ROSE Programme: Currently published research topics

id 36 Title FORMULATION OF A FIBERBASED ELEMENT FOR WALL PIERS IN COUPLED-CORE WALL SYSTEMS Text Addressed to This project deals with the lack of a fiber-based user element in ABAQUS for the simulation of experimental PhD researcher results of reinforced concrete or hybrid wall piers, taking into account axial, flexural, and shear behavior. C++ or Fortran coding is necessary to formulate such an element as a user element for the general-purpose finite element code ABAQUS. The objective is to ultimately use this fiber element to perform dynamic and/or pseudo-dynamic analyses of coupled core wall systems, accounting for the actual behavior of wall piers, including stiffness differences between tension and compression wall, effect of shear, and redistribution effects due to yielding of coupling beams under earthquake loading. Advisor: G.A. Rassati (gian.rassati@uc.edu) 37 INTERFACING OPENFRESCO WITH ABAQUS The objective of this project is to interface an existing open-source pseudo-dynamic analysis driver, developed MSc students (or PhDs seeking at the University of California at Berkeley for use with the general-purpose finite element program ABAQUS. an Individual Study topic) Once the two platforms are integrated, it will be possible to run hybrid, pseudo-dynamic analyses of complex structures. Implementation will require C++ or Fortran coding of a user element for ABAQUS that interfaces directly with OpenFRESCO routines. Advisor: G.A. Rassati (gian.rassati@uc.edu) 38 BUILDING INVENTORY USING REMOTE SENSING A first step toward vulnerability assessment in urban areas and also in sparse settlements is the definition of a MSc students building inventory. This is usually provided by means of in situ visits or using existing maps of the area. Often these maps are outdated, however, and surveys not always possible. A suitable alternative is the use of aerial or satellite photographs, applying to them a (semi)automatic interpretation approach. The aim of this work is to apply methodologies developed by the TLC&RS section of EUCENTRE to areas of interest in various parts of the world from data acquisition to building inventory and prepare for following physical vulnerability assessment using proper masonry models. Advisor: P. Gamba (paolo.gamba@unipv.it) 40 EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE ASSESSMENT USING SPACEBORNE AND ANCILLARY DATA A streamline research topic in our group is on the use of remotely sensed data - with a special attention to all- MSc students with some weather, day-and-night operating radar data - for seismic damage assessment. In the international framework background in GIS/Remote of GEOSS (Global Earth Observation System of Systems) we are networking various research groups to fuse Sensing their approaches into a single, robust Earth Observation-based damage assessment method. In this context, understanding how changes due to seismic damage translate into specific features of radar data is of paramount importance. We at the Aerospace Section of the EUCENTRE propose some thesis activities on the analysis of optical and radar remotely sensed data and their fusion with in-situ and ancillary data, including vulnerability data, to prepare the field for a comprehensive approach to Earth-Observation based damage assessment. These thesis activities can represent a good occasion for those who already have some background in RS and GIS technology to improve their skills and understanding by working on a concrete problem. Advisor: F. Dell'Acqua (fabio.dellacqua@unipv.it) Pavia, 21.05.2012 Page 1 of 20 ROSE_Research_Topics_21_05_2012.docx

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Title SEISMIC BEHAVIOUR AND DESIGN OF HYBRID STEELCONCRETE SYSTEMS

Text Current European and American design codes provide limited guidance for the design of structures combining both steel and RC lateral resisting systems (e.g. RC moment frames + steel bracing systems; steel moment frames + RC shear walls). The objective of this research is: i) to identify and understand the behavioural characteristics (dissipative modes, relative contribution of the various components to the energy dissipation, etc.); ii) to assess the reliability of existing force-based procedures for the seismic design of this type of hybrid resisting systems and iii) to develop a displacement-based design procedure that provides and efficient and reliable alternative for the design of this type of structural systems. Advisors: J.M. Castro (miguel.castro@fe.up.pt), T. Sullivan (timsul05@unipv.it)

Addressed to MSc students

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DIRECT DISPLACEMENT BASED The objective of this research would be to assess the applicability of the recently proposed direct MSc students DESIGN OF STEEL STRUCTURES displacement-based design to steel structures. There are several aspects of the method that require validation in order to verify the applicability of the method to steel structures, namely the relationship between ductility demand and equivalent damping. Advisors: M. Castro (miguel.castro@fe.up.pt), T. Sullivan (timsul05@unipv.it) IMPROVEMENT AND VERIFICATION OF A FLEXURESHEAR MCFT-BASED CONSTITUTIVE MODEL FOR SEISMIC ANALYSIS OF RC STRUCTURES Improvement of the nonlinear constitutive model of concrete implemented in a 2D fibre beam-column MSc students (masters element with shear effects accounted for. The model is based on the Modified Compression Field Theory dissertation) or PhD students (MCFT), and it is envisaged that the developed nonlinear unloading rules and the linear reloading paths with (individual study) strength and stiffness degradation must be verified and improved for modeling the concrete responses in both compressive and tensile regimes. Furthermore, the cyclic response of concrete in compression must be upgraded in order to well capture the degradation of strength and stiffness for high ductility levels. Then, the adopted cyclic unloading/reloading rules for concrete in tension must be verified with experimental data. The models should also consider the general case of partial unloading and partial reloading in the region below maximum unloading strain. Pre-requisites: Knowledge of the seismic behaviour of RC structures; computer programming experience using FORTRAN or/and Matlab programming languages. Advisors: P. Ceresa (paola.ceresa@iusspavia.it)

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NONLINEAR MODELING OF TSTUB BEAM-TO-COLUMN CONNECTIONS

Full-scale T-Stub connections were tested as part of the SAC program in the late 1990s at the Georgia Institute MSc (Masters Dissertation) and of Technology. Various size T-Stubs and various size beams were investigated for a connection to a heavy W14 PhD students (indivual study) column. The goal of this project is twofold: first, to model numerically the experimental specimen, matching the experimental moment-rotation curve, including contact interactions, nonlinear materials, and fracture strains, in order to be able to reproduce the actual experimental failure mode; second, to simulate the response of a different size t-stub connection within the dimensional range of the tested specimens. This will allow to fill some voids in the current experimental results database. Supervisors: G.A. Rassati (gian.rassati@uc.edu), C. Bernuzzi

