A numerical model for pre-monitoring design of historical colonnade courtyards: The case study of chiaramonte palace in palermo

This paper proposes a numerical model that can be used for theoretical and experimental dynamic characterization of historical colonnade courtyards. Such an architectural element appears often in buildings of historical heritage and, especially under seismic excitation, it represents the most vulnerable structural part. Therefore, it is very important to have reliable as well as simple models available for vulnerability analysis, to evaluate different reinforcing systems if needed, or to plan dynamic characterization tests or monitoring campaigns, as in the present case. Chiaramonte Palace, a wonderful example of the historical heritage of Palermo, is investigated as case study. Firstly, a …

An Innovative Ambient Identification Method

Ambient modal identification, also known as Operational Modal Analysis (OMA), aims to identify the modal properties of a structure based on vibration data collected when the structure is under its operating conditions, i.e., no initial excitation or known artificial excitation. This procedure for testing and/or monitoring historic buildings, is particularly attractive for civil engineers concerned with the safety of complex historic structures. However, since the external force is not recorded, the identification methods have to be more sophisticated and based on stochastic mechanics. In this context, this contribution will introduce an innovative ambient identification method based on appl…

On the definition of seismic vulnerability maps in cross-border Mediterranean areas

The chance to locate and quantify the major risks associated to natural catastrophic events on a territory allows to plan adequate strategies and interventions by civil protection bodies involved in local and international emergencies. The seismic risk depends most of all by the vulnerability of buildings belonging to the urban areas. For this reason the definition, by a deep analysis of the territory, of instruments identifying and locating vulnerability, largely favours the activities of institutions appointed to safeguard the safety of citizens. Seismic and hydro-geological risks constitute the major component of the activities involving assistance actions carried out by civil protection…

Time delay induced effects on control of non-linear systems under random excitation

A novel identification procedure from ambient vibration data

AbstractAmbient vibration modal identification, also known as Operational Modal Analysis, aims to identify the modal properties of a structure based on vibration data collected when the structure is under its operating conditions, i.e., no initial excitation or known artificial excitation. This procedure for testing and/or monitoring historic buildings, is particularly attractive for civil engineers concerned with the safety of complex historic structures. However, since the external force is not recorded, the identification methods have to be more sophisticated and based on stochastic mechanics. In this context, this contribution will introduce an innovative ambient identification method b…

Vibration of damaged beams under a moving mass: theory and experimental validation

Abstract A theoretical and experimental study of the response of a damaged Euler–Bernoulli beam traversed by a moving mass is presented. Damage is modelled through rotational springs whose compliance is evaluated using linear elastic fracture mechanics. The analytical solution is based on the series expansion of the unknown deflection in a basis of the beam eigenfunctions. The latter are calculated using the transfer matrix method, taking into account the effective mass distribution of the beam. The convective acceleration terms, often omitted in similar studies, are considered here for a correct evaluation of the beam–moving mass interaction force. The analytical solution is then validated…