Le trenta lezioni raccolte in questo libro sono rappresentative degli insegnamenti teorici e appl... more Le trenta lezioni raccolte in questo libro sono rappresentative degli insegnamenti teorici e applicativi pertinenti ai principali settori scientifico disciplinari che costituiscono i pilastri della formazione trasversale propria del design. Le rete di tematiche proposte è riferita a filoni di studi e ricerche che spaziano dalle scienze sociologiche, economiche e della comunicazione alle scienze esatte; dalle humanities alle tecnologie; a metodiche progettuali. Ogni contributo è riconducibile al design: quell’azione che nel generare artefatti materiali e immateriali si avvale di un complesso di materie le cui specificità partecipano con continue incursioni fino ad arrivare alla sintesi finale, scrigno che custodisce immaginazione, ragionamento, saperi, metodi, abilità.
In recent years, the interest in the out-of-plane response of infills has been growing due to the... more In recent years, the interest in the out-of-plane response of infills has been growing due to the need of limiting damage to these elements, commonly considered as non structural. Different experimental tests and theoretical studies have been carried out on this subject. They highlighted that the slenderness and the boundary conditions of the panel, the mechanical characteristics of the masonry, the stiffness of the surrounding frame elements and the presence of cracks due to prior in-plane damage noticeably affect the out-of-plane carrying capacity of infill walls. In this paper, a review and a comparison of analytical models developed for the assessment of the out-of-plane response of masonry infills is presented. The suitability of selected models to predict the out-of-plane capacity is investigated by means of some experimental results available in the literature. It is concluded that, even though the considered models take into account the main parameters involved (slenderness of the panel, masonry compressive strength, etc.), they are not always able to adequately predict the actual resistance.
limited review of websites General review, correction and update, taking into account draft repor... more limited review of websites General review, correction and update, taking into account draft report (March 2004) by A. Annoni (EC-JRC) on 'Lessons learnt from Italian NSDI' Addition of table pointing to changes with regard to Version 4 7.0 2005-07-29 Katleen Janssen (ICRI) General review, correction and update of legal framework 7.
Negli ultimi anni, anche a fronte di numerosi incidenti in cui sono state coinvolte sostanze peri... more Negli ultimi anni, anche a fronte di numerosi incidenti in cui sono state coinvolte sostanze pericolose, è in atto una crescente attenzione da parte degli enti preposti verso tale problematica. Tra le diverse forme di rischio tecnologico, il trasporto di merci pericolose costituisce un potenziale rischio d’incidente rilevante per il territorio e assume particolare rilevanza la possibilità di valutare sia la probabilità che la grandezza dell’evento in relazione all’ambiente interessato anche al fine di programmare azioni di prevenzione e strategie di intervento. Nell’ambito dell’ Accordo per la condivisione delle conoscenze e la sperimentazione di metodologie nel settore della prevenzione e del controllo dei rischi di incidenti rilevanti stipulato il 11 Novembre 2005 tra Ministero dell’Ambiente e della Tutela del Territorio e del Mare e Regione Lombardia” è stata svolta un’attività di ricerca in merito al trasporto di sostanze pericolose in Lombardia, denominata “Piano Logistica Tras...
Urban planning is strictly related to environmental protection and planning and the knowledge of ... more Urban planning is strictly related to environmental protection and planning and the knowledge of the areas involved is fundamental. Furthermore, an urban plan is subjected to Strategic Environmental Assessments, thus implying a deep integration of environmental concerns with planning ones. INPIRE could be the right instrument to share both the information that is needed and the results of the planning exercise. But, notwithstanding the big progresses, the real application is quite far from the ideal theory. The present paper will show the results of a practical application of the INSPIRE principles in the case of an urban plan (“Piano Urbanistico Comunale Generale”) for a small town in Italy, in the province of Rome. The area is quite limited (around 1300 hectares) and the population involved is really small (less than 1000 inhabitants) but the documents, graphs, maps that are requested by the competent authorities are the same that are requested for bigger towns and cities. Most of...
