TY - JOUR A1 - Zinas, Orestis A1 - Papaioannou, Iason A1 - Schneider, Ronald A1 - Cuéllar, Pablo T1 - Multivariate Gaussian Process Regression for 3D site characterization from CPT and categorical borehole data N2 - Accurate prediction of subsurface stratigraphy and geotechnical properties, along with quantification of associated uncertainties, is essential for improving the design and assessment of geotechnical structures. Several studies have utilized indirect data from Cone Penetration Tests (CPTs) and employed statistical and Machine Learning methods to quantify the geological and geotechnical uncertainty. Incorporating direct borehole data can reduce uncertainties. This study proposes a computationally efficient multivariate Gaussian Process model that utilizes site-specific data and: (i) jointly models multiple categorical (USCS labels) and continuous CPT variables, (ii) learns a non-separable covariance structure leveraging the Linear Model of Coregionalization, and (iii) predicts a USCS based stratigraphy and CPT parameters at any location within the 3D domain. The results demonstrate that integrating geotechnical and geological data into a unified model yields more reliable predictions of subsurface stratification, enabling the parallel interpretation of both USCS classification and CPT profiles. Importantly, the model demonstrates its potential to integrate multiple variables from different sources and data types, contributing to the advancement of methodologies for the joint modeling of geotechnical, geological, and geophysical data. KW - Geotechnical site-characterization KW - Cone Penetration Tests KW - Stratigraphy prediction KW - Multivariate Gaussian process KW - Variational inference KW - Linear Model of Coregionalization PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-629456 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2025.108052 SN - 1872-6917 VL - 352 SP - 1 EP - 19 PB - Elsevier B.V. AN - OPUS4-62945 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Straub, D. A1 - Schneider, Ronald A1 - Bismut, E. A1 - Kim, H.-J. T1 - Reliability analysis of deteriorating structural systems N2 - Reliability analysis of deteriorating structural systems requires the solution of time-variant reliability problems. In the general case, both the capacity of and the loads on the structure vary with time. This analysis can be approached by approximation through a series of time-invariant reliability problems, which is a potentially effective strategy for cases where direct solutions of the time-variant reliability problem are challenging, e.g. for structural systems with many elements or arbitrary load processes. In this contribution, we thoroughly Review the formulation of the equivalent time-invariant reliability problems and extend this approximation to structures for which inspection and monitoring data is available. Thereafter, we present methods for efficiently evaluating the reliability over time. In particular, we propose the combination of sampling-based methods with a FORM (first-order reliability method) approximation of the series system reliability problem that arises in the computation of the lifetime reliability. The framework and algorithms are demonstrated on a set of numerical examples, which include the computation of the reliability conditional on inspection data. KW - Monitoring KW - Reliability KW - Deterioration KW - Structural systems KW - Bayesian analysis KW - Inspection PY - 2020 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.strusafe.2019.101877 VL - 82 SP - Paper 101877, 1 PB - Elsevier Ltd. AN - OPUS4-48952 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Simon, Patrick A1 - Schneider, Ronald A1 - Baeßler, Matthias A1 - Morgenthal, Guido ED - Cha, Young-Jin T1 - A Bayesian Probabilistic Framework for Building Models for Structural Health Monitoring of Structures Subject to Environmental Variability N2 - Managing aging engineering structures requires damage identification, capacity reassessment, and prediction of remaining service life. Data from structural health monitoring (SHM) systems can be utilized to detect and characterize potential damage. However, environmental and operational variations impair the identification of damages from SHM data. Motivated by this, we introduce a Bayesian probabilistic framework for building models and identifying damage in monitored structures subject to environmental variability. The novelty of our work lies (a) in explicitly considering the effect of environmental influences and potential structural damages in the modeling to enable more accurate damage identification and (b) in proposing a methodological workflow for model‐based structural health monitoring that leverages model class selection for model building and damage identification. The framework is applied to a progressively damaged reinforced concrete beam subject to temperature variations in a climate chamber. Based on deflections and inclinations measured during diagnostic load tests of the undamaged structure, the most appropriate modeling approach for describing the temperature‐dependent behavior of the undamaged beam is identified. In the damaged state, damage is characterized based on the identified model parameters. The location and extent of the identified damage are consistent with the cracks observed in the laboratory. A numerical study with synthetic data is used to validate the parameter identification. The known true parameters lie within the 90% highest density intervals of the posterior distributions of the model parameters, suggesting that this approach is reliable for parameter identification. Our results indicate that the proposed framework can answer the question of damage identification under environmental variations. These findings show a way forward in integrating SHM data into the management of infrastructures. KW - Verkehrsinfrastukturen KW - SHM KW - Model Updating KW - Environmental and Operational Variability KW - Damage Identification KW - Model Building PY - 2024 