TY - CONF A1 - Faber, M.H. A1 - Thöns, Sebastian ED - Miraglia, S. ED - Vrouwenvelder, A.C.W.M. ED - Steenbergen, R.D.J.M. ED - Van Gelder, P.H.A.J.M. T1 - On the value of structural health monitoring N2 - Health monitoring has, over the last 2-3 decades, become a topic of significant interest within the structural engineering research community, but also in the broader areas of civil and mechanical engineering. Whereas the merits of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) are generally appreciated in qualitative terms there has, as of yet, not been reported much fundamental research on the quantification of the benefit of SHM. The present paper addresses the quantification of SHM with basis in the Bayesian pre-posterior decision analysis. The starting points are historical and recent developments in the fields of SHM and the quantification of value of information as well as the identification of typical situations in structural engineering in which SHM has the potential to provide value beyond its costs. Subsequently, the theoretical framework which allows for the quantification of the value of information collected through SHM Systems is developed and elaborated. It is shown how the value of information can be quantified to support the assessment and optimization of decisions on whether and how to implement SHM. To illustrate the use of the developed theoretical framework for evaiuating the benefit of SHM an example is provided. The example addresses the life-cycle benefit maximization for offshore jacket structures subject to fatigue crack growth utilizing monitoring of near field fatigue stresses as a means of optimizing risk based inspection and maintenance strategies. T2 - 22nd ESREL conference - Safety, reliability and risk analysis: Beyond the horizon CY - Amsterdam, The Netherlands DA - 29.09.2013 PY - 2014 SN - 978-1-138-00123-7 SP - 2535 EP - 2544 PB - Taylor & Francis AN - OPUS4-29894 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Hu, Wei-Hua A1 - Thöns, Sebastian A1 - Said, Samir A1 - Rücker, Werner ED - Cunha, A. ED - Caetano, E. ED - Ribeiro, P. ED - Müller, G. T1 - Resonance phenomenon in a wind turbine system under operational conditions N2 - A prototype of wind turbines in 5 megawatt dass was built and tested at the first German offshore wind energy test fteld in the North Sea. In order to investigate dynamic behaviors under a complex state of loads, a continuous dynamic monitoring System was implemented by Federal Institute for Material Research and Testing (BAM). It recorded structural responses and environmental/operational variables from November 2007 to October 2009. This paper presents significant resonance phenomenon due to the interaction in the tower-nacelle System under operational conditions. Modal parameters are automatically estimated by the poly reference Least Square Complex Frequency domain (p-LSCF) method. Campbell plot demonstrates that a three-blade passage frequency and its multiples f3n match with the natural frequencies of the wind turbine System in several modal Orders. The damping estimates decrease and the Vibration amplitude increase significantly. A control System is necessary to minimize the excessive vibrations. T2 - EURODYN 2014 - 9th International conference on structural dynamics CY - Porto, Portugal DA - 30.06.2014 KW - Wind turbine KW - Tower-nacelle system KW - Resonance KW - Continuous dynamic monitoring KW - Automated operational modal analysis PY - 2014 SN - 978-972-752-165-4 SN - 2311-9020 SP - 3619 EP - 3626 AN - OPUS4-32970 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Thöns, Sebastian A1 - McMillan, D. T1 - Condition monitoring benefit for offshore wind turbines N2 - As more offshore wind parks are commissioned, the focus will inevitably shift from a planuing, construction and warranty focus to an Operation, maintenance and investment payback focus. In this latter case, both short-term risks associated with wind turbine component assemblies, and longterm risks related to structural integrity of the Support structure, are highly important. This research focuses on the role of condition monitoring to lower costs associated with short-term reliability and long-term asset integrity. This enables comparative estimates of life cycle costs and reduction in uncertainty, both of which are of value to Investors. T2 - PMAPS 2012 - 12th International Conference on Probabilistic Methods Applied to Power Systems CY - Istanbul, Turkey DA - 10.06.2012 KW - Condition monitoring KW - Offshore wind KW - Operation KW - Risk KW - Life cycle KW - Cost KW - Cost benefit analysis KW - Offshore wind turbine KW - Operation management KW - Structural integrity management PY - 2012 SP - 37 EP - 42 PB - Istanbul Technical University CY - Instanbul, Turkey AN - OPUS4-26117 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Schneider, Ronald A1 - Thöns, Sebastian A1 - Straub, D. ED - Strauss, A. ED - Frangopol, D.M. ED - Bergmeister, K. T1 - Probalistic fatigue crack growth modeling for reliability-based inspection planning N2 - The fatigue deterioration modeling for welded steel structures subjected to high cycle fatigue is presented in the current document. The