We adapt arguments concerning entropy-theoretic convergence from the independent case to the case... more We adapt arguments concerning entropy-theoretic convergence from the independent case to the case of FKG random variables. FKG systems are chosen since their dependence structure is controlled through covariance alone, though in the sequel we use many of the same arguments for weakly dependent random variables. As in previous work of Barron and Johnson, we consider random variables perturbed by small normals, since the FKG property gives us control of the resulting densities. We need to impose a finite susceptibility conditionthat is, the covariance between one random variable and the sum of all the random variables should remain finite. well understood. The Gaussian is both the distribution of maximum entropy (under a variance constraint) and the limit distribution of convolutions in the Central Limit regime (which preserves variance). There is clear physical interest in asking questions such as whether entropy always increases on convolution, and whether it tends to this maximum. By showing that the entropy tends to its maximum, we prove the Central Limit Theorem in a stronger sense than classical methods achieve. This form of convergence implies the classical weak convergence proved in Theorem 2 of Newman [13]. Lemma 5 of Takano [16] and Theorem 3.1 of Carlen and Soffer [3] also only prove weak convergence, though under different conditions. Furthermore by understanding how score functions become more linear on convolution, we gain an insight into the workings of the limit theorem, and why the Gaussian is the limiting distribution. We are able to gain some insight into the relationship between maximum entropy distributions and limit theorems in this way, and see the Central Limit Theorem in a new light. Gnedenko and Korolev propose a programme to investigate the relationship between results like the Central Limit Theorem and maximum entropy distributions. This programme has been developed by Brown [2], Barron [1], Johnson [6] and Barron and Johnson [7], who have used information-theoretic techniques to prove the Central Limit Theorem. These papers only deal with the case of independent random variables, [2] and [1] in the case of identically distributed variables, and [6] and [7] for non-identical variables satisfying a Lindeberg-like condition. This paper extends these results and develops new techniques to consider the case of dependent random variables satisfying the FKG inequalities. The fact that proofs of entropy-theoretic convergence have only previously existed for independent variables is unfortunate, particularly given the natural physical interest in dependent systems. In extending Barron's work, we have shown the link between physical and information-theoretic entropies holds in more generality than Gnedenko and Korolev discussed. Definition 1.1 A set of random variables {X 1 , X 2 ,. .. X m } is said to be FKG if Cov(F (X 1 , X 2 ,. .. , X m), G(X 1 , X 2 ,. .. X m)) ≥ 0 for all increasing functions F, G. FKG (Fortuin-Kastelyn-Ginibre) inequalities hold for many physical models with 'positive correlation', as discussed by Newman [13]. For example, in
The out-of-plane response of infill walls has recently gained a growing attention and has been re... more The out-of-plane response of infill walls has recently gained a growing attention and has been recognised fundamental in the damage assessment of reinforced concrete and steel framed buildings subjected to seismic loads. The observation of damage after earthquakes highlighted that out-of-plane collapse of masonry infills may occur even during seismic events of low or moderate intensity, causing both casualty risks and unfavourable situations affecting the overall structural response. Even though studies concerning the out-of-plane behaviour of infills are not as many as those focused on the in-plane response, in the last decades, a substantial number of researches have been carried out on the out-of-plane behaviour of infills. In this study, the out-of-plane response is investigated considering different aspects. First, damages observed after past earthquakes are examined, with the aim of identifying the main parameters involved and the most critical configurations. Secondly, the response recorded in about 150 experimental tests is deeply examined, focusing on the influence of geometrical characteristics, boundary conditions, prior in-plane damage, presence of reinforcing elements and openings. Finally, different theoretical capacity models and code provisions are discussed and compared, giving specific attention to those based on the arching theory. The reliability of some of these models is herein tested with reference to experimental results. The comparison between analytically predicted and experimental values allows to appreciate the extent of approximation of such methods.
Structural design of infrastructure elements such as bridges and viaducts is shown to be strongly... more Structural design of infrastructure elements such as bridges and viaducts is shown to be strongly related to the environmental impact assessment of the related infrastructure. In particular, visual impact of these elements should be assessed prior to the design phase. The study have investigated more than 70 projects of important highways and railways; some examples are described with the aim not to criticise a single project but to give "best" and "bad" practices from which lessons could be learned. Visual Impact Analysis may be one instrument that together with architectonic and structural design may improve quality of infrastructures. From the case studies, some hits are given to designers in order to achieve a better integration between different disciplines and approaches for an overall "good" project.
