Seminars


This page shows the programming and details of all the COURSES and SEMINARS organized within the Doctorate Program

2024


SEMINAR - Heritage building information modelling (HBIM): The case of Massawa, Eritrea
December 10, 2024 5:00pm-6:00pm (CET)
Massawa is a port city in the Northern Red Sea region of Eritrea. It has historically been an important port for many centuries. As a result, Massawa has been ruled or occupied by a succession of polities during its history: the Ottoman Empire, the Egyptian Empire, the Kingdom of Italy and the Ethiopian Empire. As a result of this colonization, Massawa has unique blend of architecture. The historical buildings now crumbling as a result of ravaged by war, earthquakes, aging & deterioration, and lack of maintenance. To develop a heritage building information modelling (HBIM), this presentation will highlight the modeling steps undertaken relying on rectified images through segmentation, tracing polygonal outlines, and developing synthesized façade drawings. Where the current buildings are severely damaged, contextual relation was used in the digitization. The current progress will be discussed, and future collaboration and opportunities with Sapienza University of Rome will be highlighted.
COURSE - Recent developments in the design of underground works
December 2, 2024, 2:00pm-6:30pm - December 3, 4, 2024, 2:00pm-5:30pm - December 5, 2024, 4:00pm-6:00pm - December 6, 2024, 3:00pm-6:00pm - December 9, 2024, 2:00pm-6:30pm - December 10, 11 2024, 3:00pm-5:00pm - December 12 2024, 11:00am-1:00pm
The course offers an in-depth analysis of some topics of considerable interest for the analysis of the behavior of underground works and their interaction with the environment, both during the construction phases and during operation. The increasingly intense development of infrastructural networks, even in complex contexts from a geological, hydrogeological and geotechnical point of view, and the raising of design standards require the implementation of specialist skills not yet widespread in technical practice and often still the subject of studies and research. The first lessons are dedicated to recalling the basic knowledge of the sector, from the geotechnical characterization for the design of tunnels to the main analytical solutions for the evaluation of the stress-strain state around the cable and for the analysis of the interaction with the works of reinforcement and support. Both conventional and more advanced approaches for tunnel design are then explored in depth, both in the context of traditional excavation and excavation using TBM machines. Finally, the following topics are covered in the form of dedicated seminars: tunnels under the water table, the technique of artificial freezing of the soil as a temporary support for excavations, the effects induced by the excavation of surface tunnels, seismic tests and fire tests of the covering.
COURSE - Course entitled to Franco Bontempi: Structural Modelling and Optimization
November 25, 2024 - 3:00pm-6:00pm, November 26-27, 2024 - 10:00am-1:00om, 3:00pm-6:00pm, and November 28, 2024 - 10:00am-1:00pm, 2:00pm-6:00pm
Structural engineering can nowadays make use of very remarkable computational tools. This availability can lead to the assertion that the entire process of designing and verifying the quality of a work can be automated. Paradoxically, the opposite is true: powerful tools require deep reflections on the basics of structural design in order to consciously and consciously address the representation and optimization procedures available today. In this way, optimization can represent an effective fundamental component of structural design, in order to try to maximize the performance of the works and their sustainability. In order to obtain correct optimization, it is therefore necessary to examine the roots of the design, to understand its meanings and evaluate the limits of the different numerical implementations. The lessons of the course will develop the concepts underlying structural optimization while simultaneously presenting specific significant applications.
SEMINAR - World’s tallest full-scale shake table test: NHERI TallWood project
November 5, 2024, 11:00am-12:00pm
Wood has thousands of years of history as a building material but has also been restricted by building codes and regulations following the industrial revolution. Wood building is viewed as a cost-effective, but less engineered system mainly for low-rise options. Mass timber construction is a relatively new way of utilizing wood material for modern, high performance buildings at both large and small scales. It gives rise to the currently trending conception of wooden sky-scrapers. This presentation will provide an overview of a multi-year research project towards seismically resilient tall wood buildings. Specially, the planning, execution, and results will be discussed from the NSF-funded NHERI TallWood Project which aims at developing a resilience-based seismic design methodology for tall wood buildings. In collaboration with many industry partners, the project team tested a full-scale 10-story mass timber building in 2023 in order to validate a tall mass timber building system that is essentially earthquake proof. This is the world’s tallest full-scale building ever tested on a shake table to date.
COURSE - Mechanics of heterogeneous materials: From homogenization theory to strain localization phenomena
Ottobre 24, 2024, at 2:00pm-5:30pm and Ottobre 25, 2024, at 9:00am-12:30pm
The heterogeneous nature of materials like fiber reinforced composites and grains in metallic polycrystals can be used as an asset in the design of optimized microstructures. Averaging methods will be described for stress, strain and energy in order to predict the effective properties. The proposed illustrations deal with elasticity of composites and plasticity of crystals. The concept of representative volume element for random microstructures will be presented. Computational homogenization can be used to predict the failure of materials by strain localization in the form of shear bands. Concepts of loss of uniqueness and loss of ellipticity will be applied to predict shear banding in elastic-plastic dense and porous materials. Finite element simulations of strain localization are characterized by a spurious mesh-dependence of the results. The regularization of these problems requires the introduction of internal lengths in the constitutive model. The strain gradient plasticity theory will be presented and used for this purpose.
COURSE - Seismic Safety and Sustainability: Next Generation of Low-Damage Concrete and Timber Buildings
October 10, 15, and 23, 2024 at 10:00am-1:00pm
The 2010-2011 Canterbury (New Zealand) earthquake sequence has highlighted the severe mismatch between societal expectations over the reality of seismic performance of modern buildings. Life Safety is not enough for modern societies; a paradigm shift in performance-based design criteria and objective towards Damage Control, or low-damage, design philosophy and technologies is urgently required. The ‘bar’ has been raised significantly with the request to fast track the development of what the general public would refer to as the “ultimate” earthquake resisting (towards an “earthquake proof”) building system, capable of sustaining the shaking of a severe earthquake basically unscathed. This short course will provide an overview of recent advances through extensive research, development and implementation, carried out in the past twenty-five years, of an integrated low-damage building system including the skeleton of the superstructure and the non-structural components. Examples of real on site-applications of such low-damage technology in New Zealand and worldwide, using concrete, timber (engineered wood), steel or a combination of these materials, and featuring some of the latest innovative technical solutions developed in the laboratory will be presented as comforting example of successful transfer of performance-based seismic design approach and advanced technology from theory to practice in line with the broader objective of Building Resilience.
SEMINAR - 3D Concrete Printing: Recent Advancements and Future Trends
September 9, 2024, 11:00am-12:30pm
3D concrete Printing (3DcP) is a digital construction technology to transform the construction industry by replacing the currently used casting-in-the-mould methods with digitally controlled layer-by-layer additive-construction technology. 3DcP removes the need for formwork (temporary moulds used for casting concrete), thus eliminating a very significant source of waste from construction. Further, the use of standard formworks limits the creativity of architects and options to build varied geometries unless expensive bespoke formworks are produced. This presentation covers the recent advancements in 3DcP technology and the printing process. It also provides information about the printable material requirements and formulations. Further, experimental and numerical techniques to model the pumping and extrusion process of printable concrete will be discussed.
SEMINAR - The Mission to Apophis
July 16, 2024, 4:40pm-5:45pm
We will present the case for our one great shot to meet asteroid Apophis in 2029. In 2004, an asteroid the size of 5 football fields was discovered and thought to be on a path to impact Earth. It was named Apophis, after the god of Chaos, for its potential to cause widespread global devastation. Subsequent observations have shown that Apophis will barely miss hitting Earth, but on April 13, 2029, it will come so close to Earth’s surface that more than a billion people will see it shinning as brightly as a star moving rapidly across the sky with the naked eye. The event will make the closest Earth flyby of an asteroid in recorded history. While some billion will witness this once-in-a-millennium event, our mission has set sight on harnessing the opportunity to conduct a rare science expedition that would map the surface and interior of Apophis to return data critical to the Earth’s planetary defense. This type of science experiment is only possible once in a lifetime when (1) the subject of observation has been identified early enough for response, (2) is an object of great interest due to its size and trajectory in relation to Earth, and (3) most importantly, coming close enough for our constellation of spacecraft to launch in time to rendezvous with it. Our mission will return data on Apophis’s interior structure, changes in its surface formation, and a photo of the asteroid with Earth in the background. The mitigation of a future threat is a global issue that requires immense advanced coordination and activation. A rendezvous with Apophis will be a defining moment in our collective history as a small team of scientists, technologists, explorers, and risk takers prepare humanity to meet Chaos on our own terms by demonstrating that we are equipped to defend our planet against future asteroids that threaten our existence. With the world watching, are we prepared to meet the moment?
COURSE - Ultrasonic bulk and guided wave propagation in classical and non-classical continua
July 17 - 10:00am-1:00pm; July 18 - 4:00pm-7:00pm; July 19 - 10:00am-1:00pm; 2:00pm-5:00pm
PART I: ULTRASONIC BULK AND GUIDED WAVE PROPAGATION (A. Pau). Being able to handle wave propagation is essential to the understanding of nondestructive evaluation techniques, which enable location and measurement of defects in structures, evaluation of constitutive material constants, and identification of the state of stress. This short course covers selected problems of wave propagation in structures, that is, waves in strings, bulk waves in 3D solids, guided waves, acoustoelasticity, and their application to the solution of materials characterization and image reconstruction problems. PART II: NON-LOCAL CONTINUOUS FORMULATIONS FOR MATERIALS WITH MICROSTRUCTURE AND WAVE PROPAGATION (P. Trovalusci). Focus will be on non local continua with internal lengths and dispersion properties in wave propagation. Non-local continuous formulations for materials with microstructure, including topics such as: discrete-to-scale dependent continuum models, deformations, strain measures, stress measures, balance laws, constitutive equations, thermodynamic restrictions, with applications to composites and masonry, will be covered.
SEMINAR - Real-time Hybrid Simulation and Application Towards Enhancing Multi-Natural Hazard Civil Infrastructural Resiliency
July 12, 2024 - 3:00pm-4:30pm
Stakeholders are demanding that the performance of the built civil infrastructure be more resilient to natural hazards in order to reduce their impact on society. Performance-based engineering is a means to attempt to meet performance objectives associated with prescribed levels of hazards. A viable technique to meet validation requirements for performance-engineered structural systems is to use real-time hybrid simulation to perform cyber-physical experiments. The complete system is involved in these simulations, where selected components of the system are modeled physically while others are modeled numerically using computational models. The modeling of the former in the physical domain is required because accurate computational models do not exist for these components. In such studies the response modification devices can be coupled to a system that is subjected to a prescribed hazard with a specific return period, enabling system performance under prescribed levels of realistic hazard demands to be established. The talk will present results from recent efforts that the presenter and his research team have completed to advance large-scale multi-directional real-time hybrid simulation. Topics of the talk include an overview of the development of model-based unconditionally stable dissipative explicit direct integration algorithms, explicit state-determination force-based fiber elements, and adaptive servo-hydraulic actuator control algorithms. The real-time integrated control IT architecture used to implement these develops will also be presented. The talk will conclude with applications of these developments to perform real-time hybrid simulations of nonlinear structural systems subjected to earthquake and wind hazards, including extensions to offshore wind turbines, aeroelastic response of tall buildings, and simulations with soil-structure interaction involving machine learning.
SEMINAR - Structural Reliability under Multiple Loads and Disaster Actions
July 9, 2024 - 10:00am-11:30am
The reliability analysis of engineering structures under multiple loads and disaster actions is an unsolved problem in the development of the reliability research. Starting from the mathematical description of the principle of load coincidence, this lecture discusses in detail the analysis method of the structural response under multiple loads and disaster actions. By introducing the physical synthesis method of reliability analysis, a new approach to the structural reliability under multiple loads and disaster actions is suggested. Some specific research examples and engineering applications are presented. The development showed in the lecture make known that the third generation of structural design theory has become a realistic option in the engineering practice.
COURSE - Fundamentals of variational calculus
July 1, 2, and 5, 2024 - 10:30am - 1:30pm
The essentials of the fundamentals of the calculus of variations will be presented, together with some examples, with particular attention to applications to mechanics.
COURSE - Failure and Instability in Geomaterials and Geosystems
June 10, 2024, 3:00pm-7:00pm, June 11 and 12, 2024, 10:00am-2:00pm
This 3-day course introduces, at the post-graduate level, the basic principles of material stability analysis, with specific reference to geomaterials such as soil and rock. First, an introduction to the definition and use of different metrics of material instability is given, including second-order work and controllability indices. Analytical techniques to differentiate localized and diffuse failure are then discussed, along with an examination of the implications of shear banding for the numerical analysis of geotechnical problems and examples of possible computational remedies. Afterwards, diffuse instabilities of the liquefaction type and the role of the pore fluids on their initiation are addressed, stressing the role of transitions from unsaturated to saturated conditions. Finally, the relevance of geomaterial instability in the context of landslide geomechanics is addressed. Examples of application spanning from rapid shallow landslides of the flow type to deep-seated creeping landslides are shown, with the goal to highlight the feedback between material instability, inelastic deformation, and the temporal dynamics of landslide motion.
SEMINAR - Seismic-Resilient Damage-Free Self-Centring Steel Structures
May 24, 2024, 2:30pm-4:00pm
Seismic design methods suggested by current design codes/guidelines and conventionally applied worldwide are based on energy dissipation related to construction damage, hence leading to large direct and indirect losses in extreme events. This strongly affects the overall resilience of affected communities, especially when the damaged structures include strategic facilities such as hospitals and fire stations that must remain operational in the aftermath of a damaging earthquake. To overcome this issue, several recent research works investigated innovative solutions for the design of seismic-resilient structures, chasing the objectives of minimising both seismic damage and repair time, hence allowing the definition of structures able to go back to the undamaged, fully functional condition in a short time. The seminar will present some of the recent research advancements, including experimental, numerical, analytical, and probabilistic studies on some novel technologies allowing the definition of such damage-free self-centring structures.
COURSE - Mechanical metamaterials: conceptualization, analysis and design
May 23 and 24, 2024, 9:30am-12:30pm
