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Determination of temperature loading for crack assessment in soil-immersed concrete structures

My master’s thesis addresses the absence of temperature load specifications for soil-immersed concrete structures, such as troughs and retaining walls, in Finnish guidelines. By analyzing actual temperature data and soil conditions, it derives a realistic temperature distribution. In combination with nonlinear analysis, this distribution is then transformed into an equivalent temperature load suitable for linear analysis - ensuring that design is safe, economical, and simple.

Workflow Utilizing the Single Point of Truth Concept for Connection Design in Steel Truss Bridges: From Industry Solutions Overview to Database and Workflow Prototyping

In my thesis, I proposed a software-neutral workflow for designing and detailing connections in steel truss bridges. The proposed methodology is based on the Single Point of Truth (SPOT) concept, which uses a central database to store the project data. Since none of the reviewed industry solutions had ready-to-use data exchange algorithms or comprehensive object models, a custom data flow scheme was developed, and the database structure was prototyped. The theoretical development was tested on a non-standard connection of a century-old bridge

Dovetail splice joint - a continuity connection for two-way timber-concrete composite plates

The doctoral thesis investigates mechanical behaviour of two-way timber-concrete composite plates. The primary application of this structural system is in intermediate floor, where thickness of the structure can be decreased or the spans can be increased, compared to the conventional solutions, due to the high efficiency of the system. The investigation ranged multiple scales from material interfaces to vibrational behaviour of complete floor plates, combining experiments and numerical modelling.

Structural Behavior of Concrete Slab Bridges with Varying Repair Lane Sequences

The master’s thesis investigates the changes in the structural behavior in the deck during the repair of the concrete slab bridge deck. The redistribution of the internal stresses was investigated with varying repair lane sequences for the partial depth repair of the concrete deck surface, when tensile reinforcements are partially exposed. The differences between the linear and nonlinear analysis methods were evaluated. Finally, the crack-development in the concrete bridge deck was investigated during the repair.

Technical requirements for assessment and certification of existing timber structures for reuse in construction

The thesis presents an overview of the technical requirements structural timber products must meet to reuse them. Both regulatory and technical aspects are investigated. Methods to assess conformity of salvaged timbers are presented and results from expert interviews are expressed. Finally, the thesis evaluates various types of structural timber products according to their reuse potential.

Physical modelling of pipe-cooled massive concrete

The master’s thesis examines post-pour temperature control in water-pipe-cooled massive concrete structures. It provides fundamental insights into the physics and modeling of such structures and offers tools for designing a water-pipe cooling system. The study analyzes the temperature distribution, stresses, and cracking of pipe-cooled concrete through two- and three-dimensional models based on finite element simulation. This approach enables the evaluation of how various cooling parameters and structural geometries influence the temperature and stress distributions in massive concrete.