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Gdańsk University of Technology

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Publications from the year 2022

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  • Simplified Numerical Model for Transient Flow of Slurries at Low Concentration
    • Katarzyna Weinerowska-Bords
    • Apoloniusz Kodura
    • Michał Kubrak
    2022 Full text ENERGIES

    Rapid transients are particularly dangerous in industrial hydro-transport systems, where solid-liquid mixtures are transported via long pressure pipelines. A mathematical description of such flow is difficult due to the complexity of phenomena and difficulties in determining parameters. The main aim of the study was to examine the influence of the simplified mixture density and wave celerity description on satisfactory reproduction of pressure characteristics during the transient flow of slurry at low concentrations. The paper reports and discusses the selected aspects of experimental and numerical analyses of transient slurry flow in a polyethylene pipe. The experiments were conducted by using the physical model of a slurry’s transportation pressure. The aim of the experiments was to determine the wave celerity during a transient flow in slurries. A low concertation of slurries, which was used during experiments, is typical for one of the biggest slurry networks in Poland. A comparison of the effects of different wave celerity descriptions was performed. The research reported that the theoretical formulas for slurry wave celerity and mixture density were not sufficiently accurate to obtain satisfactory compliance between calculations and observations. To improve the model, the experimental values of wave celerity and the concept of equivalent mixture density have been applied to indirectly consider the influence of variable mixture parameters. With such modifications, the calculated pressure characteristics in all analyzed episodes demonstrated satisfactory compliance with observations. The simplified approach proved to be effective in properly reproducing the intensity and frequency of rapid pressure changes.

  • Simulation of hybridized nanofluids flowing and heat transfer enhancement via 3-D vertical heated plate using finite element technique
    • Muhammad Bilal Hafeez
    • Marek Krawczuk
    • Hasan Shahzad
    • Amjad Ali Pasha
    • Mohammad Adil
    2022 Full text Scientific Reports

    The present study probed the creation of heat energy and concentrating into Newtonian liquids across vertical 3D-heated plates. The role of the Soret and Dufour theories in concentrating and energy formulas is discussed. The role of hybrid nanoparticles is introduced to illustrate particle efciency in terms of solute and thermal energy. It is removed a viscous dissipation process and a changing magnetic feld. The proposed approach is motivated by the need to maximize solute and thermal energy uses in biological and industrial domains. The constructed system of (partial diferential equations) PDEs includes concentration, momentum, and thermal energy equations within various thermal characteristics. Transformations are used to formulate the system of (ordinary diferential equations) ODEs for solution. To assess various features vs various variables, a Galerkin fnite element approach is used. Motion into nanoscale components is shown to be smaller than motion into hybrid nanoparticles. Furthermore, fuctuations in heat energy and solute particle counts are seen in relation to changes in Soret, Eckert, magnetic, and Dufour numbers. The basic fnding is that the generation of thermal energy for hybridized nanomaterials is much higher.

  • Simulations of the Derecho Event in Poland of 11th August 2017 Using WRF Model
    • Mariusz Figurski
    • Grzegorz Nykiel
    2022 Full text

    This series contains datasets related to the forecasting of a severe weather event, a derecho, in Poland on 11 August 2017. The simulations were conducted using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model version 4.2.1 with different initial and boundary conditions of the pressure and model levels derived from 5 global models: Global Forecast System (GFS), Global Data Assimilation System (GDAS), European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), and ERA5. Each simulation, shared as a separate dataset, was performed for two starting hours: at 00:00 and 12:00 UTC. The datasets contain about 280 meteorological parameters stored as 2D or 3D fields with high-spatial (2.5 km and 0.5 km domains) and temporal (10 minutes) resolutions. The three-dimensional fields are calculated at 50 levels up to 50 hPa. All data are stored in easily accessible NetCDF files.

