1. Why conduct technical monitoring?

Firstly, the monitoring of a structural project can be defined as apeer review of the project, from the definition of the structure's concept to its detailing. This review should be carried out by an independent and impartial team of specialist engineers, who will provide observations aimed at increasing the safety of the asset. Thus, the objective of monitoring is to reduce structural risks by identifying non-conformities and suggesting improvements.

Project monitoring differs from traditional independent auditing (double-checking) in that its main objective is not to develop calculation models and regulatory checks independently of the designer. In contrast, in project monitoring, the designer's criteria, assumptions, and calculations are verified and validated by reviewers.

Thus, project monitoring and independent review are complementary activities that are of great importance for ensuring the Structural Integrity the asset. For this reason, monitoring by specialists is recommended for all types of engineering projects, and is especially necessary and beneficial for projects of greater importance, for reasons of safety or economic risk.

1.1. Benefits of structural project monitoring

Monitoring the structural design allows non-conformities to be detected and corrected at an early stage, when the main components are defined. This makes it possible to make the necessary modifications and adaptations at a stage when the costs involved are lower.

In addition, the team accompanying the project provides assistance in defining the structural criteria for achieving the objectives set. Furthermore, the presence of specialists facilitates communication of requirements and results between the client and the project team.

During the review, the loads and boundary conditions considered in the structural calculations are checked. In addition to the values, location and direction of the actions, it is also checked whether all the critical conditions for the structure have been taken into account, including unusual situations that have a high impact on the integrity of the asset.

The verification of the structure's base plans is also carried out during the monitoring of the structural design. In turn, these plans are input data for the design of the civil bases, and the detection and correction of errors in their calculation and communication provides a safer and more reliable design of the asset.

As a result, all these aspects allow for a reduction in the time and resources spent on structural modifications that would possibly only be identified after the asset had been built.

2. Main non-conformities detected in structural projects

These are examples of typical problems encountered in structural projects during monitoring:

 

1. 1. Underestimating the loads that the structure will bear. For example, using the wrong density when calculating the loads due to material transported in handling equipment;

1. 1. Failure to include critical conditions such as loads outside the asset's operating standard (exceptional). For example, loads due to belt jamming on a belt conveyor;

1. 1. Dimensioning errors in typical structures that will be manufactured in dozens or hundreds on the same contract. For example, trusses, stringers and supports;

1. 1. Failure to take into account the influence of structures adjacent to the calculated structure. For example, the distribution of loads on the wheels of a mobile head can be affected by the rigidity of the beams of the building supporting the equipment;

1. 1. Difficulty in technical communication between client and supplier. For example, reduced efficiency in communicating criteria and results when the supplier is foreign, due to language and cultural barriers;

1. 1. Incorrect provision of the asset's base plan. For example, neglecting the bending moments acting on rigidly connected bases.

3. Stages of the technical monitoring process for the structural project

It is recommended that monitoring begin at the same time as the structural design. To this end, the objectives of the structural design and the criteria to be followed, including the required standards, should be presented to all parties involved before the process begins.

The project can be monitored through periodic meetings involving the three parties (owner, supplier, and reviewer), together with the evaluation of the documentation generated at each stage of the structural project. In this process, the supplier must provide documents that allow for the understanding and evaluation of the project, such as technical drawings, 3D models, calculation reports, and base plans. Thus, comments and modifications to the project occur iteratively until the project meets all defined structural criteria.

Generally, project monitoring does not involve the development of independent models by the review team, but rather an evaluation of the project documentation produced by the asset supplier. This makes it possible to obtain comments much more quickly than with traditional independent review (which must still be carried out at the end of the project).

The team carrying out the design review must make this assessment objectively, based on engineering principles and agreed criteria. Therefore, issues of divergence due to design style, which do not represent a gain in structural efficiency for the asset, should not be addressed. [Design Council and ACSE 24].

It should be noted that, for the process to function properly, it is essential that there be transparency between the parties involved regarding the calculation methodology used, the design considerations, and the results obtained. In addition, the information must be communicated in a way that is understandable to all parties involved in the project. [Design Council].

4. Conclusion: greater safety and efficiency

Monitoring the structural design is of great importance for improving the structural quality of the asset and reducing its risks. In addition, it brings gains in safety, time, and cost for all parties involved in the project by allowing early identification of critical points for the Structural Integrity the project.

Technical support is provided by Kot Engenharia.

Kot Engenharia the experience and resources necessary to monitor structural projects, providing a different perspective from the other parties involved in the process. If you, like our more than 150 clients, are looking for specialized solutions in structural analysis or prevention of failures such as deformations, vibrations, and corrosion, consult our team and count on Kot Engenharia.

Since 1993, we have been offering engineering consultancy services through technical studies using non-destructive testing, field instrumentation and computer simulations (FEM, DEM and CFD) for highly complex diagnoses of concrete and metal structures and industrial equipment.

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