The SUBLIME project is taking a major step forward in understanding how steel sheet piles age in real port conditions. In close collaboration with North Sea Port (NSP), TU Delft researcher Prasaanth Ravi Anusuyadevi is preparing the installation of a new field-testing structure that will allow long-term monitoring of corrosion processes on S355 steel.
Following recent discussions between TU Delft and NSP, both partners agreed to install a dedicated sample-carrying structure directly in the port. The design includes three identical frames, each hosting nine steel samples and each intended for different exposure durations: 3 months, 6 months and 1 year. The samples will be positioned at different depths along the waterline to capture how corrosion varies from splash zone to full immersion.
Depending on fabrication progress and the final installation permit, the first structure will be placed in early January 2026. Once the setup is in place, Prasaanth will share installation photos and first observations with the consortium by the next following consortium meeting.
At the same time, the lab-based corrosion study is progressing steadily. The first dataset — representing three months of controlled exposure — is expected in December 2025, with results to follow shortly after.
This field lab is part of Work Package 1 and strengthens the project’s ability to connect laboratory insights with real-world behaviour of steel structures in marine conditions.
Local coordination at North Sea Port is supported by Gerard Verburg (NSP).
More updates coming as the installation proceeds
Bridges to a Circular Society
We are excited to announce the publication of Karel Van den Berghe on circular economy strategies for large steel structures, part of the SUBLIME project. It is now available on “De Lichtkogel.nl,” delve into sustainable practices for infrastructure, focusing on the lifecycle extension of steel bridges through innovative technologies and design. This publication marks a significant step towards integrating circularity into infrastructure planning.
In Memoriam: Professor Paul Havinga
We are deeply saddened to announce the unexpected passing of Prof. Dr. Ing. Paul Havinga on May 3, 2024. A distinguished figure in computer science, Professor Havinga was a cornerstone of the University of Twente’s Pervasive Systems group and a driving force within the SUBLIME project. His leadership in Work Package 2, focusing on the development of a data platform and digital twins for steel infrastructures, was instrumental in advancing the project’s objectives.
First Annual meeting and Lunching of SUBLIME video
At our Annual project meeting, hosted by ARUP on March 22, 2024, we launched a new phase for the SUBLIME project. This project is all about using smart technology and engineering to make big steel structures like bridges and buildings stronger and last longer. We’re focusing on beating two big problems: fatigue and corrosion, with something called Structural Health Monitoring.