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- Analysis of the Out-Of-Plane Seismic Behavior of Unreinforced Masonry: A Literature ReviewPublication . Ferreira, Tiago Miguel; Costa, Alexandre A.; Costa, AníbalAlthough the issue of the out-of-plane response of unreinforced masonry structures under earthquake excitation is well known with consensus among the research community, this issue is simultaneously one of the more complex and most neglected areas on the seismic assessment of existing buildings. Nonetheless, its characterization should be found on the solid knowledge of the phenomenon and on the complete understanding of methodologies currently used to describe it. Based on this assumption, this article presents a general framework on the issue of the out-of-plane performance of unreinforced masonry structures, beginning with a brief introduction to the topic, followed by a compact state of art in which the principal methodologies proposed to assess the out-of-plane behavior of unreinforced masonry structures are presented. Different analytical approaches are presented, namely force and displacement-based, complemented with the presentation of existing numerical tools for the purpose presented above. Moreover, the most relevant experimental campaigns carried out in order to reproduce the phenomenon are reviewed and briefly discussed.
- Calibration of the numerical model of a freight railway vehicle based on experimental modal parametersPublication . Ribeiro, Diogo; Bragança, C.; Costa, C.; Jorge, P.; Silva, R.; Arêde, A.; Calçada, R.The simulation of the dynamic behavior of the train-track system is strongly dependent on the accuracy of the numerical models of the train and track subsystems. The use of calibrated numerical models of the railway vehicles, based on experimental data, enhances their ability to correctly reproduce the dynamic responses of the train under operational conditions. In this scope, studies involving the experimental calibration of freight wagon models are still scarce. This article aims to fill this gap by presenting an efficient methodology for the calibration of a numerical model of a freight railway wagon based on experimental modal parameters. A dynamic test was performed during the unloading operation of the train, adopting a dedicated approach which does not interfere with its tight operational schedule. From data collected during the dynamic test, five natural frequencies and mode shapes associated with rigid-body and flexural movements of the wagon platform were identified through the Enhanced Frequency-Domain Decomposition (EFDD) method. A detailed 3D finite-element (FE) model of the loaded freight wagon was developed, requiring precise knowledge of the vehicle design details which, in most situations, are difficult to obtain due to confidentiality reasons of the manufacturers. The model calibration was performed through an iterative method based on a genetic algorithm and allowed to obtain optimal values for seven numerical parameters related to the suspension’s stiffnesses and mass distribution. The stability of the parameters considering different initial populations demonstrated the robustness of the optimization algorithm. The average error of the natural frequencies decreased from 8.5% before calibration to 3.2% after calibration, and the average MAC values improved from 0.911 to 0.950, revealing a significant improvement of the initial numerical model.
- Calibration of the numerical model of a freight railway vehicle based on experimental modal parametersPublication . Ribeiro, Diogo; Bragança, C.; Costa, C.; Jorge, P.; Silva, R.; Arêde, A.; Calçada, R.The simulation of the dynamic behavior of the train-track system is strongly dependent on the accuracy of the numerical models of the train and track subsystems. The use of calibrated numerical models of the railway vehicles, based on experimental data, enhances their ability to correctly reproduce the dynamic responses of the train under operational conditions. In this scope, studies involving the experimental calibration of freight wagon models are still scarce. This article aims to fill this gap by presenting an efficient methodology for the calibration of a numerical model of a freight railway wagon based on experimental modal parameters. A dynamic test was performed during the unloading operation of the train, adopting a dedicated approach which does not interfere with its tight operational schedule. From data collected during the dynamic test, five natural frequencies and mode shapes associated with rigid-body and flexural movements of the wagon platform were identified through the Enhanced Frequency-Domain Decomposition (EFDD) method. A detailed 3D finite-element (FE) model of the loaded freight wagon was developed, requiring precise knowledge of the vehicle design details which, in most situations, are difficult to obtain due to confidentiality reasons of the manufacturers. The model calibration was performed through an iterative method based on a genetic algorithm and allowed to obtain optimal values for seven numerical parameters related to the suspension’s stiffnesses and mass distribution. The stability of the parameters considering different initial populations demonstrated the robustness of the optimization algorithm. The average error of the natural frequencies decreased from 8.5% before calibration to 3.2% after calibration, and the average MAC values improved from 0.911 to 0.950, revealing a significant improvement of the initial numerical model.