aim of this paper is to formulate approaches based on actual Research results for the phases fatigue crack initiation, fatigue propagation and fatigue failure. The physical characteristics of the approaches are discussed in combination with the associated uncertainties and the probabilistic modeling of this time variant reliability problem. The fatigue deterioration modeling documented here serve as a basis for a reliability-based approach to inspection planning. T2 - 3rd International symposium on life-cycle civil engineering CY - Vienna, Austria DA - 03.10.2012 PY - 2012 SN - 978-0-415-62126-7 SP - 319 EP - 326 PB - CRC Press AN - OPUS4-27067 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Brüske, H. A1 - Thöns, Sebastian T1 - Value of pre‐construction proof loading information for structural design N2 - We introduce a new concept that enables a decision analyst to explore and quantify the benefits of decision alternatives that exceed the scope of a pre‐posterior decision or value of information analysis. This new concept, namely, the expected value of sample information and action analysis, facilitates to examine decision alternatives that become only possible with additional knowledge. The concept is introduced by taking basis in proof load testing as a source of (pre‐)posterior knowledge. Pre‐posterior decision analysis is necessary in order to optimize the structural design through proof loading information. The application of the common value of information Analysis and the new value of information and action analysis are demonstrated in a case study. KW - Value of information and action KW - Pre‐construction proof loading KW - Pre‐posterior decision analysis KW - Structural design optimization PY - 2019 DO - https://doi.org/10.1002/we.2398 SN - 1095-4244 SP - 1 EP - 17 PB - John Wiley & Sons AN - OPUS4-48804 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Rastayesh, S. A1 - Long, Lijia A1 - Sørensen, J. D. A1 - Thöns, Sebastian T1 - Risk Assessment and Value of Action Analysis for Icing Conditions of Wind Turbines Close to Highways N2 - The paper presents research results from the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network INFRASTAR in the field of reliability approaches for decision-making for wind turbines and bridges. This paper addresses the application of Bayesian decision analysis for installation of heating systems in wind turbine blades in cases where an ice detection system is already installed in order to allow wind turbines to be placed close to highways. Generally, application of ice detection and heating systems for wind turbines is very relevant in cases where the wind turbines are planned to be placed close to urban areas and highways, where risks need to be considered due to icing events, which may lead to consequences including human fatality, functional disruptions, and/or economic losses. The risk of people being killed in a car passing on highways near a wind turbine due to blades parts or ice pieces being thrown away in cases of overicing is considered in this paper. The probability of being killed per kilometer and per year is considered for three cases: blade parts thrown away as a result of a partial or total failure of a blade, ice thrown away in two cases, i.e., of stopped wind turbines and of wind turbines in operation. Risks due to blade parts being thrown away cannot be avoided, since low strengths of material, maintenance or manufacturing errors, mechanical or electrical failures may result in failure of a blade or blade part. The blade (parts) thrown away from wind turbines in operation imply possible consequences/fatalities for people near the wind turbines, including in areas close to highways. Similar consequences are relevant for ice being thrown away from wind turbine blades during icing situations. In this paper, we examine the question as to whether it is valuable to put a heating System on the blades in addition to ice detection systems. This is especially interesting in countries with limited space for placing wind turbines; in addition, it is considered if higher power production can be obtained due to less downtime if a heating system is installed. KW - Risk assessment KW - Value of action analysis KW - Icing conditions KW - Wind turbine KW - Blade PY - 2019 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-487805 DO - https://doi.org/10.3390/en12142653 VL - 12 IS - 14 SP - 2653-1 EP - 2653-15 PB - MDPI AN - OPUS4-48780 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Costa, Giancarlo A1 - Thöns, Sebastian A1 - Limongelli, Maria Pina A1 - Piscini, Andrea T1 - Value of information‐driven innovation in Gerber saddles monitoring N2 - AbstractInnovation plays a crucial role in shaping technological, economic, and social progress in modern societies. In the realm of bridge integrity management, the development and diffusion of technologies to acquire information can significantly enhance industries' safety and functionality capabilities. Among the most widely diffused bridge types in Europe and North America, Gerber bridges are particularly susceptible to deterioration over time. Gerber saddles are typically not instrumented and are