limited review of websites General review, correction and update, taking into account draft repor... more limited review of websites General review, correction and update, taking into account draft report (March 2004) by A. Annoni (EC-JRC) on 'Lessons learnt from Italian NSDI' Addition of table pointing to changes with regard to Version 4 7.0 2005-07-29 Katleen Janssen (ICRI) General review, correction and update of legal framework 7.1 2005-08-08 Danny Vandenbroucke Review of the 2005 update and consolidation 7.2 2005-09-27 Danny Vandenbroucke Final report based on comments from the EC and input from University of Rome EC:-INSPIRE: Spatial Data Infrastructures in Europe: State of play Spring 2005 Italy K.U.Leuven (SADL-ICRI) + Hall 1 Change matrix 2005 versus 2004 Paragraphs in which information is reported which deviates in a significant way from what was reported in the Spring 2004 version of this country report are listed in the below table. They are indicated in red. Paragraph Type of change 1.1 Updated to reflect state Spring 2005 2.2.3 New information, updated to reflect state Spring 2005
Observation of damage in seismic events has highlighted that collapse of infill walls in the out-... more Observation of damage in seismic events has highlighted that collapse of infill walls in the out-of-plane direction may occur even for moderate intensity of ground motion. Different analytical models have been proposed in the last decades for the assessment of the out-of-plane response of infills and their applicability under different conditions has been checked also with experimental tests. In this paper, a numerical solution is adopted by using a smeared crack approach, in which the masonry panel is modelled as a a non-linear continuum and contact surfaces are located only at the interface between masonry and frame elements; horizontal out-of-plane loads are applied monotonically as body forces. Height/thickness ratio, height/length ratio, masonry compressive strength and stiffness of frame elements are varied to investigate their influence on the out-of-plane resistance. Results confirm previous experimental evidence, such as the inverse proportionality of the strength with resp...
Proceedings of the Fifteenth International Conference on Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering Computing, 2015
Observation of damage after earthquakes has highlighted that out-of-plane failures of masonry inf... more Observation of damage after earthquakes has highlighted that out-of-plane failures of masonry infill walls may often occur even in the case of low or moderate earthquakes, causing both casualty risks for people and unfavourable situations affecting the overall structural response. In recent years, several experimental tests have been carried out trying to determine the relevance of different parameters that may affect the out-of-plane carrying capacity of infill walls, such as the slenderness ratio and the boundary conditions of the panel, the mechanical characteristics of the masonry, the stiffness of the surrounding frame elements and the presence of cracks arising from prior in-plane damage. Several analytical models have been developed too, and also included in code provisions; the application of these models to experimental data performed in this paper shows that the problem is still open and need further investigation. As a general observation, analytical models underestimate or overestimate the ultimate load carrying capacity according to the type of frame and infills under consideration, thus showing that the validity of each model is limited to specific configurations.
Volume 1D: 16th Biennial Conference on Mechanical Vibration and Noise
Different simplifying assumptions can be formulated for the analysis of tethered systems, each of... more Different simplifying assumptions can be formulated for the analysis of tethered systems, each of them with its own degree of fidelity and range of validity. The present paper points out the meaning of linear gravity gradient approximation for long tethers, constant tension along them and rigid deviation from the local vertical of a tethered system subjected to aerodynamic drag. A simplified model is presented and compared with numerical integration of the comprehensive nonlinear equilibrium equations. Numerical simulations refer to a probe to be flown in Martian atmosphere.
Proceedings of the VII European Congress on Computational Methods in Applied Sciences and Engineering (ECCOMAS Congress 2016), 2016
In this paper, the out-of-plane response of infill walls is investigated by means of non-linear m... more In this paper, the out-of-plane response of infill walls is investigated by means of non-linear monotonic (push-over) analyses through a combined finite and discrete modelling approach. The model accounts for material deformability, crack formation, sliding, separation and formation of new contacts. Masonry units are modelled as finite elements, and different material models are assumed for the masonry. Contact between masonry units, and between masonry and frame elements is modelled by means of interfaces, which permit tangential motion with frictional sliding. Frame elements are modelled by means of a linearelastic material. The results of the numerical analyses are compared with those of experimental tests available in the literature. The advantages and disadvantages of the adopted modelling strategy are investigated.
