Publications

An innovative higher-order beam theory, capable of accurately taking into account flexural

The specific features of the proposed force-based formulation derived in the companion paper, which is applied for the first time to higher-order beam theories, are herein thoroughly validated. Introductory numerical examples illustrate the influence of mesh refinement, boundary conditions, and slenderness ratios for isotropic linear elastic response. Specific higher-order effects

An accurate assessment of the airflow in naturally ventilated double skin facades (DSF) is crucial for a correct design and performance evaluation. Measuring and predicting DSF airflow is not a straightforward task, given the stochastic nature of the wind, which can assist or oppose the buoyancy force. The present paper resumes the results of airflow measurements inside a naturally ventilated double skin facade using a tracer gas technique. The tests were performed on an outdoor air curtain (OAC) DSF test cell with a movable slat venetian blind. Measurements with no active shading and at night were also performed. Outdoor and test cell air gap temperatures were continuously measured and wind pressure coefficients were determined from wind tunnel tests. Experimental results were then compared to those obtained by a simple model taking into account both thermal and wind effects on the facade. From this comparison discharge coefficients were estimated, which can be used for characterizing the DSF behaviour.

The existing building stock in Azores islands (Portugal) was severely damaged during 1980and 1998 earthquakes. Structural failure was probably caused by a combination of factorsthat are not yet well understood. Earthquake source characteristics, site effects and structuralvulnerability may be some of those factors. However, it is very difficult to assess theinfluence of each factor on structural failure, mainly because recorded accelerograms usedin nonlinear structural analysis are influenced by both source characteristics and site conditions.The only way to overcome this problem is to control each factor individually whichcan be done by using simulated accelerograms. In our previous work, stochastic groundmotion simulations results were compared with earthquake records. Results seem to indicatethat simulated accelerograms can match recorded accelerograms if proper sourcecharacteristics and geological site conditions are selected. In this work, simulated accelerogramswere used for seismic nonlinear structural analysis. Simulations were carried outconsidering several 1980 Azores earthquake possible sources and for different geologicalsite conditions. Simulated accelerograms were then used to evaluate the structural nonlinearbehaviour of a reinforced concrete structure and of two masonry structures. The resultsof this work highlight the importance of site conditions and earthquake source characteristicsto the determination of the design seismic actions of Azores islands. This work wasperformed in the scope of

O Laboratório Nacional de Engenharia Civil tem uma longa experiência na área da Engenharia Sísmica, sendo uma das instituições de referência, a nível europeu, em todos os campos desta área das Ciências da Engenharia. A investigação europeia em Engenharia Sísmica teve início no final da década de 50, tendo sido o LNEC, na pessoa do Engenheiro Júlio Ferry Borges, o seu principal impulsionador. Desde então, assistiu-se ao estudo dos diferentes aspetos da fenomenologia ligada à caraterização da ação sísmica e ao comportamento das estruturas sujeitas à ação dos sismos, como ilustrado pelas cerca de 50 teses de mestrado e doutoramento nos diferentes domínios da Engenharia Sísmica, desenvolvidas no Núcleo de Engenharia Sísmica e Dinâmica de Estruturas (NESDE), nas duas ultimas décadas, e por mais de uma centena de investigadores visitantes, nacionais e estrangeiros. No âmbito da avaliação do risco sísmico, o LNEC tem tido um papel fundamental a nível nacional, assumindo a liderança da investigação científica nas matérias relacionadas com a perigosidade sísmica, a caraterização da ação sísmica, a avaliação do risco, e o desenvolvimento de estratégias para redução da vulnerabilidade sísmica...

This paper aims to assess and improve the seismic performance of an existing masonry building withflexible floors, representative of a Portuguese building typology

The energy dissipation capacity of the NiTi alloy was evaluated as part of a series of shake table tests. A superelastic damper was developed to take advantage of the hysteretic energy dissipation associated with this type of shape memory alloy. Each device was tested at different intensity levels. A vertical steel cantilever with 600 kg mass on top was subjected to a series of ground motions with different spectral characteristics. The dampers were placed as part of a tie system, restraining the horizontal movement of the top mass. The devices showed stable hysteretic behavior allowing for energy dissipation.

In this paper we provide an overview of recent research work that contributes to clarify the effects of non-linear dynamic interaction on the seismic response of soil foundation-superstructure systems. Such work includes experimental results of seismically loaded structures on shallow foundations, theoretical advancements based on improved macro-elementmodeling of the soil-foundation system, examples of seismic design of bridge piers considering non-linear soil-foundation interaction effects, and numerical results of incremental non-linear dynamic analyses. The objective of this paper is to support the concept of a controlled share of ductility demand between the superstructure and the foundation as a key ingredient for a rational and integrated approach to seismic design of foundations and structures.