checked only through visual inspections. This paper introduces the metric of the Value of Information for Innovation to estimate the benefit associated with introducing an established technology in a new market of application. Herein, the operational value of implementing microelectromechanical inclinometers in the integrity management of Gerber saddles is quantified for the specific case of a bridge in northern Italy. Microelectromechanical systems companies may use these results to optimally select the technology price, investigate diverse market strategies, and optimize sensor arrangement. KW - Gerber saddles KW - Innovation KW - MEMs KW - Sensor optimization KW - Value of Information PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-627853 DO - https://doi.org/10.1002/suco.202400951 SN - 1751-7648 VL - 674 SP - 230 EP - 240 PB - Wiley AN - OPUS4-62785 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Farhan, Muhammad A1 - Schneider, Ronald A1 - Thöns, Sebastian A1 - Gündel, M. T1 - Probabilistic cost modeling as a basis for optimizing inspection and maintenance of turbine support structures in offshore wind farms N2 - The operational management of offshore wind farms includes inspection and maintenance (I&M) of the wind turbine support structures. These activities are complex and influenced by numerous uncertain factors that affect their costs. The uncertainty in the I&M costs should be considered in decision value analyses performed to optimize I&M strategies for the turbine support structures. In this paper, we formulate a probabilistic parametric model to describe I&M costs for the common case in which a wind farm is serviced and maintained using a workboat-based strategy. The model is developed based on (a) interviews with a wind farm operator, engineering consultants, and operation and maintenance engineers, as well as (b) scientific literature. Our methodology involves deriving the probabilistic models of the cost model parameters based on intervals representing a subjective expert opinion on the foreseeable ranges of the parameter values. The probabilistic cost model is applied to evaluate the total I&M costs, and a sensitivity analysis is conducted to identify the main cost drivers. The model can be utilized to optimize I&M strategies at the component, structural system, and wind farm level. To illustrate its potential use, we apply it in a numerical study in which we optimize I&M strategies at the structural system level and identify and demonstrate a simplified approach of capturing uncertain I&M costs in the optimization. The simplified approach is generalized and made available for maintenance cost optimization of offshore wind turbine structures. KW - Inspection KW - Maintenance KW - Turbine support structures KW - Offshore wind KW - Costs PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-626144 DO - https://doi.org/10.5194/wes-10-461-2025 SN - 2366-7443 SN - 2366-7451 VL - 10 IS - 2 SP - 461 EP - 481 PB - Copernicus Publications CY - Göttingen AN - OPUS4-62614 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Thöns, Sebastian A1 - Döhler, M. A1 - Long, Lijia T1 - On Damage Detection System Information for Structural Systems N2 - Damage detection systems (DDS) provide information of the structural system integrity in contrast to e.g. local information by inspections or non-destructive testing techniques. In this paper, an approach is developed and demonstrated to utilize DDS information to update the structural system reliability and to integrate this information in structural system risk and utility analyses. For this aim, a novel performance modelling of DDS building upon their system characteristics and non-destructive testing reliability is introduced. The DDS performance modelling accounts for a measurement system in combination with a damage detection algorithm attached to a structural system in the reference and damage states and is modelled with the probability of indication accounting for type I and II errors. In this way, the basis for DDS performance comparison and assessment is provided accounting for the dependencies between the damage states in a structure. For updating of the structural system reliability, an approach is developed based on Bayesian updating facilitating the use of DDS information on structural system level and thus for a structural system risk analysis. The structural system risk analysis encompasses the static, dynamic, deterioration, reliability and consequence models, which provide the basis for the system model for calculating the direct risks due to component failure and the indirect risks due to system failure. Two case studies with the developed approach demonstrate a high Value of DDS Information due to risk and expected cost reduction. KW - Damage detection KW - Value of Information KW - Structural systems KW - Damage detection uncertainty PY - 2018 DO - https://doi.org/10.1080/10168664.2018.1459222 VL - 28 IS - 3 SP - 255 EP - 268 PB - Taylor & Francis AN - OPUS4-46964 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Kapoor, M. A1 - Sørensen, J. D. A1 - Ghosh, S. A1 - Thöns, Sebastian T1 - Decision theoretic approach for identification of