substandard bridges and the possible impact on their safety and performance. The structural assessment of deteriorated bridges is a vital step in the decision-making process for asset management. Currently, there is a growing shift to employing Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the maintenance phase of the infrastructure.

Despite the widespread use of BIM in engineering practice, engineers still rely on the manual generation of simulations based on design documents and inspection reports to verify structural performance.

This research proposes a novel Bridge Damage Information Modeller (BriDIM) framework that combines BIM with advanced numerical modelling using multi Level of Detail (LoD) to assess the severity of damage and provide adequate retrofitting solutions for substandard Reinforced Concrete (RC) bridges. The research identifies the gaps in knowledge, develops Damage Information Modelling (DIM) based on Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) standards to model the As-damaged bridge. An innovative BIM and Finite Element (FE) integration methodology has been proposed. The bi-directional automated data interpretation and exchange between BIM and FE is created to evaluate the residual structural capacity against limit states based on a comprehensive multi-level numerical model. BriDIM automatically feedback FE analysis results into BIM for visualisation.

In addition, if the FE results show that the bridge is at risk, BriDIM implements a retrofitting solution in BIM, develops Retrofitting Information Modelling (RIM), and executes the FE analysis for the As-retrofitted bridge to measure the improvement in the structural behaviour. BriDIM generates a IFC-DIM-RIM file that contains general and engineering information about the bridge component, inspection process, damage instances, retrofitting process, retrofitting instances, and the objectified relationships in IFC standards

The research findings suggest that utilising BIM as a database that includes structural specifications, damage information and retrofitting aspects brings benefits in terms of consistency, modelling and computational efficiency throughout the life cycle of a structure. The proposed framework transforms the way we approach assessments by consolidating all mechanical damage-related information into one 3D visualised BIM model. Ultimately, BriDIM holds potential in facilitating the development of Digital Twins for existing structures. The model can be used to create scenarios of various damage combinations and provide a reliable tool to simulate the current condition of the bridge and the expected conditions of the bridge in case of damage propagation or change in environmental conditions.

Item Type:	Thesis (University of Nottingham only) (PhD)
Supervisors:	Thermou, Georgia Tizani, Walid Jelena, Ninic
Keywords:	Building information modelling, reinforced concrete, bridge, damage information modelling, retrofitting information modelling, automation, finite element.
Subjects:	T Technology > TG Bridge engineering
Faculties/Schools:	UK Campuses > Faculty of Engineering > Department of Civil Engineering
Item ID:	81825
Depositing User:	Alsharif, Mohamed Ayham
Date Deposited:	31 Dec 2025 04:40
Last Modified:	31 Dec 2025 04:40
URI:	https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/81825

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