ADEGUAMENTO DI EDIFICI RESIDENZIALI IN C.A. MEDIANTE TELAI IBRIDI VETRO-ACCIAIO

E' oggetto di studio una categoria edilizia tipica degli anni '60, formata da telai in c.a. con pilotis a piano terra. Prendendo le mosse dall'analisi di un insieme di tali edifici presenti sulla costa toscana e preso atto dei loro problemi di carattere energetico e strutturale, si propone una tecnica di riqualificazione attraverso un sistema ibrido di telai esterni in vetro e acciaio. In aggiunta è previsto, per un edificio in particolare, lo sviluppo di un progetto di consolidamento strutturale di tipo tradizionale e con elementi in vetro e acciaio. Questi, oltre a consentire un notevole incremento di capacità portante al sisma unito a un certo pregio estetico, possono fornire vantaggi termici ed energetici attraverso l'introduzione di elementi fotovoltaici integrati nel telaio stesso. Nella fattispecie sono studiate due soluzioni progettuali (Soluzioni A e B), miranti ad applicare questo sistema ibrido, con particolare attenzione verso la soluzione A, di minore costo ed impatto

Damage and restoration of historical urban walls: literature review and case of studies

Within this work, the causes of collapses and damages occurred in masonry artefacts have been evaluated to properly identify suitable monitoring and restoration methods. In this regard, a comprehensive literature review has been performed. Based on the results, the moisture has found to be a critical parameter, which affects the structural health of masonry artefacts. Diverse non-destructive methods were employed to measure the moisture and monitor the materials involved: the Infrared Thermography, the Electrical Resistivity Tomography and the Ground Penetrating Radar, the Laser Scanning and Digital Terrestrial Photogrammetry, the Global Navigation Satellite Systems, the Unilateral Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, the Laser-Induced Fluorescence technique, the Acoustic Imaging and the Acoustic Tomography, the Geographic Information System and on-site survey process as well as computer modeling of the structure with specific FEM software. Finally, the implementation of tie-beams, Fiber Reinforced Polymers layers, ventilation, draining systems, and high-quality materials are proposed as solutions for controlling the moisture effect and retrofitting

Parametric analysis on external dissipative link system for seismic protection of low rise r.c. buildings

  The seismic rehabilitation of existing r.c. and masonry buildings is a topical issue in Civil Engineering. A useful technique consists in the introduction of external bracing system. This kind of intervention can be improved throughout the introduction of dissipative links, here investigated with the help of some examples.. The links are made of common steel profiles: length, geometry and its disposition are considered as design parameters. A general procedure of link-bracing optimization is proposed applying a set of identical external restraints . The adopted dissipative links consent a cheaper and effective design both in terms of ULS than in DLS: the damages are addressed in a small area permitting an easy replacement of the links in case of earthquake.  &nbsp

Estimation of tensile mechanical parameters of existing masonry through the analysis of the collapse of Volterra’s urban walls

In this work, numerical analyses on the Volterra’s ancient walls are performed to understand the causes of a collapse occurred after an extreme rainfall (2014) and to identify the mechanical parameters that most influenced it. The stretch of collapsed wall is modelled with finite elements by distinguishing the material composing the multi-leaf wall. Non-linear static analyses are carried out with the DIANA software considering different levels of hydraulic head up to reach the collapse of the structure. The impact on the failure modes of the involved parameters, such as tensile strength, fracture energy and shear strength, are discussed. Tensile strength is found as the most relevant parameter in the failure mode. Finally, a 3-dim model is presented, and the results show a very good agreement with the failure mode actually occurred in terms of both failure modes and displacement fields. The safety evaluation is performed in the as-built and the retrofitted configuration, consisting in the wall restrained by tie-rods. The results show a significant increasing of the safety level of the retrofitted configuration showing a considerable improvement not only in terms of limit equilibrium but also in terms of structural capacity of the wall

Large-scale survey method for the integrity of historical urban walls: application to the case of Volterra (Italy)

Abstract Several relevant collapses of historical urban walls happened in Tuscany in the last ten years, due to rainfalls. The wide extension of the walls, with difficulties of proper monitoring, joined with lack of maintenance, contributed to the failures. This recalled the attention on their vulnerability, in view to ensure a proper safety level and appropriate cultural heritage protection. In this paper, a method of extensive and quick structural survey to identify the mechanical characteristics of an historical urban wall path is proposed. It is based on geographic method of management of the territory (GIS database, satellite data). The data are obtained throughout a discretization of the walls in a wide set of vertical sections. A reduced subset of sections is directly surveyed, while the others are indirectly identified via numerical procedure, with the help of GIS data. A specific form to take note of the most relevant features is edited. The method is tested on the entire perimeter of the Middle Age walls of Volterra (2,6 km), affected by two relevant collapses in 2014. The procedure of survey is conceived to perform structural analysis to evaluate the vulnerability to landslides and earthquake risks, in view to determine restoration strategies and consolidation or monitoring programs

