Automated structural assessment of existing reinforced concrete underpasses

Due to the large number of underpasses in the Netherlands that have to be assessed, a project at the Delft University of Technology in cooperation with Royal HaskoningDHV was started. Research was conducted into the automation of the structural assessment of existing reinforced concrete underpasses in the Netherlands. The developed Automated Structural Assessment Tool (ASA Tool) consists of an analytical model and a 2.5D FEM model. The analytical model uses traffic load distribution following the Guyon-Massonnet-Bares method for bending and a method based on fib Model Code 2010 for shear. The script-based 2.5D FEM model uses 2D shell elements and performs a linear elastic analysis. The input and output can be linked to a database for assessment of large batches. Sensitivity analyses showed that in-plane load distribution following fib Model Code 2010 combined with vertical load distribution according to EN 1991-2:2003 results in underestimated shear forces.