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-605027 DO - https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/4204316 SN - 1545-2255 VL - 2024 IS - 1 SP - 1 EP - 23 PB - Wiley AN - OPUS4-60502 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Simon, Patrick A1 - Schneider, Ronald A1 - Baeßler, Matthias A1 - Morgenthal, Guido T1 - Parallelized adaptive Bayesian updating with structural reliability methods for inference of large engineering models N2 - The reassessment of engineering structures, such as bridges, now increasingly involve the integration of models with realworld data. This integration aims to achieve accurate ‘as-is’ analysis within a digital twin framework. Bayesian model updating combines prior knowledge and data with models to enhance the modelling accuracy while consistently handling uncertainties. When updating large engineering models, numerical methods for Bayesian analysis present significant computational challenges due to the need for a substantial number of likelihood evaluations. The novelty of this contribution is to parallelize adaptive Bayesian Updating with Structural reliability methods combined with subset simulation (aBUS) to improve its computational efficiency. To demonstrate the efficiency and practical applicability of the proposed approach, we present a case study on the Maintalbrücke Gemünden, a large railway bridge. We leverage modal property data to update a linear-elastic dynamic structural model of the bridge. The parallelized aBUS approach significantly reduces computational time, making Bayesian updating of large engineering models feasible within reasonable timeframes. The improved efficiency allows for a wider implementation of Bayesian model updating in structural health monitoring and maintenance decision support systems. KW - Bayesian model updating KW - Bayesian updating with structural reliability methods KW - Structural health monitoring KW - Parallelization KW - Modal analysis KW - Railway bridge PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-633686 DO - https://doi.org/10.1177/13694332251346848 SN - 1369-4332 SN - 2048-4011 SP - 1 EP - 26 PB - Sage AN - OPUS4-63368 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Simon, Patrick A1 - Schneider, Ronald A1 - Baeßler, Matthias ED - Yokota, H. ED - Frangopol, D. M. T1 - Bayesian system identification of a reinforced concrete beam subject to temperature variations based on static response data N2 - Changes in the measured response of structural systems can be an indication of structural damages. However, such changes can also be caused by the effect of varying environmental conditions. To detect, localize and quantify changes or damages in structural systems subject to varying environmental conditions, physics-based models of the structural systems have to be applied which explicitly account for the influence of ambient conditions on the structural behavior. Data obtained from the structural systems should be used to calibrate the models and update predictions. Bayesian system identification is an effective framework for this task. In this paper, we apply this framework to learn the parameters of two competing structural models of a reinforced concrete beam subject to varying temperatures based on static response data. The models describe the behavior of the beam in the uncracked and cracked condition. The data is collected in a series of load tests in a climate chamber. Bayesian model class selection is then applied to infer the most plausible condition of the beam conditional on the available data. T2 - Tenth International Conference on Bridge Maintenance, Safety and Management (IABMAS 2020) CY - Online meeting DA - 11.04.2021 KW - Structural systems KW - Bayesian system identification KW - Damage identification KW - Environmental effects KW - Structural health monitoring PY - 2021 DO - https://doi.org/10.1201/9780429279119-125 SP - 934 EP - 941 PB - CRC Press AN - OPUS4-52809 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schneider, Ronald A1 - Simon, Patrick A1 - Hille, Falk A1 - Herrmann, Ralf A1 - Baeßler, Matthias T1 - Vibration-based system identification of a large steel box girder bridge N2 - The Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM) collaborates with TNO to develop a software framework for automated calibration of structural models based on monitoring data. The ultimate goal is to include such models in the asset management process of engineering structures. As a basis for developing the framework, a multi-span road bridge consisting of ten simply supported steel box girders was selected as a test case. Our group measured output-only vibration data from one box girder under ambient conditions. From the data, we determined eigenfrequencies and mode shapes. In parallel, we developed a preliminary structural model of the box girder for the purpose of predicting its modal properties. In this contribution, we provide an overview of the measurement campaign, the operational modal analysis, the structural modeling and qualitatively compare the identified with the predicted modes. As an outlook, we discuss the further steps in the calibration process and future applications of the calibrated model. T2 - XII International Conference on Structural Dynamics (EURODYN 2023) CY - Delft, The Netherlands DA - 02.07.2023 KW - Verkehrsinfrastukturen KW - SHM KW - Model updating KW - System identification KW - Operational modal analysis PY - 2024 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-605041 DO - https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/2647/18/182039 SN - 1742-6596 VL - 2647 IS - 18 SP - 1 EP - 9 PB - IOP Publishing CY - Bristol AN - OPUS4-60504 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Hille, Falk A1 - Schneider, Ronald A1 - Simon, Patrick A1 - Herrmann, Ralf A1 - Baeßler, Matthias ED - Döhler, Michael ED - Mélot, Adrien ED - Aenlle Lopez, Manuel T1 - System identification and model calibration of a steel road bridge N2 - The Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), in