The endless development of physical-mathematical formulations, powerful analytical methods and computational techniques, combined with recent extraordinary advances in high-technology microengineering and high-fidelity manufacturing, are paving the way for the emergence of an entirely new generation of microstructured materials, known as mechanical or acoustic metamaterials. The macroscopic dynamic behavior of mechanical metamaterials can be governed by appropriately designing the topology, compositeness and architecture of the periodic cellular microstructure. Proper optimization of microstructural design can enable extreme or exotic performance to be achieved, unattainable by natural or traditional synthetic materials. Consequently, the advent of mechanical metamaterials opens up completely new and revolutionary possibilities in the customization of functional and tunable systems with fascinating applications in traditional and emerging engineering fields, including shock absorption, noise cancellation, wave focusing, energy harvesting, vibration shielding and sonar invisibility, among many others. The objective of this short course is to provide an updated basic knowledge on mechanical metamaterials, organized in the following topics: 1. Introduction to mechanical metamaterials, 2. Free wave propagation in periodic materials, 3. Mechanisms of formation and manipulation of the frequency band structure, 4. Methods of wave propagation analysis in the time and frequency domain, 5. Mechanical metamaterials for sound insulation and vibration protection, 6. Dynamic phenomena in nonlinear metamaterials.
COURSE - Some topics in continuum mechanics: crystals and foams
May 15, 2024 4:00pm-6:00pm, May 16, 2024 10:00am-12:00pm, 4:00pm-6:00pm, May 17, 2024 10:00am-12:00pm
Continuum mechanics has a long history of successes and has given fruits in manifold areas of technics and science. In particular, it has provided a paradigm to model various phenomena of the physical world as they are perceived at the macroscopic level, prompting the study of specific mathematical problems, general solutions and affordable approximation techniques. In the last part of the past century, though, within the continuum mechanics community there caught on a special interest for themes new and different. In particular, the scrutiny of reality became finer and the attention started being addressed to certain microscopic aspects of the mechanics of materials that do have effects at the macroscopic level. An important contribution to this change of perspective was given by an article of Ericksen, published in 1977, that highlighted the role of molecular elasticity and stability in certain anelastic behaviours of materials. This change of perspective has had various consequences. In particular, it has undermined some cornerstones of continuum mechanics, drawing attention to some of its limits. At the same time, it has broadened the horizon and opened the way to the study of new problems such as the modeling of a new class of materials (e.g. cellular materials, honeycombs, foams, nano-materials) and the study of growth in living tissues. The aim of these lessons is to give an account of some topics that have been faced within the framework of this change of perspective.
COURSE - An innovative approach to static and dynamic topology optimization with practical applications
May 9 and 10, 2024, 9:00am-1:00pm
An innovative approach to topology optimization is presented that is based on the minimization of a proper norm of the input/output transfer matrix G. The singular value decomposition (SVD) of G is shown to be the key ingredient of the proposed optimization strategy that applies to static and dynamic topology optimization, with nearly no modifications. Alongside the theoretical derivations, the class is introduced to the coding of the proposed approach in the Matlab environment as far as the static regime is concerned, whereas hints are given for the extension to dynamic response. The optimization of exoskeletal systems that minimize the response of 3D framed structures to horizontal environmental actions is one of the results of practical interest that are achieved.
COURSE - Isogeometric analysis: recent advances with applications to complex and coupled problems
April 18, 2024, 4:00pm-6:00pm and April 19, 2024, 11:00am-1:00pm
Isogeometric Analysis (IGA) is a successful simulation framework originally proposed by T.J.R. Hughes et al., in 2005, with the aim of bridging Computational Mechanics and Computer Aided Design. In addition to this, thanks to the high-regularity properties of its basis functions, IGA has shown a better accuracy per degree-of-freedom and an enhanced robustness with respect to standard finite elements in many applications - ranging from solids and structures to fluids, as well as to different kinds of coupled problems - opening also the door for the approximation in primal form of higher-order partial differential equations. This short course aims at providing a concise introduction of the basic isogeometric concepts and at presenting an overview of some recent advances in IGA with a special focus on complex and coupled problems where the characteristics of IGA seem to be of great advantage. In particular, applications that will be discussed include, among others, the simulation of fluid-structure interaction in different contexts like, e.g., biomechanical problems, studies on the effect of mechanically-induced stresses on prostate cancer growth, thermo-mechanical simulations of additive manufacturing processes, electro-mechanical simulations for biological tissues, and the use of phase-field modeling for fracture and topology optimization problems or for predicting the polarization evolution in ferroelectric materials.
COURSE - Random Vibrations in Offshore Structures
April 8, 2024, 3:00pm-6:00pm, April 9, 2024, 10:00am-1:00pm
In the course, elements for random vibrations in the context of structural modeling and design will be given. The course is divided into two main parts. First, fundamentals of stochastic processes in time and frequency domain are given. For instance, random variables and processes are discussed together with Fourier transforms and Spectral Density Function definitions. Second, design to avoid structural failures due to random vibrations will be discussed such as level crossing analysis and fatigue criteria. Each course section will provide theoretical as well as practical aspects of the topics with reference to current design regulations.
SEMINAR - Monitoring the structural health and estimating the remaining strength of main cables of existing suspension bridges
March 27, 2024, 10:00am-12:00pm
Suspension bridges have become essential elements in the transportation network of major metropolitan areas. However, some of these bridges are reaching a service life of over 100 years. Main cables are the most critical elements for the overall safety of such structures; however, it is very difficult to inspect and assess the condition of a main cable of a bridge that has been in service for many years. Currently, all agencies responsible for the maintenance of suspension bridge cables base their plans mainly on previous experiences and, when possible, on visual inspections. In this presentation, a study focused on the development of a corrosion monitoring system for main cables of suspension bridges is presented. These sensors measure corrosion rate as well as quantities like temperature and relative humidity that are directly correlated to corrosion activity. The results show that the selected sensor network system was successful in providing information on the interior environment of a main cable, helping to understand the conditions in which main cables of suspension bridges operate. Field testing of the developed monitoring system on the Manhattan Bridge in New York City was used to determine the functionality of the system in in-service conditions. In addition, having the possibility of measuring temperature and relative humidity inside the cross-section also allowed us to test the effectiveness of the cable dehumidification strategy. The information provided by sensors embedded in the main cable has been very valuable to understand the mechanical behavior of such cables when subjected to extreme temperature (e.g. external fire) and it has been used to estimate the remaining strength of a cable in service.
SEMINAR - Vibration monitoring as a tool for rapid damage assessment in bridges
March 21, 2024 3:00pm-5:00pm
In this seminar, different methods that can be used for a rapid evaluation of the structural condition of bridges and buildings are discussed and validated using measurements of the dynamic response, both from numerical simulations and from field tests. Falling into the category of “data based” methods, such methods only need as input the time histories of the structural response measured at different locations on the structure and, when possible, in the case of seismic ground motion, the time histories of the ground acceleration, without any information on the geometry or mechanical characteristics of the structure. Special attention will be given to methodologies that can be framed within a statistical pattern recognition framework, ideal for machine learning applications. Such methodologies focus on the recognition of certain patterns in the behavior of damage sensitive features, features that can be easily extracted from the time histories of the structural response. Quite popular in the field of speaker recognition, cepstral coefficients extracted from the time histories of the structural acceleration through simple digital signal processing are used as damage sensitive features, through the use of a Time-Delay Neural Network and of Generalized Autoencoders. These methodologies will be validated using field data from a real bridge (the Z24 bridge) that, before being demolished, went through an extensive monitoring campaign with progressive imposed damage.
COURSE - Issues of Continuum Thermodynamics
March 13, 14, and 15, 2024 - from 4:00pm to 6:00pm
This course is addressed to mathematical modelers-to-be who are reasonably familiar with the basic concepts of Continuum Physics for as much as is necessary to deal with purely mechanical phenomena but perhaps less familiar with the manner thermal phenomena are or should be dealt with. The attendees may find perusal of my booklet [1] of some help. The intended contents are summarized below.
COURSE - Combining Molecular Mechanics and Continuum Thermo-Mechanics
February 26th 2024 3:30pm-5:30pm, February 27th 2024 4:00pm-6:00pm, February 29th 2024 3:30pm-5:30pm
In this short course, I will introduce and discuss the fundamentals of molecular mechanics and of continuum (thermo-)mechanics, presenting them in a common framework. After bringing to the fore the complementary strengths and weaknesses of continuum field theories on one side and molecular dynamics on the other side, I will present the basics of a new conceptual and computational framework in which the macroscopic and the microscopic components, while evolving in parallel, are coupled cell-wise on an intermediate, mesoscopic length-time scale, thus enhancing their complementary strengths and mitigating their respective weaknesses.
SEMINAR - A Journey into Innovation and Vision
February 23, 2024 at 3:00pm
Explore the architectural genius of Dante Bini, a pioneer who redefined the boundaries of modern construction with his bold vision and revolutionary technique. Delve into his captivating world, uncovering the roots of his inspiration, his most iconic projects and the lasting impact he has had on contemporary architecture. Renowned for his innovative approach to construction, Bini's work has enabled the realization of bold and futuristic structures. Through his patented technique, the Binishell, he has shown that it's possible to create eco-friendly, efficient, and aesthetically stunning buildings using local materials and harnessing the power of nature itself. We will trace the evolution of Bini's architectural vision, from early experiments to the realization of monumental works worldwide. Sharing compelling stories of challenges overcome and extraordinary successes, this journey offers an insider's view into the creative mind of one of the great innovators of our time.
COURSE - Reverse Engineering: fundamentals, models, monitoring, digital twins
February 20, 22, and 23, 2024 at 10:00am-1:00pm
Reverse engineering (or sometimes back-engineering) is a process that is designed to extract enough data from a product or a construction and then to be able to reproduce that product or to renovate it. In this context, this 3 days course is aimed at proposing a general framework for interacting methodologies used to digitally describe existing construction for different aims such as structural safety evaluation, management, new functionalization, monitoring and retrofitting. Starting from basics in structural dynamics the flow of data coming from vibration measurements and their treatment is presented as an archetypal use of observations of the given product. The key ingredients of structural identification are introduced such as: principles of direct and inverse dynamics, output-only parametric identification and strategies of model updating. Then, issues related to the creation of advanced integrated modelling are considered, such as: 3D point cloud to building information modelling (3DPCM-to-BIM) and building information modelling to finite element modelling (BIM-to-FEM). Finally, innovative use of data coming from different sources (vibration measurements, image processing, satellite interferometry) within an integrated monitoring environment are presented as fundamental steps for the realization of digital twins of products and constructions in changing environment.
SEMINAR - Size dependent behaviour of intact rocks: recent findings and future direction
February 19, 2024, 11:00am-12:00pm
The design of structures on or within rock masses requires an estimate of the strength of the intact rock blocks within the mass. These blocks of rock can be many orders of magnitude greater in size than laboratory samples typically tested. The properties obtained from these samples must therefore be ‘scaled’ to equivalent field values. This presentation talks about current methods for scaling strength and other rock properties and, in lieu of noted limitations, presents a constitutive model for intact rock that incorporates size effect. It also includes recent findings and works published regarding size or scale effects in intact rocks under various loading conditions.
COURSE - Finite Element Method
February 12, 14, 2024 at 11:00am-2:00pm, February 16, 2024 at 11:00am-2:00pm, 3:00pm-6:00pm
This class introduces the fundamentals of the Finite Element Method (FEM) to handle the numerical solution of general mechanical problems, with special reference to the structural framework. The most and widely adopted numerical codes rely on the classical displacement-based formulation, then, this is illustrated in detail. Also, two- and three-field mixed FE approaches are briefly introduced. The main FEs adopted to solve 1D, 2D and 3D continuum problems are illustrated, that is truss, frame, solid, plate and shell FEs are described. Some hints concerning nonlinear formulations, numerical pathological issues and solution strategies are finally given.
COURSE - Information literacy skills, research strategies and sharing your findings
February 5, 2024 at 10:00am-12:00pm, February 6, 2024 at 3:30pm-5:30pm
This course is intended as an introduction to using academic literature in young academic’s research. The scope is to introduce Ph.D. candidates to the principles and practice of Information Literacy as applied to research, develop those skills which will enhance the quality of their research output, expand their career opportunities in a knowledge-based society and create awareness of both quantitative and qualitative measurement tools. In a series of hands-on workshops, candidates will learn to build their research skills, improve their search strategy, and carry out a literature review.
COURSE - Numerical modelling of geomechanical problems
January 23, 25, 26, 29, and 31, 2024 – 10:00am-1:00pm
This 15-hour course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding, at the post-graduate level, of the key aspects of saturated soil modelling using the finite element method. It begins by introducing the field equations that govern the interaction between soil skeleton and pore fluid under static conditions, followed by their finite element discretization and solution. The course explores relevant challenges in practical applications, including considerations such as 2D versus 3D schematization, initial and boundary conditions, staged construction, and soil-structure problems, illustrated with practical examples. The course also delves into the implementation of soil constitutive laws at the level of Gauss integration points, encompassing both common explicit and implicit numerical algorithms. In the final session, the scope of the governing equations is expanded to cover dynamic conditions, offering insights into addressing earthquake geomechanical problems.
COURSE - An introduction to the mechanics of soils
January 16, 17, and 18, 2024 - 10:00pm-4:30pm
This 3 days course is aimed at introducing, at the post-graduate level, the basic principles of the mechanics of soils by discussing some of their experimental features and constitutive modelling strategies, with particular emphasis to clayey materials. The fundamental field equations for a two-phase medium are first derived, followed by an overview of typical experimental results and their interpretation in the frame of Critical State Soil Mechanics. The key ingredients of plasticity theory are then introduced, first under 1D conditions and then generalised to 3D ones, aiming at providing the general theoretical setting then adopted to illustrate a wide class of plasticity-based models for soils, ranging from standard perfectly plastic ones to more advanced mixed-hardening multi-surface formulations. Finally, an alternative constitutive approach based on thermodynamics with internal variables is introduced and its merits are illustrated with reference to different forms of elasto-plastic coupling of soils.

