Civil and Structural Engineering, Computer Graphics and Computer-Aided Design, Building and Construction
88
Scopus Publications
Scopus Publications
Guiding early building design towards lower carbon emissions through set-based design and genetic algorithm optimisation Linda Cusumano, Mats Granath, Nilla Olsson, Rasmus Rempling Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 2026 Purpose The materials used in the structural system account for a significant share of a building's total embodied carbon emissions. Thus, to mitigate the climate impact of construction projects, it is essential to consider carbon emissions in early conceptual design and understand how structural decisions affect costs. Therefore, this study explores integrating set-based design with genetic algorithm optimisation to evaluate a wide range of building designs in terms of cost and carbon performance. Design/methodology/approach First, databases of structural building assemblies, including their capacities, costs, and embodied carbon, were developed. The NSGA-II algorithm, combined with set-based design, was then applied to a reference building to minimise its cost and carbon emissions. Findings The genetic algorithm alone identified solutions that reduced carbon emissions by 35% but with a 9% increase in cost. When set-based design was incorporated, carbon emissions were reduced by up to 42% with a comparable increase in cost. The findings demonstrate that integrating set-based design offers comparative advantages over using genetic algorithms alone, providing valuable insights for early-stage building design practice. Originality/value This paper proposes a novel design approach that combines genetic algorithm optimisation with set-based design to explore a broader solution space and support data-informed decision-making to reduce carbon emissions in buildings.
Dynamic Response of Shell-like Hyperbolic Paraboloid (HP) Concrete Beams: Comparing Experimental Modal Analysis (EMA) with Numerical Finite Element Analysis (FEA) Alexander Sehlström, David Selse, Erik Wigh, Rasmus Rempling IABSE Symposium Copenhagen 2026 Bridging Advanced Technologies Structural Innovation, 2026 This paper examines the dynamic response of shell-like hyperbolic paraboloid (HP) shaped concrete beams. It compares experimental modal analysis (EMA) results with finite element analysis (FEA) and Euler-Bernoulli beam model results. It presents a case study involving a 3×0,6-meter steel reinforced, non-prestressed HP concrete specimen. EMA based on a roving hammer test provides the first six eigenfrequencies and mode shapes along with modal damping ratios, which are evaluated against numerical results.
Conceptual Design of Bridges Suitable for Rurally Isolated Areas Lisa Ryrstedt, Peter Stanek Sörner, Mats Ander, Rasmus Rempling IABSE Symposium Copenhagen 2026 Bridging Advanced Technologies Structural Innovation, 2026 Construction of bridges in rurally isolated areas differs a lot from building bridges in industrialised parts of the world: the sites are remote, the availability of materials is limited, and the access to heavy machinery is non-existent. To develop a concept that can manage these challenging conditions, an alternative design process has been developed. This design process has then been applied to develop a bridge concept suitable for spans ranging from 15 to 30 meters in rural areas of Rwanda. The result is a modular steel truss bridge that can be assembled entirely by hand and adapted to various spans. To ensure that all necessary parts can be transported to the most remote sites, none of the individual elements are longer or heavier than what can be transported by foot through rugged terrain. The bridge concept is presented alongside the alternative design process developed to address the critical design challenges of rurally isolated areas.
Enhanced digital twin for on-site inspections using distributed optical fiber sensors and augmented reality Ignasi Fernandez, Carlos G. Berrocal, Mikael Johansson, Mattias Roupe, Rasmus Rempling Automation in Construction, 2026 Infrastructure inspections are still largely manual, episodic, and subjective, which delays damage detection and limits data-informed decision making. The paper introduces a Digital Twin framework designed to enhance infrastructure inspections using Distributed Optical Fiber Sensors (DOFS) and Augmented Reality (AR). The framework integrates advanced sensing technologies, edge computing, and web-based applications to provide real-time and historical data visualization during inspections. DOFS technology, known for its high spatial resolution and sensitivity to strain and temperature variations, is utilized to capture high-resolution strain data for continuous structural health monitoring. The framework combines DOFS data with Building Information Modelling (BIM) and AR to create a virtual representation of the assets, enabling precise and efficient on-site inspections. Two case studies demonstrate the practical application of this system: one focusing on historical data visualization and the other on real-time sensor data visualization. The results highlight the framework's ability to provide valuable insights into infrastructure health, improve inspection accuracy, and enhance decision-making processes. • Digital Twin framework that improves inspections by combining DOFS sensing with Augmented Reality (AR). • Integartion of sensor data, edge computing, and web apps for real-time and historical data. • Use of DOFS for high-resolution strain and temperature sensing in structural monitoring. • Demonstration of applicability by two case studies: historical visualization and near-real-time sensor visualization. • The framework provides earlier crack insight, better accuracy, and enhanced decision support.
