New few parameters differential evolution algorithm with application to structural identification

Differential evolution algorithm (DEA) is a stochastic, population-based global optimization method. In this paper, we propose new schemes for both mutation and crossover operators in order to enhance the performances of the standard DEA. The advantage of these proposed operators is that they are "parameters-less", without a tuning phase of algorithm parameters that is often a disadvantage of DEA. Once the modified differential evolutions are presented, a large comparative analysis is performed with the aim to assess both correctness and efficiency of the proposed operators. Advantages of proposed DEA are used in an important task of modern structural engineering that is mechanical identification under external dynamic loads. This is because of the importance of using a "parameters-less" algorithm in identification problems whose characteristics typically vary strongly case by case, needing of a continuous set up of the algorithm proposed. This important advantage of proposed optimizers, in front of other identification algorithms, is used to develop a computer code suitable for the automatic identification of a simple supported beam subject to an impact load, that has been tested both using numerical simulations and real standard tests dynamic. The results point out that this algorithm is an interesting candidate for standard applications in structural identification problems. Keywords: Differential evolution, Parametric identification, Structural identification, Optimizatio

Nonstationary First Threshold Crossing Reliability for Linear System Excited by Modulated Gaussian Process

A widely used approach for the first crossing reliability evaluation of structures subject to nonstationary Gaussian random input is represented by the direct extension to the nonstationary case of the solution based on the qualified envelope, originally proposed for stationary cases. The most convenient way to approach this evaluation relies on working in the time domain, where a common assumption used is to adopt the modulation of stationary envelope process instead of the envelope of modulated stationary one, by utilizing the so-called "preenvelope" process. The described assumption is demonstrated in this work, also showing that such assumption can induce some errors in the envelope mean crossing rate

Seismic behavior of a low-rise horizontal cylindrical tank

Abstract Cylindrical storage tanks are widely used for various types of liquids, including hazardous contents, thus requiring suitable and careful design for seismic actions. The study herein presented deals with the dynamic analysis of a ground-based horizontal cylindrical tank containing butane and with its safety verification. The analyses are based on a detailed finite element (FE) model; a simplified one-degree-of-freedom idealization is also set up and used for verification of the FE results. Particular attention is paid to sloshing and asynchronous seismic input effects. Sloshing effects are investigated according to the current literature state of the art. An efficient methodology based on an "impulsive-convective" decomposition of the container-fluid motion is adopted for the calculation of the seismic force. The effects of asynchronous ground motion are studied by suitable pseudo-static analyses. Comparison between seismic action effects, obtained with and without consideration of sloshing and asynchronous seismic input, shows a rather important influence of these conditions on the final results

Volume/thrust optimal shape criteria for arches under static vertical loads

Arches are widely used when large spans are necessary, e.g. to overpass large rivers, and further possess unquestioned aesthetics advantages. Their structural efficiency depends primarily on optimal material exploitation, i.e. minimization of internal stress eccentricity, and on minimization of structural material volume. An efficient structure, under these terms, further requires simpler and lighter scaffolding, contributing in minimizing construction costs.Although arches have millenary use and many researches dealing with this typology are available in literature, there is still scope for design optimization. The proposed study is framed within this context. Investigation is limited to statically determinate plane arches under vertical load. The problem of finding the profile of an equal strength catenary subjected to its self-weight is spread out to the case of an inverted catenary of equal strength under its self-weight and an external constant load. In the first optimization step, constant normal stress is imposed at all sections, to maximize material exploitation, and the resulting arch centerline shape is computed in closed form. In the second step, the ensemble of foundations and arch is considered and optimized, taking the linear combination of arch weight and thrust as objective function. The linear combination is dependent on a single variable, and minima of the objective function (i.e. optimal geometric shape parameters) are computed and charted to be simply used in the design process. Keywords: Plane arch, Vertical loads, Optimal shape, Volume/thrust objective functions, Analytical solutio

To compute or not to compute?

In a previous paper "to retrofit or not to retrofit?" (Nuti and Vanzi, 2003) a straightforward procedure able to forecast the economic return of seismic structural upgrading was presented. More recently, the authors realized that the final mathematical results can be much simplified so as to allow back-of-an-envelope computation. The title of this paper tries to highlight precisely this aspect, namely that for many a regular seismic structural upgrading cases, nearly no computation is needed (apart from one subtraction and one multiplication) to assess their economic convenience. These findings are presented and discussed in this paper, together with a state of the art on the cost-studies available in literature and technical codes. The mathematical formulation leading to the proposed approximation is suitably explained, underlining its applicability field and comparing it with the rigorous solution. Also a table and a formula are furnished that alternatively allows to calculate the maximum estimation errors, in order to obtain an upper and lower bound for the maximum amount of money which should be allocated for seismic structural upgrading.Finally an application example is described, dealing with retrofitting of reinforced concrete viaducts, a widespread bridge typology in Italy. The adopted upgrading solution consists of a concrete jacket at the base of some piers, particularly suitable in order to increase their ductility. Keywords: Seismic retrofitting, Structural reliability, Safety, Optimization, Cost minimizatio