Le trenta lezioni raccolte in questo libro sono rappresentative degli insegnamenti teorici e appl... more Le trenta lezioni raccolte in questo libro sono rappresentative degli insegnamenti teorici e applicativi pertinenti ai principali settori scientifico disciplinari che costituiscono i pilastri della formazione trasversale propria del design. Le rete di tematiche proposte è riferita a filoni di studi e ricerche che spaziano dalle scienze sociologiche, economiche e della comunicazione alle scienze esatte; dalle humanities alle tecnologie; a metodiche progettuali. Ogni contributo è riconducibile al design: quell’azione che nel generare artefatti materiali e immateriali si avvale di un complesso di materie le cui specificità partecipano con continue incursioni fino ad arrivare alla sintesi finale, scrigno che custodisce immaginazione, ragionamento, saperi, metodi, abilità.
In recent years, the interest in the out-of-plane response of infills has been growing due to the... more In recent years, the interest in the out-of-plane response of infills has been growing due to the need of limiting damage to these elements, commonly considered as non structural. Different experimental tests and theoretical studies have been carried out on this subject. They highlighted that the slenderness and the boundary conditions of the panel, the mechanical characteristics of the masonry, the stiffness of the surrounding frame elements and the presence of cracks due to prior in-plane damage noticeably affect the out-of-plane carrying capacity of infill walls. In this paper, a review and a comparison of analytical models developed for the assessment of the out-of-plane response of masonry infills is presented. The suitability of selected models to predict the out-of-plane capacity is investigated by means of some experimental results available in the literature. It is concluded that, even though the considered models take into account the main parameters involved (slenderness of the panel, masonry compressive strength, etc.), they are not always able to adequately predict the actual resistance.
limited review of websites General review, correction and update, taking into account draft repor... more limited review of websites General review, correction and update, taking into account draft report (March 2004) by A. Annoni (EC-JRC) on 'Lessons learnt from Italian NSDI' Addition of table pointing to changes with regard to Version 4 7.0 2005-07-29 Katleen Janssen (ICRI) General review, correction and update of legal framework 7.
Negli ultimi anni, anche a fronte di numerosi incidenti in cui sono state coinvolte sostanze peri... more Negli ultimi anni, anche a fronte di numerosi incidenti in cui sono state coinvolte sostanze pericolose, è in atto una crescente attenzione da parte degli enti preposti verso tale problematica. Tra le diverse forme di rischio tecnologico, il trasporto di merci pericolose costituisce un potenziale rischio d’incidente rilevante per il territorio e assume particolare rilevanza la possibilità di valutare sia la probabilità che la grandezza dell’evento in relazione all’ambiente interessato anche al fine di programmare azioni di prevenzione e strategie di intervento. Nell’ambito dell’ Accordo per la condivisione delle conoscenze e la sperimentazione di metodologie nel settore della prevenzione e del controllo dei rischi di incidenti rilevanti stipulato il 11 Novembre 2005 tra Ministero dell’Ambiente e della Tutela del Territorio e del Mare e Regione Lombardia” è stata svolta un’attività di ricerca in merito al trasporto di sostanze pericolose in Lombardia, denominata “Piano Logistica Tras...
Urban planning is strictly related to environmental protection and planning and the knowledge of ... more Urban planning is strictly related to environmental protection and planning and the knowledge of the areas involved is fundamental. Furthermore, an urban plan is subjected to Strategic Environmental Assessments, thus implying a deep integration of environmental concerns with planning ones. INPIRE could be the right instrument to share both the information that is needed and the results of the planning exercise. But, notwithstanding the big progresses, the real application is quite far from the ideal theory. The present paper will show the results of a practical application of the INSPIRE principles in the case of an urban plan (“Piano Urbanistico Comunale Generale”) for a small town in Italy, in the province of Rome. The area is quite limited (around 1300 hectares) and the population involved is really small (less than 1000 inhabitants) but the documents, graphs, maps that are requested by the competent authorities are the same that are requested for bigger towns and cities. Most of...
