Bridge building
A - 20 Design parameters from manufacturing for replacement bridge design in the parameterised design process
The thesis can be of different scope: (bachelor thesis), project thesis, diploma thesis or a combination. The work is integrated into the institute's internal research on the topic of "parametrization", or "artificial intelligence" in bridge design.
Bridge design for renewed bridges is a creative process with a wide range of requirements and constraints and is carried out by many project participants. The design process is often characterized by manual labor and is therefore error-prone and time-consuming. The traditional design process can be optimized in times of high demand for new bridges and simultaneous shortage of skilled professionals, increasingly complex construction projects due to new replacements, growing sustainability requirements and shorter manufacturing times.
In this thesis, the aim is to improve the design process from manufacturing by parameterization and to lay the foundations for the subsequent application of artificial intelligence in bridge design.
To achieve this, firstly, the typical planning process of a bridge is to be identified and documented in a flowchart. Secondly, the relevant design constraints from manufacturing and mounting are to be tabulated as parameters for a database-based work. Third, the design constraints are to be transferred to a parameterized model (software: Grasshopper3D) and documented in a design guide. Fourth, a bridge is to be designed conceptually from an example of design constraints.
Detailing and structuring of the task will be done before the start of the project with the student depending on the individual interests.
Contact person:
Jakob Grave, M.Sc.
Phone: +49 30 2207 7774
E-mail:
A - 19 Developing standardized statics for frame bridge superstructures abutments by means of parameterization and artificial intelligence
The thesis can be of different scope: project thesis, diploma thesis or a combination. The work is integrated into the institute's internal research on the topic of "parametrization", or "artificial intelligence" in bridge design.
The majority of bridges in Germany are unique structures. While this is beneficial for the building culture and sustainability in terms of material savings, it always results in a high planning effort. Nowadays, complex, partially automated design and construction methods are increasingly used to accelerate planning. However, automation (e.g. parameterization) is complex to implement. Before the widespread use of computer-aided calculation methods, so-called "type statistics" were common (e.g. in the GDR). These enabled fast design and construction based on diagrams and reference drawings.
The aim of this work is to explore the potential of standardized statics for bridge superstructures using artificial intelligence methods in order to improve the design process.
For this, firstly, previous and present standardized statics have to be researched and compared. Secondly, in order to generate own standardized statics of a bridge superstructures, a parametric design of different superstructures dimensions has to be performed (software: [Grasshopper3D], Sofistik, Python). Thirdly, the design results of different geometries are to be analyzed by means of AI methods (e.g. cluster analysis). Fourthly, the results could be transferred into a user-friendly standardized statics and exemplary guideline drawings are to be generated.
Detailing and structuring of the task will be done before the start of the project with the student depending on the individual interests and the kind of work.
Contact person:
Jakob Grave, M.Sc.
Phone: +49 30 2207 7774
E-mail:
A - 18 Determination of real stress conditions of columns of semi-integral viaducts
Semi-integral viaducts are an optimal compromise between the high durability and efficient load-bearing behavior of integral structures and the constraint-free stresses of conventional structures. The constraint stress is concentrated only on the connection areas of monolithically connected columns. With conventional calculation methods, the acting constraint moment is greatly overestimated. A realistic assessment helps to build more economically and resource-efficiently. In a project/diploma thesis, the stress situation is to be investigated numerically and the savings potential is to be shown. The task will be worked out individually after consultation with the students.
Contact person:
Daniel Gebauer, M. Sc.
Phone: +49 351 463-39425
E-Mail:
A - 17 Development of framework models for monolithic pier connections
Integral structures convince with their efficient load-bearing behaviour and high durability. However, the computationally high constraint effects often lead to very high degrees of reinforcement in the pier heads, which often deteriorate the concreting ability enormously. Classically, the corner moment is transferred from the superstructure to the column via a 90° bent reinforcement. In the course of the diploma thesis, suitable framework models for the monolithic connection from the pier to the superstructure are to be developed and numerically calculated using the example of a real structure. The selected solutions are to be compared with the standard design with regard to their efficiency and the constructive implementation.
Contact person:
Max Herbers, M.Sc.
Phone: +49 351 463-39620
E-Mail:
A - 13 Definition of limiting slendernesses of columns of semi-integral bridges
Semi-integral bridges are convincing due to their high durability and resource-efficient construction. In this type of bridge, the columns are monolithically connected to the superstructure, which is why they are mainly stressed by a normal force and a head displacement due to the creep and shrinkage deformations of the superstructure. To minimize the constraint effects from pier head displacement, the cross-sections of the columns must be designed slender. Therefore, one of the most important design criteria is the limit slenderness.
Within the scope of the student work, first of all, research shall be carried out to find out which pier slendernesses have been realized in existing semi-integral bridges. Subsequently, numerical calculations on the stability behavior are to be carried out on a simplified equivalent system. As a result, a slenderness will be defined for which, on the one hand, buckling of the pier can be excluded and, on the other hand, the constraint effects can be significantly reduced. This topic can be worked on as a project and/or diploma thesis. The scope will be adapted accordingly.
Contact person:
Max Herbers, M.Sc.
Phone: +49 351 463-39620
E-mail:
A - 12 Recording and monument preservation assessment of railroad bridges
In Germany, there are numerous historic railroad bridges in medium to poor condition categories. These will have to be upgraded or replaced in the near future, a process that is accompanied by the monument authorities. Often, bridge structures are affected for which little or no knowledge is available regarding their monument value and whose systematic recording and research is still outstanding.
