HistoricInfrastructure StructuralHealthMonitoring AmsterdamHeritage

Geotechnical - Structural Tests Join Powers Protecting Amsterdam's Quay Heritage

*Core extraction from the quay wall for determining the structural properties at TU Delft laboratory. Source: TU Delft*

Amsterdam’s historic quay walls, some over a century old, are undergoing advanced testing to ensure their safety and longevity. Recent field tests on a masonry quay wall in the city center have provided valuable insights into assessing and preserving these aging structures. The initiative combined cutting-edge monitoring, material testing, and numerical modeling, paving the way for informed infrastructure decisions.

Innovative Structural Health Monitoring

To gauge the structural integrity of the quay wall, vibration-based monitoring techniques were employed during a proof load test using a heavy truck and water-filled containers. Acceleration data collected during the test helped identify dynamic properties like natural frequencies and damping ratios, serving as proxies for structural health. These findings are critical for assessing the ongoing stability of similar walls throughout the city.

Material Characterization and Mechanical Insights

Understanding the unique composition of century-old masonry is essential for accurate structural analysis. Masonry samples were extracted and tested in a laboratory to determine their compressive, shear, and bonding properties. These tests helped reveal how these materials behave both above and below water levels, filling gaps in knowledge about older construction methods and materials.

3D Modeling for Future-Proofing

Using the collected data and detailed description of the soil stratification, detailed finite element models of the quay walls were developed to simulate various load scenarios. These simulations allow engineers to predict potential deformations and provide critical insights for maintaining historic infrastructure. Additionally, the findings may be used to update reliability estimates for other quay walls across Amsterdam, ensuring consistent safety and preservation measures.

3D finite element model illustrating the predicted out-of-plane displacement contours of a quay wall under the load of a garbage truck. Source: TU Delft

This field test is a major step forward in balancing heritage conservation with modern infrastructure needs. By combining traditional sampling techniques with state-of-the-art modeling and monitoring, the project ensures that Amsterdam’s historic quays remain safe for years to come.

Source: www.tudelft.nl