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  Suomeksi


 Picture: Juha Juntunen, VTT
 

 


 
 


LIFE CYCLE TECHNOLOGY

Computer simulation of structures is for mathematical emulation of natural weather conditions, internal temperatures and moisture contents and different degradation mechanisms of materials and structures. Computer simulation together with experimental research lay the foundation for the development of degradation, service life and action effect models.

·        Experimental research of degradation

·        Computer simulation

·        Degradation and service life models

·        Service life and life cycle planning

·        Combined condition, cost and environmental effect analyses

·        Planning of repair actions, projects and resources

·        Life cycle management systems

VTT offers overextended research related to the life cycle management of buildings and infrastructures.  The experimental research of degradation which includes both laboratory and field research is traditionally VTT’s central field of know-how. Plentiful facilities and good knowledge of materials render good conditions for experimental research.

Service life design means the specification of materials and measures so that the intended service life a structure will be achieved with required probability. Life cycle design refers to controlled maintenance of structures with various repair and protection actions so that the required condition is guaranteed during the whole design period. Both the service life design and the life cycle design call for application of degradation and service life models. The life cycle design requires also action effect models by which the effects of repair actions on the condition of structures can be predicted.

Combined life cycle analyses in which the condition, costs and environmental effects are examined side by side as a function of time, represent advanced life cycle management in the real sense of the word. This concept allows optimisation of many objectives for structures at the same time. Special methods for multiple criteria decision making can be included in the analyses.

The combined condition, cost and environmental effect analysis offers the basis also for the planning of repair actions, projects and financial resources. The planning of repair actions includes the specification and timing of repair actions during the design period. Project planning refers to combination of repair actions which previously were timed in consecutive years to be implemented at the same project and so gaining the synergy profit. The resource planning is for laying down annual project plans in such a way that that the reserved financial resources are not exceeded.  The planning can be performed based on components, structures or networks of structures. This analysis and planning methodology gives the basis for a modern life cycle management system.

To work well a life cycle management system must be installed among the other systems of an organisation or a company. It requires as a support an inspection system of structures and a data management system (database) and different guiding systems to guarantee the expected functioning of the software system. A good life cycle management system helps the decision making at different levels of an organisation by providing the necessary short- and long-term plans for the administration, annual resources plans for the financial administration and   preliminary project plans for the maintenance staff.

VTT has been involved in the development life cycle management systems for bridges, roads and buildings.

 

Contact:
Erkki Vesikari, VTT Materials and Construction, p. +358 20 722 6920

 

 VTT Services and built environment


 
 

 



 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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