In the course of a project work, the characteristic features and the historical as well as technical-historical context of origin of concrete structures are to be researched, so that potentially monument-worthy objects can be identified and irrelevant objects can be excluded. The survey covers a region with about 1,000 bridges. In several stages the bridges will be analyzed, sorted and evaluated to have a reduced selection of about 30-50 structures. Furthermore, research in archives and on-site building surveys will be necessary to work out the technical-historical value of the bridges.
This project work connects to the research project "Railway Bridges - Monuments in the Network", which gives you the opportunity to work independently on current research.
If possible, the work should be extended by an employment as SHK.
Contact person:
Johanna Monka-Birkner, M.Sc.
Phone: +49 351 463-39424
E-mail:
A - 10 Numerical investigation and conception of a monitoring system of the Nibelungen Bridge Worms (applies to project work and master thesis)
In the scope of the Priority Program 2388 "Hundred plus", the Nibelungen Bridge Worms has been selected as a validation structure. Accordingly, a monitoring system will be deployed on this bridge. In addition, a digital twin is to be developed.
To better plan these activities, numerical recalculations of the validation structure shall be carried out in order to identify the highly utilized structural parts (model-based). For this purpose, numerical models of the structure shall be established, taking into account the structural configurations and nonlinear coupling mechanisms. On the one hand, structural level simulations will be performed to investigate the structural behaviour of the whole bridge under static and dynamic actions. On the other hand, component-level simulations shall be performed to analyse the damage evolution of specific segments. The result of this work is a preliminary step for the design of the initial monitoring system.
For more information on the 100+ priority program, please follow this link:
https://tu-dresden.de/bu/bauingenieurwesen/imb/forschung/spp-2388?set_language=en
Contact person:
Dr.-Ing. Chongjie Kang
Phone: +49 351 463-37305
E-mail:
A - 7 Replacement of a crossing structure
To ensure full availability, to avoid further expensive repair measures and in the interest of maintaining the line standard, the replacement of the crossing structure is to be planned. The client wants a reinforced concrete solution. In the process, the traffic of the 3-track line below is to be maintained to a large extent. Only short closure pauses are possible.
In the course of the project/diploma thesis, in-depth considerations of the construction technology and the development of the assembly technology for the elevated construction of the bridge and a final lowering into the final position are to be investigated. The construction conditions are to be verified statically.
Other topics will be added as needed. Regular consultations will be held as part of the project work.
Contact person:
Dr.-Ing. Jens Tusche (lecturer)
Phone: 0351 461-7840
E-mail:
E-mail:
A - 6 Investigation of variants of a railroad overpass in the course of a double-track line over Stauffen-Allee
In the north of D-City, in the course of the double-track railroad line Gö-City - D-City, there was a steel bridge structure dating from 1914. Due to the poor condition of the bridge structure, two partial superstructures have already been replaced by auxiliary bridges. Considering the request of the railroad (platform in the bridge area) and the request of the city (clearance height 4.50 m) a replacement bridge is planned.
In the course of the project work, technical and technological variants for the replacement construction are to be developed and compared. Further topics will be added as required. Regular consultations will be held as part of the project work.
Contact person:
Dr.-Ing. Jens Tusche (lecturer)
Phone: 0351 461-7840
E-mail:
E-mail:
A - 5 Investigation of variants of a double-track arch bridge using the example of the "Rö-Tal Viaduct" railroad overpass
To ensure full availability, avoid further expensive repair measures and in the interest of maintaining the line standard, the replacement or partial replacement of the railroad overpass "Viaduct Rö-Tal" is to be planned. The arched bridge carries a double-track railroad line over a body of water/valley.
In the course of the project work, technical and technological variants are to be developed and compared. Further topics will be added as required. Regular consultations will be held as part of the project work.
Contact person:
Dr.-Ing. Jens Tusche (lecturer)
Phone: 0351 461-7840
E-mail:
E-mail:
A - 4 Current railroad bridge construction projects - project study on possible variants for a total or partial new construction of the existing viaduct
When driving through O-town it cannot be overlooked: the viaduct - a monstrous construction - gray, dirty, unsightly. Many citizens see the viaduct (built in 1877) as an eyesore in the cityscape. The fact that the viaduct looks like this today is also due to the town's past, which was strongly influenced by mining. Enormous problems were caused by the subsidence of the terrain caused by mining. In the early 1950s, for example, the viaduct was subjected to vaulting, which could ultimately only be repaired by concreting out the vault arches. Between the districts, the earth's surface had sunk up to 17 meters in places.
The structure, which bears the colloquial name "dam wall," has been a topic of conversation for years. The city would like to see it demolished and a new one built.
In the course of the project work, technical and technological solutions are to be developed and compared. Further topics will be added as required. Regular consultations will be held as part of the project work.
Contact person:
Dr.-Ing. Jens Tusche (lecturer)
Phone: 0351 461-7840
E-mail:
E-mail:
A - 1 Bridge construction (SRP Schneider + Partner Ingenieur-Consult GmbH)
We are an independent engineering company with about 100 employees. Our main office is located in Kronach/Upper Franconia. We advise, plan and supervise in all areas of civil engineering, both in Germany and abroad.
We offer interested students to supervise their project or diploma thesis in the field of bridge engineering. Together with you and the TU Dresden we would select a topic from practical experience. Experienced engineers would be available to answer your questions. We would get to know each other better and maybe this would result in a professional career at SRP. Most of our young engineers came to us this way.
If you feel addressed, our Mr. Neubauer is at your disposal for a first contact.