AI in Construction Management: Preparedness and Potential Hai Ha Vu, Mohammed Rauf, Rasmus Rempling, Mats Granath, Erik Ulvås IABSE Symposium Copenhagen 2026 Bridging Advanced Technologies Structural Innovation, 2026 To address the constant challenges related to project delays and low productivity in the construction industry, this paper explores the opportunity of integrating machine learning based predictive models to improve decision-making in construction project management. In collaboration with NCC, a case study of the Ingelkärr–Stenkullen transmission line project was conducted to develop a hybrid forecasting model that combines Monte Carlo simulations with neural–network–based machine learning. The initial results showed high predictive accuracy (𝑅𝑅2=0.92) and updates weekly with the actual progress, enabling adaptive learning. The proposed framework shows strong potential to transform industry practices by significantly improving risk forecasting, optimizing resource management, and increasing responsiveness to uncertainty, thereby offering a pathway to more efficient and resilient project management in construction.
Effect Assessment of Climate Requirements for Concrete - a Swedish Case Study Nilla Olsson, Ingemar Löfgren, Iad Saleh, Daniel Ekström, Rasmus Rempling IABSE Symposium Copenhagen 2026 Bridging Advanced Technologies Structural Innovation, 2026 Reduction of climate impact can be governed and addressed in multiple ways and by various actors within the value chain. One approach is to impose technical measures for the climate impact of individual construction projects, and this is the approach used by the Swedish Transport Administration, Trafikverket, responsible for Sweden's transport infrastructure. A key part of this governance includes explicit requirements regarding the climate impact of concrete used for reinforced concrete structures. However, these requirements may have a strong influence on cost and technical properties, both during design, construction and service life. In addition, the possibility to fulfil the requirements depends on and affects the supply of raw materials, such as cement and supplementary cementitious materials, in the construction sector over time. This study investigates the consequences, based on a demand/asset perspective, that the requirements entail.
Making sense of collaboration in major infrastructure construction projects Christoffer Rönndahl, Petra Bosch-Sijtsema, Rasmus Rempling, Mats Karlsson Project Leadership and Society, 2025 For complex and major infrastructure construction projects, relational governance and the importance of collaboration between project partners have led to the emergence of collaborative project delivery models. While collaboration has been studied from different perspectives, few studies focus on how collaboration is maintained and developed over time in major construction projects. Sensemaking is used as a theoretical lens to give more insight in how project actors give and make sense in relation to collaboration. Through a longitudinal case study with interviews (42) and observations, events, triggers and sensebreakers that stimulate sensemaking and sensegiving in the project are discussed. The study contributes with an empirical insight in how project actors make sense of collaboration through sensegiving, stimulating a sensemaking process while also exploring the influence of triggers and sensebreakers on this process. It underscores the dynamic and evolving nature of collaboration within the project context through sensemaking. • Sensemaking and sensegiving are crucial when projects face unexpected events. • Sensemaking facilitators aid projects in avoiding states of irreversible chaos. • Collaboration meetings and performance grading facilitate sensemaking processes. • Event-induced sensebreakers trigger sensemaking and sensegiving processes. • High trust and commitment improve communication and problem-solving.