  • Simultaneous removal of heavy metals and dyes in water using a MgO-coated Fe3O4 nanocomposite: Role of micro-mixing effect induced by bubble generation
    • Manoj Panayamthatta Rayaroth
    • Dasom Oh
    • Chung-seop Lee
    • Yoon-seok Chang
    2022 Full text CHEMOSPHERE

    This study focused on the development of a nano-adsorbent for contaminant removal without the use of any external energy. An eco-friendly Fe3O4@MgO core-shell nanocomposite was synthesized and tested for the removal of a heavy metal, lead (Pb2+) and a dye, rhodamine B (RhB). The addition of H2O2 into the system enabled the self-mixing of the aqueous solution containing Fe3O4@MgO through the generation of bubbles. This system showed an excellent removal efficiency of 99% in just 15 min for Pb2+ and 120 min for RhB, which is far better than the control experiment (without H2O2). The cation exchange mechanism dominated in the removal of heavy metals, while the adsorptive removal of dye proceeded through the H-bonding between Mg(OH)2 and dye molecules. The removal efficiency increased exponentially with the increase of H2O2 at the optimal concentration of 5% and it was effective over a wide pH range. Moreover, the performance of the Fe3O4@MgO-H2O2 system was verified for other heavy metals such as Cd, Ni, Zn, Co, and Cu, demonstrating that the Fe3O4@MgO-H2O2 system can be widely implemented in the treatment of real water matrices contaminated with heavy metals and organic dyes.

  • Single and Series of Multi-valued Decision Diagrams in Representation of Structure Function
    • Michal Mrena
    • Miroslav Kvassay
    • Stanisław Czapp
    2022

    Structure function, which defines dependency of performance of the system on performance of its components, is a key part of system description in reliability analysis. In this paper, we compare two approaches for representation of the structure function. The first one is based on use of a single Multi-valued Decision Diagram (MDD) and the second on use of a series of MDDs. The obtained results indicate that the series of MDDs can be more efficient than a single MDD in case of series-parallel systems, which belong to the most fundamental types of topologies studied by reliability engineers.

  • Single-phase, Five-level Inverter with SPWM-Based Neutral Point Voltage Balancing Scheme
    • Dmytro Kondratenko
    • Arkadiusz Lewicki
    • Charles Odeh
    2022 Full text

    Multilevel inverter topologies provide several advantages over two-level inverter configuration. These benefits are the reason for the growing interest in multilevel topologies among research society. One of the most popular topological concepts (diode and active switch clamping) requires neutral-point potential balancing due to series-connected capacitor banks across the input dc link in such derived inverter configurations. This paper presents a Sinusoidal PWM (SPWM) scheme that ensures balanced and reduced input capacitor voltages' variations in single-phase T-type inverter. Comparison analyses with existing carrier-based pulse-width modulation methods are provided. Simulation results are provided which showcase the effectiveness of the control approach. Experimental validation of these results was provided with a five-level single-phase T-type VSI; that supplies single-phase RL load.

  • Size effect at aggregate level in microCT scans and DEM simulation – Splitting tensile test of concrete
    • Jan Suchorzewski
    • Michał Nitka
    2022 Full text ENGINEERING FRACTURE MECHANICS

    The paper describes an experimental and numerical study of size effect on concrete cylindrical specimens in splitting tensile test. Own experimental campaign was performed on specimens with 5 various diameters from D = 74, 105, 150, 192 and 250 mm with hardboard loading strips (distributed load according to standard methods) scaled proportionally to the specimen diameter. The crack opening-control system was applied to obtain the post-peak behaviour of all tested specimens including catastrophic behaviour (snap-back). The tested specimens at a certain point were unloaded and scanned with novel high-resolution micro tomography to analyse the macro cracks and phenomena like aggregate breakage, crack branching etc. at the aggregate level. Based on realistic mesostructure the discrete element method (DEM) 2D model of 3 specimens with diameters of D = 74, 150 and 250 mm were constructed and tested. The fracture was analysed at macro and micro-level in DEM and directly compared with microCT scans. DEM simulations revealed additional information related to the loss of material strength and ductility with increasing specimen size (size effect). The simulation and experimental results were in good agreement.

  • Skills mismatch in the context of technological change
    • Franciszek Kutrzeba
    2022

    The main purpose of this dissertation is to assess the perception asymmetry of smart skills and formal education in ICT based economy. In other words, the goal of this research is to assess perceptions of smart skills and competences in the context of technological change from the perspectives of employers and students in Poland. Determining the fore-mentioned relationship gives insight into the hypothetical perception asymmetry for demanded smart skills in an ICT-based economy with possible practical implications for policymakers and educators. I have defined the following research questions: 1. What is the interrelation of perceptions on smart skills and competences between Polish higher education students and employers in Poland? 2. What is the significance of formal education in the context of recent technological change?

