On January 24, 2024, the kick-off workshop for the initiation of work package 3 was conducted at the University of Leiden. The workshop featured presentations by key contributors, including Arnold Tukker, the leader of work package 3, PhD candidates Faysal Tareq and Laura Bremenkamp, Bouwen met Staal (BmS), Madaster, and the Municipality of Amsterdam. The session concluded with a comprehensive discussion among the participants.
A crucial point of focus during the workshop was the discussion on the scope of the activities undertaken by the two respective PhD candidates. This led to an engaging dialogue on the scale of their endeavors, considering local, national, EU-wide, or global perspectives. Within this context, the role of case studies was jointly examined. Particularly challenging will be the positioning of Laura’s efforts within the jurisdiction of policy and governance for major steel infrastructures. However, insights from industrial partners present at the workshop shed light on what is pertinent in the Dutch steel infrastructure landscape. These partners also shared information on the broader economic structures related to supply and demand within the Dutch steel sector.
For Laura, an additional consideration is the specification of the exact types of steel networks to be analyzed, making the specific scope clearer and the task more manageable. Industry partners extended their assistance to both PhD candidates.
The Municipality of Amsterdam delivered an insightful presentation on potential candidates for case studies in the project. Recognizing the importance of case study selection, especially for Laura, it was collectively agreed that the next step would involve relevant industry partners (Province of South Holland, North Sea Port, Municipality of Amsterdam, and Rijkswaterstaat) providing their top 3 candidates. This approach allows Laura to proceed with scanning and advancing her data collection efforts, aimed at mapping the relational networks influencing the Dutch steel landscape.
"I found great delight in participating in this workshop. It provided valuable insights from both industry and academic partners, shedding light on the contents and scope of work package three. I particularly appreciated the advancements made in the selection of the case study, a crucial step for the further progression of my research".
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.