3,215 research outputs found

    Seismic risk assessment using machine learning for the automatic identification of building features

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    In nations with a high seismic hazard and a significantly vulnerable built heritage, seismic risk assessment represents a serious challenge. In particular, when seismic risk needs to be analyzed on large scales, vulnerability and exposure evaluations can lead to time-consuming and expensive investigations. In this work, artificial intelligence techniques are leveraged to address this issue. Specifically, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) are trained to automatically collect data about buildings from satellite imagery and street views. In this work, three CNNs are trained to recognize the following features: building height, material, and construction period, deemed to be the essential parameters for associating a specific seismic vulnerability level to a building. The following step of this study involves the combination of vulnerability and exposure with seismic hazard to evaluate seismic damage and risk. The latter is represented by potential losses in terms of reconstruction costs, number of unusable buildings, and displaced people. Emergency management organizations may find the results of this work useful for setting priority standards for seismic retrofit operations, as well as for allocating rescue resources after an earthquake

    Analytical model to predict the out-of-plane response of masonry infill walls

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    The use of brick masonry infill walls is a common practice in reinforced concrete (RC) frames. These, classified as non-structural elements and often overlooked in design models, strongly influence the seismic behaviour of RC frames by increasing the overall structural stiffness. In addition, they can lead to significant structural irregularities and be the cause of brittle failure mechanisms, such as soft-floor mechanisms. This paper aims to present a recently developed analytical model for estimating the lateral out-of-plane (OOP) response of various masonry infill walls. This model implements vertical and horizontal arch mechanisms, including the deformability of the RC frame elements surrounding the panel (i.e., upper beam and columns), the possible presence of external strengthening solutions, and considering different failure mechanisms. The model is calibrated on the results of previous experimental campaigns for thin and thick infill walls, reinforced and unreinforced, also considering previous in-plane damage. Finally, a parametric analysis based on this model is presented, which is useful for discussing the role of the main vulnerability parameters of infills on their OOP capacity

    I mandarini calvi

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    Scheda relativa all’opera letteraria "I mandarini calvi", di Sebastiano Addamo, pubblicata da Scheiwiller, Milano, nel 197

    New Φ method in EN1996 for the verification of second-order effects in load-bearing masonry walls

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    The Eurocode 6 (EC6) revision work carried out in recent years within the “CEN/TC 250/SC 6 – Masonry Structure” was an opportunity to reconsider verification methods for unreinforced masonry (URM) walls when subjected to combined vertical and out-of-plane loading and with significant second-order effects. The method proposed in the previous version of EC6 was based on an axial load capacity reduction factor (φm), the values of which were derived from an approximate model, fairly conservative for a wide range of wall stiffnesses. In addition, the previous version of EC6 did not require explicit verification in terms of lateral flexural capacity for URM walls subjected to significant lateral loads (e.g., seismic actions), when it would be appropriate and rational. For the latter verification, which should also take into account second-order effects, a reduction factor similar to φm can be defined for bending capacity reduction (φM). Therefore, this paper aims to show the scientific derivation of the new criteria adopted in the current version of EC6 (EN1996-1-1:2022) for the verification of second-order effects in URM walls. In particular, the numerical procedure for quantifying the φ factors is presented, which has improved the estimates previously available in the literature. Based on these numerical results, prediction models of these φ factors are proposed, which are also used to demonstrate the one-to-one correspondence between φm and φM. Then, validation comparisons are shown between the predicted values of the reduction factors and the relevant experimental and numerical values previously available in the literature. Finally, the calibration of the models proposed in the new version of EC6 is shown for both φm and φM

    "The love that made hell, paradise." Ouida re-writing the Paolo and Francesca theme in Held in Bondage

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    The bestselling Victorian author Ouida reveals in her novels, and, in particular, Held in Bondage, an extraordinary knowledge od Dante, by using characters and themes from the Commedia. The Paolo and Francesca theme actually constitutes part of the plot of the novel and is to be found in many of her other works, short stories and non-fiction writing

    HERStory Makers 2023: Francesca Fotheringham

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    Francesca Fotheringham is a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Edinburgh studying educational psychology with a focus on neurodiversity. She took part in HERStory Makers 2023.What is HERStory Makers?HERStory Makers is a social media competition for female-identifying early career researchers to share their research, their career journeys, and to inspire the next generation. Winners are selected by public vote. HERStory Makers is also part of EXPLORATHON, Scotland's contribution to European Researchers' Night.In 2022-23, EXPLORATHON Francescasupported by the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council [grant number EP/X020762/1].Author contributions to contentFrancesca conceived, planned, and recorded the video content. Kirsty Ross edited the video content to insert HERStory Maker credits, added subtitles, and reduce video length to below Twitter/X limit of 2 mins and 20 secs.</p
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