Presentation
Presentation
André Valente Monteiro
Head of Unit
The role of the Structural Monitoring Unit is to carry out research and technological development studies in the field of monitoring, testing and inspection of structures, mainly bridges and special structures, for the control of their structural behaviour.
It is an activity that stands out for its important in situ experimental practice, complemented by appropriate modelling of structural behaviour and the application of information extraction methods. The aim is to provide expert support to owners in the management of their assets, contributing to the safety, functionality, and durability of the structures.
The Unit combines a long experience in this field with the continuous search for innovative methods of instrumentation, modelling and data processing, benefiting from the participation in several RDI projects and having qualified and motivated technical staff. The Unit is currently involved in the continuous monitoring of more than twenty bridges, in Portugal and abroad.
Activity
The Structural Monitoring Unit activity includes the realization of scientific research studies, providing specialized services and consultancy, as well as standardization, dissemination, and training activities. The following aspects are emphasized:
- Development and implementation of structural integrity monitoring techniques to detect, locate and assess the magnitude of damage or changes in structural behaviour
- Performing inspections of bridges and other special structures to diagnose anomalies and define the guiding principles for their correction
- Carrying out complementary diagnostic tests, including load tests before the structures are put into service or as part of rehabilitation interventions
- Measurement of forces in stay cables or external prestressing cables
- Consultancy for the development and implementation of bridge management systems
- Participation in the development of structural codes, in particular the Eurocodes
- Numerical modelling of structural behaviour, with particular emphasis on the effects of concrete time-dependent behaviour and internal swelling reactions in concrete