Analytical and experimental shear evaluation of GFRP-reinforced concrete beams

Reinforced Concrete (RC) technology is advancing towards new frontiers enhancing its sustainability and durability through innovative materials. In particular, the application of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) bars, in lieu of steel reinforcement, shows excellent performance, especially in aggressive environments. Nevertheless, current international design guidelines and standards tend to be rather conservative, especially concerning shear reinforcement. This element hinders the technology’s competitiveness, not only in terms of material consumption but also in construction efficiency. This research aims to conduct an analytical comparison and experimental validation of the formulations found in some international standards pertaining to shear capacity in a specific case. The focus is on scenarios involving reduced shear reinforcement and cases where the number of stirrups falls below the minimum recommended by these standards. In the sample beam tests, two distinct flexural GFRP reinforcement ratios were employed to evaluate their influence on shear capacity, leading to diverse failure mechanisms: rupture of longitudinal GFRP bars and concrete crushing. The experimental results were used to compare the North American ACI, French AFGC, and Italian CNR shear capacity design approaches in the case of reduced transversal reinforced ratio. Analytical capacity expressions of the standards above are discussed with some remarks aiming at structural optimization

Damage and restoration of historical urban walls: literature review and case of studies

Within this work, the causes of collapses and damages occurred in masonry artefacts have been evaluated to properly identify suitable monitoring and restoration methods. In this regard, a comprehensive literature review has been performed. Based on the results, the moisture has found to be a critical parameter, which affects the structural health of masonry artefacts. Diverse non-destructive methods were employed to measure the moisture and monitor the materials involved: the Infrared Thermography, the Electrical Resistivity Tomography and the Ground Penetrating Radar, the Laser Scanning and Digital Terrestrial Photogrammetry, the Global Navigation Satellite Systems, the Unilateral Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, the Laser-Induced Fluorescence technique, the Acoustic Imaging and the Acoustic Tomography, the Geographic Information System and on-site survey process as well as computer modeling of the structure with specific FEM software. Finally, the implementation of tie-beams, Fiber Reinforced Polymers layers, ventilation, draining systems, and high-quality materials are proposed as solutions for controlling the moisture effect and retrofitting

Structural Solutions for Low-Cost Bamboo Frames: Experimental Tests and Constructive Assessments

Experimental tests and constructive assessments are presented for a simple bamboo framed structure with innovative low-cost and low technology joints, specifically conceived for small buildings in developing countries. Two full scale one-storey bamboo frames have been designed by using the simplest joints solution among three different tested typologies. The entire building process is based on low-technology and natural materials: Bamboo canes, wooden cylinders, plywood plates and canapé rods. The first full scale specimen (Unit A) is a one-storey single deck truss structure subjected to monotonic collapse test; the second full scale specimen (Unit B) is a one-storey double deck truss structure used to evaluate the construction time throughout assembling tests. The first full scale specimen showed ductility in collapse and ease in strengthening; the second one showed remarkable ease and speed in assembling structural elements. Finally several constructive solutions are suggested for the design of simple one-storey buildings; they are addressed to four purposes (housing, school, chapel, health center) by the composition of the proposed full scale bamboo frames. Ease of use and maintenance with a low level of technology contribute to application in developing countries although not exclusively

Experimental Analyses and Numerical Models of CLT Shear Walls under Cyclic Loading

This paper reports the results of an experimental campaign performed at the University of Tokyo on cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels subjected to lateral loads. Analytical and numerical interpretations are provided as well, comparing the experimental analysis results with two methods: firstly, an analytical method to preliminarily evaluate the ultimate strength of the four panels, based on the geometrical dimensions of the openings and of the panel; secondly, a finite element model has been developed in order to provide some guidelines for calculating the stiffness and elastic behaviour of CLT panels subjected to lateral loads. The experimental tests showed that the CLT panels are as more brittle and stiffer as more the difference between the total panel area and the fenestrated area is high. The presence of large openings determined stress concentration at the corners where failure occurred for the attainment of the maximum tension strength in the inner layer. The proposed analytical formulation was shown to fairly closely predict the ultimate strength of panels with same geometry, characteristics and boundary condition, allowing preliminary information of this relevant parameter

Maintenance interventions period of existing RC motorway viaducts located in moderate/high seismicity zones

Considering the recent collapses which have affected several existing reinforced concrete (RC) motorway bridges, the correct maintenance interventions planning of these strategic infrastructures has acquired increasing importance to maintain a suitable safety level even in case of seismic loads. One of the most important problems which influences the structural performance of existing RC motorway bridges is the presence of corrosion which may affect the bearing-capacity members. In particular, the corrosion of steel reinforcement of the piers due to the carbonation phenomenon is strictly related to the seismic performance of these structures as the viaducts of the Italian motorway networks realized around the 1970s. In this paper, the evaluation of the seismic vulnerability of three existing RC motorway bridges has been developed using non-linear time history analysis. Three corrosion scenarios (slight, moderate and high) have been analysed. The effects of the carbonation, expressed in terms of piers steel rebars area reduction, have been considered as a function of the age of the viaduct. Risk indices calculated as the ratio of the peak ground acceleration leading to collapse of the first structural element and the design peak ground acceleration, are useful to optimize the scheduling of the motorway networks maintenance interventions