Guide for structural health analysis (SHA)

Samenvatting

Many tunnels are approaching the end of their design lifespan, which increases the chance of hindrance and malfunctions. In order to determine the scope of a tunnel renovation reliably, more insight is needed into the structural condition of the tunnel. For this, the COB network developed a structural health analysis (SHA). This guide explains the concept of an SHA and how it can be applied to a tunnel project.

A structural health analysis is a process with knowledge workshops and (field) studies with which the tunnel manager gains insight into the structural condition of the tunnel and the scope for a (possible) renovation. In an SHA it is determined whether a civil engineering object still complies with the design lifespan or needs to be repaired or renovated.

The accuracy with which an SHA can be performed depends on the available information and the knowledge of the possible failure mechanisms. That is why each SHA is supported by the COB network with a steering group and expert teams that develop knowledge. The expert teams are available to assist the tunnel manager in interpreting the results of the SHA and tunnel renovation studies. Because the steering committee includes both the chairs of the expert committees and scientists of TU Delft, this is the platform where scientific and field-oriented research can be integrated. To record and deepen the knowledge gained, instruments are also being developed. For the time being, the COB wants to go through the SHA process for 22 tunnels in Europe. The method is applicable to immersed, bored, open pit or land tunnels.