- Coastal management risk analysis of an embayed beach in Majorca islandPublication . Abreu, Tiago; Parreño-Mas, Benjamín; Pinto-Faria, JoséCoastal erosion affects many coastlines around the world. This is a serious problem for the Balearic Islands, located at the western Mediterranean Sea, since the economy of the region largely relies on tourist activities along the sandy coastline. Therefore, coastal management strategies are required, particularly, in anthropized coasts as it is the case of Cala Millor beach (north-eastern Mallorca). A risk analysis for this micro-tidal sandy beach is performed in this paper. It is recognized that the beach suffers a persistent loss of sediments since its natural balance was changed due to anthropic activities that took place in that Spanish coast in the 1960s. Some solutions can be adopted to solve this problem, but it is important to be aware that, close to the shore, the seabed is covered by a native vegetation known as Posidonia Oceanica. This seagrass meadow plays an important role in this coastal system, being responsible by the lamination of the waves through energy dissipation, which are inextricably linked to coastal morphology. Therefore, any solution needs to address local specificities, and its consequent potential impact must be incorporated into the coastal risk management process. This study analyzes the failure modes identified according to the failure modes and effects analysis/failure mode, effects and criticality analysis, proposing a set of recommendations, in order to mitigate the occurrence of failure modes and to minimize risks.
- Detection of exposed steel rebars based on deep-learning techniques and unmanned aerial vehiclesPublication . Santos, R.; Ribeiro, Diogo; Lopes, Patrícia; Cabral, R.; Calçada, R.In recent years deep-learning techniques have been developed and applied to inspect cracks in RC structures. The accuracy of these techniques leads to believe that they may also be applied to the identification of other pathologies. This article proposes a technique for automated detection of exposed steel rebars. The tools developed rely on convolutional neural networks (CNNs) based on transfer-learning using AlexNet. Experiments were conducted in large-scale structures to assess the efficiency of the method. To circumvent limitations on the proximity access to structures as large as the ones used in the experiments, as well as increase cost efficiency, the image capture was performed using an unmanned aerial system (UAS). The final goal of the proposed methodology is to generate orthomosaic maps of the pathologies or structure 3D models with superimposed pathologies. The results obtained are promising, confirming the high adaptability of CNN based methodologies for structural inspection.
- Efficiency of strengthening techniques assessed for existing masonry buildingsPublication . Diz, Sérgio; Costa, Aníbal; Costa, Alexandre A.The Azores archipelago is a zone with a vast cultural heritage, presenting a building stock mainly constructed in traditional stone masonry. It is known that this type of construction exhibits poor behaviour under seismic excitations; however it is extensively used in seismic prone areas, such as this case. The 9th of July of 1998 earthquake was the last seismic event in the islands, leaving many traditional stone constructions severely damaged or totally destroyed. This scenario led to an effort by the local government of improving the seismic resistance of these constructions, with the application of several reinforcement techniques. This work aims to study some of the most used reinforcement schemes after the 1998 earthquake, and to assess their effectiveness in the mitigation of the construction’s seismic vulnerability. A brief evaluation of the cost versus benefit of these retrofitting techniques is also made, seeking to identify those that are most suitable for each building typology. Thus, it was sought to analyze the case of real structures with different geometrical and physical characteristics, by establishing a comparison between the seismic performance of reinforced and non-reinforced structures. The first section contains the analysis of a total of six reinforcement scenarios for each building chosen. Using the recorded 1998 earthquake accelerograms, a linear time-history analysis was performed for each reinforcement scenario. A comparison was then established between the maximum displacements, inter-storey drift and maximum stress obtained, in order to evaluate the global seismic response of each reinforced structure. In the second part of the work, the examination of the performance obtained in the previous section, in relation to the cost of implementing each reinforcement technique, allowed to draw conclusions concerning the viability of implementing each reinforcement method, based on the book value of the buildings in study.
- Efficient multiscale methodology for local stress analysis of metallic railway bridges based on modal superposition principlesPublication . Horas, Cláudio; Jesus, Abílio M.P. de; Ribeiro, Diogo; Calçada, RuiThis paper presents an advanced submodelling methodology for local stress analysis of complex details of existing metallic railway bridges. The fatigue assessment of connections of large structures based on local methods leads inherently to a multiscale problem that can only be solved by adopting efficient numerical procedures. Aiming to overcome such limitations that influence the analysis process, submodelling techniques and modal superposition principles are combined to fully represent numerically the local geometrical, material and contact properties of the fatigue-critical details. The results of experimental in situ tests are proposed to characterise the numerical models and respective multiscale relation, implementing optimisation and validation procedures. In this work, the suggested efficient multiscale methodology for stress analysis aims to allow the subsequent local fatigue assessment, according to the real mechanism of loading transference, reducing sources of conservatism. All numerical procedures and respective validation thru experimental techniques are illustrated using a real case study.
