Two methodological approaches to assess the seismic vulnerability of masonry bridges

This work describes the seismic vulnerability assessment of a railway masonry arch bridge. Its conservation state is initially investigated by means of a thorough field and laboratory test campaign, comprising destructive and non-destructive tests. Two different methods are used to evaluate the bridge seismic vulnerability. The first method adopts a deterministic approach and corresponds to a single non-linear static analysis, performed as described in the Eurocodes. The second method employs a probabilistic approach and considers the variability of the involved mechanical parameters (structure geometry and properties of the building materials) and seismic parameters (intensity of the action and site conditions). This method associates the probabilistic values of ground acceleration exceedance to the estimated seismic vulnerability. This is shown by means of fragility curves, which allow to take into consideration the uncertainty of the various components involved in the definition of the seismic vulnerability and display the seismic damage scenarios. Currently no code requires to perform this calculation procedure. In addition, this work compares the values of masonry mechanical properties specified in the Eurocodes with those obtained in an extensive investigation campaign involving more than one hundred masonry bridges. Compressive strength and longitudinal elasticity modulus are the relevant mechanical parameters investigated. The outcomes of this research can contribute to the development of a more efficient maintenance system of the masonry bridges belonging to the railway network. This has an important role when it comes to establishing the priority order of assets intervention. Keywords: Railway masonry arch bridge, Bridge maintenance and conservation, Masonry mechanical parameters, Non-linear static analysis, Seismic fragility, Finite element analysi

A Survey Dataset Evaluating Perceptions of Civil Engineering Students about Building Information Modelling (BIM)

The implementation of Building Information Modelling (BIM) technologies has become increasingly central in the design, construction and maintenance of both civil structures and infrastructures. As more and more software houses develop new BIM software solutions and a wide range of private and public stakeholders employ them, several educational institutes across the globe strive to expand their teaching portfolio to encompass learning and teaching of BIM. This dataset deals with the perceptions expressed by all the civil engineering undergraduate students who attended an academic course specifically about BIM at University of Stavanger (UiS), Norway, during the second semester 2022. The survey was divided into five parts and collected information regarding as many overarching aspects: socio-demographic data, perceptions about BIM before and after course attendance, satisfaction about the academic course and the way it was conducted. Considering the very moderate sample size (28 students) and potential biases due to the specific context of the University of Stavanger, the dataset can provide a useful insight into teaching approaches and future curriculum development, rather than indicating major and generalized trends in BIM education. As the questionnaire responses shed light on the feedbacks and perceptions expressed by university students dealing with BIM for their first time, the formed dataset can offer a straightforward appreciation of students’ cognitive behaviour in BIM education.publishedVersio

Reliability of Calculation of Dynamic Modulus for Asphalt Mixtures Using Different Master Curve Models and Shift Factor Equations

To develop a mechanistic-empirical pavement design system for Norwegian conditions, this paper evaluates the influence of the adoption of different models and shifting techniques on the determination of dynamic modulus master curves of asphalt mixtures. Two asphalt mixture types commonly used in Norway, namely Asphalt Concrete (AC) and Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) containing neat bitumen and polymer-modified bitumen, were prepared by the roller compactor, and their dynamic moduli were determined by the cyclic indirect tensile test. The dynamic modulus master curves were constructed using the standard logistic sigmoidal model, a generalized logistic sigmoidal model and the Christensen–Anderson–Marasteanu model. The shifting techniques consisted of log-linear, quadratic polynomial function, Arrhenius, William–Landel–Ferry and Kaelble methods. The absolute error, normalised square error and goodness-of-fit statistics encompassing standard error ratio and coefficient of determination were used to appraise the models and shifting methods. The results showed that the standard logistic sigmoidal model and the Williams–Landel–Ferry equation had the most suitable fits for the specimens tested. The asphalt mixtures containing neat bitumen had a better fit than the ones containing polymer-modified bitumen. The Kaelble equation and log-linear equation led to similar results. These findings provide a relevant recommendation for the mechanistic-empirical pavement design system.publishedVersio

The Role of a Restorative Resource in the Academic Context in Improving Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation and Flow within the Job Demands–Resources Model

The perceived quality of the learning environment may influence both motivation and concentration. Little is known about how perceived characteristics of the learning environment, and specifically sub-dimensions of Perceived Restorativeness (being away, fascination, compatibility, and extent), can promote these positive effects in an academic context. We addressed, through a correlational study, the possibility that the characteristics of learning environments may promote concentration and involvement in activity (i.e., flow) via intrinsic and extrinsic motivation for academic study within the job demands–resources model. A total of 165 Italian university psychology classes in a 3-year degree course from two different universities context completed an online questionnaire made up of the construct considered in this study. Results in the hierarchical multivariate regression analyses confirm that the restorative quality of learning environments (i.e., being away, compatibility, extent) is positively correlated with flow. However, there is a non-significant relationship between extent and flow. Regression analyses show a significant indirect effect of compatibility, both through intrinsic and extrinsic student motivation. Furthermore, the results confirm a significant indirect effect of extent through intrinsic motivation and being away, and fascination through Extrinsic motivation. Furthermore, intrinsic motivation is a full mediator between the extent and flow relationship. The results underline the importance of considering the restorative quality of the environment for improving place design, concentration, and student learning motivation

