Biorefarmeries: Milking ethanol from algae for the mobility of tomorrow

The idea of this project is to fully exploit microalgae to the best of its potential, possibly proposing a sort of fourth generation fuel based on a continuous milking of macro- and microorganisms (as cows in a milk farm), which produce fuel by photosynthetic reactions. This project proposes a new transportation concept supported by a new socio-economic approach, in which biofuel production is based on biorefarmeries delivering fourth generation fuels which also have decarbonization capabilities, potential negative CO2 emissions plus positive impacts on mobility, the automotive Industry, health and environment and the econom

MODEL UNCERTAINTIES IN NLFEAS OF RC SYSTEMS UNDER CYCLIC LOADS

This work is focused on the resistance model uncertainties in non-linear finite element anal-yses (NLFEAs) for reinforced concrete structures under cyclic loading conditions. In detail, different walls experimentally tested are numerically reproduced by means of appropriate plane stress finite elements (FE) structural models within different assumptions and numeri-cal codes. After that, the values of the global resistances computed through numerical simu-lations are compared to the experimental outcomes to evaluate the influence of the different assumptions on the mechanical behaviour of reinforced concrete members subjected to cy-clic loads

SEISMIC PERFORMANCE OF BRIDGES ISOLATED WITH DCFP DEVICES

The paper analyzes the influence of double concave friction pendulum (DCFP) isolator properties on the seismic performance of isolated bridges. The behavior of these systems is analyzed by employing an eight-degree-of-freedom model accounting for the first five vibra-tional modes of the pier and the presence of a rigid abutment, whereas the DCFP isolator behaviour is described combining two single FPSs in series. The uncertainty in the seismic input is taken into account by considering a set of natural records with different character-istics. The variation of the statistics of the response parameters relevant to the seismic per-formance is investigated through an extensive parametric study carried out for different sys-tem properties

SEISMIC PERFORMANCE OF BRIDGES ISOLATED BY DCFP DEVICES: A PARAMETRIC ANALYSIS

The present investigation examines how the properties of the double concave friction pendulum (DCFP) devices influence the seismic performance of isolated multi-span continuous deck bridges. The numerical simulations are carried out using an eight-degree-of-freedom model to reproduce the elastic behavior of the pier, associated to the assumption of both rigid abutment and rigid deck, and the non-linear velocity-dependent behavior of the two surfaces of the double concave friction pen-dulum isolators under a set of natural records with different characteristics. The results in terms of the statistics related to the relevant response parameters are computed in non-dimensional form with respect to the seismic intensity considering different properties of both DCFP isolators and bridge

SEISMIC PERFORMANCE OF BRIDGES EQUIPPED WITH FPS

The scope of the present study is focused on the evaluation of the seismic response of bridges iso-lated by single concave sliding pendulum isolators (FPS) for the different structural properties when the presence of the rigid abutment is considered or neglected (i.e., isolated viaducts). In this way, they have been defined two specific multi-degree-of-freedom (mdof) models to simulate the elastic behavior of the reinforced concrete pier in combination to the infinitely rigid presence of the deck and to the presence of the rigid abutment if considered. Both the numerical models also account for the non-linear velocity-dependent behavior of the FPS bearings. Considering the alea-tory uncertainty in the seismic input by means of several natural records with different character-istics, a parametric analysis is developed for several structural properties. The relevant results ex-pressed as the statistics in non-dimensional form with respect to the seismic intensity have permit-ted to study the differences between the two numerical models in relation to the effectiveness of the seismic isolation

Influence of Masonry Infills on Seismic Performance of an Existing RC Building Retrofitted by Means of FPS Devices

The safety assessment of existing structures in areas with a relevant seismic hazard is one of the major topics for engineers since many existing reinforced concrete structures have been realized disregarding seismic design with minimal details with respect to present practice. In this context, seismic assessment is a primary issue in order to identify the best retrofitting solution with the aim of enhancing the efficiency of existing buildings. In recent years, with the aim to enhance the seismic behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) structures (with particular care to existing ones), the system of seismic isolation adopting friction pendulum (FPS) devices proved to be among the most diffuse and effective solutions. The purpose of this paper is to explore the effectiveness of the refurbishment using FPS with single concavity devices on the performance of one irregular existing RC building placed in a highly seismic area of central Italy. First, the geometric and material characteristics of the building have been determined within the approach based on the "knowledge levels". Second, a suitable numerical model based on a fiber-modeling approach has been established using SAP2000, including relevant mechanical non-linearities. Then, a set of 21 natural seismic inputs, inclusive of 3 accelerations over vertical and horizontal directions, was adopted with the aim of performing non-linear (NL) dynamic simulations. The NL dynamic simulations have been performed considering the structural system, both inclusive and not inclusive of the FPS isolator devices. The influence of the actual distribution of infill masonry panels on the overall behavior of the structure has also been evaluated in both of the cases mentioned above. Finally, the outcomes deriving from the NL dynamic simulations were helpful in assessing the advantages of the intervention of retrofitting to improve the seismic performance of the building, highlighting the influence of masonry infills

Scorpiurus muricatus L.: an interesting legume species for Mediterranean forage systems

Scorpiurus muricatus L. (prickly scorpion’s tail) is a legume species widely distributed as a spontaneous plant in Mediterranean pastures. In Sicily, farmers ascribe to this species a very high palatability and galactogogue effect, so that its abundance increases the value of the pasture. However, despite its worthy traits, the use of S. muricatus as a forage within cropping systems has not been well investigated. A field experiment was performed during two growing seasons in a semiarid Mediterranean environment to acquire information on the productivity of S. muricatus in comparison with other forage species grown in Mediterranean areas (e.g. berseem clover, burr medic, subterranean clover) and on its response to different cutting managements (cuts made in different phenological stages). Results showed that S. muricatus can provide biomass yield similar to, and in some cases higher than, that of the other forage legumes evaluated, differing from these species in its temporal distribution of the biomass accumulation. The findings contribute to define the role that S. muricatus could play in improving the productivity sustainability of the Mediterranean forage systems