Durability, Repair and Holistic Management of Structures

Overview

Historically, civil infrastructure were designed and constructed with a view to minimise the initial construction costs alone. However, with increasing maintenance, repair and rehabilitation costs of structures, it is now realised that appropriate whole life management strategies are vitally important for achieving the lowest whole life costs. This module will provide an overview of techniques and tool kits available for an effective and holistic infrastructure management. The deterioration of structures, NDT and DT methods for assessing critical properties, repair methodologies, structural health assessment and service life planning are the main elements covered in this module. Students will be introduced to various methods of assessing the condition of buildings and bridges and techniques for their maintenance and repair. Several case studies will be discussed in order to relate the knowledge from this module to structures in service.

Learning Objectives

On successful completion a student should be able to demonstrate the following learning outcomes:

A thorough understanding of current practice and its limitations, and some appreciation of likely new developments. For example problems associated with different structural materials; methods to investigate the causes of deterioration and defects in structures, etc.

Ability to extract and evaluate pertinent data and to apply engineering analysis techniques in the solution of unfamiliar problems. For example, utilising data to determine if a whole life value based approach is better over conventional deemed-to-satisfy approach.

Ability to extract and evaluate pertinent data and to apply engineering analysis techniques in the solution of unfamiliar problems. Ex. carry out service life planning and material and environmental factors that influence the service life prediction to make a best judgement.

Understanding of the requirement for engineering activities to promote sustainable development and ability to apply quantitative techniques where appropriate - Concept of maintenance management of civil infrastructure and its importance in the sustainability.

Understanding of concepts from a range of areas, including some outside engineering, and the ability to evaluate them critically and to apply them in engineering projects. For example use cement and corrosion science to suitability and longevity of various types of structures.

Ability to extract and evaluate pertinent data and to apply engineering analysis techniques in the solution of unfamiliar problems. Understanding effective asset management and learning from case studies so that decision-making uncertainty can be reduced on the basis of sound management principles.

Work with information that may be incomplete or uncertain, quantify the effect of this on the design and, where appropriate, use theory or experimental research to mitigate deficiencies. Making effective choice between competing alternatives based on whole life management concept so that the whole life costs of structures can be reduced.

Skills

On successful completion a student should be able to demonstrate the following learning outcomes:

Understanding of appropriate codes of practice and industry standards. For example to differentiate the behaviour of different structural materials in various exposure environments and estimate their service life.

Advanced level knowledge and understanding of a wide range of engineering materials and components. To appreciate strengths and limitations of standard and innovative material testing/inspection techniques;

Knowledge and understanding of the commercial, economic and social context of engineering processes. To appreciate the durability design principles and their role in reducing the whole life costs of structures.

Knowledge and understanding of the commercial, economic and social context of engineering processes. To appreciate the ‘time-value of money’ concept and its application in achieving the best in construction investment.

Knowledge of characteristics of particular materials, equipment, processes or products, with extensive knowledge and understanding of a wide range of engineering materials and components. Learn to write reports on structural investigations and whole life value based design approach;

Apply advanced problem-solving skills, technical knowledge and understanding, to establish rigorous and creative solutions that are fit for purpose for all aspects of the problem including production, operation, maintenance and disposal. Ability to critically investigate mechanisms of deterioration of structures in service and the put forward a plan for extending the service life of such structures.

Understanding of the requirement for engineering activities to promote sustainable development and ability to apply quantitative techniques where appropriate - the ability to apply whole life value concept to a civil engineering project.

Understanding of the requirement for engineering activities to promote sustainable development and ability to apply quantitative techniques where appropriate - to demonstrate the usefulness of service life planning in achieving infrastructure sustainability.

Assessment

None