The SUBLIME project, aimed at addressing the degradation of steel infrastructure and improving its reliability and circularity, has begun on a positive note with a successful kick-off meeting held on June 16, 2023 and hosted by Royal HaskoningDHV. The SUBLIME project aims to increase the longevity and safety of large steel infrastructures, such as bridges, sheet piles and lock doors, which are vital for the economy and societal well-being. The project recognizes the significant economic consequences and societal disruptions caused by structural safety issues, unforeseen closures, and the high costs of maintenance and replacement.
Over the course of the SUBLIME project, the consortium will work towards developing the predictive Digital Twin platform, refining the integration of SHM and SPM as well as providing practical recommendations for governance strategies. The project also aims to assess the socio-economic and environmental benefits resulting from the implementation of sustainable and reliable steel infrastructures.
During the event an IMPACT workshop was organised by Jennifer Faber from NWO. The workshop aimed to empower the project team members, researchers and industrial companies to maximize the societal impact of the research efforts. It also served as a crucial platform for the SUBLIME project participants to delve into the realm of knowledge utilization, stakeholder engagement and effective knowledge transfer strategies. The workshop featured an interactive session with insightful discussions, providing the project team with valuable insights and practical tools to enhance the societal relevance of the research outcomes.
By incorporating the NWO Impact workshop into the kick-off meeting, the SUBLIME project demonstrated its dedication to ensuring that its research findings and solutions have a profound and positive impact on society
"The NWO Impact workshop has provided us with valuable insights and practical strategies to ensure that our research efforts lead to real-world outcomes. By actively engaging with stakeholders and considering societal needs, we aim to make a substantial contribution to the sustainability and reliability of steel infrastructures."
With the successful kick-off, the project is now set to drive innovation and deliver tangible solutions.
Pioneering the Future of Bridge Maintenance: Highlights from the SUBLIME Digital Twin Workshop
On March 21, 2025, the SUBLIME project consortium gathered for its 2nd Annual User Committee Meeting. Hosted by North Sea Port (NSP) at its Vlissingen premises, the meeting brought together over 30 representatives from research institutions, industry partners, government bodies, and funding agencies to reflect on progress, share research outcomes and explore pathways for future collaboration.
The day featured presentations from PhD and EngD researchers, discussions on key user cases and a site-specific boat tour through the North Sea Port, highlighting the real-world relevance of the project’s themes—fatigue, corrosion, digital monitoring and infrastructure sustainability.
Understanding Corrosion to Prolong the Life of Steel Sheet Piles: SUBLIME Consortium Meeting Update
On March 21, 2025, the SUBLIME project consortium gathered for its 2nd Annual User Committee Meeting. Hosted by North Sea Port (NSP) at its Vlissingen premises, the meeting brought together over 30 representatives from research institutions, industry partners, government bodies, and funding agencies to reflect on progress, share research outcomes and explore pathways for future collaboration.
The day featured presentations from PhD and EngD researchers, discussions on key user cases and a site-specific boat tour through the North Sea Port, highlighting the real-world relevance of the project’s themes—fatigue, corrosion, digital monitoring and infrastructure sustainability.
SUBLIME Project Explores Structural Reliability and Innovation at 2nd Annual User Committee Meeting
On March 21, 2025, the SUBLIME project consortium gathered for its 2nd Annual User Committee Meeting. Hosted by North Sea Port (NSP) at its Vlissingen premises, the meeting brought together over 30 representatives from research institutions, industry partners, government bodies, and funding agencies to reflect on progress, share research outcomes and explore pathways for future collaboration.
The day featured presentations from PhD and EngD researchers, discussions on key user cases and a site-specific boat tour through the North Sea Port, highlighting the real-world relevance of the project’s themes—fatigue, corrosion, digital monitoring and infrastructure sustainability.
Introducing Lotte Gerrits – New NWO Representative for SUBLIME
We are pleased to welcome Lotte Gerrits as the new NWO program officer for the SUBLIME project.
Lotte joined NWO in January 2025 after working as a postdoctoral researcher at Radboud University, where she also obtained her PhD in chemistry. With her background in research, she brings valuable expertise and a strong connection to the NWO organization.
Elena Zancato Wins Best Innovative Research Award at M2i Annual Conference 2024
Elena Zancato, a PhD researcher within the SUBLIME project, has been awarded the Best Innovative Research prize at the MaterialenNL Conference 2024, held at the National Sports Centre Papendal, Arnhem. Elena’s work integrates real-time Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) data with predictive models, offering safer and more sustainable infrastructure management solutions. Her achievement underscores the significance of her contributions to extending infrastructure life spans, reducing waste, and supporting circular economy goals.
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.