Advanced life-cycle assessment of reinforced concrete bridges using digital twin concept

Abstract

This paper proposes a concept for enhancing the maintenance of aging reinforced concrete bridges using online bridge monitoring system coupled with advanced non-linear numerical modelling. Based on the on-site measurement data, a calibrated nonlinear numerical model is developed and then further used for the simulation of the degradation mechanisms, such as chloride-induced reinforcement corrosion. This allows assessing the reduced structural load-bearing capacity and thus predict the rate of structural degradation. An example pilot study is presented showing the development and application of the digital twin for a two-span reinforced concrete bridge. The obtained numerical data are discussed and evaluated within the framework of the valid fib Model Code standard.