Application of the Observational Method to historic structures

quay walls

Conference Paper (2026)
Author(s)

Mandy Korff (TU Delft - Civil Engineering & Geosciences)

Rick Voortman (Gemeente Amsterdam)

Geeralt van den Ham (Gemeente Amsterdam)

Research Group
Geo-engineering
DOI related publication
https://doi.org/10.53243/ICSMGE2026-231 Final published version
More Info
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Publication Year
2026
Language
English
Research Group
Geo-engineering
Article number
231
Pages (from-to)
3051-3054
Publisher
ÖGG
ISBN (print)
978-3-9503898-4-5
Event
21st International Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering 2026 (2026-06-14 - 2026-06-19), Austria Center Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Abstract

In the asset management of historic structures the observational method can be very useful as an approach to assess and potentially prolong the remaining technical lifespan of the structures beyond their theoretical lifespan. This paper describes how this can be implemented along the lines of the example of inner city quay walls in a historic city. This paper describes three levels of application of the OM for historic structures (Level 1 expert based, Level 2 modelling based and Level 3 evolving/updating based). The expert based approach can qualitatively assess the historic structures condition and potential necessity for measures. The modelling based approach quantitatively assesses the condition while the evolving approach includes a full probabilistic approach with integrated feedback loops based on monitoring data. The three levels are applied to historic quay walls in the city centre of Amsterdam.

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