- Experimental Assessment of the Out-of-Plane Performance of Masonry Buildings Through Shaking Table TestsPublication . Candeias, P. X.; Costa, A. Campos; Mendes, N.; Costa, A. A.; Lourenço, P. B.This article presents the results of the LNEC-3D shaking table tests on two mock-ups, Brick House and Stone House, carried out in the scope of the workshop “Methods and challenges on the out-of-plane assessment of existing masonry buildings.” The mock-ups have a U shape with one facade wall and two orthogonal sidewalls. The facade has a central opening and a gable on top, whereas the two sidewalls, acting as abutments, are either blind or have a window. A unidirectional seismic action, in the perpendicular direction to main wall, was applied. Out-of-plane behavior of the facade was found, even if the response was clearly influenced by the presence of the window in one of the sidewalls, which led to significant torsion of the structure. The detailed description of the two tests and the conclusions are presented. The response of the mock-ups was evaluated based on the displacements, damage, and collapse mechanisms developed as function of an increasing intensity earthquake testing protocol, in which a pre-processed strong ground motion component of the Christchurch (New Zealand) earthquake (February 21, 2011) was used.
- Experimental characterization of the out-of-plane performance of regular stone masonry walls, including test setups and axial load influencePublication . Ferreira, Tiago Miguel; Costa, Alexandre A.; Arêde, António; Gomes, Ana; Costa, AníbalStone masonry is one of the oldest and most worldwide used building techniques. Nevertheless, the structural response of masonry structures is complex and the effective knowledge about their mechanical behaviour is still limited. This fact is particularly notorious when dealing with the description of their out-of-plane behaviour under horizontal loadings, as is the case of the earthquake action. In this context, this paper describes an experimental program, conducted in laboratory environment, aiming at characterizing the out-of-plane behaviour of traditional unreinforced stone masonry walls. In the scope of this campaign, six full-scale sacco stone masonry specimens were fully characterised regarding their most important mechanic, geometric and dynamic features and were tested resorting to two different loading techniques under three distinct vertical pre-compression states; three of the specimens were subjected to an out-of-plane surface load by means of a system of airbags and the remaining were subjected to an out-of-plane horizontal line-load at the top. From the experiments it was possible to observe that both test setups were able to globally mobilize the out-of-plane response of the walls, which presented substantial displacement capacity, with ratios of ultimate displacement to the wall thickness ranging between 26 and 45 %, as well as good energy dissipation capacity. Finally, very interesting results were also obtained from a simple analytical model used herein to compute a set of experimental-based ratios, namely between the maximum stability displacement and the wall thickness for which a mean value of about 60 % was found.
- Experimental Validation of a Double-Deck Track-Bridge System under Railway TrafficPublication . Saramago, Gabriel; Montenegro, Pedro Aires; Ribeiro, Diogo; Silva, Artur; Santos, Sergio; Calçada, RuiThis article describes the experimental and numerical evaluation of the dynamic behaviour of the Cascalheira bridge, located on the Northern Line of the Portuguese railway network. The bridge has a short span formed by two filler-beam half-decks, each one accommodating a railway track. The study includes the development of a finite element numerical model in ANSYS® software, as well as in situ dynamic characterization tests of the structure, namely ambient vibration tests, for the estimation of natural frequencies, modes shapes and damping coefficients, and a dynamic test under railway traffic, particularly for the passage of the Alfa Pendular train. The damping coefficients’ estimation was performed based on the Prony method, which proved effective in situations where the classical methods (e.g., decrement logarithm) tend to fail, particularly in the case of mode shapes with closed natural frequencies, as typically happens with the first vertical bending and torsion modes. The updating of the numerical model of the bridge was carried out using an iterative methodology based on a genetic algorithm, allowing an upgrade of the agreement between the numerical and experimental modal parameters. Particular attention was given to the characterization of the ballast degradation over the longitudinal joint between the two half-decks, given its influence in the global dynamic behavior of this type of double-deck bridges. Finally, the validation of the numerical model was performed by comparing the acceleration response of the structure under traffic actions, by means of numerical dynamic analyses considering vehicle-bridge interaction and including track irregularities, with the ones obtained by the dynamic test under traffic actions. The results of the calibrated numerical model showed a better agreement with the experimental results based on the accelerations evaluated in several measurement points located in both half-decks. In the validation process the vertical stiffness of the supports, as well as the degradation of the ballast located over the longitudinal joint between half-decks, was demonstrated to be relevant for the accuracy and effectiveness of the numerical models.
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