Seismic performance of spherical liquid storage tanks: a case study

Abstract Spherical storage tanks are widely used for various types of liquids, including hazardous contents, thus requiring suitable and careful design for seismic actions. On this topic, a significant case study is described in this paper, dealing with the dynamic analysis of a spherical storage tank containing butane. The analyses are based on a detailed finite element (FE) model; moreover, a simplified single-degree-of-freedom idealization is also set up and used for verification of the FE results. Particular attention is paid to the influence of sloshing effects and of the soil–structure interaction for which no special provisions are contained in technical codes for this reference case. Sloshing effects are investigated according to the current literature state of the art. An efficient methodology based on an "impulsive–convective" decomposition of the container-fluid motion is adopted for the calculation of the seismic force. With regard to the second point, considering that the tank is founded on piles, soil–structure interaction is taken into account by computing the dynamic impedances. Comparison between seismic action effects, obtained with and without consideration of sloshing and soil–structure interaction, shows a rather important influence of these parameters on the final results. Sloshing effects and soil–structure interaction can produce, for the case at hand, beneficial effects. For soil–structure interaction, this depends on the increase of the fundamental period and of the effective damping of the overall system, which leads to reduced design spectral values

Seismic reliability of the Abruzzo hospital system and upgrading strategies

SUMMARY A model for the regional hospitals system behavior in case of a seismic event is developed. The aim is the evaluation of the vulnerability of the system as well as the selection of the best intervention strategy for the retrofitting of the hospitals so as to minimize the cost benefit ratio and to evaluate the effect of different post-earthquake emergency measures like the use of camp hospitals. The efficiency of the system is measured in terms of mean distance to be cured for persons injured by the earthquake. In a previous work by the authors [Nuti and Vanzi, 1998c] a common fragility law had been assumed for all the hospitals in Abruzzo because of lack of information. This information is now available, since the vulnerabilities of the Italian hospitals have been computed and presente

Asynchronous earthquake strong motion and RC bridges response

The dynamic response of long structures (e.g., bridges) is sensitive to the spatial variability of strong ground motion (asynchronous motion). Ground motion differences increase from point to point with increasing foundation distance. This latter is due to two physical phenomena: soil-wave interaction, that causes the loss of coherence and local amplification; wave traveling with finite velocity, that causes signals time lag. This ground motion variability produces a different structural demand compared to the synchronous one, which is the only one considered by designers in the majority of cases. A few codes consider this type of actions, therefore further research efforts are necessary. In this study, asynchronous ground motions are generated by means of a new generation procedure implemented in the software GAS 2.0 using as input the simultaneous strong motion records from the April 6th, 2009, L'Aquila (Italy) at the seismic stations AQA and AQV, located in the Aterno River valley. These records are used to calibrate the generation model and to produce sets of asynchronous earthquake sampling. The asynchronous earthquake sets are applied on a typical highway reinforced concrete bridge to study its dynamic response considering two different configurations: non-isolated with traditional supports and isolated bridge with lead rubber bearings. The bridge is placed in two positions along the wave propagation direction: a position near one recording station and a position between the two stations to consider local soil effects. The response parameters investigated are the maximum relative displacements of soil and deck. The results show that there is an important variation of relative displacement along the direction of wave propagation due to asynchronous motion with effects that designer should consider for the structural details design of isolated and non-isolated bridges. Keywords: Asynchronous motion, Bridges, Seismic response, Earthquake spatial variabilit

VISTA Variables in the <i>Vía Láctea</i> (VVV): Halfway Status and Results

The VISTA Variables in the Vía Láctea (VVV) survey is one of six near-infrared ESO public surveys, and is now in its fourth year of observing. Although far from being complete, the VVV survey has already delivered many results, some directly connected to the intended science goals (detection of variable stars, microlensing events, new star clusters), others concerning more exotic objects, e.g., novae. Now, at the end of the fourth observing period, and comprising roughly 50% of the proposed observations, the status of the survey, as well some of results based on the VVV data, are presented.Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísica

Influence of earthquake spatial variability on the differential displacements of soil and single degree of freedom structures

Rapporto tecnico - Luglio 200