About the Project

Concept

The basic concept of the present work is the definition of a new effective repair and/or reinforcement method for large steel structures with defects. Two basic steel structural types will be dealt with in this work, namely marine structures (mainly ships) and steel civil engineering structures (e.g. bridges). Many of the major problems that these structures face during their operational life are common, with fatigue playing a predominant role among them. Repeated loading is a very common loading condition for both these structures, which, in areas of stress concentrations, leads to the initiation and growth of fatigue cracks. These cracks, if not detected and properly repaired in time, can grow to critical lengths and result in catastrophic structural failures. An additional structural problem of either marine or other large steel structures is corrosion, particularly for vessels and structures designed with thinner plating due to the use of higher-strength steels. Corroded plating or beams jeopardise the strength and stiffness of the structure and measures have to be taken to reinstate the original structural characteristics. Besides the above two major defects of the steel structures, there is often the need for upgrading the strength and/or the stiffness of a structure, enabling it to face new loading conditions or helping in mitigating initial design deficiencies. As an example, a ship structure may need reinforcement in order to be able to carry new cargo or new equipment, whereas a steel bridge may need an extension of its design life in order to meet new traffic conditions.