We adapt arguments concerning entropy-theoretic convergence from the independent case to the case... more We adapt arguments concerning entropy-theoretic convergence from the independent case to the case of FKG random variables. FKG systems are chosen since their dependence structure is controlled through covariance alone, though in the sequel we use many of the same arguments for weakly dependent random variables. As in previous work of Barron and Johnson, we consider random variables perturbed by small normals, since the FKG property gives us control of the resulting densities. We need to impose a finite susceptibility conditionthat is, the covariance between one random variable and the sum of all the random variables should remain finite. well understood. The Gaussian is both the distribution of maximum entropy (under a variance constraint) and the limit distribution of convolutions in the Central Limit regime (which preserves variance). There is clear physical interest in asking questions such as whether entropy always increases on convolution, and whether it tends to this maximum. By showing that the entropy tends to its maximum, we prove the Central Limit Theorem in a stronger sense than classical methods achieve. This form of convergence implies the classical weak convergence proved in Theorem 2 of Newman [13]. Lemma 5 of Takano [16] and Theorem 3.1 of Carlen and Soffer [3] also only prove weak convergence, though under different conditions. Furthermore by understanding how score functions become more linear on convolution, we gain an insight into the workings of the limit theorem, and why the Gaussian is the limiting distribution. We are able to gain some insight into the relationship between maximum entropy distributions and limit theorems in this way, and see the Central Limit Theorem in a new light. Gnedenko and Korolev propose a programme to investigate the relationship between results like the Central Limit Theorem and maximum entropy distributions. This programme has been developed by Brown [2], Barron [1], Johnson [6] and Barron and Johnson [7], who have used information-theoretic techniques to prove the Central Limit Theorem. These papers only deal with the case of independent random variables, [2] and [1] in the case of identically distributed variables, and [6] and [7] for non-identical variables satisfying a Lindeberg-like condition. This paper extends these results and develops new techniques to consider the case of dependent random variables satisfying the FKG inequalities. The fact that proofs of entropy-theoretic convergence have only previously existed for independent variables is unfortunate, particularly given the natural physical interest in dependent systems. In extending Barron's work, we have shown the link between physical and information-theoretic entropies holds in more generality than Gnedenko and Korolev discussed. Definition 1.1 A set of random variables {X 1 , X 2 ,. .. X m } is said to be FKG if Cov(F (X 1 , X 2 ,. .. , X m), G(X 1 , X 2 ,. .. X m)) ≥ 0 for all increasing functions F, G. FKG (Fortuin-Kastelyn-Ginibre) inequalities hold for many physical models with 'positive correlation', as discussed by Newman [13]. For example, in
The out-of-plane response of infill walls has recently gained a growing attention and has been re... more The out-of-plane response of infill walls has recently gained a growing attention and has been recognised fundamental in the damage assessment of reinforced concrete and steel framed buildings subjected to seismic loads. The observation of damage after earthquakes highlighted that out-of-plane collapse of masonry infills may occur even during seismic events of low or moderate intensity, causing both casualty risks and unfavourable situations affecting the overall structural response. Even though studies concerning the out-of-plane behaviour of infills are not as many as those focused on the in-plane response, in the last decades, a substantial number of researches have been carried out on the out-of-plane behaviour of infills. In this study, the out-of-plane response is investigated considering different aspects. First, damages observed after past earthquakes are examined, with the aim of identifying the main parameters involved and the most critical configurations. Secondly, the response recorded in about 150 experimental tests is deeply examined, focusing on the influence of geometrical characteristics, boundary conditions, prior in-plane damage, presence of reinforcing elements and openings. Finally, different theoretical capacity models and code provisions are discussed and compared, giving specific attention to those based on the arching theory. The reliability of some of these models is herein tested with reference to experimental results. The comparison between analytically predicted and experimental values allows to appreciate the extent of approximation of such methods.
Structural design of infrastructure elements such as bridges and viaducts is shown to be strongly... more Structural design of infrastructure elements such as bridges and viaducts is shown to be strongly related to the environmental impact assessment of the related infrastructure. In particular, visual impact of these elements should be assessed prior to the design phase. The study have investigated more than 70 projects of important highways and railways; some examples are described with the aim not to criticise a single project but to give "best" and "bad" practices from which lessons could be learned. Visual Impact Analysis may be one instrument that together with architectonic and structural design may improve quality of infrastructures. From the case studies, some hits are given to designers in order to achieve a better integration between different disciplines and approaches for an overall "good" project.