2023


COURSE - Soft Mechanics and Instabilities
December 5, 7, 12, and 14 2023 - 3:00pm-6:00pm
Mechanics of soft materials and structures present many interesting aspects from both the point of view of the modeling and the applications. One aspect which will be stressed in the course is related to the large changes in shape which can be expected due to a class of the external stimuli which include mechano-chemical actions. Changes in shape can be smooth or not, with respect to some key control parameter, which depends on the specific problem; when they occur instantaneously, an instability process has taken place. The aim of the short course is to deal with a few problems characterized by instability patterns in soft structures. The course will include: introduction to fundamentals of continuum mechanics, analysis of stress-diffusion problems, introduction of some prototypes of stability loss, analysis of elastic instabilities in soft polymer-based structures driven by chemical and/or mechanical control.
SEMINAR - New Approaches to Resilience: Policy and Practice
November 10, 2023, 11:30am-12:30pm
The concept of resilience has become part of the lexicon for disaster researchers in universities and government agencies. The concept has evolved significantly over the past 5 years, in part because of experience with the Covid pandemic, and climate change, and in part because recent disasters have overwhelmed humanitarian aid and recovery programs. There are simply not sufficient resources to meet recovery needs (particularly housing) in a timely fashion. While there are many important lessons from successful recoveries in many countries, it has become clear that countries with high disaster risk must develop more extensive government capacity in their critical services such as schools and health care, business, infrastructure, and housing sectors – before a disaster strikes. It is important to discuss what goes wrong and what works with case studies from multiple disasters, but equally important to consider policies and programs that are designed to improve capacity as an ex-ante recovery measure. One example is investment in the creation of housing programs, community planning, housing standards, and training for construction programs to improve government capacity to meet baseline, more equitable housing needs in the immediate term, but also help hazard-exposed countries reduce housing losses in future disasters. There are similar opportunities for resilience through investment in infrastructure, schools, health care, and other services.
SEMINAR - Tall Timber Buildings: Past, Present and Future
September 20, 2023 12:00pm - 1:00pm
A rapid growth of urban populations and associated environmental concerns are challenging city planners and developers to consider sustainable building systems. In response, with new CLT and glulam timber technology, mid- and high-rise timber buildings are becoming attractive solution. Current objective-based design approaches in the NBCC 2020, however need additional provisions to cover the unique design challenges posed by such tall timber-based hybrid buildings. These challenges span from: a lack of seismic force modification factors calibrated with the notion of collapse risk, to a lack of wind design guidelines to satisfy the serviceability and strength criteria. In the first part of the talk, the current state-of-the-art in timber-based hybrid systems (e.g., timber-steel and timber-concrete) together with ongoing design and research challenges will be presented. The second part of the talk will focus on findings of a recently completed project sponsored by the Forestry Innovation Investment's (FII) Wood First Program. In the project, new force modification factors to supplement the NBCC 2015 are developed using the FEMA P-695 collapse risk approach. These factors will be presented together with the associated collapse risks obtained through nonlinear dynamic analysis. It will highlight the rigorously selected ground motions for Vancouver related seismicity in congruence with the 2015 NBCC code. Finally, current state of the art and future direction in tall timber design are highlighted.
COURSE - Ultrasonic bulk and guided wave propagation in classical and non-classical continua
September 6, 2023, 10:00am-12:00pm and 3:00pm-5:00pm; September 7, 2023, 3:30pm-6:30pm; September 8, 2023, 10:00am-1:00pm and 3:00pm-5:00pm
Being able to handle wave propagation is essential to the understanding of nondestructive evaluation techniques, which enable location and measurement of defects in structures, evaluation of constitutive material constants, and identification of the state of stress. This short course covers selected problems of wave propagation in structures, that is, waves in strings, bulk waves in 3D solids, guided waves, acoustoelasticity, and their application to the solution of materials characterization and image reconstruction problems. Focus will be also on non-local continua with internal lengths and dispersion properties in wave propagation.
SEMINAR - The relaxed micromorphic model- a generalization of the Cosserat model
July 18, 2023 - 5:00pm-6:00pm
One of the best known generalized continuum models is the Cosserat -micropolar Model which features classical displacements and additional Microrotations as independent degrees of freedom. In this talk I consider the linear Cosserat model and I present an alternative way of writing its curvature term based on Nyes dislocation tensor. This allows to see that the model admits a straight forward generalization into the relaxed micromorphic model. This model has the full micromorphic degrees of freedom but a curvature measure akin to the Cosserat Model. Basic features of the new model (existence, analytical solutions, regularity, FEM) are presented and it is shown that it offers decisive advantages compared to the Cosserat model while it retains a simple structure than the classical micromorphic model.
SEMINAR - Corrosion and its control in prestressed concrete structures
July 10, 2023, 12:00 a.m.
Many prestressed concrete (PSC) structures have been built with an anticipated service life of 100+ years. However, many of them have experienced premature corrosion of strands and eventual tendon/girder/bridge failures within a few decades. Hence, reviewing earlier assumptions on corrosion properties used for durability-design purposes and developing methods to build PSC structures with “corrosion-free” service lives of 100+ years is important. For conventional and pretensioned concrete structures, the chloride threshold is a key service life parameter. It is the minimum amount of chlorides required to initiate corrosion of steel-cementitious (S-C) systems and no suitable test methods are available to determine this. This prevents engineers from choosing durable material-combinations to achieve the target service life of 100+ years. In this presentation, the development of a test method and determination of chloride threshold for various S-C systems with various binders, corrosion inhibitors and prestressing steel (i.e., 50% less than conventional steel!) will be presented. Also, nomograms (that consider the cover depth, chloride threshold, binder types, chloride diffusion coefficient, and concrete resistivity) for durability-design of pretensioned concrete structures will be presented. In case of post tensioned (PT) concrete structures, the presence of air voids (due to the inadequate grouting) has been cited as the major reason for corrosion of prestressed strands. Refilling of such voided tendons with new grout can lead to galvanic corrosion and is not recommended. Also, the replacement of corroded tendons is very expensive and cumbersome. Hence, a new non-invasive method to control the corrosion of strands in PT systems with voids has been developed using chemical treatments and cathodic protection techniques. These techniques that can save huge inventory of PT bridge tendons will also be presented.
COURSE - Hands on Continuum Mechanics with COMSOL
June 19, 21, 23, 26, 2023 – 9:00am-1:00pm
The goal of this course is to understand the fundamentals of continuum mechanics through worked examples. Participants will tackle some typical problems of continuum mechanics, and will learn to implement a given problem using the weak formulation into the COMSOL software and to discuss the solution.
COURSE - Soil-Structure Interaction
June 12,13,15,16, 2023, 10:30am-12:30pm / 2:00pm-4:00pm
In civil engineering, the mechanical behaviour of soil and structural elements is described through the common tool of solid mechanics. It would therefore seem logical to study the problem of soil-structure interaction through a unified approach, in which the two materials in contact are simply endowed with different mechanical properties. However, due to the specific behaviours of soils and structures, to the different traditions of geotechnical and structural engineering practice, and to the conceptual and practical difficulties of a unified approach, each problem is typically addressed by introducing strong simplifications, related to the purpose of the analysis. The study of soil-structure interaction under static action is primarily focused on determining the stresses in structural elements and the displacements of geotechnical systems (foundations, excavations, tunnels), which in turn can induce significant effects on existing constructions. Seismic actions introduce additional complexities, as the characteristics of the soil and structural elements determine the dynamic response of the system, and the study of soil-structure interaction must primarily address this aspect. The present course examines different situations where the interaction of the soil with structural members has a strong effect on the design of a structure; it illustrates common and advanced analysis techniques, dealing with their applicability and their limitations in relation to the objectives of the analysis. The course considers the effects of both static and seismic actions.
COURSE - An innovative approach to static and dynamic topology optimization with practical applications
May 10, 2023 - 2:00pm-6:00pm, May 11, 2023 - 9:00am-1:00pm
An innovative approach to topology optimization is presented that is based on the minimization of a proper norm of the input/output transfer matrix G. The singular value decomposition (SVD) of G is shown to be the key ingredient of the proposed optimization strategy that applies to static and dynamic topology optimization, with nearly no modifications. Alongside the theoretical derivations, the class is introduced to the coding of the proposed approach in the Matlab environment as far as the static regime is concerned, whereas hints are given for the extension to dynamic response. The optimization of exoskeletal systems that minimize the response of 3D framed structures to horizontal environmental actions is one of the results of practical interest that are achieved.
SEMINAR - Minimal surface tensegrity networks
April 28, 2023 - 10:00am - 12:00pm