Repeated Load Triaxial Testing of Recycled Excavation Materials Blended with Recycled Phyllite Materials

Recycled Excavation Materials (REM) are becoming viable alternative construction resources due to their economic benefits. However, REM may be composed of weak rocks, e.g., phyllites, limiting the use in a base layer. The present paper attempts to further the knowledge of the mechanical performance of REM by performing Repeated Load Triaxial Tests (RLTT). REM are mixed with Recycled Phyllite Materials (RPM) in systematic blends of 0%, 25%, 50%, and 100%. The batches’ resilient modulus (MR) and permanent deformation (PD) characteristics were assessed to establish the maximum RPM allowed into REM while maintaining the required performance. Hicks and Monismith’s and Uzan’s models were used to characterize the stiffness behavior. A wide variation in the stiffness between the two materials was observed. Batches comprised of 0% RPM–100% REM and 25% RPM–75% REM showed high stiffness performance. The Coulomb model assessed the PD behavior, and the results showed a similar response for all batches. Unlike the stiffness, blended mixtures did not show sensitivity to increased RPM content in the PD. This study may help end-users to understand the performance of REM given the documented threshold on the allowable quantity of RPM in REM.publishedVersio

Comparative study of indirect tensile test and uniaxial compression test on asphalt mixtures: Dynamic modulus and stress-strain state

publishedVersionPaid Open Acces

Life cycle assessment of roads: Exploring research trends and harmonization challenges

The transparency, heterogeneity and hypotheses considered in the calculation of the environmental impacts of roads remain as barriers in the identification of low-carbon solutions. To overcome this gap, the study presents an analysis of 94 papers obtained in a systematic literature review of the Scopus, Science direct, Mendeley, Springer Link, and Web of Science databases. From a total of 417 road case studies, only 18% were found to be fully transparent, reproducible, and likely to present reliable results. The road design parameters of the speed limit were provided in 11% of cases and the average annual daily traffic data were provided in 42%. Limited data were found for the dimensions of road elements such as the number (77%) and width of lanes (33%), shoulders (15%), footpaths (5%), berm (1%) or foreslope (4%). The source of the life cycle inventory was presented in 57% of the case studies, impact assessment method was indicated in 22%, and the software utilized was stated in 50%. Lack of information was observed in the description of the type of materials employed in road projects. In addition, the large heterogeneity in the definitions of the functional unit, system boundary and in the reference study period of repair, replacement, rehabilitation or end-of-life for both flexible and rigid pavement does not support the identification of the most environmentally friendly solution. Based on results of the analsis,several recommendations for design parameters and life cycle assessment aspects are proposed to support a harmonized calculation of the environmental impacts of road projects.publishedVersio

Evaluating the effect of mineralogy and mechanical stability of recycled excavation materials by Los Angeles and micro-Deval test

This paper presents the findings of the mechanical performance of recycled excavation materials (REM). The aim was to document the stable performance of REM and to suggest its suitability for unbound applications. Test operations were performed at different schedules with the Los Angeles (LA) and micro-Deval (MD) test machine. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was performed to examine the effect of mineralogy on the performance of REM. The results showed that REM showed consistent LA performance, but significant variations were observed in MD values. XRD results showed that up to 20% of chlorite and mica minerals had no influence on the LA performance of REM.publishedVersio

Evaluating the effect of mineralogy and mechanical stability of recycled excavation materials by Los Angeles and micro-Deval test

publishedVersio

O ENSINO DA SUSTENTABILIDADE: POLÍTICAS E PRÁTICAS NA EDUCAÇÃO SUPERIOR DE UMA INSTITUIÇÃO FEDERAL DE ENSINO

A educação, inserida no contexto da sustentabilidade, exerce uma função essencial em busca da consciência ambiental e o consequente comportamento sustentável. Desse modo, as instituições de ensino superior possuem um papel fundamental no compromisso de educar e incentivar práticas sustentáveis. Nesse sentido, o presente artigo tem como objetivo identificar a inserção da temática da sustentabilidade no âmbito da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), verificando a presença do tema nas disciplinas ministradas nesta instituição. Para atingir o objetivo proposto, desenvolveu-se uma pesquisa infométrica, de caráter descritivo e natureza qualitativa, identificando a inserção e a utilização das palavras-chave relacionadas ao tema nas disciplinas ministradas nesta universidade. Entre os resultados, destacam-se os cursos “Superior de Tecnologia em Gestão Ambiental”, “Engenharia Sanitária e Ambiental” e “Geografia - Licenciatura Plena” entre aqueles que mais abordam a referida temática. Entre as áreas de conhecimento, ressalta-se a Geografia, seguida da Gestão Ambiental e das Engenharias. O Centro de Ciências Sociais e Humanas (CCSH) destaca-se entre aqueles com maior presença de disciplinas relacionadas à temática. Por fim, cita-se a disciplina de Direito Ambiental, considerada aquela mais vezes ofertada, relacionada à sustentabilidade, na UFSM