optimal proof load with sparse resistance information N2 - Proof load testing may be performed to confirm the reliability of the bridge for an existing classification or to prove the reliability for a higher classification. In this paper, a probabilistic decision analysis approach is applied to the scenario for the evaluation of target proof load in the situation where information on the bridge resistance model is lacking. In this case, the resistance model is established by proof loading and taking very basic prior knowledge into account. The decision scenario is modelled in the context of the proof load test planner who shall choose the required load level for assessment of a bridge. The choice of the load level depends on the risks due to the testing and the expected benefit gain from the test. Information acquired about the loading response from monitoring during the proof load testing is modelled by taking basis in the model uncertainty formulation. The optimal proof load level for classification of a single lane, simply supported bridge of 8m span subjected to live load from very heavy (gross weight > 80 tons) transport vehicles was calculated. The optimal proof load level was identified as leading to a positive expected benefit gain to the decision maker while also satisfying target reliability criteria for remaining service life. The analysis was performed for the evaluation of bridge performance with respect to five classifications of very heavy transport vehicles with different vehicle weights and configurations. T2 - 10th International Conference on Bridge Maintenance, Safety and Management (IABMAS) CY - Sapporo, Japan DA - 11.04.2021 KW - Proof load testing KW - Probabilistic decision analysis KW - Bridge resistance model PY - 2021 SN - 978-0-429-27911-9 DO - https://doi.org/10.1201/9780429279119-104 SP - 789 EP - 797 PB - CRC Press CY - Boca Raton, Florida AN - OPUS4-57879 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Schneider, Ronald A1 - Thöns, Sebastian A1 - Straub, D. ED - Strauss, A. ED - Frangopol, D.M. ED - Bergmeister, K. T1 - Reliability-based inspection planning with application to orthotropic bridge deck structures subjected to fatigue N2 - A reliability-based approach to inspection planning for welded steel structures subjected to high cycle fatigue is presented in the current document. Inspections are an effective means to control the Progress of fatigue deterioration and the presented approach allows to determine the minimum required inspection effort so that the considered structure complies with the given risk acceptance criteria in terms of target reliability throughout its service life. T2 - 3rd International symposium on life-cycle civil engineering CY - Vienna, Austria DA - 03.10.2012 PY - 2012 SN - 978-0-415-62126-7 SP - 311 EP - 318 PB - CRC Press AN - OPUS4-27068 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Thöns, Sebastian A1 - Faber, M. H. A1 - Rücker, Werner T1 - Ultimate limit state model basis for assessment of offshore wind energy converters N2 - This paper establishes the model basis regarding the ultimate limit state consisting of structural, loading, and probabilistic models of the support structure of offshore wind energy converters together with a sensitivity study. The model basis is part of a risk based assessment and monitoring framework and will be applied for establishing the 'as designed and constructed' reliability as prior information for the assessment and as a basis for designing a monitoring system. The model basis is derived considering the constitutive physical equations and the methodology of solving these which then in combination with the ultimate limit state requirements leads to the specific constitutive relations. As a result finite element models based on shell elements incorporating a structural and a loading model are introduced and described in detail. Applying these models the ultimate capacity of the support structure and the tripod structure are determined with a geometrically and materially nonlinear finite element analysis. The observed failure mechanisms are the basis for the definition of the ultimate limit state responses. A probabilistic model accounting for the uncertainties involved is derived on the basis of literature review and measurement data from a prototype Multibrid M5000 support structure. In combination with the developed structural and loading models, sensitivity analyses in regard to the responses are performed to enhance the understanding and to refine the developed models. To this end, as the developed models necessitate substantial numerical efforts for the probabilistic response analysis predetermined designs of numerical experiments are applied for the calculation of the sensitivities using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient. With this quantification of the sensitivity of the random variables on the responses including nonlinearity the refinement of the model is performed on a quantitative basis. KW - Condition monitoring KW - Failure analysis KW - Finite element analysis KW - Offshore installations KW - Probability KW - Risk analysis KW - Shells (structures) KW - Structural engineering