Evaluation of post-tensioned reinforced and fiber reinforced concrete beams by using DOFS Ignasi Fernandez, Daniel Ekström, Rasmus Rempling, Carlos G. Berrocal Structural Concrete, 2025 Prestressed concrete provides several advantages over traditional reinforced concrete; however, some markets remain skeptical about the use of post‐tensioned structures. A crucial factor in these structures is assessing and quantifying the final force introduced into the element. This study evaluates the application of distributed optical fiber sensors (DOFS) to monitor the response of beams during tendon force introduction, long‐term behavior, and loading to failure. An experimental campaign was conducted involving four beams: two standard and two post‐tensioned. Additionally, the study compares the effectiveness of steel fiber reinforced concrete to determine its potential for further optimizing beam design. Key aspects analyzed include tendon force and corresponding instantaneous and deferred losses, load‐deformation behavior, initial crack formation, and subsequent crack development. The results demonstrated that using DOFS in a straightforward manner allows for detailed beam response analysis across different phases. Simple hypotheses and limited sensors can accurately evaluate all tendon losses. Furthermore, fiber optics can detect potential crack candidates even in the compression stage, due to strain concentrations that lead to cracking during the loading phase.
Application of DOFS for monitoring post-tensioned anchorage zones in reinforced and fibre reinforced concrete Carlos G. Berrocal, Mathias Flansbjer, Daniel Ekström, Rasmus Rempling, Ignasi Fernandez Journal of Civil Structural Health Monitoring, 2025 Prestressed concrete offers a range of benefits compared to traditional reinforced concrete, but in some markets the application of post-tensioned structures has seen a decline in recent decades. A critical aspect of post-tensioned structures is the design of anchorage zones. This study introduces and evaluates an experimental method based on Distributed Optical Fibre Sensors (DOFS) to assess the behaviour of post-tensioned anchorage zones. Moreover, the effectiveness of steel fibre reinforced concrete (SFRC) is also compared to various setups using conventional reinforcement systems. The aspects analysed include load-deformation behaviour, initial crack formation, and subsequent crack development. The research, based on six tested samples, shows that the application of DOFS in the presented setup holds great potential. Furthermore, the findings indicate that using exclusively SFRC at a volume fraction of 0.5%, without passive reinforcement is not recommended. However, combining SFRC with standard helical reinforcement around the anchorage block appears sufficient to meet desired structural performance, as evidenced by comparisons to control specimens.
Experimental investigation on prevalent local failure mechanisms in hard rock tunnel linings using distributed optical fibre sensors August Jansson, Andreas Sjölander, Carlos G. Berrocal, Rasmus Rempling, Ignasi Fernandez Engineering Structures, 2025 In today’s hard rock tunnel construction, the most common support system consists of rock bolts and shotcrete linings. The support system is effective to build, and structural safety has empirically been established. However, the utilization rate of shotcrete linings is usually unknown as no method exists today that determines the type and magnitude of loads acting on the linings. This paper investigates the implementation of distributed optical fiber sensors (DOFS) as a promising solution for monitoring of local loads in shotcrete tunnel linings. This approach enables the identification of local loads, facilitating targeted inspections in areas with deviating measurements and allowing for more informed repair and maintenance decisions. In the study, two typical local load conditions in shotcrete linings were analysed using strain measurements from DOFS installed in experimental specimens designed to replicate sections of tunnel linings. The results revealed that the examined load conditions can be distinguished based on the measured strains. While the lining thickness had a significant effect on the peak load capacity, the roughness of the substrate influenced the strain distribution in linings subjected to bending. It was also shown that DOFS outside the loaded area could detect load-induced strains for shear loaded specimens at low load levels, but not for flexurally loaded specimens. • Identification of loads in simplified shotcrete tunnel linings using DOFS. • Loose rock loads and distributed loose rock material loads were tested. • Novel monitoring technique for shotcrete tunnel linings in hard rock. • Evaluation of thickness, load condition, loaded area and substrate surface treatment.