  • Slowly-closing valve behaviour during steam machine accelerated start-up
    • Mateusz Bryk
    • Mariusz Banaszkiewicz
    • Tomasz Kowalczyk
    • Waldemar Dudda
    • Paweł Ziółkowski
    2022 Full text Case Studies in Thermal Engineering

    The paper discusses the state of stress in a slowly-closing valve during accelerated start-up of a steam turbine. The valve is one of the first components affected by high temperature gradients and is a key element on which the power, efficiency and safety of the steam system depend. The authors calibrated the valve model based on experimental data and then performed extended Thermal-FSI analyses relative to experiment. The issue is important as determining the possibility of accelerating the start-up of a steam turbine while not exceeding the strength limit in the design of the steam valve. The shorter the startup time, the more environmental and economic benefits. The most important results of the work include the possibility to reduce the start-up time of a steam machine without excessive strain on the valve structural components and not to exceed the stress limits. The important news for the industry is that there is no need to change the valves construction in terms of accelerated start-up of the steam engine. The results of the work confirm the belief that fast start-up of a steam turbine is possible without large capital expenditures for design changes in the components of the steam system.

  • Small Polymeric Toys Placed in Child-Dedicated Chocolate Food Products—Do They Contain Harmful Chemicals? Examination of Quality by Example of Selected VOCs and SVOCs
    • Monika Śmiełowska
    • Mariusz Marć
    • Bożena Zabiegała
    2022 Full text Exposure and Health

    This study was focused on child-dedicated chocolate food products that contain a plastic package with a small toy inside (also known as chocolate eggs). Three types of these products that are commercially available on the Polish market, with different prices, chocolate composition, and main types of polymers used in the toy manufacturing process, were investigated. The polymers were identified using Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis and emissions of selected toxic volatile organic compounds of toy and packaging samples were identified using stationary emission micro-chamber. Total volatile organic compounds emissions were also estimated. Moreover, the content of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) as bioaccumulative semi-volatile organic compounds was checked in all parts of the cheapest product. The highest PBDE concentra- tions, which ranged from 5.32 ± 0.79 to 1768 ± 289 ng/g, were recorded in chocolate samples. This demonstrates the need for consumer knowledge on the safety of such products available on the Polish market to be broadened. This is one of the many examples of studies showing that products sold on the European market do not always comply with the Conformité Européenne (CE) declaration of conformity. Furthermore, the presence of phased-out PBDEs in toys may provide evidence of wrong recycling practices. Forward-looking considerations showed that, based on assessments of the hazard quotient (HQ) and cancer risk of BDE-209 and assuming each child has contact with one toy and eats one of the studied chocolate products per day, there is no high risk associated with the exposure of children to PBDEs.

  • Smart Knowledge Engineering for Cognitive Systems: A Brief Overview
    • Caterine Silva de Oliveira
    • Cesar Sanin
    • Edward Szczerbicki
    2022 Full text CYBERNETICS AND SYSTEMS

    Cognition in computer sciences refers to the ability of a system to learn at scale, reason with purpose, and naturally interact with humans and other smart systems, such as humans do. To enhance intelligence, as well as to introduce cognitive functions into machines, recent studies have brought humans into the loop, turning the system into a human–AI hybrid. To effectively integrate and manipulate hybrid knowledge, suitable technologies and guidelines are required to sustain the human–AI interface so that communication can occur. However, traditional Knowledge Management (KM) and Knowledge Engineering (KE) approaches encounter problems when dealing with cutting-edge technologies, imposing impediments for the use of traditional methods in cognitive systems (CS). This paper presents a brief overview of the Smart Knowledge Engineering for Cognitive Systems (SKECS), which is based on methods, technologies, and procedures that bring innovations to the fields of KE, KM, and CS. The goal is to bridge the gap in the hybrid cognitive interface by the combination of experience-based knowledge representation with the use of emerging technologies such as deep learning, context-aware indexing/retrieval, active learning with a human-in-the-loop, and stream reasoning. In this work Set of Experience Knowledge Structure (SOEKS) and Decision DNA (DDNA) is extended to the visual domain and utilized for knowledge capture, representation, reuse, and evolution. These technologies are examined throughout the layers of SKECS for applications in knowledge acquisition, formalization, storage/retrieval, learning, and reasoning, with the final goal of achieving knowledge augmentation (wisdom) in CS. Features of the SKECS and their practical implementation is discussed through a case study—the Cognitive Vision Platform for Hazard Control (CVP-HC)—suggesting that methods, techniques and procedures comprising the SKECS are suitable for advancing systems toward augmented cognition.

