Preface
SMAR 2019 is the fifth conference on Smart Monitoring, Assessment and Rehabilitation of Civil
Structures to be held at Potsdam, Germany, from 27 to 29 August 2019, co-organised by Empa, the
Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung
und -prüfung (BAM) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Zerstörungsfreie Prüfung (DGZfP). It is a follow-up
of the biannual successful SMAR conference series starting in 2011 in Dubai, 2013 in Istanbul, 2015
in Antalya and 2017 in Zurich. SMAR 2019 in Potsdam, Germany proceeds with presenting innovative
materials and technologies for structural health monitoring as well as rehabilitation, such as
application of Smart Fibre Optic sensors, Fibre Reinforced Polymers, Shape Memory Alloys, most
recent advances in the application of Deep Learning and Data Science in Structural Engineering and
much more.
As an interdisciplinary research institute of the ETH Domain, Empa, the Swiss Federal Laboratories
for Materials Science and Technology, conducts cutting-edge materials and technology research.
Empa’s R&D activities focus on meeting the requirements of industry and the needs of society, and
thus link applications-oriented research to the practical implementation of new ideas.
The Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM) is a senior scientific and technical
Federal institute with responsibility to the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. BAM
tests, researches and advises to protect people, the environment and material goods and sets and
represents high standards for safety in technology and chemistry for Germany and for its global
markets.
The German Society for Non-Destructive Testing (DGZfP) is a non-profit organisation and the body
which coordinates all NDT activities in Germany. DGZfP has always attached particular importance to
the training of NDT personnel. Courses and examinations are now held in nine NDT methods at three
different levels. DGZfP also offers initial and advanced radiation protection training in accordance
with the relevant guidelines.
Potsdam is one of the most attractive communes in Germany. The city is characterising by worldknown
castles and gardens, arts and culture. Science and sports are integral parts of the capital of the
federal German state Brandenburg. Numerous
waterways und wide landscape and the vicinity to Berlin make Potsdam a never forgettable place. The
Potsdam region is listed as UNESCO cultural heritage.
The conference is hosting 245 scientists and experts from around the world to present their solutions
and findings in the following areas:
- Structural Health Monitoring
- Performance and damage assessment
- Damage control, repair and strengthening, fire protection
- Durability of material systems and structures related to harsh environment
- Non-destructive testing
- Practical applications and case studies
- Visionary concepts, deep learning
In addition to the regular sessions, several special sessions as follows were organised:
- Strengthening, Monitoring and Life-cycle Assessment of Metallic Structures
- Durability and Corrosion Monitoring of Concrete Infrastructures
- SHM between Research and Application: New Concepts for New Technologies
- Testing‚ Inspection‚ Monitoring and Repair of Offshore Wind Energy Converters
- Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) for Engineering Applications
SMAR 2019 is sponsored jointly by the Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Swiss
Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Empa, Deutsche Gesellschaft für
Zerstörungsfreie Prüfung (DGZfP), the International Society for Structural Health Monitoring of
Intelligent Infrastructure (ISHMII), International Institute of FRP in Construction (IIFC), the
Istanbul Technical University (ITU), Turkey, the International Association for Bridge Maintenance
and Safety (IABMAS), International Union of Laboratories and Experts in Construction Materials,
Systems and Structures (rilem) as well as Sensors – Open Access Journal and Materials – Open Access
Journal.
The proceedings contain a total of 182 papers written by authors from around countries worldwide. The
contributions include interesting Keynote Papers on condition assessment in reinforced concrete with
or without FRP strengthening and bridge structures, near surface mounted technique, monitoring and
UHPFRC technology, concrete bridges in China and seismic performance of existing structures.
We would like to thank all authors for preparing their work towards this compilation, which will
undoubtedly serve as a useful reference to practitioners, researchers, students and academics and
allied disciplines. Special thanks are due to Members of the International Scientific Committee, who
reviewed the papers carefully. The support of the sponsoring organisations and companies is
gratefully acknowledged. We are indebted to our colleagues in Organisation Committee. Thanks to the
Empa, BAM and DGZfP conference team, Steffi Dehlau, Anne Zimmermann and Bernadette Havranek the
conference secretaries, for their tireless efforts and quick responses to many demands of the
conference.
We wish you a succesful conference and a good stay in Potsdam.
Rosemarie Helmerich (BAM), Masoud Motavalli (Empa) and Alper Ilki (ITU)
Co-Chairs, SMAR 2019
August 2019