Data-Driven Modeling Algorithms for Cable-Stayed Bridges Considering Mechanical Behavior

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

This manuscript presents a data-driven algorithm aimed to promote the use of BIM in the design of cable-stayed bridges. The topic is interesting and worthy of further study. The manuscript is arranged rather well, but it needs some clarification and improvements before acceptance. 1. Cable-stayed bridges are complex structures. The design of a cable-stayed bridge implies several load patterns and types to be considered, such as moving loads and accidental action, as sudden cable-loss. These actions require complex structural analyses to be performed, and the results affect the design phase unavoidably. It should be clarified if the proposed algorithm can handle the complex analysis involved in the design phase. 2. Line 365. It could be useful to add some recent work focusing on advanced numerical methodologies on the initial configuration of cable-stayed brides. For instance, the following works use refined optimization techniques: "Design analysis of the optimum configuration of self-anchored cable-stayed suspension bridges." Structural Engineering and Mechanics 51(5): 847-866. "Optimum design analysis of hybrid cable-stayed suspension bridges." Advances in Engineering Software 73: 53-66. 3. Line 118. “ serve various purposes..Therefore,…”. Delete the double point.

Author Response

This manuscript presents a data-driven algorithm aimed to promote the use of BIM in the design of cable-stayed bridges. The topic is interesting and worthy of further study. The manuscript is arranged rather well, but it needs some clarification and improvements before acceptance.

1. Cable-stayed bridges are complex structures. The design of a cable-stayed bridge implies several load patterns and types to be considered, such as moving loads and accidental action, as sudden cable-loss. These actions require complex structural analyses to be performed, and the results affect the design phase unavoidably. It should be clarified if the proposed algorithm can handle the complex analysis involved in the design phase.

• In this paper, the modeling algorithm is intended to overcome a limitation of current BIM models from commercial solutions. A BIM model has rigid geometry even though real structures have deformation and geometry change according to different situations. The analysis for initial equilibrium state is provided to show how the modeling includes mechanical behavior under dead load. Interoperability between the digital models and FE analysis is accomplished by positioning elements and constraints conditions between bridge members. The current modeling algorithm supports frame analysis. If the loading conditions are different, FE program such as RM needs to be used. The analysis results can be imported to the digital model and show deformed shape. The analysis algorithm in the modeling of this paper only includes dead load case.

2. Line 365. It could be useful to add some recent work focusing on advanced numerical methodologies on the initial configuration of cable-stayed brides. For instance, the following works use refined optimization techniques: "Design analysis of the optimum configuration of self-anchored cable-stayed suspension bridges." Structural Engineering and Mechanics 51(5): 847-866. "Optimum design analysis of hybrid cable-stayed suspension bridges." Advances in Engineering Software 73: 53-66.

• Even though this paper is not to propose analysis method for cable-stayed bridge, those papers are really meaningful. Next movement of this approach will be definition of digital twin models for cable-supported bridges, which requires combination of information modeling and structural analysis. We added two papers in the reference and revise the manuscript.

3. Line 118. “ serve various purposes..Therefore,…”. Delete the double point.

• Revised.

Reviewer 2 Report

1. line 118: There are two periods at the end of sentence. '..'
2. Figure 1: Readers cannot see the figure clearly. For example, no one can see "product breakdown system(inventory)".
3. Figures: Lots of figures do not have enough quality. e.g. The text in Fig. 9 and 11 are turned sideways.
4. This paper just showed the design example conducted by authors. Academic novelty has not been properly assessed.
5. In the abstract, there is a sentence, "Distinct modeling techniques to combine domain knowledge with digital information modeling." I am not sure which part of the main text corresponds to this expression. Does it simply mean that BIM was used?

Author Response

line 118: There are two periods at the end of sentence. '..'

• revised. 

Figure 1: Readers cannot see the figure clearly. For example, no one can see "product breakdown system(inventory)".  Figures: Lots of figures do not have enough quality. e.g. The text in Fig. 9 and 11 are turned sideways.

• We revised the figures to be readable (Figure 1, 8, 9, 10)

This paper just showed the design example conducted by authors. Academic novelty has not been properly assessed.

• In this paper, the modeling algorithm is intended to overcome a limitation of current BIM models from commercial solutions. Geometric definition of a BIM model for a structure is rigid. For example, cables in a cable-stayed bridge are major structural components and mechanical behavior according to their length change. Cables are connected to two objects (pylon and stiffening girder). This paper proposed the modeling methodology to consider deformation which can be used for the interoperability with finite element analysis. Most commercial software vendors are trying to develop two-way interoperable modeling technology. The modeling algorithm and datasets for cable-stayed bridges are meaningful for Level-3 BIM (model-based procedure instead of document-based procedure). Data-driven modeling algorithm can improve current situation of open BIM (IFC-bridge) standard. The data and algorithms can be delivered to various commercial programs.

