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".
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.
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.
A Workshop on fatigue and dynamic loading: Unveiling Challenges and New Frontiers in Steel Bridge Health Monitoring
On November 8, 2023, the SUBLIME project marked a crucial milestone by hosting an insightful workshop in collaboration with esteemed industrial (ArcelorMittal, ARUP, BmS, ct de Boer, DDC, Inertia Technology, Municipality Amsterdam, Province Zuid Holland, Royal HaskoningDHV, Rijkswaterstaat, Somni Solutions) and academic partners (TU Delft, TU/e and U Twente).
Successful Kick-Off Marks the Start of the SUBLIME Project, Featuring Impact Workshop
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.