KW - Wind power KW - Model basis KW - Offshore wind KW - Support structure KW - Sensitivity KW - Ultimate limit state PY - 2012 DO - https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4004513 SN - 0892-7219 VL - 134 IS - 3 SP - 1 EP - 9 PB - American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) CY - New York, NY AN - OPUS4-26358 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Thöns, Sebastian A1 - Rücker, Werner T1 - Risikobasierte Überwachungsverfahren zur Lebensdauerverlängerung von bestehenden und neuen Bauwerken T1 - Risk based condition monitoring for life cycle extension of structures N2 - Diese Veröffentlichung enthält Konzepte zur Lebensdauerverlängerung von Bauwerken auf der Grundlage der Tragwerkszuverlässigkeitstheorie. Es werden aktuelle Forschungsergebnisse aus nationalen und europäischen Forschungsvorhaben vorgestellt. Den Schwerpunkt bildet die Verwendung von Bauwerksüberwachungsdaten unter Berücksichtigung von Messunsicherheiten zur Bestimmung der Tragwerkszuverlässigkeit. Dazu wird ein neuer Ansatz zur Bestimmung der A-posteriori Messunsicherheit vorgestellt. Es wird gezeigt, aufgrund welcher Eigenschaften der verwendeten probabilistischen Modelle die Zuverlässigkeit im Grenzzustand der Ermüdung in Bezug auf eine Lebensdauerverlängerung beeinflusst werden kann. N2 - This paper contains approaches aiming at the life cycle extension of structures on the basis of the structural reliability theory. Actual research results are presented with the focusing on the utilisation of monitoring data for the structural reliability analysis. In this context a framework for the determination of the posterior measurement uncertainty applying Bayesian Updating the process equation based measurement uncertainty with the Observation based measurement uncertainty is introduced. The general concepts for the utilisation of monitoring data and inspection data for updating the structural reliability in the view of life cycle extension are outlined. The characteristics of monitoring data in the context of the structural reliability theory are shown in detail on the basis of an example. T2 - DVM-Tag 2011 - Bauteilzuverlässigkeit - Schäden und ihre Vermeidung CY - Berlin, Germany DA - 04.05.2011 KW - Lebensdauerverlängerung KW - Tragwerkszuverlässigkeit KW - Messunsicherheit KW - Bauwerksüberwachung KW - Life cycle extension KW - Structural reliability KW - Measurement uncertainty KW - Structural monitoring PY - 2011 SN - 0946-5987 N1 - Serientitel: DVM-Bericht – Series title: DVM-Bericht IS - 678 SP - 1 EP - 10 AN - OPUS4-23720 LA - deu AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Long, Lijia A1 - Döhler, M. A1 - Thöns, Sebastian T1 - Determination of structural and damage detection system influencing parameters on the value of information N2 - A method to determine the influencing parameters of a structural and damage detection system is proposed based on the value of Information analysis. The value of information analysis utilizes the Bayesian pre-posterior decision theory to quantify the value of damage detection system for the structural integrity management during service life. First, the influencing parameters of the structural system, such as deterioration type and rate are introduced for the performance of the prior probabilistic system model. Then the influencing parameters on the damage detection system performance, including number of sensors, sensor locations, measurement noise, and the Type-I error are investigated. The preposterior probabilistic model is computed utilizing the Bayes’ theorem to update the prior system model with the damage indication information. Finally, the value of damage detection system is quantified as the difference between the maximum utility obtained in pre-posterior and prior analysis based on the decision tree analysis, comprising structural probabilistic models, consequences, as well as benefit and costs analysis associated with and without monitoring. With the developed approach, a case study on a statically determinate Pratt truss bridge girder is carried out to validate the method. The analysis shows that the deterioration rate is the most sensitive parameter on the effect of relative value of information over the whole service life. Furthermore, it shows that more sensors do not necessarily lead to a higher relative value of information; only specific sensor locations near the highest utilized components lead to a high relative value of information; measurement noise and the Type-I error should be controlled and be as small as possible. An optimal sensor employment with highest relative value of information is found. Moreover, it is found that the proposed method can be a powerful tool to develop optimal service life maintenance strategies—before implementation—for similar bridges and to optimize the damage detection system settings and sensor configuration for minimum expected Costs and risks. KW - Damage detection systems KW - Value of information KW - Deteriorating structures KW - Probability of damage indication KW - Decision theory PY - 2022 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-508083 DO - https://doi.org/10.1177/1475921719900918 