The exploration of new configurations of tensegrity structures is expected to contribute to the expansion of the applications of the tensegrity concept in building design. Minimal surface tensegrity networks are double layer tensegrity structures, composed of tensegrity units of square base, with the two layers being minimal surfaces. Design algorithms that integrate methods for tessellating minimal surfaces with square tiles, while considering the geometric and stability constraints of double layer tensegrity networks, are used to generate tensegrity structures of catenoid, helicoid, and enneper shapes. The developed algorithms and computational processes were applied and tested during the design and actual construction of three minimal surface tensegrity structures-installations, which were displayed in international exhibitions and will also be presented and discussed.
SEMINAR - Tensegrity structures: Geometric configuration and design algorithms
April 27, 2023 - 11:00am - 1:00pm
Tensegrities are a special type of tensile structures that offer a viable alternative to conventional and temporary space covering or space enclosure structures. The morphology of tensegrity structures is uniquely and directly related to their structural and mechanical properties. However, their geometric and topological complexity accounts for significant difficulties in their study and for their limited application in building design. This seminar will introduce a geometric method, algorithms, and computational processes that generate digital models of double-layer tensegrity networks that occur from the assembly of identical tensegrity prismatic units of a square base. We will also discuss a modular technology that makes possible the construction of tensegrity structures by reusing the same tensegrity units. The principal geometries addressed are domical, vaulted, and slab configurations. In addition, we will discuss the structural performance of various configurations. Finally, we will present design algorithms that are used to generate tensegrity structures of ellipsoidal and helicoidal shape.
COURSE - Mechanics of Deformable Solids for Advanced Structural Materials
April 17, 19, and 21, 2023 - 11:00am-1:00pm - 2:30pm-4:30pm
Common advanced engineering materials are reaching their limits in many applications, and new developments in modeling the material behavior are required. The performance of materials can be improved by design new alloys or combining different materials to achieve better properties than with a single constituent (examples are sandwiches, laminates, particle or fiber reinforced composites, concrete) . In addition, sometimes the interaction between material and structure can occur. The course addresses the fundamental relationships for the structural analysis and the material mechanics modeling.
COURSE - Finite Element Method
March 28 and 30, 2023 - 11:00am-2:00pm, March 31, 2023 - 11:00am-2:00pm and 3:00pm-6:00pm
This class introduces the fundamentals of the Finite Element Method (FEM) to handle the numerical solution of general mechanical problems, with special reference to the structural framework. As the most commonly used numerical codes rely on the classical displacement-based formulation, this is illustrated in detail. Also, two- and three-field mixed FE approaches are briefly introduced. The main FE families adopted to solve 1D, 2D and 3D continuum problems are dealt with, that is truss, frame, solid, plate and shell FEs are described. Some hints concerning numerical pathological issues and solution strategies are finally given.
COURSE - Random Vibrations in Offshore Structures
March 20-21, 2023 - 3:00pm-6:00pm
In the course, elements for random vibrations in the context of structural modeling and design will be given. The course is divided into two main parts. First, fundamentals of stochastic processes in time and frequency domain are given. For instance, random variables and processes are discussed together with Fourier transforms and Spectral Density Function definitions. Second, design to avoid structural failures due to random vibrations will be discussed such as level crossing analysis and fatigue criteria. Each course section will provide theoretical as well as practical aspects of the topics with reference to current design regulations.
SEMINAR - Additive Manufacturing. A world full of opportunities and challenges!!
March 2, 2023 at 3:30pm-5:00pm
Additive Manufacturing (AM) – also known as 3D printing – is taking off in many industrial processes. In particular, powder bed fusion for metal manufacturing has definitively changed the way of prototyping metal parts but also plastic 3D printing is changing modern engineering in many aspects. However, AM is a complex physical process, involving different thermo-mechanical phenomena at very different scales; accordingly, simulation is fundamental to predict temperature and stress distributions during and after the printing process. Furthermore, AM allows for new unknown freedom in terms of complex shapes which can be manufactured, opening the door to a new set of design requirements. After a short introduction to the technology and possible applications, the presentation will focus on immersed method to describe the complex physics as well as on solve topology optimization schemes to solve problems associated to the freedom which is possible now thanks to AM. The presentation will close with an excursus on our experience on the use of AM to support industrial developments and the design of innovative AM technologies under developments in our labs.
COURSE - Information literacy skills, research strategies and sharing your findings
February 7-8-9-10, 2023 – 10:30am-1:00pm
This course is intended as an introduction to using academic literature in young academic’s research. The scope is to introduce Ph.D. candidates to the principles and practice of Information Literacy as applied to research, develop those skills which will enhance the quality of their research output, expand their career opportunities in a knowledge-based society and create awareness of both quantitative and qualitative measurement tools. In a series of hands-on workshops, candidates will learn to build their research skills, improve their search strategy, and carry out a literature review.
SEMINAR - Advanced Multifunctional Materials and Structures - Analysing Extreme Deformation and Dynamic Behaviour using Meshless and Multiscale Methods
February 3, 2023, 3:00pm - 4:30pm GMT +1
The seminar will present overview of advanced multifunctional materials and structures, and computational mechanics research at the Centre for Multifunctional and Composite Materials of RMIT University, Australia. Our research covers both fundamental and applied aspects of material behaviour and failure processes. This presentation will encompass computational modelling of material deformation, damage and fracture using multi-scale techniques in conjunction with mesh-less methods, novel composite materials development and damage tolerance structural optimisation. Multi-scale modelling of damage and fracture progression linking nano to macro scales and associated development of coupled computational modelling tools will be highlighted. The strengths of mesh-less methods will be illustrated with reference to both low to high-speed impact induced fractures and small to large scale problems. These include several dynamic fracture and fragmentation processes, such as hypervelocity impact fracture, nano-scale machining, large scale geo-mechanical failures (magma intrusion, caving, slope stability, etc). One of our core areas to be presented is novel impact and blast resistant, light weight composite material developments for aerospace components subjected to high-speed loading and extreme deformations, as occurs in the cases of debris impact on spacecrafts, bird strike on aircraft engines, blast induced failures, etc. Lastly novel shape and topology optimisation methodologies for damage tolerance optimisation, i.e. maximising the residual strength and fatigue life, of aero-structures will be highlighted. Case studies from projects will be presented to demonstrate the practical implementation and utilities of the developed design and analysis methodologies.
COURSE - Structural Optimization
January 30, 2023 - 3:00pm-6:00pm, January 31, February 1-2, 2023 - 10:00am-1:00pm- 3:00pm-6:00pm
L’ingegneria strutturale può avvalersi al giorno d’oggi di strumenti computazionali notevolissimi. Questa disponibilità può spingere ad affermare che l’intero processo di progettazione e verifica della qualità di un’opera possa essere automatizzato. Paradossalmente, è vero il contrario: strumenti potenti richiedono profonde riflessioni su quelle che sono le basi della progettazione strutturale al fine di affrontare in modo cosciente e consapevole le procedure di rappresentazione e di ottimizzazione oggi disponibili. In questo modo, l’ottimizzazione può rappresentare una effettiva fondamentale componente della progettazione strutturale, al fine di cercare di massimizzare le prestazioni delle opere e la loro sostenibilità. Per poter ottenere una corretta ottimizzazione, è, quindi, necessario un esame delle radici della progettazione, per comprenderne i significati e valutare i limiti delle diverse implementazioni numeriche. Le lezioni del corso svilupperanno i concetti alla base della ottimizzazione strutturale presentando contemporaneamente puntuali applicazioni significative.
SEMINAR - 1. The behaviour of steel structures when subjected to hazard loads, namely impact and blast loads. 2. Sustainability assessment of buildings and infrastructures (bridges)
January 27, 2023 - 3:00pm-4:00pm
Part 1 - New dynamics loads regarding the adaptation to the effects of Climate changes – The behaviour of steel structures when subjected to hazard loads, namely impact and blast loads. Part 2 – Sustainability - sustainability assessment of buildings and infrastructures (bridges).
SEMINAR - Research and development in steel and concrete composite structures
January 26, 2023 - 9:30am-10:30am - GMT+1
Composite steel-concrete structures have been widely used in buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure due to offering benefits in terms of construction and performance. This presentation will summary the latest research and developments of composite structural systems used in multi-storey buildings. They include composite columns in the form of concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) sections, composite shear walls, and composite connections (i.e., beam-to-column joints, beam-to-wall joints, and inter-module joints for modular buildings). This research will focus on experimental testing, numerical modelling, and design code developments of AS/NZ S2327 (Australian and New Zealand standard for composite structures in buildings).
COURSE - Dynamics of Structures
January 11,13,16,18 and 20, 2023, 10:00am-1:00pm
Short program: A. Direct and inverse dynamic problem. Modeling, structural mitigation and monitoring (9 hours) B. Case-study: the cycle pedestrian bridge over the Velino river in Rieti (3 hours) C. In situ case-study: the civic tower in Rieti (3 hours)