Pavia, 21.05.2012

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Title RELIABILITY ANALYSIS OF SHTB TENSION-CONTROL FASTENERS FOR STRUCTURAL APPLICATIONS

Text Addressed to SHTB fasteners are very high strength and high ductility fasteners developed in Japan for use in structural MSc (Masters Dissertation) applications. Preliminary testing shows high tensile strength (220 ksi = 1.5GPa) and high ductility (elongation at failure ~25%). This project aims at providing reliability data for the calculation of resistance factors [partial coefficients of safety] for such fasteners for applications worldwide. The project requires testing of a large number of fasteners in tension, shear with threads excluded from shear plane, and shear with threads not excluded from shear plane. Facilities at the University of Cincinnati are already available to perform such testing. Project goal is to obtain statistical analysis of SHTB strength and ductility with proposal of resistance factors to be used in specifications. Prerequisites: Statistics and reliability fundamentals; Steel Design. Supervisors: G.A. Rassati (gian.rassati@uc.edu), J.A. Swanson, R.T. Leon

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NUMERICAL MODELING OF TOP-AND-SEAT ANGLE CONNECTIONS

This project aims at the development of a finite element model of a top-and-seat angle beam-to-column connection with the goals of reproducing experimental results in literature and of providing additional data points to the database of recorded behavior. Explicit account for pretension of fasteners, contact surfaces, friction and slippage, material hardening, and local buckling phenomena will be made. Such a complex model will serve the three-fold purpose of (1) closely simulating existing experimental data in literature, (2) expanding the database of connections for which the behavior has been investigated, and (3) developing a simplified component model for the prediction of the behavior of these connections. Project Goal: Working finite element model validated through comparison with existing data. Data obtained for cases that are not covered in existing literature. Simplified by-component model for top-and-seat angle connections.Prerequisites: Steel Design, Finite Element Theory. Supervisors: G.A. Rassati (gian.rassati@uc.edu), J.A.Swanson, C. Bernuzzi

MSc (Masters Dissertation) and PhD students (indivual study)

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ANALYTICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL CHARACTERIZATION OF FRICTION PENDULUM ISOLATION DEVICES

Part 1: Implementation of analytical models of Friction Pendulum System (FPS) isolators relating the properties MSc and PhD students of the materials of the sliders to the overall FPS static and dynamic properties. Different models will be implemented according to the different types of FPS (with a single spherical surface slider, with two spherical surface sliders, with two cylindrical surface sliders). By means of an inverse analysis, given the design performance of the FPS device as the input, the corresponding target values of the strength, stiffness and friction properties of the sliding materials will be determined. Part 2: Implementation of a numerical model of the complete FPS device in which different material properties of FPSs will be inserted. A model refinement will involve the level of detail of the modeling, aiming at reproducing local effects, for what concern both material properties and geometry effects generated by the scale factor and by the assembling of the device. Consistently with the increased level of detail, a finite element model shall be developed, in order to obtain reliable predictions of the full scale FPS device, finalized to control and focus a full scale experimental campaign. Part 3: Validation by means of tests on full scale FPS prototypes Advisors: Dr. C. Casarotti (chiara.casarotti@eucentre.it), Prof. A. Pavese (alberto.pavese@unipv.it)

Pavia, 21.05.2012

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Title RESEARCH SUBJECTS TO DEVELOP WITHIN THE EXPERIMENTAL TREES LAB OF EUCENTRE

Text General subjects of investigation will concern the following research fields: experimental methods and structural identification, diagnosis and modelling of monumental structures; seismic assessment of reinforced concrete bridges, buildings and seismic isolation and dissipation devices; linear and nonlinear static procedures for seismic design ad assessment of structures, experimental response and numerical modelling of isolation/dissipation devices; experimental data processing, inverse problems for structural characterization exploratory innovative experiments (with especial concern on techniques related to on-line testing with substructuring) and design aspects of the testing facility (with especial concern on the controller). Particularly, currently available thesis subjects are: Modelling of seismic isolation devices (FPS, rubber bearings, ecc.); Safety coefficients for the quick modeling of RC structures by means of stick-models for the application to the on-site post-earthquake assessment of structures; Study on the smart calculation of load combinations cases, according to the current code mandated semiprobabilistic method requirements; Students are required to use (or to learn the use of) the following computer programs: Matlab, basic office package (Excel, Word, Power Point), at least one structural analysis program (Seismostruct, Opensees, Prosa, SAP2000, etc. Advisors: Prof. A. Pavese (alberto.pavese@unipv.it), Dr. Simone Peloso (simone.peloso@eucentre.it), Dr. C. Casarotti (chiara.casarotti@eucentre.it)

Addressed to MSc and PhD students

Pavia, 21.05.2012

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Title PERFORMANCE-BASED SEISMIC ANALYSES AND DESIGN OF EARTH DAMS

Addressed to Graduate students who: a) have completed their coursework (or have at most one/two courses left); b) have an interest in forefront The objective of this research is to carry out advanced numerical analyses aimed to investigate the response of research in geotechnical earth dams to earthquake loading. The work will be executed with reference to one/two specific case studies earthquake engineering. where detailed information about seismic hazard, geology, seismotectonics and geotechnical characterization is available. The main purpose of the study is to assess the validity and limits of applicability of pseudo-static and simplified dynamic methods in assessing the seismic stability of earth dams in light of performance-based design philosophy. Pre-requisites: basic knowledge of soil dynamics and computer programming in MATLAB. Research activities will be based on numerical modelling and parametric analyses using FLAC2D and other advanced computer programs of geotechnical earthquake engineering. Advisors: Prof. Carlo G. Lai (carlo.lai@unipv.it)

Text Brief description: earth dams are artificial barriers of geomaterials constructed to retain the flow from a watercourse. Historically these structures have been among the first to be designed for earthquake loading using a pseudo-static approach and later the Newmark simplified dynamic method. However the methods of analyses used to design old dams are nowadays obsolete and regulatory commissions and dams owners call for an updated, performance-based assessment of earth dams seismic safety.