Aspects of Buildability for Automated Bridge Design Alexander Kjellgren, Helén Broo, Per Kettil, Mikael Johansson, Rasmus Rempling, Mats Granath IABSE Symposium Tokyo 2025 Environmentally Friendly Technologies and Structures Focusing on Sustainable Approaches Report, 2025
Strain distributions for shotcrete failure in hard rock tunnels IABSE Symposium Manchester 2024 Construction S Role for A World in Emergency, 2024
Data-driven and production-oriented tendering design using artificial intelligence IABSE Symposium Manchester 2024 Construction S Role for A World in Emergency, 2024
Could a grouped design approach of bridges increase productivity and decrease cost and climate impact? IABSE Congress San Jose 2024 Beyond Structural Engineering in A Changing World Report, 2024
Productivity increase in the design and construction of bridges IABSE Symposium Manchester 2024 Construction S Role for A World in Emergency, 2024
Fibre-reinforced post-tension anchoring zone - an experimental comparison of reinforcement configurations IABSE Congress San Jose 2024 Beyond Structural Engineering in A Changing World Report, 2024
The need for research and innovation to facilitate upscaling of low-carbon concrete IABSE Congress New Delhi 2023 Engineering for Sustainable Development Report, 2023
Climate-smarter design of soil-steel composite bridges using set-based design J. Lagerkvist, C.G. Berrocal, R. Rempling Current Perspectives and New Directions in Mechanics Modelling and Design of Structural Systems Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Structural Engineering Mechanics and Computation 2022, 2022
Intelligent building contract tendering - potential and exploration IABSE Symposium Prague 2022 Challenges for Existing and Oncoming Structures Report, 2022
Important Parameters for Increased Productivity in Bridge Design and Production IABSE Congress Nanjing 2022 Bridges and Structures Connection Integration and Harmonisation Report, 2022
Natural language processing as work support in project tendering L. Cusumano, R. Rempling, R. Jockwer, R. Saraiva, M. Granath, N. Olsson, S. Okazawa Current Perspectives and New Directions in Mechanics Modelling and Design of Structural Systems Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Structural Engineering Mechanics and Computation 2022, 2022
A fiber optics enriched Digital Twin for assessment of reinforced concrete structures IABSE Congress Ghent 2021 Structural Engineering for Future Societal Needs, 2021
Sustainability-driven structural design using artificial intelligence 20th Congress of IABSE New York City 2019 the Evolving Metropolis Report, 2019
Predicting project performance using pre-construction performance indicators-a case study evaluation 20th Congress of IABSE New York City 2019 the Evolving Metropolis Report, 2019
Key aspects of digital image correlation in impact tests of reinforced concrete beams IABSE Symposium Guimaraes 2019 Towards A Resilient Built Environment Risk and Asset Management Report, 2019
Impact propagation effects along reinforced concrete beams IABSE Symposium Guimaraes 2019 Towards A Resilient Built Environment Risk and Asset Management Report, 2019
Structural health monitoring of RC structures using optic fiber strain measurements: A deep learning approach 20th Congress of IABSE New York City 2019 the Evolving Metropolis Report, 2019
Multi-criteria decision analysis methods to support sustainable infrastructure construction IABSE Symposium Guimaraes 2019 Towards A Resilient Built Environment Risk and Asset Management Report, 2019
Applying a set-based parametric design method to structural design of bridges IABSE Symposium Nantes 2018 Tomorrow S Megastructures, 2018
Methodology for selection of production method in an early stage - Improved conceptual design process. IABSE Conference Vancouver 2017 Engineering the Future Report, 2017
Integrated project teams in early design stages - Key variables influencing cost effectiveness in bridge building IABSE Congress Stockholm 2016 Challenges in Design and Construction of an Innovative and Sustainable Built Environment, 2016
Modelling cracking and bending failure of sfrc beams with conventional reinforcement Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Fracture Mechanics of Concrete and Concrete Structures Framcos 2013, 2013
A damage-plasticity model for the dynamic failure of concrete Proceedings of the 8th International Conference on Structural Dynamics Eurodyn 2011, 2011
How volumetric-deviatoric coupling influences the crack prediction in concrete fracture tests Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Fracture Mechanics of Concrete and Concrete Structures Fracture Mechanics of Concrete and Concrete Structures, 2007