2022


COURSE - Recent developments in the design of underground constructions
December 5, 6, 7,12,13,14,15,16, 20 - 2022
Il corso propone un approfondimento di alcuni temi di notevole interesse per l’analisi del comportamento delle opere in sotterraneo e della loro interazione con l’ambiente, sia durante le fasi costruttive sia durante l’esercizio. Il sempre più intenso sviluppo delle reti infrastrutturali, anche in contesti complessi dal punto di vista geologico, idrogeologico e geotecnico, e l’innalzamento degli standard progettuali richiedono infatti la messa in campo di competenze specialistiche non ancora diffuse nella pratica tecnica e spesso ancora oggetto di studi e ricerche. Le prime lezioni sono dedicate a richiamare le conoscenze di base del settore, dalla caratterizzazione geotecnica per la progettazione di gallerie alle principali soluzioni analitiche per la valutazione dello stato tensio-deformativo nell’intorno del cavo e per l’analisi dell’interazione con le opere di rinforzo e sostegno. Vengono quindi approfonditi gli approcci tradizionali e più avanzati per il progetto di gallerie nell’ambito dello scavo in tradizionale e meccanizzato mediante macchine TBM. Infine, sono trattati, sotto forma di seminari dedicati, i seguenti argomenti: verifiche sismiche, interazione pendii-gallerie, verifiche a fuoco, effetti indotti dallo scavo di gallerie superficiali e gallerie sotto falda
COURSE - An introduction to the mechanics of soils
November 22, 2022, 09:30am-11:30am, 12:30pm-1:30pm, 2:30pm-4:00pm - November 23-24, 2022, 10:00am-12:30pm, 2:00pm-4:00pm
This 3 days course is aimed at introducing, at the post-graduate level, the basic principles of the mechanics of soils by discussing some of their experimental features and constitutive modelling strategies, with particular emphasis to clayey materials. The fundamental field equations for a two-phase medium are first derived, followed by an overview of typical experimental results and their interpretation in the frame of Critical State Soil Mechanics. The key ingredients of plasticity theory are then introduced, first under 1D conditions and then generalised to 3D ones, aiming at providing the general theoretical setting then adopted to illustrate a wide class of plasticity-based models for soils, ranging from standard perfectly plastic ones to more advanced mixed-hardening multi-surface formulations. Finally, an alternative constitutive approach based on thermodynamics with internal variables is introduced and its merits are illustrated with reference to different forms of elasto-plastic coupling of soils.
COURSE- Seismic Safety and Sustainability:Next Generation of Low-Damage Concrete and Timber Buildings
November 15-17-18, 2022 - 10:00am-1:00pm
The severe socio-economic impact of recent earthquake events have further highlighted, on one hand, the severe mismatch between societal expectations over the reality of seismic performance of modern buildings, while confirming, on the other hand, the crucial need for a coordinated seismic risk reduction plans at a national level. Life Safety is not enough for modern societies; a paradigm shift in performance-based design criteria and objective towards Damage Control, or low-damage, design philosophy and technologies is urgently required. The increased awareness by the general public/tenants, building owners, territorial authorities as well as insurers/reinsurers, of the severe economic impacts of moderate-strong earthquakes in terms of damage/dollars/downtime has indeed stimulated and facilitated the wider acceptance and implementation of cost-efficient damage-control, or low-damage, technologies. The ‘bar’ has been raised significantly with the request to fast track the development of what the general public would refer to as the “ultimate” earthquake resisting (towards an earthquake proof?) building system, capable of sustaining the shaking of a severe earthquake basically unscathed,. This short course will provide an overview of recent advances through extensive research, development and implementation, carried out in the past twenty years, of an integrated low-damage building system including: the skeleton of the superstructure, the non-structural components and the interaction with the soil/foundation system. Examples of real on site-applications of such technology in New Zealand, using concrete, timber (engineered wood), steel or a combination of these materials, and featuring some of the latest innovative technical solutions developed in the laboratory will be presented as comforting example of successful transfer of performance-based seismic design approach and advanced technology from theory to practice in line with the broader objective of Building Resilience.
COURSE - Introduction to Nano-mechanics: Continuum Modeling and Atomistic Simulation
November 9-10-11, 2022 - 10:00am - 1:00pm
Nanotechnology deals with design, characterization and production of structures at the nano-scale. It has a broad application in different scientific sectors encompassing engineering, the automotive industry, renewable energy generation, tissue engineering and information technology. Nano-mechanics is one of the essential sub-fields of nanotechnology, focusing on the mechanical evaluation of nano-structures and nano-systems. In nano-mechanics, besides the experimental efforts, which may be formidable and expensive, there are three main approaches: (1) continuum modelling, (2) atomistic modelling, generally admitted as numerical experiments and (3) multi-scale modelling, which hybridizes the accuracy of atomistic simulation and efficiency of continuum description. In this course, first, a general overview of nano-mechanics and modelling approaches at nano-scale will be provided. The second part will present an introduction to the molecular dynamics (MD) simulations as an atomistic modelling technique. In the third part, the attendees will be acquainted with the implementation of MD in Large-scale Atomic/Molecular Massively Parallel Simulator (LAMMPS) open-source software.
COURSE - Soft Mechanics and Instabilities
October 25, 26, 27, and 28, 2022 - 12:00pm-1:00pm, 2:00pm-4:00pm
Mechanics of soft materials and structures present many interesting aspects from both the point of view of the modeling and the applications. One aspect which will be stressed in the course is related to the large changes in shape which can be expected due to a class of the external stimuli which include mechano-chemical actions. Changes in shape can be smooth or not, with respect to some key control parameter, which depends on the specific problem; when they occur instantaneously, an instability process has taken place. The aim of the short course is to deal with a few problems characterized by instability patterns in soft structures. The course will include: introduction to fundamentals of continuum mechanics, analysis of stress-diffusion problems, introduction of some prototypes of stability loss, analysis of elastic instabilities in soft polymer-based structures driven by chemical and/or mechanical control.
SEMINAR - Thrust Network Analysis of Masonry Vaults
October 14, 2022 - ore 4:00pm-4:45pm
We address the Thrust Network Analysis (TNA), i.e. the methodology for modeling masonry vaults as a discrete network of forces in equilibrium with gravitational loads, first contributed by O’Dwyer and fully developed by Block and coworkers. Reducing the bias by the quoted authors in favor of a graphical interpretation of the method, we reformulate the original version of the TNA in order to significantly enhance the computational performances. The proposed reformulation of the TNA is also extended in a twofold manner, i.e. by including horizontal forces in the analysis and holes or free edges in the vault. Furthermore, the coefficient matrices entering the solution scheme are obtained by assembling the separate contribution of each branch, thus avoiding ad hoc node numbering and branch orientation required by alternative implementations. Numerical examples, some of which referred to vaults having a particularly complex geometry, show the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed approach in assessing the safety conditions of existing masonry vaults or in designing new ones.
SEMINAR - Recent Advancements in the Modeling of Hysteretic Phenomena for Mechanical Systems and Materials
October 14, 2022 - ore 5:15pm-6:00pm
The number and nature of hysteretic responses typically exhibited by mechanical systems and materials are so huge that their modeling and identification are usually carried out on an ad-hoc basis. Thus, with the aim of proposing a unified approach to the modeling of rate-independent hysteretic behavior, we first perform a detailed classification of complex generalized force–displacement hysteresis loops, ranging from the asymmetric, pinched, S-shaped, flag-shaped ones to those obtained by their arbitrary combination, since they typically span the vast majority of loops obtained experimentally. Subsequently, we formulate a novel rate-independent hysteretic model, having an exponential nature, that offers a series of advantages over other hysteretic models available in the literature. Indeed, it adopts closed form expressions for evaluating the output variable, with important benefits in terms of computational efficiency and implementation ease, and it allows for an uncoupled modeling of the generic loading and unloading phases by means of two different sets of eight parameters. In addition, it requires the use of a simple identification procedure thanks to the clear theoretical and/or experimental interpretation of the adopted parameters. The accuracy of the proposed model is experimentally and numerically validated and its computational efficiency is demonstrated. In particular, the experimental validation is carried out by reproducing four different types of complex experimental hysteresis loops retrieved from the literature, whereas the numerical validation is performed by running some nonlinear time history analyses on a single degree of freedom mechanical system and comparing the results with those obtained by using a modified version of the celebrated Graesser–Cozzarelli model.
SEMINAR - Out-of-plane instability of ductile reinforced concrete structural walls: Failure mechanism and key design recommendations
September 26, 2022 from 5:00pm to 6:00pm
Following observations of out-of-plane instability in slender ductile structural walls in some recent earthquakes, this mode of wall failure has been and is being investigated by several research groups. Analytical, numerical and experimental investigations have been conducted to study this failure mechanism as well as its controlling parameters. Both singly reinforced and doubly reinforced concrete walls have been studied under uni-directional and bi-directional loading. A simplified approach making use of concrete columns representing boundary zones of rectangular walls has also been used to reduce the computational and experimental costs of the research programs. This presentation provides a state-of-the-art on the research conducted on this failure mechanism and elaborates on the sequence of events resulting in its development in structural walls, including the effect of governing parameters such as wall section thickness, length, axial load, and longitudinal reinforcement ratio. Suitability of the existing requirements in the New Zealand Concrete Design Standard (NZS 3101:2006-A3) for prevention of this failure mechanism is also evaluated and several key design recommendations are discussed in light of the numerical and experimental studies conducted at the University of Canterbury.
COURSE - Pile foundations under seismic loading
18, 20 and 21 July, 2022 - 2:30pm-5:30pm, 10:00am-1:00pm, 11:00am-1:00pm
Pile foundations are the most common deep foundations used around the world to transfer super-structure loads into competent soil strata, particularly when poor soil strata exist at the ground surface. Many buildings in the seismic regions of the world are supported on pile foundations and therefore experience strong seismic loading particularly if the ground suffers liquefaction. It is often very difficult to investigate the performance of pile foundations under such conditions. In this course, we will cover the use of dynamic centrifuge modelling to investigate the seismic behaviour of pile foundations, particularly when soil liquefaction occurs. By using the experimental data from centrifuge tests, we will discover the failure mechanisms that can occur in single piles and in pile groups. We will look at the load the load transfer mechanisms that can occur once liquefaction of soil sets in and also the settlement of piles following soil liquefaction. We will estimate the amount of settlement that pile foundations can suffer. Overall, this course should give you an overview of the design of pile foundations in liquefiable soils.