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PERFORMANCE-BASED Brief description: seaports are crucial elements in the export and import of goods and/or on the flow of SEISMIC DESIGN OF MARITIME travellers in the tourism industry of many industrialised nations. Experience gained from recent earthquakes PORT STRUCTURES (e.g. 1989 Loma Prieta in USA, 1995 Hyogoken-Nanbu and 2003 Tokachi-Oki in Japan) have dramatically demonstrated the seismic vulnerability of seaport structures and the severe damage that can be caused by ground shaking. Despite the substantial improvements achieved by earthquake engineering, seismic performance of wharf structures is still not very satisfactory.

This message is addressed to motivated, brilliant graduate students who: a) have completed their coursework (or have at most one/two courses left); b)have an interest in forefront The objective of this research is to carry out advanced numerical analyses aimed to thoroughly investigate the research in geotechnical seismic response of wharves, both gravity-type and pile-supported structures. Blockwork wharves are earthquake engineering. commonly designed using simplified, pseudo-static, force-based approaches. When the need of calculating displacements is recognized, the Newmarks method is considered as the standard procedure. The study is aiming at investigating by means of parametric analyses the validity of such approaches through a comparison with extensive dynamic time-history analyses. The final goal is to develop a methodology for the seismic design of new marginal wharves and the assessment of existing structures at seaports located in areas of high seismicity. Pre-requisites: basic knowledge of soil dynamics and concepts of soil-structure interaction. Skills in computer programming (e.g. FORTRAN, MATLAB) is also desired. Research activities will be based on numerical modelling and parametric analyses using advanced computer programs of geotechnical earthquake engineering. Advisors: Prof. Carlo G. Lai (carlo.lai@unipv.it)

Pavia, 21.05.2012

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Title STABILIZATION OF LANDSLIDES IN OC FINE-GRAINED SOILS THROUGH LARGE DIAMETER SHAFTS. CENTRIFUGE MODELING UNDER EARTHQUAKE EXCITATION

Text Brief description: landslides in natural slopes of overconsolidated fine-grained soils typically involve large areas of terrain (up to several hundred meters extension) and depths of several meters. Instability problems related to the reactivation of landslides with these characteristics are very common in the Apennines in Italy but also in other parts of the world such as for instance in Northern Europe and Asia. In addition to the triggering mechanisms which are typical of static loading (e.g. rainfall loading, degradation of soil strength, unexpected live loads), in active seismic regions the stability of natural slopes is seriously endangered by earthquake loading. An efficient intervention of reinforcement of natural slopes to prevent seismically-induced landslides is represented by the insertion of large-diameter shafts or caissons whose length reaches the depth of bedrock. Design of these strengtheners is of great interest for the protection and safety of transportation networks such as highways, railways, etc. The objective of this research is to calibrate assess theoretical models used for the seismic design of these reinforcements and validate the assumed failure mechanisms. The final goal is to set up a robust and reliable methodology for the stabilization of landslides in fine-grained overconsolidated soils through the insertion of rigid concrete shafts. To pursue these objectives the research will involve both numerical and physical modelling using a geotechnical centrifuge at an advanced laboratory facility. The experimental work will be executed on a scaled physical model aimed to represent a prototype referring to a real case where detailed information about seismic hazard, geology, geomorphology and geotechnical characterization is available. Pre-requisites: basic knowledge of geotechnical earthquake engineering and interest to perform experimental work as well as numerical modelling. Previous experience in carrying out experimental work is desirable. Research activities will involve numerical modelling as well as experimental work using the geotechnical centrifuge located at the experimental facility of ISMGEO at Seriate (near Bergamo). Advisors: Prof. Carlo G. Lai (carlo.lai@unipv.it)

Addressed to This message is addressed to motivated, brilliant graduate students who: a) have completed their coursework (or have at most one/two courses left); b)have an interest in forefront research in geotechnical earthquake engineering.

Pavia, 21.05.2012

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Title PROBABILISTIC SEISMIC HAZARD ASSESSMENT IN EASTERN CARIBBEAN REGION

Text Brief description: the Eastern Caribbean is an island arc system at a convergent plate boundary, where both volcanic and seismic activity take place. The seismic hazard in the Caribbean region is from moderate to high. However, the available values are based on a seismicity data set which is not sufficiently robust, due to the limited observation period and the geographic pattern which makes the seismic monitoring quite difficult. The rapid increase of the building stock in the Caribbean islands, which is strictly correlated to the increase of the tourism activity, brings up the need of updating of the seismic hazard assessment and the promotion of a seismic vulnerability study of the existing building stock. The objective of this research is to update the current probabilistic seismic hazard maps of Eastern Caribbean region for different return periods and for various ground motion parameters using Cornell-McGuire as well as smoothed seismicity approaches (e.g. Frenkel et al. 1995; Woo, 1996). The study will include a critical review of past seismic hazard assessment studies done in the region. Particular care will be dedicated to the improvement of the input data and calculation methods and the implementation of seismic hazard analysis that can account for the uncertainties of the estimates (e.g. logic tree approach) and update computer methods. Pre-requisites: basic knowledge of engineering seismology and seismic hazard analysis. Skills in computer programming (e.g. FORTRAN, MATLAB) is highly desired. Research work will involve a strong interaction with seismologists from the Seismic Research Centre of the University of the West Indies at St. Augustine, Trinidad. Advisors: Prof. Carlo G. Lai (carlo.lai@unipv.it)

Addressed to This message is addressed to motivated, brilliant graduate students who: a) have completed their coursework (or have at most one/two courses left); b)have an interest in forefront research in geotechnical earthquake engineering.

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INCORPORATION OF FREQUENCY-DEPENDENT DEGRADATION CURVES OF VS AND DS IN GROUND RESPONSE ANALYSES OF SOIL DEPOSITS USING EXACT, CAUSAL SOLUTIONS OF KRAMERSKRONIG RELATIONS

Brief description: Experimental evidence shows that geomaterials subjected to dynamic excitations exhibit the ability both to store strain energy and to dissipate strain energy over a finite period of time even at very small strain levels, below the linear cyclic threshold shear strain. Both these phenomena can quite accurately be described by the theory of linear viscoelasticity. An important result implied by this theory of material behaviour is that the phase velocities of P and S waves and material damping ratio are not independent quantities but they are related by the Kramers-Kronig dispersion equations. The objective of this research is to develop an algorithm to perform causal, ground response analyses of soil deposits using frequencydependence phase velocity and damping ratio of S waves computed using recently-obtained, closed-form, exact solution of the Kramers-Kronig integral equations. Initially the research will focus on one-dimensional, linear ground response analysis followed by linear-equivalent analyses using frequency-dependent degradation curves of VS and DS. Pre-requisites: basic knowledge of soil dynamics and numerical analyses using MATLAB and/or FORTRAN programming languages. Advisors: Prof. Carlo G. Lai (carlo.lai@unipv.it)

This message is addressed to motivated, brilliant graduate students who: a) have completed their coursework (or have at most one/two courses left); b)have an interest in forefront research in geotechnical earthquake engineering.

