scholarly journals THE SEISMIC BEHAVIOUR OF CURTAIN WALLS: AN ANALYSIS BASED ON NUMERICAL MODELLING

2013 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mircea Bârnaure ◽  
Mihai Voiculescu

Abstract The paper proposes a numerical model to estimate the structural behaviour of a stickbuilt glazed curtain wall system subjected to an imposed displacement of the supports in the plane of the wall. We discuss the role of the parameters that influence on the maximum inter-storey drift corresponding to the service limit state of the wall. The considered parameters are the dimensions of the glazed panel, the gap between the panel and the aluminium frame and the gap between the supports and the mullions. We discuss the problem of remnant deformation of glazed panels, and of misalignment as serviceability criteria. Comparisons are made to laboratory testing results.

Author(s):  
Gianni Bartoli ◽  
Michele Betti ◽  
Saverio Giordano ◽  
Maurizio Orlando

The chapter reports on the in-situ experimental campaign and the numerical modelling that were performed to assess the static and dynamic behaviour of the Cupola of the Siena Cathedral in Italy: an irregular polygonal masonry structure built in the 13th century and composed of two domes. The research was motivated by the failure of some of the stone-trusses which connect the two masonry domes and consists of: a) single and double flat-jack tests in the internal dome, b) dynamic vibration tests on the Cupola under environmental (wind) and artificial (vibrodyne) loads and c) dynamic vibration tests on the double colonnade located below the Cupola (hammer impact tests). Results of tests were employed to identify a numerical model of the Cupola, which allowed to simulate its structural behaviour and to account for the failure of the stone-trusses between the two domes. The numerical model was later extended to the whole Cathedral. Through the discussion of an emblematic case study, the chapter shows a careful application of non-destructive testing (NDT) and numerical modelling in the field of assessment (and rehabilitation) of heritage buildings.


2012 ◽  
Vol 1 (33) ◽  
pp. 79
Author(s):  
Vincenzo Albanese ◽  
Keith Powell ◽  
Giovanni Cuomo

A new Marina, capable of hosting up to 1,000 boats, is being constructed along the southern Tyrrhenian Sea coast of Italy. The Marina is separated from the shore by a 80 m wide channel and access to the harbour will be via a bridge designed by Santiago Calatrava. Design improvements and refinements were identified through physical and numerical model studies. This paper shows the important role of numerical and physical models in the design process of a marina. For this project the physical model study has confirmed the effectiveness of the optimised design


2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 46-59
Author(s):  
A.G. Salmanov ◽  
O.M. Verner ◽  
L.F. Slepova

Species of the Acinetobacter represent opportunistic bacteria with a growing clinical significance for Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). In this literature review, we focus on the current role of Acinetobacter in infectious pathology and describe taxonomy, pathogenicity, and antibiotic resistance of these bacteria. Pathogenesis and regulation of virulence factors in Acinetobacter spp. are described in detail. The majority of acinetobacterial infections are associated with A. baumannii and occur predominantly in an immunocompromised host. Usually, acinetobacterial  infections  are characterized by local purulent inflammation; in severe cases, meningitis and sepsis may develop. Antibiotic resistance of Acinetobacter is a major clinical problem; therefore we give special attention to laboratory testing of resistance to antibiotics as well as identification of Acinetobacter.


Author(s):  
A. Sandoli ◽  
G. P. Lignola ◽  
B. Calderoni ◽  
A. Prota

AbstractA hybrid seismic fragility model for territorial-scale seismic vulnerability assessment of masonry buildings is developed and presented in this paper. The method combines expert-judgment and mechanical approaches to derive typological fragility curves for Italian residential masonry building stock. The first classifies Italian masonry buildings in five different typological classes as function of age of construction, structural typology, and seismic behaviour and damaging of buildings observed following the most severe earthquakes occurred in Italy. The second, based on numerical analyses results conducted on building prototypes, provides all the parameters necessary for developing fragility functions. Peak-Ground Acceleration (PGA) at Ultimate Limit State attainable by each building’s class has been chosen as an Intensity Measure to represent fragility curves: three types of curve have been developed, each referred to mean, maximum and minimum value of PGAs defined for each building class. To represent the expected damage scenario for increasing earthquake intensities, a correlation between PGAs and Mercalli-Cancani-Sieber macroseismic intensity scale has been used and the corresponding fragility curves developed. Results show that the proposed building’s classes are representative of the Italian masonry building stock and that fragility curves are effective for predicting both seismic vulnerability and expected damage scenarios for seismic-prone areas. Finally, the fragility curves have been compared with empirical curves obtained through a macroseismic approach on Italian masonry buildings available in literature, underlining the differences between the methods.


2008 ◽  
Vol 42 (10) ◽  
pp. 1433-1442 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stéphane Grange ◽  
Panagiotis Kotronis ◽  
Jacky Mazars

1998 ◽  
Vol 29 ◽  
pp. 35-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Smith ◽  
James Crow

AbstractThe fortifications of the Hellenistic and Roman city of Tocra are over 2 km long (including the sea-wall) and comprise a curtain wall up to 2 m wide flanked by 31 rectangular towers. Three main structural phases were noted in the survey carried out in 1966 by David Smith: (1) Hellenistic walls of isodomic ashlar, (2) later Hellenistic work of isodomic ashlar with bevelled edges, associated with the indented trace along the south rampart, and (3) an extensive rebuild of plain ashlar blocks including the towers and reconstruction to the East and West Gates, dateable, on the basis of Procopius, to the reign of Justinian. The general significance of the fortifications at Tocra is considered in the second part: these include the Hellenistic indented trace along the south side, later reinforced by towers in the sixth century AD. Also of wider importance was the use of an outer wall or proteichisma, and the pentagonal, pointed towers at the two main gates. Both these elements were unusual in Byzantine North Africa and they are discussed as part of the more general repertory of Byzantine fortifications. The unusual tower adjacent to the West Church is considered in the context of literary accounts. The article concludes by considering how the architecture and magnitude of the fortifications can allow a reassessment of the wider role of the city in the sixth and seventh century defences of Cyrenaica.


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