COURSE - Ultrasonic wave propagation in classical and non-classical continua. Applications to material characterization, damage imaging and stress monitoring
July 12-14-15, 2022 at 3:00pm-5:00pm
Being able to handle wave propagation is essential to the understanding of nondestructive evaluation techniques, which enable location and measurement of defects in structures, evaluation of constitutive material constants, and identification of the state of stress. This short course covers selected problems of wave propagation in structures, that is, waves in strings, bulk waves in 3D solids, guided waves, acoustoelasticity, and their application to the solution of materials characterization and image reconstruction problems.
COURSE - Elements of dynamic identification of structures: general issues and applications
June 22 and 24, 2022, 10:00am-1:00pm
The course deals with the peculiar aspects of the structural identification of existing buildings, taking into account both the notional issues and the related practical implications. Attention will be focused on methods encompassing dynamic data. The problems arising in this context have an inverse nature, compared to the classic direct problems of the dynamics of structures, and present some specific ‘pathologies’. These may be related to the non-uniqueness of the solution or the lack of continuous dependence of the solution on the input data. During the course we will address some of these aspects, with reference to both simple structural models and mechanical systems of greater complexity and interest in engineering applications. The aim of the course is twofold: to consolidate the basic knowledge on structural identification issues, and to stimulate interest towards research topics belonging to this area.
COURSE - Damage Mechanics and Modelling for Materials and Structures
May 26, 2022 - 11:00am-2:00pm, May 27, 2022 - 10:00am-1:00pm,
This class introduces the fundamentals of damage mechanics and modelling procedures to describe degrading processes evolving at material and structural level. The main damage model families presented in literature are illustrated, specially focusing on those developed for brittle like materials. Also, the coupling with plasticity formulations is introduced, and isotropic and anisotropic formulations are referred to. Some hints concerning localization problems related to strain softening behavior and pathological mesh dependency of the finite element solutions are given, together with the main regularization techniques. Then, the mechanics of damaging interface is treated, illustrating the modelling approach which accounts for the interface opening in mode I, mode II and mixed mode. Moreover, the unilateral contact is considered, and the possible frictional and interlocking effects are described. Finally, structural problems in presence of degrading processes are shown.
COURSE - Analysis and optimization of the dynamic response of linear structures and systems
May 18, 2022 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm and May 19, 2022 from 9:00am to 1:30pm
This course aims to provide a rational and rigorous procedure for the optimal design of linear structures and systems in dynamic regime. After the student is acquainted with the two main pillars on which the suggested design strategy rests, i.e.: − Static topology optimization (among the very many available approaches we shall follow Sigmund’s formulation and implementation), − An abstract system-theoretic view of dynamic systems that is mainly based on transfer function matrices in the frequency (Fourier and Laplace) domain, a possible extension of static topology optimization to structures and systems experiencing dynamic effects is presented. The main ingredient is the 𝐻∞-norm of the system transfer function that is discussed in much detail. Some insight into programming issues in Matlab is given and a few representative numerical results are introduced and discussed on.
SEMINAR - Structural behavior of masonry walls with soft layers
May 13, 2022 - 3:30pm - 4:30pm
A numerous series of static-cyclic shear tests on masonry elements (triplets), wallettes and full-scale unreinforced masonry (URM) walls with soft layer membrane placed in the bed joint to induce sliding have been performed during the last ten years at ETH Zurich within several research projects on the seismic behavior of unreinforced masonry walls with such layers. Specimens were constructed using typical perforated Swiss clay and calcium-silicate blocks and standard cement mortar. As a soft layer type, the five types were considered (rubber granulate, cork, cork-rubber granulate, extruded elastomer and bitumen). In order to develop the most suitable joint in the first phase the specimens were tested placing the soft layer in the mortar joint or between the mortar and the blocks. Based on the results, the so-called multi-layer bottom bed joint, which comprises a core soft layer protected by two layers of extruded elastomer and placed in the middle of mortar joint, was developed. As a core soft layer, the four-layer types were considered: rubber granulate, cork, cork-rubber granulate and bitumen. The following testing phase was aimed at choosing the most suitable core soft layer – rubber granulate. The final testing phase comprised five tests on story-high URM walls with rubber granulate core soft layers performed to investigate the influence of the size, the pre‐compression level and the aspect ratio on the seismic behavior of URM walls with a multi‐layer bed joint. An overview of the mentioned experimental work and corresponding analytical models will be presented. In addition, the short summary of the major findings of other research topics of the structural masonry group: deformation capacity of structural masonry, hybrid testing of masonry, advanced measurement technics, and reliability of structural masonry will be presented.
COURSE - Virtual element Method (VEM) for Fracture Mechanics/Elements of Programming with Python and Applications with VEM
April 20 and 22, 2022 - 9:00am - 11:00am / 3:00pm - 5:00pm
In the last 10 years, a new finite element methodology, the virtual element method (VEM), has been proposed by Brezzi, Beirao da Veiga and coworkers. The VEM is more flexible than standard FEM, as it is possible to discretize the domain by polygons characterized by any number of edges, without constraints. Moreover, it has also been proved that VEM presents several advantages with respect to classical FEM, such as ability to accurately deal with complex geometries, flexibility in mesh generation, no need of a parent element, easy polynomial degree elevation, very good performances for distorted meshes. The lectures are devoted to the development of a virtual element method with application in fracture mechanics. The basic concepts of the VEM and the construction of all operators involved in the construction of the mathematical formulation will be explained during the course. Some detail concerning the VEM implementation in a Python framework will be given in order to enable the course participants to implement a virtual element. Then, a procedure for reproducing the nucleation and propagation of fracture in 2D cohesive media, combining the virtual element technique with a splitting methodology and a minimal remeshing procedure will be discussed and possible applications will be illustrated. Prerequisite to attend the course are basic notions of computational mechanics.
COURSE - Modeling of Offshore Structures
March 16 and 17, 2022 - 10:00am - 1:00pm
In the course, elements for modelling offshore structures will be given. The course is divided into three parts. First, an introduction about structural modelling in offshore environment is discussed in particular how to model simple structures and wave loads. Second, structural dynamics is reviewed and structural modelling with deterministic and statistical loads is considered as well as for linear and nonlinear problems. Third, finite element models and numerical MATLAB codes are discussed for modelling offshore structures. Numerical applications are discussed by taking into account design practices and regulations.
COURSE - Hands on Continuum Mechanics with COMSOL
March 1-3-8-10, 2022 - 3:00pm - 6:00pm
The goal of this course is to understand the fundamentals of continuum mechanics through worked examples. Participants will tackle some typical problems of continuum mechanics, and will learn to implement a given problem using the weak formulation into the COMSOL software and to discuss the solution.
COURSE - Relazioni costitutive: modelli molecolari, modelli continui e teorie assiomatiche
February 21-23, 2022 - 3:00pm-5:00pm
Le lezioni saranno dedicate a una esposizione sommaria dei primi sviluppi delle teorie costitutive che, come è noto, si identificano con la nascita della teoria matematica (lineare) dell’elasticità. Si esamineranno i contributi di A. L. Cauchy considerando sia l’approccio ‘molecolare’ che quello continuo. Di entrambi si seguiranno gli sviluppi teorici che conducono alla individuazione delle costanti elastiche e alla determinazione del loro numero in ragione di ipotesi di simmetria materiale. Si giungerà infine, nel caso di isotropia, a mettere in evidenza i risultati che vanno sotto il nome di teoria raricostanti e multicostanti. All’approccio diretto di A. L. Cauchy seguirà quello variazionale di G. Green che, cambiando radicalmente punto di vista, muove dalla definizione di una funzione di energia di deformazione elastica. Entrambi i metodi possono considerarsi il nucleo di teorie assiomatiche e se ne discuteranno le caratteristiche, anche alla luce dei moderni sviluppi delle teorie costitutive. Il tratto caratteristico delle lezioni è costituito da una esposizione che consisterà, essenzialmente, nella lettura di brani di lavori originali sia di A. L. Cauchy che di G. Green. Questa scelta, pur se inusuale, consentirà di mettere in evidenza il processo faticoso, e talvolta tortuoso, degli sviluppi teorici che siamo abituati a esporre e leggere, per evidenti motivi di sintesi e utilità, solo nella loro forma più consolidata e condivisa dalla comunità scientifica. Sia chiaro, però, che queste lezioni non vogliono mettere in discussione l’utilità e la necessità dell’approccio sintetico ma piuttosto, proponendo un pur breve cenno allo sviluppo storico di una teoria, fornire un esempio utile a riflettere sull’evoluzione dei processi scientifici.
COURSE - Finite Element Method
February 14-16-17-18, 2022 - 11am-2pm
This class introduces the fundamentals of the Finite Element Method (FEM) to handle the numerical solution of general mechanical problems, with special reference to the structural framework. As the most commonly used numerical codes rely on the classical displacement-based formulation, this is illustrated in detail. Also, two- and three-field mixed FE approaches are briefly introduced. The main FE families adopted to solve 1D, 2D and 3D continuum problems are dealt with, that is truss, frame, solid, plate and shell FEs are described. Some hints concerning numerical pathological issues and solution strategies are finally given.
COURSE - Information literacy skills, research strategies and sharing your findings
February 2-3-4-7, 2022 – 10:30am-1:00pm
This course is intended as an introduction to using academic literature in young academic’s research. The scope is to introduce Ph.D. candidates to the principles and practice of Information Literacy as applied to research, develop those skills which will enhance the quality of their research output, expand their career opportunities in a knowledge-based society and create awareness of both quantitative and qualitative measurement tools. In a series of hands-on workshops, candidates will learn to build their research skills, improve their search strategy, and carry out a literature review.