Pavia, 21.05.2012

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Title DETERMINATION OF MATERIAL DAMPING RATIO SPECTRA OF P AND S WAVES FROM THE EXACT SOLUTION OF KRAMERS-KRONIG RELATIONS

Text Brief description: linear viscoelasticity is the simplest formal theory that can be used to describe the mechanical response of solid, dissipative materials to low-amplitude dynamic excitations. Despite its simplicity this theory has proved to be quite effective in describing phenomena of wave propagation in dissipative materials like soils and rocks at low-strain levels. An important corollary predicted by this theory is the functional dependence between the velocity of the propagation of a mechanical disturbance and material damping ratio which is expressed by the well-known Kramers-Kronig dispersion relations. A distinctive feature of the these relations is that they establish a functional relation between two fundamental soil parameters allowing the computation of one, say VS, as a function of the other, say DS. This can be very useful since both these parameters and their frequency-dependence are of fundamental importance in geotechnical earthquake engineering. Objective of this research is to set-up out a robust and stable methodology to compute material damping ratio from measured dispersion curves of VP and VS using recently obtained, exact solutions of Kramers-Kronig integral equations. Pre-requisites: basic knowledge of soil dynamics and numerical analyses using MATLAB and/or FORTRAN programming languages. Advisors: Prof. Carlo G. Lai (carlo.lai@unipv.it)

Addressed to This message is addressed to motivated, brilliant MSc graduate students who: a) have completed their coursework (or have at most one/two courses left); b)have an interest in forefront research in geotechnical earthquake engineering.

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USE OF BIOT THEORY FOR A STABLE ESTIMATION OF POROSITY IN FLUIDSATURATED POROUS MEDIA FROM MEASURED SEISMIC WAVE VELOCITIES

Brief description: a major scope of seismic prospecting in geophysics and geotechnical engineering is determining the fields of shear and dilatational wave velocities VS and VP. These fields are important because they can be immediately related to the corresponding fields of stiffness which serve as a basis for the geomechanical characterisation of a site. However the relationship between the quantities VS and VP and the parameters of material behaviour is not unique for it is inherently dependent on the chosen constitutive model used to describe the response of geomaterials to perturbations of the stress field. Linear elasticity is the most frequently adopted constitutive assumption. However by choosing Biots theory of linear poroelasticity parameters VS and VP can be directly related to porosity which can then be computed through a process of mathematical inversion. Objective of this research is to set-up out a robust and stable methodology to estimate porosity in fluid-saturated porous media from measured shear and dilatational wave velocities. Pre-requisites: basic knowledge of soil dynamics and numerical analyses using MATLAB and/or FORTRAN programming languages. Advisors: Prof. Carlo G. Lai (carlo.lai@unipv.it)

This message is addressed to motivated, brilliant PhD graduate students who: a) have completed their coursework (or have at most one/two courses left); b)have an interest in forefront research in geotechnical earthquake engineering.

Pavia, 21.05.2012

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id 67

Title SEISMIC DESIGN OF CONCRETE SLABS IN COMPOSITE JOINT REGIONS

Text Addressed to The concrete slab of a composite beam can have a significant influence on the inelastic response of a MSc students composite joint. In effect, the Eurocode 8 prescribes different design rules based on the consideration of the concrete slab to the dissipative response. According to the seismic code, for the cases in which composite dissipative behaviour is considered, additional detailing of the slab in the joint region needs to be carried out. The research work that has led to the definition of the rules for slab design in dissipative regions has been very limited and hence additional studies need to be conducted. This research involves the experimental/numerical study of composite joints aiming to provide at a better understanding of the load transfer mechanisms in composite joints, with particular focus on the role played by the concrete slab. The results and conclusions obtained will then be used in further improvement of existing design guidance. Advisors: J.M. Castro (miguel.castro@fe.up.pt), T. Sullivan (timsul05@unipv.it) Current design rules for panel zone design are based on simplified models of internal force distribution within MSc students the joint region. These models, which have been experimentally validated for rigid welded connections, are likely to be less accurate for bolted connections in which the moment transfer in the beam-to-column connection is made through discrete components (i.e, the bolts). The objective of this work consists of the development of detailed 3D models in ABAQUS/ANSYS of different types of bolted connections (flush end plate, extended end plate, etc.). The results from nonlinear static analysis will provide an insight into the shear stress distribution within the panel zone region which will then allow assessing the applicability of current design rules for panel zones. The hysteretic response of panel zones in these types of connections will also be examined based on the results obtained from cyclic analysis. Advisors: J.M. Castro (miguel.castro@fe.up.pt), T. Sullivan (timsul05@unipv.it)

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PANEL ZONE BEHAVIOUR AND DESIGN IN BOLTED BEAM-TOCOLUMN CONNECTIONS

Pavia, 21.05.2012

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Title NON-LINEAR DYNAMIC SOILSTRUCTURE INTERACTION FOR DISPLACEMENT-BASED SEISMIC ASSESSMENT OF BRIDGES