cooperation with the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), is working on a framework for integrating frequently updated structural models into an asset management process for bridge structures. A multi-span steel road bridge was selected as a test case for the development of this framework. In order for the structural model to represent the real behavior of the bridge with sufficient accuracy, model calibration is required. In this case, we have planned to calibrate the model based on the dynamic response of the bridge. To determine its dynamic properties, a multi-setup operational modal analysis was performed on one of the bridge spans. In parallel, a structural model of the span was developed based on the available design and service life information. Both eigenfrequencies and mode shapes were used as reference parameters to calibrate the model. A sensitivity analysis was performed to identify the most influential design parameters. Subsequently, a genetic algorithm was applied for minimizing the difference between measured and simulated characteristic responses. In the proposed paper, we summarize the measurements as well as the determination of the modal response of the bridge and describe the process of calibration of the structural model using the identified dynamic response. T2 - 11th International Operational Modal Analysis Conference (IOMAC 2025) CY - Rennes, France DA - 20.05.2025 KW - Bridge structure KW - Operational modal analysis KW - Model calibration PY - 2025 SN - 978-84-09-75120-4 SP - 114 EP - 121 PB - International Group of Operational Modal Analysis CY - Gijón, Spain AN - OPUS4-64416 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Gerards-Wünsche, Paul A1 - Ratkovac, Mirjana A1 - Schneider, Ronald A1 - Hille, Falk A1 - Baeßler, Matthias T1 - A framework for assessing the reliability of crack luminescence – an automated fatigue crack detection system N2 - The new crack luminescence method offers the possibility of making fatigue surface cracks in metallic materials more visible during inspections through a special coating system. This coating system consists of two layers, whereby the first layer has fluorescent properties and emits visible light as soon as it is irradiated by UV light. The top layer is black and is designed to prevent the fluorescent layer from emitting if no crack develops in the underlying material. The technique proved particularly useful in a wide variety of fatigue tests of steel components under laboratory conditions. Moreover, it has the potential to be used in various industrial applications. To enable industrial deployment and integration into maintenance strategies, a concept study is developed in this contribution, resulting in a qualification framework that can serve as a foundation for determining the reliability of the crack luminescence system in terms of a probability of detection curve. Within this study, factors causing measurement variability and uncertainty are being determined and their influences assessed. Due to the extension of the system by a moving computer vision system for automated crack detection using artificial intelligence, additional long-term effects associated with structural health monitoring systems need to be incorporated into an extended probability of detection study as part of the technical justification. Finally, important aspects and findings related to design of experiments are discussed, and a framework for reliability assessment of a new optical crack monitoring method is presented, emphasizing the influence of various uncertainty parameters, including long-term effects such as system ageing. T2 - SPIE Conference Smart Structures + Nondestructive Evaluation 2023 CY - Long Beach, CA, USA DA - 24.03.2023 KW - Structural Health Monitoring KW - Non-Destructive Evaluation KW - Probability of Detection KW - Reliability KW - Artificial Intelligence KW - Computer Vision KW - Crack Luminescence KW - Wind PY - 2023 SN - 978-1-5106-6086-1 DO - https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2658390 SP - 1 EP - 15 AN - OPUS4-57244 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 - Eichner, Lukas A1 - Schneider, Ronald A1 - Baeßler, Matthias T1 - Optimal vibration sensor placement for jacket support structures of offshore wind turbines based on value of information analysis N2 - Information on the condition and reliability of an offshore jacket structure provided by a vibration-based structural health monitoring system can guide decisions on inspection and maintenance. When selecting the sensor setup, the designer of the monitoring system must assess its overall benefit compared to its costs before installation. The potential benefit of continuously monitoring the dynamic response of a jacket structure can be formally quantified through a value of information analysis from Bayesian decision theory. In this contribution, we present a framework for optimizing the placement of vibration sensors on offshore jacket structures by maximizing the value of information of the monitoring system. To solve the resulting discrete optimization problem, we adapt a genetic algorithm. The framework is demonstrated in a numerical example considering a redundant jacket-type steel frame. The numerical study shows that monitoring the vibration response of the frame is beneficial. Good sensor setups consist of relatively few sensors located towards the upper part of the frame. The adapted genetic algorithm performs similarly well as established sequential sensor placement algorithms and holds substantial promise for application to real jacket structures. KW - Optimal sensor placement KW - Value of information KW - Jacket support structure KW - Offshore wind turbine KW - Monitoring-informed inspection and maintenance planning PY - 2023 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oceaneng.2023.115407 SN - 0029-8018 VL - 288 IS - 2 PB - Elsevier Ltd. CY - Amsterdam AN - OPUS4-58725 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER -