Cyclical Variational Bayes Monte Carlo for efficient multi-modal posterior distributions evaluation

Multi-modal distributions of some physics-based model parameters are often encountered in engineering due to different situations such as a change in some environmental conditions, and the presence of some types of damage and non-linearity. In statistical model updating, for locally identifiable parameters, it can be anticipated that multi...

Development and validation of an early warning model for hospitalized COVID-19 patients: a multi-center retrospective cohort study

Background: Timely identification of deteriorating COVID-19 patients is needed to guide changes in clinical management and admission to intensive care units (ICUs). There is significant concern that widely used Early warning scores (EWSs) underestimate illness severity in COVID-19 patients and therefore, we developed an early warning model...

An efficient and robust sampler for Bayesian inference: Transitional Ensemble Markov Chain Monte Carlo

Bayesian inference is a popular approach towards parameter identification in engineering problems. Such technique would involve iterative sampling methods which are often robust. However, these sampling methods often require significant computational resources and also the tuning of a large number of parameters. This motivates the development...

Sampling methods for solving Bayesian model updating problems: A tutorial

This tutorial paper reviews the use of advanced Monte Carlo sampling methods in the context of Bayesian model updating for engineering applications. Markov Chain Monte Carlo, Transitional Markov Chain Monte Carlo, and Sequential Monte Carlo methods are introduced, applied to different case studies and finally their performance is compared....

Experimental application of FRF-based model updating approach to estimate soil mass and stiffness mobilised under pile impact tests

The dynamic response of structures in contact with soil is receiving increasing interest and there is a growing need for more accurate models capable of simulating the behaviour of these systems. This is particularly important in the field of offshore wind turbines, where accurate estimates of system frequency are needed to avoid resonance, and...

An iterative method to infer distributed mass and stiffness profiles for use in reference dynamic beam-Winkler models of foundation piles from frequency response functions

Accurate characterisation of soil behaviour in Dynamic-Soil-Structure Interaction (DSSI) applications remains a significant challenge. Knowledge of the operational soil-structure interaction stiffness is important for applications ranging from earthquake engineering to offshore structures subjected to wind and wave loading. A number of...

An investigation of finite element model updating of the Pioneering Spirit

Correctly predicting the structural behavior of the Pioneering Spirit is vital for ensuring the structural integrity of the ship and the cargo. A detailed finite element model is used to predict the structural behavior of the Pioneering Spirit. The finite element method is based on fundamental principles in solid mechanics. However, when using...

Value of Information Introduced by a Resource Model Updating Framework

A primary concern of the mining industry is to meet production targets, which are required and defined by customers. Deviations from these targets, in terms of quality and quantity, highly affect the economical aspect. Recently, an efficient resource model updating framework concept has been proposed aiming for the improvement of raw material...

Updating the coal quality parameters in multiple production benches based on combined material measurement: a full case study

An efficient resource model updating framework concept was proposed aiming for the improvement of raw material quality control and process efficiency in any type of mining operation. The concept integrates sensor data measured online on the production line into the resource or grade/quality control model and continuously provides locally more...

Finite element modelling and model updating of small scale composite propellers

The application of composite materials in marine propellers is a relatively recent innovation. Methods have been presented to analyse the hydro-elastic behaviour of these type of propellers and in some studies these methods have been validated as well. Differences between measured and predicted responses are typically explained from...

Development of a cutter ladder vibration model

Structural vibrations are a known cause of damage to offshore structures and equipment. A Cutter Suction Dredger (CSD) is a dredge vessel known to vibrate heavily during operation. Primary cause of these vibrations is the cutting process, performed to cut and excavate soil from the seabed. A component prone to damage is the cutter ladder, a...

RTRO–Coal: Real-Time Resource-Reconciliation and Optimization for Exploitation of Coal Deposits

This contribution presents an innovative and integrated framework for real-time-process reconciliation and optimization (RTRO) in large continuous open pit coal mines. RTRO-Coal is currently developed, validated, tested and implemented as part of a multi-national multi-partner European Union funded R&D project. The key concept is to promote a...

Dynamics of the human pelvis: Identification methodology for low back pain diagnosis

This project finds its justification in the vast economic and social impact that musculoskeletal disorders have at a global level. Many cases of low back pain, which is the most relevant disorder among them, remain a mystery as far as their pathology is concerned. The assumption underlying this work is that, for those mysterious cases, the...