In the abstract, there is a sentence, "Distinct modeling techniques to combine domain knowledge with digital information modeling." I am not sure which part of the main text corresponds to this expression. Does it simply mean that BIM was used?

• To define deformation of the rigid BIM models, it is necessary to include expert’s knowledge on design and construction practices. For example, geometry control is done by coordinate measurements at several locations and tension force modification by their own in-house software. We had collaborative research with experts in actual bridge construction projects (one is in Korea, the other is in Myanmar). We added programing for the analysis to derive a relationship between geometry change and tension forces of cables.

Reviewer 3 Report

Texts on the most of the pictures are difficult to read, and this cause difficulties to understand some parts of paper (e.g. LOD and Fig. 1)

According to my opinion, this paper does not bring something new from scientific point of view, but very well present practical civil engineering problem and can inspire or encourage the others in the field of advanced design of cable-stayed bridges. The proposed methodology of design is interesting and can solve problems in civil engineering practice.

Author Response

Texts on the most of the pictures are difficult to read, and this cause difficulties to understand some parts of paper (e.g. LOD and Fig. 1)

• We revised the figures to be readable (Figure 1, 8, 9, 10)

According to my opinion, this paper does not bring something new from scientific point of view, but very well present practical civil engineering problem and can inspire or encourage the others in the field of advanced design of cable-stayed bridges. The proposed methodology of design is interesting and can solve problems in civil engineering practice.

• In this paper, the modeling algorithm is intended to overcome a limitation of current BIM models from commercial solutions. Geometric definition of a BIM model for a structure is rigid. For example, cables in a cable-stayed bridge are major structural components and mechanical behavior according to their length change. Cables are connected to two objects (pylon and stiffening girder). This paper proposed the modeling methodology to consider deformation which can be used for the interoperability with finite element analysis. Most commercial software vendors are trying to develop two-way interoperable modeling technology. The modeling algorithm and datasets for cable-stayed bridges are meaningful for Level-3 BIM (model-based procedure instead of document-based procedure). Data-driven modeling algorithm can improve current situation of open BIM (IFC-bridge) standard. The data and algorithms can be delivered to various commercial programs.

Reviewer 4 Report

With reference to  cable stayed bridges, the paper provides an overview on the good practices that have to be followed in using BIM methods so to profitably get a suitable knowledge in the domains of the design, construction, operation and mainteinance.

In particular, the Authors propose a data driven modelling algorithm that allows to improve the quality and the relevance of information, as well as to update easily, also by using information given by FEM models,  the knowledge of the structure, so to take decisions since the design phase and during its entire life. 

Although the paper is well written and the contents are well presented (in particular through nice figures and schemes) I have to say that it is of scarce scientific soundness, also considering the journal aims and scopes. In fact, even if the paper proposes good procedures for technicians, it is really focued on conceptual declarations and I really do not understand which are the novelties in terms of research achievements.

For this reason, I think that the paper is not worhty of being published in the journal.

 

Author Response

With reference to  cable stayed bridges, the paper provides an overview on the good practices that have to be followed in using BIM methods so to profitably get a suitable knowledge in the domains of the design, construction, operation and maintenance. In particular, the Authors propose a data driven modelling algorithm that allows to improve the quality and the relevance of information, as well as to update easily, also by using information given by FEM models,  the knowledge of the structure, so to take decisions since the design phase and during its entire life. Although the paper is well written and the contents are well presented (in particular through nice figures and schemes) I have to say that it is of scarce scientific soundness, also considering the journal aims and scopes. In fact, even if the paper proposes good procedures for technicians, it is really focued on conceptual declarations and I really do not understand which are the novelties in terms of research achievements. For this reason, I think that the paper is not worhty of being published in the journal.

• In this paper, the modeling algorithm is intended to overcome a limitation of current BIM models from commercial solutions. Geometric definition of a BIM model for a structure is rigid. For example, cables in a cable-stayed bridge are major structural components and mechanical behavior according to their length change. Cables are connected to two objects (pylon and stiffening girder). This paper proposed the modeling methodology to consider deformation which can be used for the interoperability with finite element analysis. Most commercial software vendors are trying to develop two-way interoperable modeling technology. The modeling algorithm and datasets for cable-stayed bridges are meaningful for Level-3 BIM (model-based procedure instead of document-based procedure). Data-driven modeling algorithm can improve current situation of open BIM (IFC-bridge) standard. The data and algorithms can be delivered to various commercial programs.

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

The manuscript can be accepted in the current form

Reviewer 2 Report

As for the drawings, I can read them now, but the quality needs to be further improved.

Reviewer 4 Report

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