Numerical and experimental investigation of damage in environmentally-sensitive civil structures using modal strain energy (case study: LPG wharf)

Due to its sensitive geopolitical situation as well as giant oil and gas fields, the Persian Gulf has exceptional environmental conditions. However, it is one of the most polluted maritime zones because of strategic sensitivities that have consistently led to political and military tensions, enormous economic resources and marine structures for natural resource extraction. Given the importance of the marine environment, the lack of comprehensive resource monitoring and management and pollution control plan results in environmental degradation. Oil and gas piers are one of the most common offshore structures that may be deteriorated and lead to human and financial losses as well as irreparable environmental impacts. Therefore, damage detection in the early stages of marine structure development is of great importance. The modal strain energy is a non-destructive damage detection method for concrete structures that estimates the damage localization or severity by changing the dynamic properties of the structure. Making some corrections to the previous versions of the modal strain energy method, this study aims to estimate the damage location and severity of a real sample of pile-deck LPG pier in the South Pars Gas Field (Assaluyeh) of Persian Gulf numerically and experimentally. Results showed that the present method has higher accuracy in locating damages than the other methods. Also, single and multiple damages of low and high severity were estimated by this method with good accuracy.

Automated summary

The Persian Gulf's unique environmental conditions due to its geopolitical situation and vast oil and gas fields are compromised by pollution. Inadequate marine environmental management leads to degradation, highlighting the importance of damage detection and repair of marine structures.