SN - 1475-9217 SN - 1741-3168 VL - 21 IS - 1 SP - 19 EP - 36 PB - Sage Publications CY - Thousand Oaks, Calif. AN - OPUS4-50808 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Long, Lijia A1 - Alcover, I. F. A1 - Thöns, Sebastian T1 - Utility analysis for SHM durations and service life extension of welds on steel bridge deck N2 - Optimization of the duration of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) campaigns is rarely performed. This article provides a utility-based solution to posteriorly determine: i) optimal monitoring Durations and ii) the extension of the service life of the welds on a steel bridge deck. The approach is Illustrated with a case study focusing on remaining fatigue life estimation of the welds on the orthotropic steel deck of the Great Belt Bridge, in Denmark. The identification of the optimal monitoring duration and the decision about extending the service life of the welds are modelled by maximizing the expected benefits and minimizing the structural risks. The results are a parametric analysis, mainly on the effect of the target probability, benefit, cost of failure, cost of rehabilitation, cost of monitoring and Discount rate on the posterior utilities of monitoring strategies and the choice of service life considering the risk variability and the costs and benefits models. The results show that the decision on short-term monitoring, i.e., 1 week every six months, is overall the most valued SHM strategy. In addition, it is found that the target probability is the most sensitive parameter affecting the optimal SHM Durations and service life extension of the welds. KW - Fatigue KW - Monitoring strategy KW - Orthotropic steel deck KW - Structural health monitoring KW - Utility and decision theory PY - 2021 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-521719 DO - https://doi.org/10.1080/15732479.2020.1866026 SN - 1573-2479 VL - 18 IS - 4 SP - 492 EP - 504 PB - Taylor Francis Online AN - OPUS4-52171 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Long, Lijia A1 - Anh Mai, Q. A1 - Morato, P. G. A1 - Dalsgaard Sorensen, J. A1 - Thöns, Sebastian T1 - Information value-based optimization of structural and environmental monitoring for offshore wind turbines support structures N2 - The use of load and structural performance measurement information is vital for efficient structural integrity management and for the cost of energy production with Offshore Wind Turbines (OWTs). OWTs are dynamically sensitive structures subject to an interaction with a control unit exposed to repeated cyclic wind and wave loads causing deterioration and fatigue. This study focuses on the quantification of the value of structural and environmental information on the integrity management of OWT structures, with the focus on fatigue of welded joints. By utilizing decision analysis, structural reliability methods, measurement data, as well as the cost-benefit models, a Value of Information (VoI) analysis can be performed to quantify the most beneficial measurement strategy. The VoI assessment is demonstrated for the integrity management of a butt welded joint of a monopile support structure for a 3 MW OWT with a hub height of approximately 71m. The conditional value of three-year measured oceanographic information and one-year strain monitoring information is quantified posteriori in conjunction with an inspection and repair planning. This paper provides insights on how much benefits can be achieved through structural and environmental information, with practical relevance on reliability-based maintenance of OWT structures. KW - Structural health monitoring KW - Offshore wind turbine KW - Monopile support structure KW - Value of information KW - Weld fatigue KW - Decision tree KW - Dynamic Bayesian Network PY - 2020 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-514098 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2020.06.038 VL - 10 IS - 159 SP - 1036 EP - 1046 PB - Elsevier Ltd. AN - OPUS4-51409 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Thöns, Sebastian A1 - Faber, M. H. A1 - Rücker, Werner T1 - Fatigue and serviceability limit state model basis for assessment of offshore wind energy converters N2 - This paper develops the models for the structural performance of the loading and probabilistic characterization for the fatigue and the serviceability limit states for the support structure of offshore wind energy converters. These models and a sensitivity study are part of a risk based assessment and monitoring framework and will be applied for establishing the 'as designed and constructed' reliability as prior information for the assessment and the design of monitoring systems. The constitutive physical equations are introduced in combination with the fatigue and serviceability limit state requirements as the starting point for the development of the structural performance and loading models. With these models introduced in detail, several modeling aspects for both limit states are analyzed. This includes analyses of the influence on the hot spot stresses by applying a contact formulation for the pile guide brace connection and the application of a finite element