  • Smart Virtual Product Development: Manufacturing Capability Analysis and Process Planning Module
    • Muhammad Ahmed
    • Cesar Sanin
    • Edward Szczerbicki
    2022 Full text CYBERNETICS AND SYSTEMS

    Smart Virtual Product Development (SVPD) system provides effective use of information, knowledge, and experience in industry during the process of product development in Industry 4.0 scenario. This system comprises of three primary modules, each of which has been developed to cater to a need for digital knowledge capture for smart manufacturing in the areas of product design, production planning, and inspection planning. Manufacturing Capability Analysis and Process Planning (MCAPP) module is an important module of the SVPD system, and it involves the provision of manufacturing knowledge to experts working on product development at the early stages of the product lifecycle. In this research, we firstly describe the structure and working mechanism of the SVPD system’s MCAPP module. This is followed by validation of the MCAPP module’s Manufacturing Process Planning (MPP) sub-module against the key performance indicators (KPIs) by using our threading tap case study. Our results verify the feasibility of our approach and show how manufacturing knowledge relating to features and functions can be used to enhance the manufacturing process across similar products during the early stages of product development. An analysis of the basic concepts and methods of implementation show that this is an expert system capable of supporting smart manufacturing which can play a vital role in the establishment of Industry 4.0.

  • SnO2 nanoparticles embedded onto MoS2 nanoflakes - An efficient catalyst for photodegradation of methylene blue and photoreduction of hexavalent chromium
    • Mariusz Szkoda
    • Zuzanna Zarach
    • Małgorzata Nadolska
    • Grzegorz Trykowski
    • Konrad Trzciński
    2022 ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA

    In this work, a molybdenum disulfide/tin oxide (MoS2/SnO2) composite was successfully prepared via a hydrothermal method. The MoS2/SnO2 composite was used as a photocatalyst for photoreduction of hexavalent chromium and photodecomposition of methylene blue. It exhibited higher photocatalytic performance under simulated solar light irradiation than MoS2 itself. The obtained material was characterized by several spectroscopic and microscopic techniques, namely X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TEM images of the MoS2/SnO2 revealed that SnO2 nanoparticles were embedded into MoS2. Furthermore, photodegradation mechanism and the role of adsorption were discussed. The enhanced photocatalytic performance of MoS2/SnO2 composite can be directly attributed to the presence of SnO2, which may increase the separation efficiency of the electron-hole pairs. The 99.5% of MB removal was achieved after 5 minutes of illumination. To the best of our knowledge, it is one of the most photoactive MoS2-based photocatalysts for methylene blue (MB) photodecomposition. Moreover, the obtained composite was highly active against chromium (VI) photo-reduction. This work provides evidence that the MoS2/SnO2 composite possesses enormous potential in photocatalytic applications.

  • Social Capital, Human Capital, Tacit Knowledge, and Innovations: A Polish-US Cross-Country Study
    • Wioleta Kucharska
    • G. Scott Erickson
    2022 Full text

    This study measures the relationship between human and social capital (internal and external) and tacit knowledge sharing's influence on innovativeness among knowledge workers employed in Polish (n=1050) and US (n=1118) organizations. The structural equation modeling method revealed that internal social capital matters more for organizational innovativeness in the US. In Poland, both external and internal were important. Specifically, in the US, external social capital supports internal innovativeness directly and external - indirectly. On the contrary, in Poland, social capital directly influences internal and external innovativeness. These differences are partially due to country differences regarding public and private financing. Also apparent is the need for strong social bonds between employees in innovative companies. Furthermore, this study confirms that internal innovativeness is vital for external innovativeness and reveals that social capital is a structural enabler for innovativeness, given its critical role in the distribution of tacit knowledge.