limited review of websites General review, correction and update, taking into account draft repor... more limited review of websites General review, correction and update, taking into account draft report (March 2004) by A. Annoni (EC-JRC) on 'Lessons learnt from Italian NSDI' Addition of table pointing to changes with regard to Version 4 7.0 2005-07-29 Katleen Janssen (ICRI) General review, correction and update of legal framework 7.1 2005-08-08 Danny Vandenbroucke Review of the 2005 update and consolidation 7.2 2005-09-27 Danny Vandenbroucke Final report based on comments from the EC and input from University of Rome EC:-INSPIRE: Spatial Data Infrastructures in Europe: State of play Spring 2005 Italy K.U.Leuven (SADL-ICRI) + Hall 1 Change matrix 2005 versus 2004 Paragraphs in which information is reported which deviates in a significant way from what was reported in the Spring 2004 version of this country report are listed in the below table. They are indicated in red. Paragraph Type of change 1.1 Updated to reflect state Spring 2005 2.2.3 New information, updated to reflect state Spring 2005
Observation of damage in seismic events has highlighted that collapse of infill walls in the out-... more Observation of damage in seismic events has highlighted that collapse of infill walls in the out-of-plane direction may occur even for moderate intensity of ground motion. Different analytical models have been proposed in the last decades for the assessment of the out-of-plane response of infills and their applicability under different conditions has been checked also with experimental tests. In this paper, a numerical solution is adopted by using a smeared crack approach, in which the masonry panel is modelled as a a non-linear continuum and contact surfaces are located only at the interface between masonry and frame elements; horizontal out-of-plane loads are applied monotonically as body forces. Height/thickness ratio, height/length ratio, masonry compressive strength and stiffness of frame elements are varied to investigate their influence on the out-of-plane resistance. Results confirm previous experimental evidence, such as the inverse proportionality of the strength with resp...
Proceedings of the Fifteenth International Conference on Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering Computing, 2015
Observation of damage after earthquakes has highlighted that out-of-plane failures of masonry inf... more Observation of damage after earthquakes has highlighted that out-of-plane failures of masonry infill walls may often occur even in the case of low or moderate earthquakes, causing both casualty risks for people and unfavourable situations affecting the overall structural response. In recent years, several experimental tests have been carried out trying to determine the relevance of different parameters that may affect the out-of-plane carrying capacity of infill walls, such as the slenderness ratio and the boundary conditions of the panel, the mechanical characteristics of the masonry, the stiffness of the surrounding frame elements and the presence of cracks arising from prior in-plane damage. Several analytical models have been developed too, and also included in code provisions; the application of these models to experimental data performed in this paper shows that the problem is still open and need further investigation. As a general observation, analytical models underestimate or overestimate the ultimate load carrying capacity according to the type of frame and infills under consideration, thus showing that the validity of each model is limited to specific configurations.
Volume 1D: 16th Biennial Conference on Mechanical Vibration and Noise
Different simplifying assumptions can be formulated for the analysis of tethered systems, each of... more Different simplifying assumptions can be formulated for the analysis of tethered systems, each of them with its own degree of fidelity and range of validity. The present paper points out the meaning of linear gravity gradient approximation for long tethers, constant tension along them and rigid deviation from the local vertical of a tethered system subjected to aerodynamic drag. A simplified model is presented and compared with numerical integration of the comprehensive nonlinear equilibrium equations. Numerical simulations refer to a probe to be flown in Martian atmosphere.
Proceedings of the VII European Congress on Computational Methods in Applied Sciences and Engineering (ECCOMAS Congress 2016), 2016
In this paper, the out-of-plane response of infill walls is investigated by means of non-linear m... more In this paper, the out-of-plane response of infill walls is investigated by means of non-linear monotonic (push-over) analyses through a combined finite and discrete modelling approach. The model accounts for material deformability, crack formation, sliding, separation and formation of new contacts. Masonry units are modelled as finite elements, and different material models are assumed for the masonry. Contact between masonry units, and between masonry and frame elements is modelled by means of interfaces, which permit tangential motion with frictional sliding. Frame elements are modelled by means of a linearelastic material. The results of the numerical analyses are compared with those of experimental tests available in the literature. The advantages and disadvantages of the adopted modelling strategy are investigated.
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