Text Addressed to The thesis aims at the development and application of an original approach to account for nonlinear dynamic PhD students & Masters students soil-structure interaction (SSI) in the displacement-based seismic assessment of bridges. The starting points are who are considering a PhD two PhD theses, already accomplished and discussed at Politecnico di Milano, namely: Non-linear dynamic soil-structure interaction: application to seismic analysis and design of structures on shallow foundations, by Raffaele Figini, 2010, where a macro-element accounting for the non-linear soilfoundation behaviour under dynamic loads was developed and validated against experimental results, and subsequently applied to the seismic response analysis of simple 1 dof or multi-dof non-linear oscillators. Direct displacement-based seismic assessment procedure for multi-span reinforced concrete bridges, by Oguz Bahadir Sadan, 2009, where an original procedure for the seismic assessment of multi-span reinforced concrete bridges, based on Direct Diplacement-Based approach, named Direct Diplacement-Based Assesment (DDBA), was developed and validated. In the proposed PhD thesis, the macro-element will be implemented in a finite element code and, as a preliminary application, the effect of non-linear dynamic SSI will be assessed for simple frame and bridge structures. The aim of this preliminary phase is to understand in which conditions (natural frequencies, geometrical parameters, site condition, input motion, etc. ) nonlinear SSI may play a significant role on the response of the superstructure, typically by reducing the seismic demand on the structural members. In the second step of the thesis, an extension of the proposed DDBA procedure is planned for taking into account the nonlinear SSI during the seismic assessment of multi-span bridges. Finally, the updated DDBA methodology will be validated comparing its results with the results of time history analyses where SSI will be taken into account using the implemented macroelement. Skills: The candidate is required to have, on one side, some basic computational skills and experience in writing subroutines for numerical codes, and, on the other side, a good background in structural seismic engineering. Advisors: Prof. Roberto Paolucci (Politecnico di Milano, paolucci@stru.polimi.it), Dr. Lorenza Petrini (Politecnico di Milano, lpetrini@stru.polimi.it)

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PROBABILISTIC SEISMIC VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT OF CONCRETE DAMS

Short description: The project intends to develop a probabilistic framework for seismic vulnerability assessment of existing concrete dams. Uncertainties in the ground motion, in the material parameters, and in other input variables will be considered. Presently, the overall framework is at a good stage of development. During the project, the general framework will be finalized, and applications to existing dams will be studied. Advisors: Prof. Enrico Spacone (espacone@unich.it)

PhD students, but MSc students will be considered too

Pavia, 21.05.2012

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Title EFFECT OF THE DIFFERENT SOURCES OF UNCERTAINTY ON THE SEISMIC ASSESSMENT OF MASONRY BUILDINGS

Text Previous research has shown that the current code approach to the knowledge-based seismic assessment of masonry buildings, consisting in the definition of knowledge levels and corresponding confidence factors, does not lead in most cases to consistent results. The aim of this project is to carry out a critical revision of the code approach and propose and test an alternative approach for the seismic assessment of masonry buildings, which allows to appropriately take into account all sources of uncertainty. The main sources of uncertainty involved in the problem include the definition of seismic input, the lack of knowledge of mechanical parameters and their spatial variation, the definition of limit states, and modeling and analysis hypotheses. The effect of each of these types of uncertainty also depends on the selected type of analysis (i.e. linear vs. nonlinear, static vs. dynamic). Pre-requisites: basic knowledge of the seismic behavior of masonry structures, probability theory and basic programming capability, possibly using MATLAB. For more information contact Dr. Maria Rota (maria.rota@eucentre.it), Prof. Guido Magenes (guido.magenes@unipv.it), Dr. Andrea Penna (andrea.penna@unipv.it)

Addressed to Students for Msc Thesis, Individual Study or Ph.D. Dissertation (depending on the number of issues considered)

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DERIVATION OF TIMEThis thesis would be part of a European project aiming to derive time-dependent fragility curves for structures MSc Thesis, Individual Study or DEPENDENT FRAGILITY CURVES and, in particular, for masonry buildings, accounting for pre-existing and cumulative damage induced by Ph.D. Dissertation (with a FOR MASONRY BUILDINGS different amount of work) repeated seismic events. The methodology for deriving fragility curves will be based on stochastic nonlinear analyses of entire buildings accounting for different sources of uncertainty (e.g. seismic input, material properties and their distribution among the structure, damage state thresholds). The analyses will be carried out on prototype buildings, which will be selected in order to be representative of the selected typologies. The methodology will also account for local collapse modes that could occur in the most vulnerable buildings. Curves will be developed for different damage states based on performance levels, measured by displacement/deformation thresholds, and consistent with those adopted in other research studies, codes, recommendations, macroseismic scales and experimental research. After having defined a sequence of input motions and identified the significant building prototypes, the stochastic procedure will be applied at each step of the seismic sequence. In particular, each prototype will be subjected to the sequence of accelerograms, then the damage state in the structural elements will be computed at each step of the sequence and the stochastic procedure used to derive fragility curves will be applied to the structure at different levels of cumulated damage. This will allow having a set of fragility curves for each level of damage experienced by the building during the selected seismic sequence, allowing quantifying the progression of damage and its effect on structural fragility. Pre-requisites: basic knowledge of the seismic behaviour of masonry structures, probability theory and basic programming capability, possibly using MATLAB. For more information contact Dr. Maria Rota (maria.rota@eucentre.it), Dr. Andrea Penna (andrea.penna@unipv.it), Prof. Guido Magenes (guido.magenes@unipv.it)

Pavia, 21.05.2012

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id 73

Title EXPERIMENTAL AND NUMERICAL EVALUATION OF SEISMIC RISK OF STONE TEMPLES

Text Addressed to This thesis would be part of a joint project between the University of Pavia, and EUCENTRE and the IIT Madras, Msc Thesis or Individual Study India, aiming at the valuation of the seismic risk of monumental structures in the two countries. In particular, two case study structures have been identified, characterized by a significant seismic vulnerability and consisting in a colonnade of a Roman temple located in Rome and a mandapam (i.e. a portal system, which is a portion of Hindu temples) located in the south of India. Both of them are realized with stone blocks, with the difference that Roman columns are typically multi-drum structures, while those of the mandapam are usually monolithic columns. The aim of the study is to evaluate the feasibility and the benefit of some strengthening techniques (e.g. posttensioning) which could be adopted to reduce the seismic vulnerability of these monumental structures. These interventions need to be compatible with the main principles of restoration and also need to take into account the specific characteristics, similarities and differences between the architectural features typical of the two countries. The research would include experimental activities consisting in shaking table tests of prototypes of the selected structural typologies, in order to test and quantify the potential benefit of different strengthening solutions. Numerical simulations will also be carried out to design the tests and to extend the validity of the experimental results obtained. Pre-requisites: basic knowledge of the seismic behavior of masonry structures and on rocking of posttensioned structures For more information contact Dr. Andrea Penna (andrea.penna@unipv.it), Dr. Maria Rota (maria.rota@eucentre.it), Prof. Guido Magenes (guido.magenes@unipv.it)

Pavia, 21.05.2012

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ROSE_Research_Topics_21_05_2012.docx

id 74

Title COMPARISON OF LINEAR AND NONLINEAR METHODOLOGIES FOR THE SEISMIC ANALYSIS OF MASONRY STRUCTURES

Text This thesis will compare the results of different types of analysis for some prototype buildings and especially for the cases in which the applicability of some of them is more questionable, with the objective of showing the advantages and limitations of each of them. Even the combined use of more than a single analysis method (e.g. modal dynamic and pushover analyses) could be explored. Modern codes (e.g. EC8, ASCE-FEMA 356, NTC2008) consider four main methods of structural analysis for the seismic design or assessment of buildings: linear static (or simplified modal), linear dynamic (typically multimodal with response spectrum), nonlinear static (pushover) and nonlinear dynamic. Some literature works have shown that in many cases linear analysis methodologies provide inconsistent results if applied to masonry structures. This is mainly due to the highly nonlinear behavior and the significant post-elastic capacity of such structures. For these reasons, in case of linear analysis, modern codes allow the use of behavior factors and force redistribution among elements, to implicitly account for the post-elastic structural behavior. On the other hand, nonlinear dynamic analyses are very rarely used in the engineering practice, due to their complexity and computational cost. The use of nonlinear static analysis appears therefore to be the best possible option, although its applicability is still questionable in some cases, such as for example highly irregular buildings or buildings with flexible diaphragms. Pre-requisites: basic knowledge of the seismic behavior of masonry structures and fundamentals on seismic analysis of structures For more information contact Dr. Maria Rota (maria.rota@eucentre.it), Dr. Andrea Penna (andrea.penna@unipv.it), Prof. Guido Magenes (guido.magenes@unipv.it)

Addressed to MSc Thesis, Individual Study or Ph.D. Dissertation (with a different amount of work)

Pavia, 21.05.2012

Page 13 of 20

ROSE_Research_Topics_21_05_2012.docx

id 75

Title COMPARISON OF HISTORICAL DAMAGE OBSERVATIONS AND ESTIMATED SEISMIC RISK

Text This thesis will be part of a project supported by the French nuclear industry, aiming to a better characterization of seismic hazard in France and nearby countries. The probabilistic methods used for seismic hazard prediction have been continuously developed and improved over the last decades. Nevertheless, there is still room to improve the reliability of these methods, for moderate seismicity regions like for example France, by reducing and better quantifying the uncertainties. In this context, the project aims to fulfill this need by improving the tools, data and methodologies used for the estimation of the seismic hazard and also by comparing the prediction with observations. In particular, a task of this project will deal with comparison of the historical damage observations with risk estimates obtained from the convolution of hazard and appropriately defined fragility curves. These fragility curves will be obtained for building typologies consistent with those for which historical damage observations are available. The methodology to derive them will need to be able to account for all sources of uncertainty involved in the problem (e.g. seismic input, material properties and their distribution among the structure, damage state thresholds), with the aim of propagating them and evaluating their contribution to the uncertainty in the risk estimate. The comparison with the observations, which in most cases are rather poor and vague, will be carried out in terms of appropriately defined metrics, which could be for example the annual frequency of exceedence of a selected level of damage. Pre-requisites: basic knowledge of the seismic behavior of masonry structures and on the concepts of seismic risk and vulnerability, probability theory and basic programming capability, possibly using MATLAB. For more information contact Dr. Maria Rota (maria.rota@eucentre.it), Dr. Andrea Penna (andrea.penna@unipv.it), Prof. Guido Magenes (guido.magenes@unipv.it)

Addressed to MSc Thesis, Individual Study or Ph.D. Dissertation (with a different amount of work)

76

IDENTIFICATION OF EXPERIMENTAL THRESHOLDS FOR LOCAL AND GLOBAL DISPLACEMENT LIMIT STATES AND EVALUATION OF THE CORRESPONDING UNCERTAINTY FOR DIFFERENT MASONRY TYPOLOGIES

Recent experimental campaigns, some of which also carried out at the EUCENTRE laboratory, have provided a significant amount of information concerning the seismic (static and dynamic) response of several typologies of masonry structures. However, the definition of performance limit states based on the level of displacement/drift is still confused and characterized by a significant dispersion of the values of deformation capacity as a function of the masonry, units and mortar typology, average compression level, wall geometry, failure mechanisms, etc. A systematic collection and organization of the available experimental information is hence necessary, in order to obtain reliable data on which the assessment and design methodologies would be based. In particular, in order to perform probabilistic analyses of such structures, it is necessary to identify significant damage thresholds and to assign to each of them a range of variation and a level of uncertainty, defined by an appropriate probability distribution. Pre-requisites: basic knowledge of the seismic behavior of masonry structures and probability theory. For more information contact Prof. Guido Magenes (guido.magenes@unipv.it), Dr. Maria Rota (maria.rota@eucentre.it)

MSc Thesis or Individual Study

Pavia, 21.05.2012

Page 14 of 20

ROSE_Research_Topics_21_05_2012.docx

id 77

Title ANALYSIS OF MASONRY STRUCTURES WITH FLEXIBLE DIAPHRAGMS

Text Pushover procedures for the assessment of existing buildings have been adopted by most modern seismic codes. Nevertheless they still present several critical points in the implementation and application to real structures, particularly for masonry buildings. This work should aim at addressing some issues related to the applicability of pushover analysis methods to URM buildings, including: Investigation on the applicability of pushover analysis for existing masonry buildings, which are often irregular both in plane and/or in elevation. It becomes hence evident that the assessment of existing masonry buildings needs to take into account the presence of torsional effects that may significantly modify their seismic structural response. The consideration of torsional effects in pushover analysis is still an open problem; Development and validation of displacement-based adaptive pushover procedures, allowing to take explicitly into account the effect of the different strength of the walls, which is evident in the nonlinear response when force redistribution among walls is prevented by the presence of flexible floors.

Addressed to MSc Thesis, Individual Study or Ph.D. Dissertation (depending on the amount of work)

In masonry buildings, the frequent presence of flexible floors (which is not only a prerogative of historical construction, since wooden floors and roofs are very often found also in recently constructed masonry buildings) does not allow the condensation of degrees of freedom typical of rigid floors and hence the choice of the top floor center of mass as the control node of the analysis may be non-consistent. The vulnerability of structures with very flexible floors is usually governed by the response of the weakest wall, while the displacement of the center of mass (or the average displacement of the floor) can be affected by the displacements of the stronger walls. The application of the nonlinear static procedure implies the conversion of the capacity curve of the m.d.o.f. structure, obtained from the pushover analysis, into an equivalent s.d.o.f. structure. The curve reduction is obtained by defining a modal participation factor, , whose formulation allows, in case of rigid floors, to avoid the dependence on the choice of the control degree of freedom for the pushover analysis. However, if the rigid floor assumption is no longer valid, the relations among the floor degrees of freedom may vary during the analysis. Pre-requisites: basic knowledge of seismic behavior of masonry structures, some experience in linear and possibly nonlinear structural analysis of structures. For more information contact Prof. Guido Magenes (guido.magenes@unipv.it), Dr. Andrea Penna (andrea.penna@unipv.it)

Pavia, 21.05.2012

Page 15 of 20

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id 78

Title ISSUES RELATED TO SIMPLIFIED NONLINEAR MODELING OF MASONRY BUILDINGS

Text The structural analysis of historical constructions requires numerical models and computational tools depending on construction typology and specific problems. The adequacy of modeling strategies, constitutive laws and geometrical models depends on the scale of the problem and on the characteristics of the applied loads. Thus this work should aim at exploring the actual capabilities of numerical modeling approaches for masonry structures and proposing simplified solutions for some of the most relevant issues. Nonlinear modeling and analysis of entire buildings requires a higher level of synthesis with respect to continuous nonlinear models, due to their intrinsic computational cost. The idealization involves identification of macroscopic structural elements, macro-elements, which are defined from the geometrical and kinematic point of view through finite elements such as shells or frames, and correspond to masonry portions such as masonry "piers", "spandrels", panels or architectural elements, with specific boundary conditions. The static equilibrium of the element can be formulated with reference to the internal force resultants. The macro-elements represent damage, cracking, sliding and rotations in predefined zones which are characterized based on mechanical assumptions and implementation of, more or less sophisticated, nonlinear constitutive laws. This class of modeling usually entails the fundamental hypothesis of zero tensile resistance in the material, which determines variable element stiffness as a function of the state of stress. A few macroelement models are available for the frame-type idealization of entire buildings with rigid or flexible diaphragms. Frame-type models allow performing nonlinear 3D static and dynamic analyses of masonry buildings, but further studies are necessary to include new features and refine the existing models. In particular, the following issues need to be addressed: Numerical modeling of masonry nodes; Numerical modeling of flexible floor diaphragms and their influence on the seismic response of masonry structures; Sensitivity of the seismic response of masonry frame-type models to macro-element discretization; Development of hysteretic models for different typologies of masonry elements.

Addressed to MSc Thesis or Individual Study

Pre-requisites: basic knowledge of the seismic behavior of masonry structures. For more information contact Prof. Guido Magenes (guido.magenes@unipv.it), Dr. Andrea Penna (andrea.penna@unipv.it)

Pavia, 21.05.2012

Page 16 of 20

ROSE_Research_Topics_21_05_2012.docx

id 79

Title NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF DYNAMIC SHAKE TABLE TESTS OF MASONRY BUILDINGS

Text An extensive experimental program on full-scale stone masonry houses was carried out in the past years at the EUCENTRE laboratory. The test campaign was oriented to assess the seismic behaviour of a specific masonry typology, made of undressed stones forming two unconnected leaves. Such a typology is very common and diffused in Italy and in many other earthquake-prone countries in the world. Three specimens, with identical geometry, were tested dynamically on the EUCENTRE shake-table. Different strengthening strategies, involving improvement of connections and in-plane floor stiffness, were applied to the three specimens. In this work, the experimental shake-table tests will be numerically simulated to reproduce the seismic response of the structures and their failure mechanisms. Several modelling issues will be investigated taking advantage of the experimental results, including: Influence of the degree of connection between perpendicular walls and walls and floors; Influence of the floor in-plane stiffness; Effects of different global strengthening techniques on the seismic response of masonry structures.

Addressed to Msc Thesis, Individual Study or Ph.D. Dissertation (depending on the number of issues considered)

Pre-requisites: basic knowledge of the seismic behavior of masonry structures. For more information contact Prof. Guido Magenes (guido.magenes@unipv.it), Dr. Andrea Penna (andrea.penna@unipv.it)

Pavia, 21.05.2012

Page 17 of 20

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id 80

Title NUMERICAL MODELLING OF LOCAL (OUT-OF-PLANE) FAILURE MODES OF URM STRUCTURES

Text Masonry buildings with lack of connections between perpendicular walls and between walls and floors typically show a high seismic vulnerability to local failure modes, usually dominated by the out-of-plane collapse of structural portions. The out-of-plane seismic vulnerability represents a crucial issue for existing masonry buildings. Because of this reason several studies, both experimental and analytical, have been carried out on this topic, leading to identifying abaci of observed typical local mechanisms and developing simplified assessment procedures. Different approaches can be followed for numerical modeling of out-of-plane mechanisms, ranging from very simplified kinematic methods, up to refined finite element or distinct element techniques, with completely different accuracy and computational effort. Nevertheless, many aspects of such phenomena still need to be deeply investigated. In particular, the following issues, related to the possible interaction between global response and local failure modes, need to be addressed: Development of simplified criteria for taking into consideration out-of-plane failure modes in a mechanical-based method for the derivation of analytical fragility curves and validation of these criteria by comparison with more refined numerical models and/or experimental results; Definition and validation of approaches for incorporating out-of-plane mechanisms in a displacementbased assessment procedure for existing masonry buildings;

Addressed to MSc Thesis, Individual Study or Ph.D. Dissertation (depending on the amount of work)

Pre-requisites: basic knowledge of the seismic behavior of masonry structures. For more information contact Prof. Guido Magenes (guido.magenes@unipv.it), Dr. Andrea Penna (andrea.penna@unipv.it), Dr. Maria Rota (maria.rota@eucentre.it) 81 SUB-STRUCTURING TECHNIQUES FOR MODELLING THE INTERACTION BETWEEN GLOBAL AND LOCAL MECHANISMS Out-of-plane seismic vulnerability represents a crucial issue for existing masonry buildings. Because of this reason several studies, both experimental and analytical, have been carried out on this topic, leading to identifying abaci of observed typical local mechanisms and developing assessment procedures. Such procedures, usually based on limit equilibrium analysis of rigid bodies, take into account the interaction between global and local response by means of very simplified and general formulae. Realistic modeling of the dynamic interaction between global response and local failure modes may be based on FEM nonlinear continuum models, with significant computational costs. Although they are very effective in the simulation of in-plane wall behavior and building global response, frame-type models do not seem to be an alternative for modeling local out-of-plane behavior. A possible modeling approach could be based on global models based on frame-type idealization and local models for the out-of-plane response. The use of sub-structuring techniques would allow directly taking into account the different dynamic properties of the main system and the different subsystems. Pre-requisites: basic knowledge of the seismic behavior of masonry structures and programming capability. For more information contact Prof. Guido Magenes (guido.magenes@unipv.it), Dr. Andrea Penna (andrea.penna@unipv.it), Dr. Maria Rota (maria.rota@eucentre.it) Pavia, 21.05.2012 Page 18 of 20 ROSE_Research_Topics_21_05_2012.docx MSc Thesis or Individual Study

id 82

Title EXPERIMENTAL SHEAR TESTS AND EVALUATION OF THE SEISMIC PARAMETERS ON MASONRY WALLS WITH THIN WEBS/SHELLS CLAY UNITS

Text The tendency of the clay unit producers towards innovative solutions regarding the sustainability and the energetic efficiency of the masonry products is leading to the manufacturing of clay unit configurations consisting of very thin webs and shells which should improve the thermal and acoustic insulation. Nevertheless, research is needed to assess the seismic performance of masonry walls constituted by clay units with thin webs/shells, which could be a source of weakness, especially if associated to thin layer mortar bedjoints. The aim of this project is hence to study the applicability and the use of such innovative types of units in moderate to medium seismic areas, by evaluating the seismic performance of three different types of load bearing masonry with thin web/shells clay units through an extensive experimental investigation and numerical research. Some of the phases of the proposed research are the following: Design and construction of the real scale clay unit masonry walls to be subjected to experimental cyclic shear-compression tests; Execution of in-plane cyclic shear tests on 5 specimens for each masonry typology considered. Interpretation of the experimental tests, with particular attention devoted to the parameters defining the seismic behavior of masonry walls, such as deformation capacity, shear strength and elastic stiffness. Numerical research based on static nonlinear analyses of different structural configurations of masonry buildings. One of the objectives of the numerical research is the determination of the relevant design parameters for the use of this type of masonry in seismic areas.

Addressed to MSc Thesis, Individual Study or Ph.D. Dissertation (depending on the number of issues considered)

Pre-requisites: basic knowledge of the seismic behaviour of masonry structures. For more information contact Prof. Guido Magenes (guido.magenes@unipv.it), Dr. Paolo Morandi (paolo.morandi@eucentre.it), Dr. Andrea Penna (andrea.penna@unipv.it)

Pavia, 21.05.2012

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id 83

Title EXPERIMENTAL AND NUMERICAL RESEARCH ON THE BEHAVIOUR OF NEWLY DESIGNED R.C. FRAMES INFILLED WITH CLAY MASONRY.

Text Experimental research on the seismic behavior of newly designed r.c. frames with adherent clay masonry infills needs to be performed in order to study and fully comprehend the seismic response of some masonry infill typologies, such as, for example, single leaf frame-adherent solutions of medium to large thickness (> 25-30 cm) or double leaf solutions with an external brick veneer, which have been little examined in the past. For such cases a lack of information with respect to stiffness, in-plane and out-of-plane strength, displacement capacity and frame-infill interaction has been recognized. The aim of this project is hence to study the in-plane and the out-of-plane seismic behavior of different clay masonry infill typologies enclosed in r.c. structures trough the execution of static and dynamic in-plane and out-of-plane tests. At the end of the tests, a calibration of numerical models according to the test results will allow to perform parameterized numerical analyses on buildings varying the structural configurations (e.g. the number of stories and the structural systems), the type of masonry infill, the seismic action and the ductility class. The results of the analyses could be used in order to evaluate the displacement demands of the infilled structures, the damage of the infills and the frame-infill interaction. Moreover, from the experimental tests, useful information related to the evaluation of the out-of-plane strength for safety verifications could be found, both in the case of in-plane undamaged infill and in the case of damaged infill. One of the main objectives of this research is to validate/amend or improve the current international codified procedures for the design of infilled r.c. buildings. Some of the phases of the proposed research are the following: Tests of characterization on r.c. frame and masonry infills: compression/tension/shear tests on concrete, masonry units, mortar, masonry wallets; Experimental quasi-static cyclic in-plane tests on single-bay, single-story bare and infilled r.c. frames with different masonry typologies; Experimental static out-of-plane tests on infills in the condition of previously in-plane damaged and undamaged infills; Experimental dynamic out-of-plane tests on the shaking table for previously in-plane damaged infills; Interpretation of the experimental tests with attention devoted to the parameters defining the inplane seismic behavior of the infills, such as deformation capacities at different levels of damage, lateral strength and elastic stiffness; Interpretation of the experimental tests with attention devoted to the parameters defining the outof-plane seismic behavior of the infills. Numerical research based on static non-linear and dynamic non-linear (time-history) analyses on different structural configurations of r.c. buildings infilled with different clay masonry typologies.

Addressed to Msc Thesis, Individual Study or Ph.D. Dissertation (depending on the number of issues considered)

Pre-requisites: basic knowledge of the seismic behavior of r.c. structures. For more information contact Prof. Guido Magenes (guido.magenes@unipv.it), Dr. Paolo Morandi (paolo.morandi@eucentre.it), Dr. Andrea Penna (andrea.penna@unipv.it)

Pavia, 21.05.2012

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