Structural safety assessment criteria for dismantling operations of unique structures. San Mames Roof Arch Experience

Dismantling is a fundamental phase of the life cycle on transport infrastructures and buildings in terms of sustainability and environmental impact but also in terms of structural safety. The requirements of the dismantling operation of a structure are linked to the complexity of the structure, and it is necessary to monitor the evolution of its structural behavior to avoid unexpected and demanding conditions and facilitate it reuse in the future. The authors present (1) an optimal methodology for the approach to the dismantling project of a structure, (2) a new global structural safety indicator for real time assessment, as well as (3) its application in the dismantling of the San Mames arch roof. The application of the vibrating chord technique in order to obtain the existing stresses in the lower tie rod of the arch of the San Mames roof arch and the monitoring of the evolution of the stresses in this tie rod during the operation of lifting and dismantling of the roof arch is presented. As a result, the paper contributes to reducing the lack of shared experience in the sector, as it is one of the few in the literature on the dismantling of large structural elements.