Seismic retrofitting of RC frames with RC infilling

The effectiveness of seismic retrofitting of multi-storey multi-bay RC-frame buildings, by converting selected bays into new walls through infilling with RC, was studied experimentally at the ELSA facility at JRC, Ispra, and the results are reported here. The full-scale model tested with the pseudo-dynamic method consisted of two parallel frames, linked through 0.15m slabs, having three bays each (8.5m long), with the central bay (2.5m) infilled with RC wall, and being four storeys tall (12m). The frames were designed and detailed for gravity loads only and are typical of similar frames built in Cyprus in the 1970's. Different connection details and reinforcement percentages for the two infilled frames were used in order to study the effects of these parameters. The results of the pseudo-dynamic and cyclic testing performed are presented and conclusions are drawn

A Wind Turbine Tower Design Based on the Use of Fibre-Reinforced Composites.

Abstract not availableJRC.G-Institute for the Protection and the Security of the Citizen (Ispra

Nonperturbative harmonic generation in graphene from intense midinfrared pulsed light

In solids, high harmonic radiation arises from the subcycle dynamics of electrons and holes under the action of an intense laser field. The strong-field regime opens new opportunities to understand and control carrier dynamics on ultrafast time scales, including the coherent dynamics of quasiparticles such as massless Dirac fermions. Here, we irradiate monolayer and few-layer graphene with intense infrared light to produce nonperturbative harmonics of the fundamental up to the seventh order. We find that the polarization dependence shows surprising agreement with gas-phase harmonics. Using a two-band model, we explore the nonlinear current due to electrons near the Dirac points, and we discuss the interplay between intraband and interband contributions to the harmonic spectrum. This interplay opens new opportunities to access ultrafast and strong-field physics of graphene.Peer reviewed: YesNRC publication: Ye

Engineering simulations of a super-complex cultural heritage building: Ica Cathedral in Peru

The Cathedral of Ica, Peru, is one of the four prototype buildings involved in the ongoing Seismic Retrofitting Project, initiative of the Getty Conservation Institute. The complex historical building, which was heavily damaged by earthquakes in 2007 and 2009, can be divided into two substructures: an external masonry envelope and an internal timber frame built by a construction method known as quincha technique. This study makes use of the information available in literature and the results obtained from experimental campaigns performed by Pontificia Universidad Catlica del PerA and University of Minho. Nonlinear behaviour of masonry is simulated in the numerical models by considering specified compressive and tensile softening behaviour, while isotropic homogeneous and linear behaviour is adopted for modelling timber with appropriate assumptions on the connections. A single representative bay was initially studied by performing linear elastic analysis and verifying the compliance with the various criteria specified by the applicable normative to discuss the actual failure of Ica Cathedral. Afterwards, the structural behaviour of the two substructures composing the Cathedral is evaluated independently. Finally, the interaction of these two substructures is investigated by performing structural analysis on the entire structure of Ica Cathedral. Several structural analysis techniques, including eigenvalue, nonlinear static and dynamic analyses, are performed in order to: (1) evaluate the dominant mode shapes of the structure; (2) validate the numerical models by reproducing the structural damage observed in situ; (3) estimate the structural performance; and (4) identify the main failure mechanisms.This work was carried out with funding from the Getty Seismic Retrofitting Project under the auspices of the Getty Conservation Institute (GCI). This work is also partially financed by FEDER funds through the Competitivity Factors Operational Programme-COMPETE and by national funds through FCT-Foundation for Science and Technology within the scope of the projects POCI-01-0145-FEDER-007633 and PTDC/ECM-EST/2777/2014.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Citizen Science and Open Data: a model for Invasive Alien Species in Europe

Invasive Alien Species (IAS) are a growing threat to Europe's biodiversity. The implementation of European Union Regulation on IAS can benefit from the involvement of the public in IAS recording and management through Citizen Science (CS) initiatives. Aiming to tackle issues related with the use of CS projects on IAS topics, a dedicated workshop titled “Citizen Science and Open Data: a model for Invasive Alien Species in Europe” was organized by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) and the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST Association). Fifty key stakeholders from all Europe, including two Members of the European Parliament, attended the workshop. With a clear focus on IAS, the workshop aimed at addressing the following issues: a) CS and policy, b) citizen engagement, and c) CS data management. Nine short presentations provided input on CS and IAS issues. Participants discussed specific topics in several round tables (“world café” style) and reported back their conclusions to the audience and full assembly moderated discussions. Overall, the workshop enabled the sharing of ideas, approaches and best practices regarding CS and IAS. Specific opportunities and pitfalls of using CS data in the whole policy cycle for IAS were recognized. Concerning the implementation of the IAS Regulation, CS data could complement official surveillance systems, and contribute to the early warning of the IAS of Union concern after appropriate validation by the Member States’ competent authorities. CS projects can additionally increase awareness and empower citizens. Attendees pointed out the importance for further public engagement in CS projects on IAS that demonstrate specific initiatives and approaches and analyze lessons learned from past experiences. In addition, the workshop noted that the data gathered from different CS projects on IAS are fragmented. It highlighted the need for using an open and accessible platform to upload data originating from CS sources or to mirror validated data into a single, easy-to-use web service, in line with the EU Open Science Strategic Priority. The workshop provided ten key recommendations of best practices for CS projects on IAS, addressed to researchers, policy makers and implementing authorities, indicating future research and policy directions and opportunities