Alfredo Soeiro

PROBABILISTIC DESIGN AND OPTIMIZATION OF REINFORCED CONCRETE FRAMES

Abstract A structural optimization algorithm which includes global displacements as decision variables is presented. The formulation addresses the possibility of using a universal procedure for obtaining optimal solutions independently of local code restrictions. A comparison of current ACI code safety requirements and reliability constraints with examples of optimal limit design techniques is presented. The flexural performance of the elements was evaluated as a function of the actual stress-strain diagrams of the materials. For the non-linear case, formation of fictitious rotational hinges was allowed and the equilibrium constraints were updated accordingly. The adequacy of the frames was guaranteed by imposing constraints, representing the maximum probability of failure of the members and the global displacements allowed, combined with a prescribed limited system probability of failure.

The Impact of BIM-based virtual and augmented reality interfaces on health and safety in construction projects: protocol for a systematic review

The construction sector is notable for its interdisciplinary knowledge and complex interactions between different parties and the sector has been gradually adopting new methodologies to improve work and collaboration practices, such as the case of Building Information Modeling (BIM). A protocol for a systematic review is proposed to evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality techniques in the Architectural, Engineering, Construction and Operations sector. The search will be carried out in the reference databases for the field. One of the main outcomes of this study is to assess the effectiveness of virtual reality tools implemented in construction projects at the same time it will try to estimate the cost of the equipment and the implementation of the intervention and if any other mentioned cost might be related to risk reduction or better performance. This protocol is registered in PROSPERO under the code of PROSPERO CRD42018085845.

PRACTICAL OUTPUTS TO APPLY DIGITAL TOOLS IN LIFE LONG LEARNING: MODERN PROJECT

The MODERN project aims to help you teach more effectively through incorporating new digital learning tools into your day to day teaching delivery. It is expected MODERN will be a key resource in teacher and trainers ́ professional development. It has been identified, assessed and categorised the latest and best digital learning tools. This is a project with a website that has actually had real educators looking at and rating every tool. Want to find the best tools for creating courses? Done! Want to find the best tool for testing students? Done! Want to find the best tools for project work? Done! In fact, the unique 10 category classification system makes it easy for anyone to find the best tool for the learning objective that anyone wants to achieve.

Finding adequate assessment types as function of learning outcomes: Webtool implementation project TALOE

It is presented a conceptual model that aligns Learning Outcomes (LO) in Engineering Education (EE) with assessment strategies based on e-learning. The research problem was made taking into account three areas of research: Assessment, Engineering Education and e-Learning. The work managed to verify to what extent e-assessment methods may be used to measure intended Learning Outcomes of Engineering courses. The study was planned to facilitate the curriculum design, the teaching delivery planning, the recognition of e-learning courses and to improve definition of assessment tools. In general terms, the approach chosen was to develop a model that matches various common assessment methods to measure the achievement of the main Learning Outcomes (LO) in the field of engineering. This means that it should be possible for a teacher to define the intended LO of the engineering course and, considering this definition, to write proper and possible adequate assessment methods. The work done in the study proposes a conceptual model ALOE (Assessment of Learning Outcomes in Engineering). ALOE was used to describe the Learning Outcomes and the proper assessment and to achieve alignment between these two components of the educational process. The implementation of the model was done defining a web based tool that allows teachers to obtain suggestions for proper assessments in accordance with the type of LO.

Economic analysis of safety risks in construction

The objective of this study revolves around the analysis of the safety risks involved within a large construction project, and the respective economic effects. This analysis is fundamental for the safety management and cost reduction of accidents. The case study is the result of the safety coordination of systems, and of the harmonization between the project owner, the safety coordinator and the contractor. The result of this collaboration is and adequate strategy to prevent the risks during the construction of a large hydro-electric dam in the north of Portugal. The project is part of a governmental plan to invest in the energy obtained from hydraulic sources. The dam in the north of Portugal is located in a river and near the confluence with the river Douro. It will have a capacity of storage that will be strategic to the electricity generation in the country. It has two storage-pumped plants equipped with reversible units. The construction volume covers around 700000 m 3 of concrete, 600000 m 3 of excavation and an installed power of 170 MW. This dam presents a strategic value since it will increase the water supply reserves for domestic and industrial use. It will be the largest reserve of water in Portugal. The safety risk evaluation on this construction project was carried out using simulation tools of the different phases of construction according to the tasks of the program plan. This overall analysis of the risks related with the planned tasks provides a sequence of risks over the duration of the project. The simulation allows the analysis to identify peaks and levels of high risks that are identified. The method proposes a scale to classify risks that is compatible with probability of occurrence and gravity of the consequences. There is also a systematic