Nicola Molon | Intern, Faculty of Engineering, Lusófona University, Portugal
Novamber 20, 2024 | 13h30-14h00 | Room C.1.5 | Lusófona University, Lisbon, Portugal
Abstract: The existing road network has enabled economic and social growth across national and European regions. Infrastructure elements like bridges, viaducts, and tunnels are weak points within this network, as a single failure in an overpass can disrupt travel across tens of kilometers. The primary focus of studies so far has been on the natural degradation of structures due to aging. In recent years, however, climate change has introduced additional stressors: rising temperatures, flooding, and other climate-related events are accelerating the deterioration of critical structural components. It is therefore essential to identify and measure the intensity of these emerging issues and to assess their impact on structural integrity. SHM systems play a crucial role in this context. By continuously collecting data on vibrations, stress levels, humidity, and temperature, SHM systems enable the detection and the quantification of potential structural issues.
The quantification of issues related to climate change will not only provide insight into the vulnerabilities associated with individual bridges but will also facilitate the future prioritization of maintenance interventions based on the risks posed by climate change to each infrastructure.
Short Bio: Nicola Molon is an intern at Lusofona University in Lisbon and a third year PhD student at University of Padova. To conclude his degree, he has to complete an international mobility program, and he chose to undertake his internship at Lusofona University. In Italy he works in the application of Italian codes for the risk assessment of the existing bridge by the risk analysis based on visual inspections, and the design, installation, and data analysis of Structural Health Monitoring System (SHM). Here in Lisbon he will analyze and quantify the impact of the climate change in the existing structure, in particular for a pre-cast concrete bridge in the north of Portugal.