2021


COURSE - Seismic Safety and Sustainability:Next Generation of Low-Damage Concrete and Timber Buildings
November 22-24-26, 2021 - 10:00am - 1:00pm
The severe socio-economic impact of recent earthquake events have further highlighted, on one hand, the severe mismatch between societal expectations over the reality of seismic performance of modern buildings, while confirming, on the other hand, the crucial need for a coordinated seismic risk reduction plans at a national level. Life Safety is not enough for modern societies; a paradigm shift in performance-based design criteria and objective towards Damage Control, or low-damage, design philosophy and technologies is urgently required. The increased awareness by the general public/tenants, building owners, territorial authorities as well as insurers/reinsurers, of the severe economic impacts of moderate-strong earthquakes in terms of damage/dollars/downtime has indeed stimulated and facilitated the wider acceptance and implementation of cost-efficient damage-control, or low-damage, technologies. The ‘bar’ has been raised significantly with the request to fast track the development of what the general public would refer to as the “ultimate” earthquake resisting (towards an earthquake proof?) building system, capable of sustaining the shaking of a severe earthquake basically unscathed,. This short course will provide an overview of recent advances through extensive research, development and implementation, carried out in the past twenty years, of an integrated low-damage building system including: the skeleton of the superstructure, the non-structural components and the interaction with the soil/foundation system. Examples of real on site-applications of such technology in New Zealand, using concrete, timber (engineered wood), steel or a combination of these materials, and featuring some of the latest innovative technical solutions developed in the laboratory will be presented as comforting example of successful transfer of performance-based seismic design approach and advanced technology from theory to practice in line with the broader objective of Building Resilience.
COURSE - Structural Optimization
October 25, 26,29, 2021, 10am-1pm, 3pm-6pm
L’ingegneria strutturale può avvalersi al giorno d’oggi di strumenti computazionali notevolissimi. Questa disponibilità può spingere ad affermare che l’intero processo di progettazione e verifica della qualità di un’opera possa essere automatizzato. Paradossalmente, è vero il contrario: strumenti potenti richiedono profonde riflessioni su quelle che sono le basi della progettazione strutturale al fine di affrontare in modo cosciente e consapevole le procedure di rappresentazione e di ottimizzazione oggi disponibili. In questo modo, l’ottimizzazione può rappresentare una effettiva fondamentale componente della progettazione strutturale, al fine di cercare di massimizzare le prestazioni delle opere e la loro sostenibilità. Per poter ottenere una corretta ottimizzazione, è, quindi, necessario un esame delle radici della progettazione, per comprenderne i significati e valutare i limiti delle diverse implementazioni numeriche. Le lezioni del corso svilupperanno i concetti alla base della ottimizzazione strutturale presentando contemporaneamente puntuali applicazioni significative.
COURSE - Structural Dynamics
September 27-28-30, 2021
Short program: A. Dynamic problem. Modeling, structural mitigation and monitoring (3 hours) B. Case study in lab: physical scale model (3 hours) C. In situ case study: the civic tower in Rieti (3 hours)
COURSE - Multiscale Modelling in Composites
September 20-21-22, 2021 -9:30am-6:00pm
In recent years many fields of engineering and architecture have seen a significant increase in the production and application of composite materials, ranging from ceramic and metal matrix composites, fibre reinforced, but also masonry, rocks, geo and bio materials. This doctoral course presents series of lessons and seminars by researchers specialized in multiscale and multifield modelling and simulation of composite materials described as is materials with internal structure at the nano, micro or meso-levels and complex behaviour, such as damage, plasticity, etc. These lectures deals with materials science, theoretical mechanics, experimental and computational techniques at different scales, providing a sound base and a framework for many applications, which are hitherto treated in a phenomenological sense. The basic principles are formulated of multiscale modelling strategies towards modern complex multiphase materials subjected to various types of mechanical, thermal and environmental effects. Various homogenization/multiscale strategies will be presented and discussed. Attention is also focused on the historical origins of multiscale modeling and foundations of continuum mechanics currently adopted to model non-classical continua with substructure, for which internal length scales play a crucial role.
COURSE - Ultrasonic wave propagation in solid media with applications to stress monitoring, imaging and materials characterization
July 21-22-23, 2021 at 3:00pm-5:00pm
Being able to handle wave propagation is essential to the understanding of nondestructive evaluation techniques, which enable location and measurement of defects in structures, evaluation of constitutive material constants, and identification of the state of stress. This short course covers selected problems of wave propagation in structures, that is, waves in strings, bulk waves in 3D solids, guided waves, acoustoelasticity, and their application to the solution of materials characterization and image reconstruction problems.
COURSE - Direct and Inverse Dynamic Problems in Random Vibrations
June 7-8, 2021 at 10am-1pm
The course will introduce the theory and the methods of random vibrations and probabilistic engineering mechanics. A wide range of engineering applications require simulation and estimation of loads and excitations that are random in nature as they are often associated with hazards such as earthquakes, winds, waves, etc. The module will provide both fundamentals and application examples. A practical tutorial is also planned.
COURSE- Existing Masonry Structures “Marcello Ciampoli” - 2021 Edition
From May 24 to June 3, 2021
The course aims at providing a general overview of the problems related to the structural behaviour of existing masonry constructions, with particular reference at the seismic safety. The starting point concerns both the definition of the scientific and technical terms involved, and also the necessary considerations of historical and artistic value. Particular attention will be paid to the mechanical modelling of masonry constructions, which constitute a large part of the Italian historical and architectural heritage, and to the acquisition of a specific computational instrumentation for the structural analyses necessary to verify and guarantee their correct mechanical behaviour.
COURSE - Finite Elements
May 3-6, 2021 at 11am-2pm, May 4-7, 2021 at 3pm-6pm
Il corso fornisce le basi del metodo degli Elementi Finiti (EF) per la soluzione approssimata di problemi di meccanica, con particolare riferimento alla meccanica strutturale. Si illustrano la formulazione classica agli spostamenti, sulla quale si basano la maggior parte dei programmi di calcolo in uso, e le formulazioni miste a due e tre campi. Si introducono le principali famiglie di EF utilizzate per la soluzione di problemi 1D, aste e travi, 2D, lastre e piastre, e 3D, solidi e gusci. Si approfondiscono, infine, alcuni aspetti legati a note patologie numeriche e alle relative strategie di soluzione.
COURSE - Soil-Structure Interaction
April 13-16-20-21-23, 2021, 9:30am-12:45pm
Dato che il comportamento del terreno e degli elementi strutturali viene descritto attraverso il comune strumento della meccanica dei solidi, in linea di principio sembrerebbe logico studiare il problema dell'interazione terreno-struttura attraverso una trattazione unificata, nella quale i due materiali a contatto siano semplicemente dotati di proprietà meccaniche diverse. La realtà è piuttosto diversa: per le specificità del comportamento dei terreni e delle strutture, per le tradizioni applicative delle discipline dell'ingegneria geotecnica e strutturale e per le difficoltà concettuali e pratiche di un approccio unificato, nella pratica ciascun problema applicativo viene affrontato introducendo forti semplificazioni, legate e commisurate allo scopo per il quale si esegue l'analisi. Per effetto delle azioni statiche, lo studio dell'interazione terreno struttura è principalmente rivolto alla determinazione delle sollecitazioni negli elementi strutturali e degli spostamenti dei sistemi geotecnici (fondazioni, scavi, gallerie) che a loro volta possono indurre effetti significativi nelle costruzioni esistenti. Le azioni sismiche producono specifici effetti aggiuntivi, poiché le caratteristiche del terreno e degli elementi strutturali determinano la risposta dinamica del sistema, e lo studio dell'interazione terreno-struttura deve rivolgersi principalmente a questo aspetto. In questo contesto, il corso esamina i casi più frequenti nei quali la soluzione di un problema applicativo è legata all'interazione fra terreno ed elementi strutturali, illustrando le principali tecniche di analisi, mostrandone l'applicabilità e i limiti in relazione agli obiettivi dell'analisi ed esaminando separatamente gli effetti delle azioni statiche da quelli relativi alle azioni sismiche.
COURSE - Variational Methods in the Mechanics of Materials
April 7-8-9, 2021 - 10:00am-1:00pm
Il corso intende dare una panoramica moderna sulla riformulazione variazionale di alcuni problemi classici di plasticità e frattura. Saranno esaminati i principi di minimo che permettono di ottenere la plasticità alla von Mises e à la Drucker-Prager. Infine sarà presentato un modello accoppiato di plasticità e danno che si è dimostrato molto efficace nella descrizione dei fenomeni di frattura coesiva.
COURSE - Modeling of Offshore Structures
March 25 and 29, 2021, 3:00pm-6:00pm
In the course, elements for modelling offshore structures will be given. The course is divided into three parts. First, an introduction about structural modelling in offshore environment is discussed in particular how to model simple structures and wave loads. Second, structural dynamics is reviewed and structural modelling with deterministic and statistical loads is considered as well as for linear and nonlinear problems. Third, finite element models and numerical MATLAB codes are discussed for modelling offshore structures. Numerical applications are discussed by taking into account design practices and regulations.
COURSE - Virtual element Method (VEM) for Fracture Mechanics/Elements of Programming with Python and Applications with VEM
March 16-17-18-19, 2021 - 3:00pm-5:00pm
In this lecture an overview of the innovative methodology of the Virtual Element Method (VEM) will be presented. The VEMs are an extension of the Mimetic Finite Differences and during these last years they have had a great success in the scientific community thanks to their peculiar characteristics. The VEM philosophy and the construction of all operators involved in the construction of the necessary bilinear forms will be explained during the course. The applications of the VEM framework in the field of engineering are varied, in particular during the lectures, attention will be paid to fracture mechanics as one of the application examples of this method. In the last part of the course an overview of Python programming will be given in order to explain practically the implementation of VEM element.
COURSE - Continuum Mechanics and Thermodynamics
February 22, 24, 26, 2021 - March 1, 3, 5, 2021
In these lectures I will present a reasonably self-contained introduction to continuum mechanics and thermodynamics that emphasizes the universal status of the basic balances and the entropy imbalance. These laws – along with the requirement that physical theories be independent of the observer– are viewed as fundamental building blocks upon which to frame theories of material behavior. The general discussion of constitutive equations will be based on the use of thermodynamics to restrict constitutive equations via a paradigm generally referred to as the Coleman–Noll procedure. As applications of this general framework, I will present the following topics: rigid heat conductors, elastic solids under isothermal and nonisothermal conditions; elastic deformation coupled with segregation and diffusion of species, be ionic, atomic, molecular, or chemical; if time permits, I will also give a short introduction to rate-independent plasticity. For all these subjects, I will consider general large-deformation theories as well as corresponding small-deformation theories. Prerequisites are basic notions on calculus and mechanics. Few nonstandard mathematical tools will be introduced with care, if necessary.
SEMINAR - Sapienza-Northeastern University Mini-Workshop on “Dual PhD Program in Civil Engineering – Research Opportunities”
January 22, 2021, 3:00pm
Following the recently signed agreement between Northeastern University (Boston, MA, USA) and Sapienza University in Rome (Italy), this event was conceived as an informal, virtual meeting for faculty in structural engineering and geotechnical / geo-environmental engineering. Faculty members who are currently advising PhD students in these areas of Civil Engineering are welcome to participate and briefly introduce their research activities. This is an excellent opportunity for interaction between the faculty groups from the two universities. Faculty members from other sub-disciplines of civil and environmental engineering, as well as PhD students, are also welcome to attend and provide their feedback.
COURSE - Information Literacy Skills, Research Strategies and Sharing your Findings
January 19-21 / February 2-4-5, 2021
At DISG, you will be given many opportunities to do research and undertake scholarship. The scope of this module is to introduce postgraduate students to the principles and practice of Information Literacy as applied to PhD research, develop those skills which will enhance the quality of your research output, expand your career opportunities in a knowledge-based society and create awareness of both quantitative and qualitative measurement tools. This module will enable you to build your research skills, improve your research methods, manage information, and communicate what you know both to each other and to the public. It will show you how to correctly acknowledge your sources when you write a report, research paper, or critical essay. You will also be given information about what constitutes violations of academic integrity and the consequences of committing such violations.

