MECHRES20 - Mechanics and Performance of Resilient Structures and Infrastructures

2nd International Summer School - online
8 September 2020
9 September 2020
10 September 2020
11 September 2020
8 - 11 September 2020

Registration deadline: 5 September 2020

Topic and Objective

The tremendous impact of natural hazards, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, flooding, etc, which triggered technological accidents, referred to as natural-technological (NaTech) events, was demonstrated by:
i) the recent Tohoku earthquake and the following Fukushima disaster in 2011;
ii) the UK’s 2015 winter floods which topped £5bn, with thousands of families and businesses that faced financial problems because of inadequate or non-existent insurance.
Therefore, today there is a stronger need than ever to grow researchers that combine a robust academic foundation in linear/non-linear dynamics, control, knowledge of hazard and risk with practical experiences, technological expertise and conviction to furthering research with an entrepreneurial spirit. 

Hence, the objective of the Summer School is to offer innovative training ground, experience in risk-based simulation/development of structures, vibration reduction, control and disaster resilience subjected to earthquakes, wind, etc as well as laboratory experience.

International and Italian lecturers

  • Luca Caracoglia, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
  • Oreste S. Bursi, University of Trento, Italy
  • Vincenzo Gattulli, Sapienza, University of Rome, Italy
  • Fabrizio Paolacci, University of Roma Tre, Italy

Course outline

Introduction to Performance-Based Engineering and Resilience (PBE&R) against wind hazards (L. Caracoglia) 
The scope of this section is to introduce the student to the latest developments in the field of performance-based engineering and resilience against wind hazards. The section will start with a brief examination of wind fields, turbulence and aerodynamic loads for structural engineering design. Analysis methods for the estimation of the structural response under random wind loads and the evaluation of flow-induced vibrations will be presented. Applications of probability principles will be examined in relation to the design of long-span bridges and tall buildings, by incorporating principles of risk analysis, life-cycle assessment and resilience. Finally, a tutorial with examples and practical applications will be discussed.

 
Design of linear and nonlinear lattice materials-based shields for enhanced performance of process plant components (Oreste S. Bursi)
The scope of the course is to provide basic knowledge of linear and nonlinear tools for analysis and design of linear and nonlinear lattice materials-based shields for vibration mitigation of process plant components. With regard to dynamic problems, the main properties of random processes and modal reduction for the determination of the transient dynamic linear and non-linear response of monolithic structural components/systems is presented. As regards problems involving metamaterials, the course gently introduces key concepts and some fundamental theory for elastodynamics of lattice materials, wave propagation in damped materials and some issues on nonlinear lattice materials. Finally, the use of finite optimized lattice resonant metamaterials for industrial structural components/systems subjected to stochastic (earthquake) loadings are presented. Hands-on sessions with computer laboratory exercises are provided.
 
Structural control system design (V. Gattulli)
Passive, semi-active and active control. Structural dynamics in the state-space. Passive system design: passive increment, passive coupling, passive isolation. Active and semi-active enhancement. Model-driven and data-driven design. Applications. Active control of cable oscillations. Nonlinear viscous coupling for seismic retrofitting.  
 
Risk-based framework for major hazard facilities under Na-Tech events (F. Paolacci)
These lectures focus on methods and models for the evaluation of safety margin in presence of catastrophic events as per Na-Tech events. Fragility and Risk analysis, which include loss of containment and consequences, as well as escalation phenomena, are analyzed and discussed. This lecture session focuses also on the development of resilience concepts and calculation methods for Major-Hazard installations under Na-Tech events.
 

Assignments

In order to earn credits, four assignments will be offered at MECHRES20. They are titled:
  1. Flexural band gaps in periodic piping systems (F. Aloschi)
  2. Design of passive and semiactive control systems (F. Potenza)
  3. Seismic risk evaluation of critical equipment for major-hazard industrial plants (D. Corritore)
  4. Performance-Based Engineering and Resilience against Wind Hazards (L. Caracoglia)

Registration

The registration fee (€ 100) will cover complete course materials, including slides and hands-on tutorials. It is worth 4 credits with homework assignments. Registration is required.

To participate in the School you must fill in the registration form available in the download box by September 5th 2020. Please read the information provided carefully. 

Contacts

Course Chair

Oreste S. Bursi
oreste.bursi [at] unitn.it
tel. +39 0461 282521

Course Secretariat

Chiara Nardin

xp-resilience.secretariat [at] unitn.it
Tel. +39 0461 281964

edited by Communication and Events Office  - polo di Collina
Download 
application/pdfLecturers_Biographies(PDF | 326 KB)
application/pdfTimetable(PDF | 90 KB)
application/pdfMECHRES20 - outline and assignments(PDF | 386 KB)
application/mswordMECHRES2020_RegistrationForm(DOC | 47 KB)
application/pdfFlyer_MECHRES20_V10(PDF | 261 KB)