Bauhaus University, Weimar

About: Bauhaus University, Weimar is a education organization based out in Weimar, Thüringen, Germany. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Finite element method & Isogeometric analysis. The organization has 1421 authors who have published 2998 publications receiving 104454 citations. The organization is also known as: Bauhaus-Universität Weimar & Hochschule für Architektur und Bauwesen.

A review on application of soft computing techniques for the rapid visual safety evaluation and damage classification of existing buildings

Abstract: Seismic vulnerability assessment of existing buildings is of great concern around the world. Different countries develop various approaches and methodologies to overcome the disastrous effects of earthquakes on the structural parameters of the building and the human losses. There are structures still in service with a high seismic vulnerability, which proposes an urgent need for a screening system's damageability grading system. Rapid urbanization and the proliferation of slums give rise to improper construction practices that make the building stock's reliability ambiguous, including old structures that were constructed either when the seismic codes were not advanced or not enforced by law. Despite having a good knowledge of structural analysis, it is impractical to conduct detailed nonlinear analysis on each building in the target area to define their seismic vulnerability. This indicates the necessity of developing a rapid, reliable, and computationally easy method of seismic vulnerability assessment, more commonly known as Rapid Visual Screening (RVS). This method begins with a walk-down survey by a trained evaluator , and an initial score is assigned to the structure. Further, the vulnerability parameters are defined (predictor variables), and the damage grades are defined. Various methods are then adopted to develop an optimum correlation between the parameters and damage grades. Soft Computing (SC) techniques including probabilistic approaches , meta-heuristics, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) theories such as artificial neural networks , machine learning, fuzzy logic, etc. due to their capabilities in targeting inherent imprecision of phenomena in real-world are among the most important and widely used approaches in this regard. In this paper, a comprehensive literature review of the most commonly used and newly developed innovative methodologies in RVS using powerful SC techniques has been presented to shed light on key factors, strengths, and applications of each SC technique in advancing the RVS field of study.

TIRA: Configuring, Executing, and Disseminating Information Retrieval Experiments

Abstract: With its close ties to the Web, the information retrieval community is destined to leverage the dissemination and collaboration capabilities that the Web provides today. Especially with the advent of the software as a service principle, an information retrieval community is conceivable that publishes executable experiments by anyone over the Web. A review of recent SIGIR papers shows that we are far away from this vision of collaboration. The benefits of publishing information retrieval experiments as a service are striking for the community as a whole, including potential to boost research profiles and reputation. However, the additional work must be kept to a minimum and sensitive data must be kept private for this paradigm to become an accepted practice. In order to foster experiments as a service in information retrieval, we present the TIRA (Testbed for Information Retrieval Algorithms) web framework that addresses the outlined challenges and possesses a unique set of compelling features in comparison to existing web-based solutions. To describe TIRA in a practical setting, we explain how it is currently used as an official evaluation platform for the well-established PAN international plagiarism detection competition. We also describe how it can be used in future scenarios for search result clustering of non-static collections of web query results, as well as within a simulation data mining setting to support interactive structural design in civil engineering.

Ultrasonic Imaging Methods for Investigation of Post-tensioned Concrete Structures: A Study of Interfaces at Artificial Grouting Faults and Its Verification

Abstract: This paper presents the progress of successful location of grouting faults in tendon ducts with ultrasonic imaging. The examples were obtained in the research group FOR 384 funded by DFG (German Research Foundation). The co-operation of experimental research and modeling allowed imaging and identification of grouted and ungrouted areas of tendon ducts (including strands) in a large test specimen (40 m2). In addition to the criteria for indicating grouting faults in post-tensioned ducts known until now the phase evaluation of reflected ultrasonic pulses is described. Experiments and modeling of wave propagation are presented for reflections at metal plates in concrete (thickness range 0.5 mm to 40 mm) and for tendon ducts including strands. The main part of the progress was achieved by automated measurements using dry contact transducers, 3D-SAFT reconstruction including phase evaluation and modeling considering wave propagation for typical elastic parameters and exact experimental site conditions. The results for shear waves as well as for pressure waves are compared in the frequency range from 50 kHz to 120 kHz.

Development of thermo-mechanical treatment for recycling of used concrete

Abstract: Compared to virgin aggregates concrete recyclates have some specific properties because of the attached hardened cement paste. By the method of thermo-mechanical treatment, the hardened cement paste can be removed. In this paper systematic experiments are described. The aim was to understand the liberation process better. The product quality, the parameters of the process and the interaction were experimentally investigated. The results of the study show that with a low treatment temperature of 250–300 °C and a sufficient high duration of mechanical treatment recycled aggregates with properties similar to natural aggregates can be generated.