2020


COURSE - An introduction to the mechanics of soils
December 9-10-11, 2020 - 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm

SEMINAR - L'attraversamento della valle del Polcevera, il vecchio e il nuovo ponte
November 27, 2020 - 11 am
Dopo una breve esposizione delle caratteristiche e conformazione del vecchio ponte Morandi, vengono discussi aspetti di concezione architettonica e strutturale del nuovo ponte S. Giorgio a Genova, per approfondire poi le fasi costruttive dell’opera con la loro analisi numerica, sottolineando gli aspetti di interazione fra modellazione, sviluppo della progettazione e attività di cantiere.
SEMINAR - Comportamento Strutturale di Profili in FRP: Sperimentazione e Applicazioni
November 19, 2020 - 3 pm
L’impiego in ambito strutturale dei materiali FRP (Fiber Reinforced Polymer), sia per nuove costruzioni sia nel settore del rinforzo del patrimonio esistente, storico e moderno, costituisce ormai pratica consolidata, peraltro supportata da un consistente quadro normativo di riferimento e numerose pubblicazioni scientifiche. Molto noti e con ampio utilizzo sono i materiali FRP impiegati a mezzo di incollaggio, con lamine o con tessuti, mentre minore sviluppo applicativo hanno avuto le barre di rinforzo e i profili strutturali. In quest’ultimo caso, detti profili sono di particolare interesse ed hanno potenzialità ancora non completamente sviluppate. Il tal senso il seminario si propone di evidenziare quali siano i metodi di analisi e di calcolo disponibili, le sperimentazioni effettuate e in corso, e le applicazioni di maggior rilievo in ambito strutturale. In dettaglio, si tratta di elementi prodotti perlopiù a mezzo di processo di pultrusione, caratterizzati da un comportamento anisotropo trasversalmente isotropo, di notevole leggerezza, e con resistenze comparabili ai profili di carpenteria metallica. In relazione al loro comportamento nel tempo e ai temi di durabilità, risultano particolarmente performanti rispetto ai tradizionali materiali strutturali. Possono essere realizzati con distinti tipi di fibra di rinforzo e matrice, in funzione del tipo di impiego strutturale. Allo stato attuale esistono numerose applicazioni, in Italia e all’estero, nel campo del miglioramento sismico, nel rinforzo puntuale, nell’accoppiamento con altri materiali strutturali in sezioni composte, nel settore delle realizzazioni permanenti ed emergenziali o temporanee. Il seminario si sofferma inoltre sui temi più specificatamente accademico-scientifici, e di ricerca, relativi alle connessioni, bullonate o incollate, e ai problemi legati agli effetti del secondo ordine. A conferma dell’importanza teorica e applicativa del tema, sono proposti anche alcuni cenni all’ Eurocodice, in corso di ultimazione, interamente dedicato all’impiego dei profili strutturali in FRP.
SEMINAR - Hydro-mechanical instabilities in partially saturated geomaterials: fingering and fracturing
October 30, 2020
Fluid fingering and strain localization are manifestations of possibly coupled instability in geomaterials. In order to capture these two phenomena and their possible interaction a phase field approach to partially saturated porous media is adopted, considering the mixture of a liquid and a gas as a Cahn-Hilliard non-uniform fluid; the behavior of the solid skeleton is described extending the variational phase-field approach to fracture to partially saturated porous media within the framework of poromechanics. The proposed model is capable to capture the effects of the fluid fingering on the strain and stress distributions under hydraulic loading (drainage and imbibition) and vice-versa the effects of fracturing and strain localization on the heterogeneous fluid flow through the porous medium. A parallel experimental campaign is also in progress in order to identify fluid fingering nucleation and propagation and to measure the induced localized strains via a new biaxial apparatus specially designed for this project.
COURSE - Seismic Safety and Sustainability: New Generation of Low Damage Systems in Prefabricated Concrete or Laminated Wood
19, 21, 23 October 2020
The severe socio-economic impact of recent earthquake events have further highlighted, on one hand, the severe mismatch between societal expectations over the reality of seismic performance of modern buildings, while confirming, on the other hand, the crucial need for a coordinated seismic risk reduction plans at a national level. Life Safety is not enough for modern societies; a paradigm shift in performance-based design criteria and objective towards Damage Control, or low-damage, design philosophy and technologies is urgently required. The increased awareness by the general public/tenants, building owners, territorial authorities as well as insurers/reinsurers, of the severe economic impacts of moderate-strong earthquakes in terms of damage/dollars/downtime has indeed stimulated and facilitated the wider acceptance and implementation of cost-efficient damage-control, or low-damage, technologies. The ‘bar’ has been raised significantly with the request to fast track the development of what the general public would refer to as the “ultimate” earthquake resisting (towards an earthquake proof?) building system, capable of sustaining the shaking of a severe earthquake basically unscathed,. This course will provide an overview of recent advances through extensive research, development and implementation, carried out in the past twenty years, of an integrated low-damage building system including: the skeleton of the superstructure, the non-structural components and the interaction with the soil/foundation system. Examples of real on site-applications of such technology in New Zealand, using concrete, timber (engineered wood), steel or a combination of these materials, and featuring some of the latest innovative technical solutions developed in the laboratory will be presented as comforting example of successful transfer of performance-based seismic design approach and advanced technology from theory to practice in line with the broader objective of Building Resilience.
COURSE - Structural Dynamics
14-16-18 September 2020

COURSE - Automated Computational Modelling in Mechanics (Roma Tre University)
7-8-14-15 September 2020
The course is organized by the Doctoral School in Civil Engineering of the University Roma Tre. No fees are requested, but reservation is needed. Those wishing to attend the course should contact the Department of Engineering at the following address.
COURSE - Direct and Inverse Dynamic Problems in Random Vibrations
July 3,6,8,10
Introduction to the theory and methods of random vibrations and probabilistic engineering mechanics. A wide range of engineering applications require simulation and estimation of loads and excitations that are random in nature as they are often associated with hazards such as earthquakes, winds, waves, etc. The module will provide both fundamentals and application examples. A practical tutorial is also planned.
MIDAS FEA NX SEMINAR
June 23, 3:00 pm
The Midas FEA NX software is a FEM solid modeling tool, to simulate and solve civil and mechanical engineering problems, best representing the solid geometry to simulate. Such as details of steel or reinforced concrete nodes, specimens in the laboratory, structural details, but also entire structures such as basilicas, masonry bridges, vaulted structures in general. Speaker Eng. Carlo Tuzza
Appendix to the Course Masonry Existing structures 'Marcello Ciampoli'. A case study: the dome of Pisa Cathedral. Historical investigation, experimental and structural analyses.
June 4, 2020 at 4 pm
A case study: the dome of Pisa Cathedral. Historical investigations, laser scanner survey, surface analytical representation, in situ and laboratory experimental tests, structural analyses. Dr. Francesco Barsi, University of Pisa
COURSE- MASONRY existing CONSTRUCTIONS “Marcello Ciampoli” (telematic)
May 13-29
The course aims at providing a general overview of the problems related to the structural behaviour of existing masonry constructions, with particular reference at the seismic safety. The starting point concerns both the definition of the scientific and technical terms involved, and also the necessary considerations of historical and artistic value. Particular attention will be paid to the mechanical modelling of masonry constructions, which constitute a large part of the Italian historical and architectural heritage, and to the acquisition of a specific computational instrumentation for the structural analyses necessary to verify and guarantee their correct mechanical behaviour.
COURSE - "VARIATIONAL METHODS IN MECHANICS OF MATERIALS - Prof. S. Vidoli - POSTPONED DATE TO BE DESTINED due to didactic suspension due to Covid-19 emergency
11-12-13 marzo 2020

The architectural idea for a pedestrian bridge and its structural design - POSTPONED DATE TO BE DESTINED due to suspension for Covid-19 emergency
27 Marzo

Structural types for optimal structural design - examples of bridges. POSTPONED DATE TO BE DESTINED due to suspension for Covid-19 emergency
26 Marzo

COURSE - STRUCTURAL THEORIES - Prof. A. Paolone
24, 26, 28 febbraio 2020

Short COURSE - Modeling of Offshore Structures (Alma Mater University, Bologna)
18-19 febbraio 2020

Research topics on passive suppression of oscillations using non-linear vibration absorbers - Prof. Guilherme Rosa Franzini Department of Structural and Geotechnical Engineering Escola Politécnica, University of São Paulo, Brazil
7 Febbraio 2020
This seminar brings some research topics developed at Escola Politécnica - University of São Paulo on passive suppression of oscillations using non-linear vibration absorbers (NVAs). Numerical studies have been developed in the last three years focusing on mitigation of parametric excitation and some flow-induced vibration phenomena. Considering a rigid body assembled onto an elastic support of time-dependent stiffness, the numerical results show that the NVA is able to bound the response of the main structure even in a scenario in which unbounded solutions are expected. Numerical results also show that the suppressor also leads to a decrease in the oscillation amplitudes due to vortex-induced vibration and galloping. Finally, for the problem of a pipe conveying fluid, the use of the NVA leads to bounded structural responses even for supercritical velocities.

2019


Propagation - Luca Caracoglia Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
11 Dicembre 2019

Sicurezza in caso di incendio su edifici storici. Modellazione ed esodo.
24 Maggio 2019
Abstract
AN INVITATION TO ERGODIC THEORY WITH A VIEW TOWARDS MATHEMATICAL BILLIARDS _ II
7 Febbraio 2019
A mathematical billiard is the mechanical system of a point particle traveling in a planar domain subject only to elastic collisions with the boundary of the domain (assumed to be infinitely massive). Systems of this kind have wide application in the physical sciences. I will start by giving a light but mathematically rigorous description of a billiard system, trying to show what features of this description lead to the observed properties of the dynamics (e.g., regular, chaotic, etc.). Ergodic theory is the branch of mathematics that studies the properties of a “dynamical system” from a stochastic/probabilistic point of view. It is the main and perhaps only mathematical tool to study systems, such as chaotic billiards, that admit no exact prediction. I will introduce the most basic notions of ergodic theory, together with some elementary examples of dynamical systems, with a view towards the paradigm of the chaotic billiard.
Promoting societal well-being by designing sustainable and resilient infrastructure: Engineering tools and broader interdisciplinary considerations.
18 Marzo 2019
Abstract: Modern societies rely on large-scale interdependent networks and systems, including transportation, water and wastewater, electric power, communication and information networks, that are critical for economic growth and societal well-being. Such infrastructure are vulnerable to natural hazards, such as earthquakes and tsunamis, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and wildfires; as well as anthropogenic hazards from industrial accidents, disease and malevolence. Past disasters have shown that the societal consequences of the damage and failure of infrastructure often significantly exceed the physical damage to such systems. In addition, the extent of impact on society is typically not limited to the immediate aftermath of a hazardous event but can be long term. Furthermore, population growth, economic development in regions particularly vulnerable to natural hazards such as coastal regions, and climate change can exacerbate the risks. This presentation introduces the concepts of sustainability and resilience as two of the most important characteristics of infrastructure in terms of addressing societal needs, and presents some of the engineering tools for the development of sustainable and resilient infrastructure including models for the deterioration and recovery of infrastructure components, systems and communities. The presentation also includes a broader discussion of interdisciplinary considerations that should be accounted for to achieve sustainable and resilient infrastructure.
AN INVITATION TO ERGODIC THEORY WITH A VIEW TOWARDS MATHEMATICAL BILLIARDS _ I
4 Febbraio 2019
A mathematical billiard is the mechanical system of a point particle traveling in a planar domain subject only to elastic collisions with the boundary of the domain (assumed to be infinitely massive). Systems of this kind have wide application in the physical sciences. I will start by giving a light but mathematically rigorous description of a billiard system, trying to show what features of this description lead to the observed properties of the dynamics (e.g., regular, chaotic, etc.). Ergodic theory is the branch of mathematics that studies the properties of a “dynamical system” from a stochastic/probabilistic point of view. It is the main and perhaps only mathematical tool to study systems, such as chaotic billiards, that admit no exact prediction. I will introduce the most basic notions of ergodic theory, together with some elementary examples of dynamical systems, with a view towards the paradigm of the chaotic billiard.
seminar
30 Gennaio 2019

seminar
15 Gennaio 2019

2018


seminar
5 Dicembre 2018

© Università degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza" - Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Roma