Fabrizio Comodini

Results and analytical simulation of axial and diagonal compression tests on reinforced concrete panels cast with wood blocks system

This paper deals with the mechanical behavior of r.c. panels produced via the building technology of Large lightly reinforced concrete walls–wood blocks system (LLRCW–WBS). The results of axial and diagonal compression tests conducted on panels produced with this system are presented. The theoretical and numerical analyses carried out in order to reproduce the mechanical behavior of the panels, evaluate their stress-strain states and their elastic-plastic behavior are then described. The theoretical analyses are performed on the basis of an improvement in the methodology as set out in European guidelines. The results of the theoretical and numerical models are compared with those obtained from experimentation reaching a good correspondence. The defined models may be used in the design of structures made of LLRCW–WBS.

Experimental, analytical and numerical analysis of the seismic behavior of Large Lightly R/C Walls cast with Wood Blocks System

The paper deals with the experimental research and theoretical and numerical analysis on panels made with the construction technology known as Large Lightly Reinforced Concrete Walls–Wood Blocks System (LLRCW–WBS). The results of a series of experimental tests performed on real scale panels subjected to vertical load and cyclic horizontal actions on their plane are presented. Theoretical and numerical analysis have been carried out to understand the experimental results and providing calculation models suitable for the seismic design of LLRCW–WBS panels. Theoretical procedures and numerical models allow to determine the main mechanical parameters characterizing the seismic capacity of the panels, that are strength, deformation capacity, dissipative capacity and collapse modes. Results from theoretical and numerical analysis show a good correspondence with experimental results.

Experimental vertical compression tests on reinforced concrete panels made with wood blocks system and theoretical evaluation of critical load

The paper deals with the experimental and theoretical study of the behavior of panels made with Large Lightly Reinforced Concrete Walls–Wood Blocks System (LLRCW–WBS). The results of a series of centered axial compression tests performed on slender and squat panels made with the above mentioned system are presented. The theoretical studies carried out in order to estimate the local and global buckling collapse load as a function of significant parameters are then introduced. Theoretical analyses have been conducted on the basis of already established studies aiming to produce appropriate calculation methods for the design of LLRCW–WBS panels subjected to axial compressive actions. The results from theoretical analyses have been compared with those obtained from tests which resulted in an adequate correspondence.

Precast Industrial Buildings in Italy - Current Building Code and New Provisions Since the 2012 Earthquake.

First of all the paper describes the Italian regulatory framework for precast buildings. Then the work focuses on the structural weaknesses most frequently found in existing buildings. It also discusses the changes made to building standards and to the technical specifications following the earthquake that struck the regions of Emilia-Romagna, Veneto and Lombardy in May 2012. Finally, it presents the guidelines developed by the Working Group on the Seismic Conformity of Industrial Buildings for the rapid restoration of accessibility and seismic improvement of existing precast buildings.

Experimental tests and numerical analysis of corner connections bent about their axis in lightly reinforced concrete panels cast with wood block system

This study deals with the experimental research and numerical modeling of the corner connections of panels made with the construction technology known as large lightly reinforced concrete walls–wood blocks system (LLRCW–WBS). We present the results of experimental tests performed on real scale panel-to-panel corner connections subjected to vertical load and cyclic horizontal actions causing bending to the connection. Numerical analyses were carried out with the aim of interpreting the experimental results and providing calculation models that are suitable for reproducing corner connection behavior in the seismic design of LLRCW–WBS panels. A parametric analysis was carried out in order to assess the influence of the effectiveness of the corner connection on the seismic capacity of LLRCW–WBS panels concerning the limit state of the out-of-plane collapse. By comparing the capacity/demand ratios of the out-of-plane behavior of the panels with those related to in-plane strength, it is possible to define criteria for the resistance hierarchy between the two limit states.

Dissipative Devices for Vulnerability Reduction of Precast Buildings

The paper presents the development of a study on low cost seismic protection devices to put in place at the joints of prefabricated structural systems with the aim of improving their seismic response. In particular, this phase of the research focuses on the optimisation of protection devices used on two-dimensional mono-and multi-storey frames. A comparative analysis of the seismic response of the systems varying the mechanical characteristics of the devices was developed. The friction-type protective devices adopted were installed at the beam-column and column-foundation interfaces. The performed analyses show a significant improvement in seismic response, in terms of both reduction of stresses and increase of dissipative capacity.