  • Social learning in cluster initiatives
    • Małgorzata Rozkwitalska
    • Anna Lis
    2022 Full text Competitiveness Review

    Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to portray social learning in cluster initiatives (CIs), namely: 1) to explore, with the lens of the communities of practice (CoPs) theory, in what ways social learning occurs in CIs; 2) to discover how various CoPs emerge and evolve in CIs to facilitate a collective journey in their learning process. Subsequently, the authors address the research questions: In what ways does social learning occur in CIs? How is social learning facilitated through the emergence and evolution of various CoPs in CIs? Design/methodology/approach – The study applies the abduction approach for the interpretation of the collected data and attempts to create the best explanations for the observations on the basis of the CoP theory. The qualitative study of four CIs helped to identify various ways that social learning occurs in CIs and the role of the identified CoPs in the process. Social learning is portrayed as a collective journey within and between CoPs, where the interactions of their members deepen their level of involvement and help them to enhance learning in their CoP. Findings – The paper shows ways that social learning occurs in CIs and describes the role of CoPs. It identifies three types of CoPs in CIs: participants, cooperators and locomotives. Additionally, it documents different ways of social learning in CIs, namely one-way or two-way information transfer and raising awareness, demonstrating and inspiring, or motivating and educating. It also shows that while potentially every member of a CI has access to these practices, only a limited number of members are actually involved. Social learning in CIs is selective and some CI members accept their role as more peripheral in their CI. Originality/value – The literature on CIs, which are peculiar forms of clusters, is still underdeveloped. The research fills in the gap concerning the ways social learning occurs in CIs. It shows that selectiveness can be observed in this process, and emphasizes the role of interactions developed through CoPs and the benefits offered by them. The study applies the CoP approach. Consequently, it expands the theoretical base in view of the generally lacking studies on social learning in CIs in the literature on clustering. Since the CoP theory has rarely been applied in the management literature, it also augments this specific field.

  • Social Learning in Cluster Organizations and Accumulation of Technological Capability
    • Małgorzata Rozkwitalska
    • Anna Lis
    2022 Full text Inzinerine Ekonomika-Engineering Economics

    The purpose of the paper is to present how members of cluster organizations perceive their role in the accumulation of technological capability through social learning. The paper presents the results of a qualitative study of four cluster organizations. The theoretical foundation of the study are the communities of practice and the organizational inertia theories. The study indicates that the dynamics of technological capability of cluster organizations’ companies varies regarding three identified communities of practice, namely Participants, Cooperators and Locomotives. The so-called Dead souls (not included in any of the identified communities of practice) did not accumulate technological capability, while the companies classified as Participants increased their technological capability through social learning in cluster organizations provided that the cluster organizations offered comparatively high benefits. Those members of cluster organizations, identified as Cooperators and Locomotives, exhibited relatively high initial technological capability and increased it when the benefits received through social learning in cluster organizations were aligned with their technological trajectories. The study adds to the underdeveloped knowledge of cluster organizations by examining their role in enabling social learning that helps cluster firms accumulate technological capability.

  • Social perception of technological innovations at sports facilities: justification for financing ‘white elephants’ from public sources? The case of Euro 2012 Stadiums in Poland
    • Krystian Zawadzki
    2022 Full text Innovation-The European Journal of Social Science Research

    The main purpose of the paper is to provide a monetary valuation of social benefits in connection with the hypothetical implementation of technological innovations at four Euro 2012 stadiums in Poland. Not only the construction of the sport’s arenas, but also the ongoing maintenance drain the pockets of Polish taxpayers. At the same time Euro 2012 stadiums remain underused, which familiarize the host cities with the concept of ‘white elephants’. Due to the application of the contingent valuation method (CVM), the social effects obtained by the residents of four Polish cities were linked to proposed technological innovations, which were given appropriate monetary values. The research has proved the importance of technological innovations at the Euro 2012 stadiums in Poland. As a result, the residents of four Polish cities valued the social benefits related to the implementation of these innovations at PLN 70 million (USD 18 million).

  • Solar Photovoltaic Energy Optimization and Challenges
    • Arsalan Muhammad Soomar
    • Abdul Hakeem
    • Mustapha Messaoudi
    • Piotr Musznicki
    • Amjad Iqbal
    • Stanisław Czapp
    2022 Full text Frontiers in Energy Research

    The study paper focuses on solar energy optimization approaches, as well as the obstacles and concerns that come with them. This study discusses the most current advancements in solar power generation devices in order to provide a reference for decision-makers in the field of solar plant construction throughout the world. These technologies are divided into three groups: photovoltaic, thermal, and hybrid (thermal/photovoltaic). As a result, this article begins by outlining the approach that will be employed to undertake this research. Following that, solar energy production methods are researched and their sub-classifications are described in order to establish their resource needs and features. Following that, a detailed conversation is held. Each technology’s environmental and economic performance will be evaluated. Furthermore, a statistical analysis is conducted to emphasize the efficiency and performance of each solar technology, as well as to identify their global rankings in terms of power output. Finally, research trends in the development of solar power plants are presented. The credibility of the Photovoltaic system, types and limitations is the discussion under study system makes use of sun’s energy to generate electricity with the help of varied procedural systems; stand-alone, hybrid or grid charged. Based on this research, it is possible to infer that the primary goals of optimization approaches are to reduce investment, operation and maintenance costs, and emissions in order to improve system dependability. This paper also includes a brief overview of several solar energy optimization problems and issues.