formulation using solid elements. Further, the comparison of the natural frequencies of a discrete rotor model with a continuous rotor model is documented. To account for uncertainties associated with the structural and loading models, a probabilistic model is derived on the basis of literature review and measurement data from a prototype Multibrid M5000 support structure. The sensitivity study is based on the calculation of a nonlinear coefficient of correlation in conjunction with predetermined designs of experiments. This is conducted by a systematic analysis of the influence of the random variables on limit state responses and hence on the structural reliability. Integrating the analyses and sensitivity studies of the fatigue and serviceability limit state models developed in this paper as well as the ultimate limit state models in Thöns et al. ('Ultimate Limit State Model Basis for Assessment of Offshore Wind Energy Converters,' ASME J. Offshore Mech. Arct. Eng.), the model basis for the assessment is completed. The process of establishing and analyzing such a model basis contributes to a detailed understanding of the deterministic and probabilistic characteristics of the structure and provides valuable insights in regard to the significance of available data. KW - Fatigue KW - Finite element analysis KW - Rotors KW - Wind power KW - Model basis KW - Offshore wind KW - Support structure KW - Sensitivity KW - Serviceability PY - 2012 DO - https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4004514 SN - 0892-7219 VL - 134 IS - 3 SP - 1 EP - 10 PB - American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) CY - New York, NY AN - OPUS4-26437 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Kapoor, M. A1 - Overgaard Christensen, Ch. A1 - Wittrup Schmidt, J. A1 - Dalsgaard Sørensen, J. A1 - Thöns, Sebastian T1 - Decision analytic approach for the reclassification of concrete bridges by using elastic limit information from proof loading N2 - Reclassification of bridges, i.e., a change in load rating, using reliability-based methods and a direct update with proof load information has been presented by many authors. However, bridge reclassification has hardly been studied from a decision analytic perspective, i.e., with quantification of the risks and benefits of different classification choices, and the expected benefit gain from proof loading. We derive, explain and exemplify a decision analytic approach for bridge reclassification along with models for (1) elastic and ultimate capacity and their adaptation with proof load information, (2) proof load information with classification outcomes accounting for target reliabilities and, (3) utilities including socio-economic benefits from reclassification. The approach and models are exemplified with a case study based on reclassification of bridges with a low existing classification. Decision rules, for practical use by a highway authority to find the optimal classification, are identified and documented based on: (1) the measurement of the capacity at elastic limit by proof loading, (2) the bridge reclassification benefits, and, (3) the required annual reliability level. From a Value of Information analysis, it is concluded that the proof load information is highly valuable for reclassification in cases of high socio-economic benefits and high reliability requirements. KW - Proof loading KW - Structural reliability KW - Value of information KW - Decision analysis PY - 2023 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-596845 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ress.2022.109049 SN - 0951-8320/ VL - 232 SP - 1 EP - 16 PB - Elsevier Ltd. AN - OPUS4-59684 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Kinne, Marko A1 - Thöns, Sebastian T1 - Fatigue Reliability Based on Predicted Posterior Stress Ranges Determined from Strain Measurements of Wind Turbine Support Structures N2 - In the present paper, an approach for updating the continuous stress range distribution of a welded connection of a wind turbine support structure with predicted information from strain measurements is presented. Environmental conditions, such as wind or, in offshore fields, waves and currents, in combination with rotor excitations generate cyclic stresses affecting the reliability of welded joints of the support structure over the service life. Using strain measurements, these conditions can be monitored, and the resulting stress ranges, under consideration of measurement, mechanical and material uncertainties, can be reconstructed. These stress ranges can be used as an input for updating the prior probability density function (PDF) of the stress ranges predicted by the overall dynamics and a detailed design analysis. Applying Bayesian probability theory and decision theoretical implications, the predicted posterior probability density of the stress ranges is calculated based on the design information and uncertainties. This approach is exemplified, and it is shown how the predicted stress ranges and the design stress ranges are distributed. The prior and the predicted posterior stress ranges are used for a reliability calculation for potentially entering a