Wei-Heng Zhang

Bio: Wei-Heng Zhang is an academic researcher from Harbin Institute of Technology. The author has contributed to research in topics: Resilience (network) & Structural system. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 3 publications receiving 8 citations. Previous affiliations of Wei-Heng Zhang include Aalborg University.

Value of information analysis in civil and infrastructure engineering: a review

Abstract: The concept of Value of Information (VoI) has attracted significant attentions within the civil engineering community over especially the last decade. Triggered by the increasing focus on structural health monitoring, availability of data and emerging techniques of Big Data analysis and Artificial Intelligence, important insights on how to take benefit from VoI in structural integrity management have been gained. This literature review starts out with a summary of the historical developments and contains (1) a summary of two different VoI analysis origins, (2) a compilation of existing VoI analyses research and (3) current engineering interpretations and applications of VoI in the field of civil and infrastructure engineering. VoI analysis has roots in communication theory and Bayesian decision analysis in conjunction with utility theory. Starting point is thus taken in brief introduction of these theoretical foundations, followed by a discussion on the relevant modelling aspects such as information, probability and utility modelling. A detailed review of relevant existing research is presented, divided into the following main areas: computational methods, optimal sensor placement and engineering risk management. Finally, by way of conclusion and outlook, challenges and some promising directions for VoI analysis in the field of civil and infrastructure engineering are identified.

Value of Information in Resilience Management of Infrastructure Systems

Abstract: Resilience management is introduced in the context of life cycle integrity management of infrastructure systems such as traffic systems, energy production and distribution systems and the built environment in general. The framework allows for the joint consideration of life cycle benefits, vulnerability, risks, robustness and resilience of systems comprised by interlinked spatially distributed sub-systems evolving over time; including governance, regulatory, social, infrastructure, environmental, geo-hazard and anthropological hazard subsystems. Based on the framework, Value of Information analysis is introduced as a means for resilience management.The proposed framework for resilience modelling and the suggested scheme for Value of Information (VoI) analysis are illustrated considering an example addressing resilience modelling and management of a wind turbine park. The example clearly shows how the resilience of a wind turbine park depends on the chosen strategies for design, governance and financing and also illustrates how VoI analysis facilitates the quantification of potential benefits of Structural Health Monitoring as a means to increase service life benefits from power production.

Value of information analysis in civil and infrastructure engineering: a review

Abstract: The concept of Value of Information (VoI) has attracted significant attentions within the civil engineering community over especially the last decade. Triggered by the increasing focus on structural health monitoring, availability of data and emerging techniques of Big Data analysis and Artificial Intelligence, important insights on how to take benefit from VoI in structural integrity management have been gained. This literature review starts out with a summary of the historical developments and contains (1) a summary of two different VoI analysis origins, (2) a compilation of existing VoI analyses research and (3) current engineering interpretations and applications of VoI in the field of civil and infrastructure engineering. VoI analysis has roots in communication theory and Bayesian decision analysis in conjunction with utility theory. Starting point is thus taken in brief introduction of these theoretical foundations, followed by a discussion on the relevant modelling aspects such as information, probability and utility modelling. A detailed review of relevant existing research is presented, divided into the following main areas: computational methods, optimal sensor placement and engineering risk management. Finally, by way of conclusion and outlook, challenges and some promising directions for VoI analysis in the field of civil and infrastructure engineering are identified.

The value of seismic structural health monitoring for post-earthquake building evacuation

Abstract: Abstract In the aftermath of a seismic event, decision-makers have to decide quickly among alternative management actions with limited knowledge on the actual health condition of buildings. Each choice entails different direct and indirect consequences. For example, if a building sustains low damage in the mainshock but people are not evacuated, casualties may occur if aftershocks lead the structure to fail. On the other hand, the evacuation of a structurally sound building could lead to unnecessary financial losses due to business and occupancy interruption. A monitoring system can provide information about the condition of the building after an earthquake that can support the choice between several competing alternatives, targeting the minimization of consequences. This paper proposes a framework for quantifying the benefit of installing a permanent seismic structural health monitoring (S 2 HM) system to support building evacuation operations after a seismic event. Decision-makers can use this procedure to preventively evaluate the benefit of an SHM system and decide about the worthiness of its installation.

VoI-informed decision-making for SHM system arrangement

Abstract: Structural health monitoring systems have been widely implemented to provide real-time continuous data support and to ensure structural safety in the context of structural integrity management. How...