  • Solubility of Methane in Water: Some Useful Results for Hydrate Nucleation
    • Joanna Grabowska
    • Samuel Blazquez
    • Eduardo Sanz
    • Iván M. Zerón
    • Jesús Algaba
    • José Manuel Míguez
    • Felipe J. Blas
    • Carlos Vega
    2022 Full text JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY B

    In this paper, the solubility of methane in water along the 400 bar isobar is determined by computer simulations using the TIP4P/Ice force field for water and a simple LJ model for methane. In particular, the solubility of methane in water when in contact with the gas phase and the solubility of methane in water when in contact with the hydrate has been determined. The solubility of methane in a gas–liquid system decreases as temperature increases. The solubility of methane in a hydrate–liquid system increases with temperature. The two curves intersect at a certain temperature that determines the triple point T3 at a certain pressure. We also determined T3 by the three-phase direct coexistence method. The results of both methods agree, and we suggest 295(2) K as the value of T3 for this system. We also analyzed the impact of curvature on the solubility of methane in water. We found that the presence of curvature increases the solubility in both the gas–liquid and hydrate–liquid systems. The change in chemical potential for the formation of hydrate is evaluated along the isobar using two different thermodynamic routes, obtaining good agreement between them. It is shown that the driving force for hydrate nucleation under experimental conditions is higher than that for the formation of pure ice when compared at the same supercooling. We also show that supersaturation (i.e., concentrations above those of the planar interface) increases the driving force for nucleation dramatically. The effect of bubbles can be equivalent to that of an additional supercooling of about 20 K. Having highly supersaturated homogeneous solutions makes possible the spontaneous formation of the hydrate at temperatures as high as 285 K (i.e., 10K below T3). The crucial role of the concentration of methane for hydrate formation is clearly revealed. Nucleation of the hydrate can be either impossible or easy and fast depending on the concentration of methane which seems to play the leading role in the understanding of the kinetics of hydrate formation.

  • SOLUTIONS OF THE INTERMEDIATE SUPPORT STRUC- TURES OF THE NORTHERN MARMARA HIGHWAY (ISTAN- BUL’S RING ROAD) IN THE CONTEXT OF SEISMIC ACTIVITY
    • Karol Grębowski
    • Mikołaj Miśkiewicz
    • Krzysztof Wilde
    2022 Full text

    In 2014–2018, as a result of the expansion of the city of Istanbul in Turkey, a project was imple- mented consisting of building a northern ring road, called the Northern Marmara Highway. The concept of the structural design of the ring road’s intermediate supports aims at constructing sup- ports that according to the TURKISH DLH 2008 standard must comply with the design require- ments for the three calculated earthquake insensitivity levels (D1, D2, D3). The article discusses the modelling of plastic hinges in the reinforced concrete intermediate supports using finite elements methods. The Ductility Demand-Capacity method was used to determine the geometrical parame- ters of the cross-section plasticisation zones, their ability to move and rotate, and their ductility. Due to the varied geometry and stiffness of the supports and their non-linear behaviour under dynamic load, this method was concluded to be imperfect. Therefore, an improved algorithm was proposed by determining the main parameters of the plastic hinges depending on the degree of concrete deg- radation according to Lubliner’s assumptions. The new algorithm was used to design the structure of viaducts of the Istanbul Northern Marmara Highway ring road implemented by the authors. The obtained results may help to prevent failures and damage to the viaducts’ supports structure and thus ensure the safety of all users exploiting the objects. Based on the collected results, it was prov- en that the proposed concept of intermediate supports with a variable geometry and stiffness design including the plastic-damage reinforced concrete model, and on the basis of the plastic hinges con- cept, broadens and enriches the issue of analysis of bridge structures exposed to earthquakes.