pre-posterior decision analysis KW - Strain measurements of wind turbine support structures KW - Bayesian updating of stress ranges KW - Posterior fatigue reliability PY - 2023 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-572663 DO - https://doi.org/10.3390/en16052225 VL - 16 IS - 5 SP - 1 EP - 26 PB - MDPI AN - OPUS4-57266 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schneider, Ronald A1 - Thöns, Sebastian A1 - Straub, Daniel T1 - Reliability analysis and updating of deteriorating systems with subset simulation N2 - An efficient approach to reliability analysis of deteriorating structural systems is presented, which considers stochastic dependence among element deterioration. Information on a deteriorating structure obtained through inspection or monitoring is included in the reliability assessment through Bayesian updating of the system deterioration model. The updated system reliability is then obtained through coupling the updated deterioration model with a probabilistic structural model. The underlying high-dimensional structural reliability problems are solved using subset simulation, which is an efficient and robust sampling-based algorithm suitable for such analyses. The approach is demonstrated in two case studies considering a steel frame structure and a Daniels system subjected to high-cycle fatigue. KW - Structural reliability KW - Deterioration KW - Bayesian analysis KW - Inspection KW - Monitoring KW - Subset simulation PY - 2017 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.strusafe.2016.09.002 SN - 0167-4730 SN - 1879-3355 VL - 64 SP - 20 EP - 36 PB - Elsevier AN - OPUS4-38218 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Thöns, Sebastian A1 - Rücker, Werner A1 - Faber, M.H. T1 - Support structure reliability of offshore wind turbines utilizing an adaptive response surface method T2 - OMAE 2010 - 29th International conference on ocean, offshore and arctic engineering CY - Shanghai, China DA - 2010-06-06 PY - 2010 IS - OMAE2010-20546 SP - 1 EP - 10 AN - OPUS4-21666 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Rücker, Werner A1 - Lüddecke, Falk A1 - Thöns, Sebastian T1 - Tragverhalten von Offshore Gründungskonstruktionen - Rechnerische und messtechnische Untersuchungen N2 - Dieser Artikel enthält eine Zusammenfassung von Ergebnissen des Forschungsverbundvorhabens 'OGOWIN: Optimierung aufgelöster Gründungsstrukturen für Offshore-Windenergieanlagen hinsichtlich Materialeinsatz, Montageablauf und neuer Fertigungsverfahren'. Die Ergebnisse umfassen (1) eine Untersuchung des dynamischen Verhaltens der verschiedenen Gründungsvarianten Monopile, Tripod und Jacket, (2) die Ermittlung einer Wöhlerlinie für den Grundwerkstoff eines Stahlgussknotens, (3) die Ermittlung der Traglast eines Stahlgussknotens in einem 1:1-Versuch sowie (4) Berechnungen zur Form- und Materialoptimierung. Zur Überwachung der Gebrauchstauglichkeit während des Betriebes wurden relevante Parameter hinsichtlich ihres Einflusses auf die ersten Eigenfrequenzen der o. g. Gründungskonstruktionen rechnerisch untersucht. Untersuchungen der Ermüdungsfestigkeit und die erstmalige experimentelle Ermittlung der Traglast eines Gussknotens tragen zu einem optimierten Entwurf durch genaue Kenntnis des Materialverhaltens und der höchstbeanspruchten Bereiche bei. Darüber hinaus konnte gezeigt werden, dass eine geometrische Optimierung des Stahlgussknotens unter konstruktiven Randbedingungen zu einer Verringerung des Materialaufwandes bzw. zu einer Erhöhung der Traglast führen kann. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This paper contains a summary of the joint research project 'OGOWIN: Optimisation of support structures for offshore wind turbines regarding the material consumption, the construction and production sequence as well as new production methodologies'. The results comprise (1) a modal analyses of various types of offshore wind turbine support structures, (2) the fatigue strength testing of the cast steel material, (3) a large scale ultimate capacity test of a cast steel tube connection and (4) an optimisation of the tube connection aiming at material and stress reduction. The sensitivity of the relevant parameters on the first natural frequencies was quantified and the most influencing parameters were identified. The analyses of the fatigue strength and of the ultimate capacity of the cast steel tube connection support an optimised design by precise knowledge of the failure mechanisms and material behaviour. Moreover, it is shown that optimising the cast steel node can reduce the material use and stress concentration. KW - Gussknoten KW - Ermüdung KW - Traglast KW - Optimierung KW - Cast steel tube connection KW - Fatigue KW - Ultimate capacity KW - Optimisation KW - Meerestechnik KW - Offshore engineering KW - Stahlbau KW - Steel construction KW - Neue Verfahren/Versuchstechnik KW - New Processes/Experimental Techniques PY - 2012 DO - https://doi.org/10.1002/bate.201200022 SN - 0932-8351 SN - 1437-0999 SN - 0005-6820 SN - 0341-1052 SN - 0932-6359 VL - 89 IS - 12 SP - 821 EP - 830 PB - Ernst & Sohn CY - Berlin AN - OPUS4-27426 LA - deu AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER -