Robustness plays a relevant role in the capacity of a structure to sustain abnormal loads
or to deal with unexpected events with large effects, such as explosions and terroristic
attacks. Such situations on dams may have extremely large consequences. For buildings,
the design approach that best implements robustness concepts is represented by the so
called “Consequence Based Design”: even if nothing is known about the cause, selective
element removals and extreme load on the structure are modeled, and their effects are
determined with respect to progressive collapse and damage arrest.
In the paper we try to set-up a “Consequence Based Assessment” of a typical example of
a gravity dam built between the ‘30s and ‘40s of the last century in the northwestern
Italian Alps. A simplified model of the structure is adopted. Removal of parts of the dam
cross-section is assumed to occur: the effects of the extent of damage is discussed on the
bases of the tension generated within the body of the dam.
Abstract Robustness plays a relevant role in the capacity of a structure to sustain abnormal loads
or to deal with unexpected events with large effects, such as explosions and terroristic
attacks. [...]
Earthquakes pose a significant threat to dams and other reservoir structures. Beyond the ground shaking itself, the dynamic interaction between the earthquake ground motion and the water in the reservoir creates a phenomenon known as hydrodynamic pressure. This pressure can significantly exceed the static hydrostatic pressure that the dam is typically designed to withstand. Understanding and accurately predicting hydrodynamic pressure is crucial for ensuring the safety and stability of dams during seismic events. This paper provides an excursus on the literature present on this topic and delves into the formulation included in the Ministerial Decree of 1982 developing in detailed calculation steps and thus determining in closed form the resultant of the pressures and its point of application.
Abstract Earthquakes pose a significant threat to dams and other reservoir structures. Beyond the ground shaking itself, the dynamic interaction between the earthquake ground motion [...]
This paper deals with the issue of structural collapse considering an analogy between ductile-brittle transition of materials, taking into account the current literature which also considers the number of fragility and the stress intensification factor in the presence of crack, with extension on a larger scale involving framed structures subjected to increasing vertical loads. It is evaluated the ductile-fragile transition in relation to concrete frames with different structural hierarchy (2x2, 5x5, 11x11).
Abstract This paper deals with the issue of structural collapse considering an analogy between ductile-brittle transition of materials, taking into account the current literature which [...]
This thesis is divided into two parts: in the first part the collapse of the WTC1, WTC 2 (Twin Towers) and WTC 7 buildings following the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001 is analysed. In the second part, the collapse type and strength of frame buildings with different topological characteristics. What links the two parts is structural robustness.
Below is an overview of the work with a description of the topic covered in each Chapter.
Chapter 1: description of the structural and fire protection characteristics of the WTC 1, WTC 2 and WTC 7 buildings.
Chapter 2: timeline of the terrorist events of September 11, 2001.
Chapter 3: description of the types of fire, the performance of structures and the behavior of the main building materials (steel, concrete) to fire.
Chapter 4: analysis of the main hypotheses of the collapse of the Twin Towers present in the literature.
Chapter 5: definition of structural robustness, structural toughness, vulnerability. Description of project strategies to prevent progressive collapses.
Chapter 6: measurement of the structural strength of buildings with a reinforced concrete frame structure. through Discrete Element simulations (DEM).
Chapter 7: discussion of progressive collapse due to impacts from an analytical and bibliographical point of view.
Abstract This thesis is divided into two parts: in the first part the collapse of the WTC1, WTC 2 (Twin Towers) and WTC 7 buildings following the terrorist attacks of 11 September [...]
Structural analysis is conducted by the displacement method for evaluation of the stress-strain state induced by static loads. The analysis is conducted by the modal analysis and acceleration response spectrum method for the evaluation of the stress-strain state induced by dynamic loads (including seismic loads).
Structural analysis is carried out using the finite element method. The above method is based on the schematization of the structure into elements connected only at a set number of points called nodes. The nodes are defined by the three Cartesian coordinates in a global reference system. The unknowns of the problem (within the displacement method) are the displacement components of the nodes referred to the global reference system (translations according to X, Y, Z, rotations around X, Y, Z). The solution of the problem is obtained by a system of linear algebraic equations whose known terms consist of the loads acting on the structure appropriately concentrated at the nodes.
Abstract Structural analysis is conducted by the displacement method for evaluation of the stress-strain state induced by static loads. The analysis is conducted by the modal analysis [...]
In this Document, the situation of a Company, fictitiously named “Hydrogen” and operating in the
hydroelectric production sector, is represented.
The following paragraphs describe the strategic peculiarities in terms of company needs and of an
employee, representing his development situation in the context of insertion and with reference to
the inter and intra company strategies undertaken.
Paragraph 5.1 represents the organizational and strategic situation of the identified company,
identifying the objectives and needs of the people involved in the formulation of the corporate
strategy, using an analytical model for evaluating the priorities of each function or unit of the company
itself.
Paragraph 5.2 ,then, analyzes the development plan of a sample employee taking as a reference for
the advancement of skills in terms of emotional intelligence in reaching the executive level.
In Paragraph 5.3, a review of the development plan is carried out based on the strategic needs of
the identified company, also taking into account the achievement of part of the objectives and the
introduction of other reference parameters.
Finally, in Paragraph 5.4, the methods for developing company resources are identified using intercompany
collaboration tools that promote horizontal and vertical development of the resources and
processes themselves, as well as adequate professional development of the resources involved.
Abstract In this Document, the situation of a Company, fictitiously named “Hydrogen” and operating in the
hydroelectric production sector, is represented.
The following [...]
We present a framework to investigate progressive collapse and robustness of 2D framed structures, subjected to multiple column removals. Progressive collapse is first simulated with an algorithm based on the Discrete Elements. The possible collapse mechanisms emerging from the simulations constitute the input for an analytical model. The model takes into account the dynamics of the response to the sudden initial damage and, under the hypotheses of ideally plastic or perfectly brittle ruptures, provides upper and lower bounds for the collapse loads and for the progressive collapse resistance. Closed form expressions are obtained, that can be valuable for robustness-oriented design. A novel concept of hierarchy in robustness capacity design emerges, which partly conflicts with anti-seismic capacity design. Strategies of compartmentalization and the influence of the position of the initial damage within the frame are discussed, also taking into account the impacts between falling rubble and horizontal floor slabs.
Abstract We present a framework to investigate progressive collapse and robustness of 2D framed structures, subjected to multiple column removals. Progressive collapse is first simulated [...]
This paper deals with the critical issue of structural collapses and introduce a novel interpretation of the concept of Structural Robustness applied to Intact and Damaged Frames in order to quantify the critical load multiplier in each case, by a simple set of mathematical equations.
Abstract This paper deals with the critical issue of structural collapses and introduce a novel interpretation of the concept of Structural Robustness applied to Intact and Damaged [...]
This paper is aimed to analyze how a bibliographic work should be considered not as rigid collection of publications but as an opportunity to discover knowledge which often turns into the development of new technical ideas and finally it translates into innovation.
Abstract This paper is aimed to analyze how a bibliographic work should be considered not as rigid collection of publications but as an opportunity to discover knowledge which often [...]
ROBUSTNESS AND CONSEQUENCE BASED ASSESSMENT OF AN EXISTING DAM 
