Search results for "building"
showing 10 items of 1985 documents
Validation of a Shear Model for RC and Hybrid Beams with Two Different Inclinations of Transversal Reinforcement
2016
The validation of an analytical model recently proposed for evaluation of the shear capacity in Reinforced Concrete (RC) beams containing multiple inclination of transverse stirrups is presented. The model is a suitable extension of that currently proposed in Eurocode 2 for the evaluation of the shear resistance, and it is derived by means of the the variable-inclination stress-field theory based on Nielsen’s plastic approach. Experimental and numerical data available in the literature on Hybrid Steel-Trussed Concrete Beams (HSTCBs) are used for model validation and result discussion. Finally, also the comparison with a different analytical approach for the assessment of the shear resistanc…
Generalized feed-forward based method for wind energy prediction
2013
Abstract Even though a number of new mathematical functions have been proposed for modeling wind speed probability density distributions, still the Weibull function continues to be the most commonly used model in the literature. Therefore, the parameters of this function are still widely used to obtain typical wind probability density distributions for finding the wind energy potential by researchers, engineers and designers. Once long-term average of Weibull function’s parameters are known, then the probability density distributions can easily be obtained. Artificial neural network (ANN) can be used as alternative to analytical approach as ANN offers advantages such as no required knowledg…
A set of indices to assess the real performance of daylight-linked control systems
2017
Abstract The installation of Building Automation Control Systems (BACs) in general is an effective action to achieve relevant energy savings. Commercial BACs, installed in residential or small offices, often include functions of lighting control, acting as Daylight-Linked Control Systems (DLCSs). Nevertheless, because system performance is strictly dependent on different parameters, BAC’s hardware and software configuration and as well as an inaccurate commissioning do not always allow a perfect execution of the desired tasks; therefore, the system could not work as expected. Moreover, it is well known that energy saving potential is specifically related to the variability of the light envi…
Interaction between Longitudinal Shear and Transverse Bending in Prestressed Concrete Box Girders
2017
In box girder bridges, the quantity and distribution of reinforcement to be put in concrete elements of sections can be evaluated only by considering the deformation of the cross section in addition to the longitudinal analysis of the static scheme, establishing the entire state of stress of box sections. This leads to a need to evaluate the interaction between internal forces obtained by the global analysis and the ones obtained by the local analysis of the cross sections. The frame effect implies the elastic deformation of slabs and webs, whereas eccentrically applied loads lead to cross-section distortion with the loss of the box shape. Hence, the reinforcement is strongly influenced by …
Comparative experimental analysis on the compressive behaviour of masonry columns strengthened by FRP, BFRCM or steel wires
2017
Abstract In the last decade, several studies have investigated the application of Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) wraps to masonry piers in order to provide a confinement effect and enhance compressive strength and ductility. Although this technique has proved to be quite effective, various drawbacks arise when organic resins are used to bind fibres. To solve these problems, different techniques have been developed to be used as alternative methods for enhancing the structural performances of weak masonry columns. Among these, the use of Basalt Fibre Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (BFRCM) wrapping, or the application of steel wires at mortar joints. This paper presents the results of an expe…
Optimization of net power density in Reverse Electrodialysis
2019
Abstract Reverse Electrodialysis (RED) extracts electrical energy from the salinity difference between two solutions using selective ion exchange membranes. In RED, conditions yielding a large net power density (NPD) are generally desired, due to the still large cost of the membranes. NPD depends on a large number of physical and geometric parameters. Some of these, for example the inlet concentrations of concentrate and diluate, can be regarded as “scenario” variables, imposed by external constraints (e.g., availability) or chosen by different criteria than NPD maximization. Others, namely the thicknesses HCONC, HDIL and the velocities UCONC, UDIL in the concentrate and diluate channels, c…
The overall classification of residential buildings: Possible role of tourist EU Ecolabel award scheme
2012
Abstract The debate on the environmental performance of buildings and their classification is continuously rising and deeply involves all actors of the sector, from researchers to technicians and from owners to real estate managers. In the field, the EU has created a panel that is currently working on defining the criteria for attributing an Ecolabel award to a building. However, despite the enormous efforts made by administrative and academic institutions, a suitable and widely available scheme for operators to assess the environmental performance of a building is far from being established. To help provide a solution to the problem, the possibility of adopting the EU Ecolabel scheme estab…
A reckoning with the maintenance of the built environment, a Sisyphean task
2023
Maintenance concerns most of the artifacts, referring simultaneously to the socio-cultural, technical and managerial spheres. Contemporary scenarios impose an overall rethinking, where key-topics such as tradition, consumerism, sustainability and digitization become pivotal in the search for suitable production models, between post-industrial and neo-craftsmanship, in order to have fresher references for the maintenance activities.
 In the construction field, maintenance is not limited to the objective of prolonging the duration of quality levels that only affect direct users, but also has important implications of a social and collective nature, in the case of both public and private …
Thermal and structural properties of a hemp–lime biocomposite
2013
Abstract The need to reduce greenhouse gases emission produced by the building sector leads to the research of renewable and less impacting materials that can replace traditional ones. This subject has encouraged new researches on biocomposite concretes with the aim to exploit renewable resources like vegetal fibres intended as materials whose production processes are generally characterized by low costs and energy demand. This biocomposite is obviously much lighter than concrete and, therefore, can be suitably used in such cases where a structure cannot be overloaded, for instance in the realization of a green covering on top of a preexistent building. In this work, a first analysis of the…
Experimental Characterization and Acoustic Correction of a Multipurpose Performance Hall: The Italian Theatre “Cavallino Bianco”
2022
This study presents the retrofit acoustic dq1esign of the Italian theatre “Cavallino Bianco”. In its historical configuration, the hall had a curved roof with a pressed-plant fiber ceiling, which was demolished and replaced with a wooden roof without a false ceiling, leading to an increase in volume and a worsening of the reverberation time. This study proposed the realization of a wave ceiling and the application of sound-absorbing and reflecting panels on the walls, which have already been implemented. These modifications have affected the acoustic characterization of the theatre, as shown both through on-site measurements during the main construction phases and through numerical simulati…