This paper is focused on the study of an earthquake protection system, the tuned liquid damper (TLD), which can, if adequately designed, reduce earthquake demands on buildings. This positive effect is accomplished taking into account the oscillation of the free surface of a fluid inside a tank (sloshing). The behaviour of an isolated TLD, subjected to a sinusoidal excitation at its base, with different displacement amplitudes, was studied by finite element analysis. The efficiency of the TLD in improving the seismic response of an existing building, representative of modern architecture buildings in southern European countries was also evaluated based on linear dynamic analyses.

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O trabalho apresentado refere-se à avaliação do comportamento aerodinâmico da ponte pedonal suspensa 516 Arouca. Para tal realizaram-se ensaios em túnel de vento sobre um modelo reduzido de modo a obter os seus coeficientes aerodinâmicos estáticos e a resposta dinâmica.Os ensaios estáticos contemplaram diferentes configurações: i) tabuleiro; ii) tabuleiro e catenárias; iii) tabuleiro com pessoas, e; iv) tabuleiro e pórticos de suporte aos cabos de estabilização. Para os ensaios dinâmicos foi ensaiado apenas o tabuleiro.Para estes últimos ensaios, dado que o principal modo de deslocamento é lateral (em baloiço), houve que implementar um esquema de suspensão apropriado.

Os edifícios tipo

As estruturas de alvenaria têm nos demonstrado ao longo dos anos grande suscetibilidade perante a ação dos sismos. Para que possam ser definidas e implementadas estratégias de mitigação é importante compreender a vulnerabilidade destas estruturas.O presente estudo pretende analisar o comportamento de duas paredes de alvenaria, com e sem reforço, sujeitas a ações cíclicas no seu plano e sob carregamento vertical. Como proposta de reforço e melhoria do comportamento da parede foi utilizada rede de fibra de vidro e argamassa à base de cal. Numa primeira fase será utilizado um programa de cálculo avançado para análises não lineares, baseado na formulação do Applied Element Method (AEM) [1], de forma a prever o comportamento das paredes até ao colapso. Os resultados serão comparados e discutidos sendo feita a validação experimental do modelo numérico e da formulação utilizada.

The response of three full-scale unreinforced masonry buildings, without specific seismic detailing, as observed in shake table testing at LNEC for a seismic action representative of induced seismicity, is presented. The first building specimen simulated the upper floor and roof of the end-unit of a two-storey terraced house, built with unreinforced cavity walls, a reinforced concrete slab and a pitched timber roof. The second specimen was a replica of the roof of the first building. The third specimen represented instead a one-story detached pre-1940

Até à introdução e disseminação do atual regulamento de dimensionamento sismorresistente em 1983, o Regulamento de Segurança e Acções para Estruturas de Edifícios e Pontes (RSA), a generalidade dos edifícios de betão armado eram dimensionados para resistir apenas a cargas gravíticas. O presente estudo pretende caracterizar o comportamento sísmico destes edifícios bem como quantificar a fiabilidade estrutural quando avaliados à luz do Eurocódigo 8 - Parte 3.Por forma a criar um contexto representativo desta classe de edifícios, foram gerados centenas de modelos numéricos que refletem as principais características geométricas e mecânicas dos materiais, e que obedecem às regras e disposições construtivas definidas nos regulamentos nacionais anteriores à introdução do RSA. A análise probabilística dos resultados obtidos para os níveis de perigosidade associados às diferentes regiões doterritório nacional fornece indicações de quais as combinações edifícios/zonas sísmicas que apresentam uma maior vulnerabilidade face à ação sísmica.

A avaliação da segurança sísmica de edifícios existentes tem como quadro de referência a NP EN 1998-3; 2017. A complexidade destes procedimentos, aliada ao reconhecimento de que uma parte significativa do território nacional apresenta uma sismicidade média/baixa, torna a aplicação desta norma complexa para a maioria dos edifícios existentes de pequeno a médio porte.Neste contexto, foi desenvolvido um estudo probabilístico com o objetivo de definir dois procedimentos alternativos que, não pretendendo substituir a regulamentação existente, permitem avaliar a segurança sísmica de edifícios de uma forma expedita, com base nas propriedades geométricas e mecânicas dos seus elementos verticais.Não obstante a sua simplicidade, estes métodos permitem assegurar o mesmo nível de fiabilidade estrutural para os diferentes graus de perigosidade sísmica em Portugal, bem como um nível de segurança inversamente proporcional ao nível de complexidade dos mesmos, tendo como referência a NP EN 1998-3; 2017.

Typical low-rise masonry construction in regions such as Europe, Australia and New Zealand consists of cavity or solid URM walls covered with various timber roof configurations generally supported by masonry gables. The flexibility of these light timber roof systems has been reported to have significant effect on the seismic performance of the structure as a whole. Post-earthquake observations and experimental outcomes highlighted the large vulnerability of the URM gable walls to the development of overturning mechanisms, both due to the out-of-plane excitations and the in-plane timber diaphragm deformability. This paper presents a full-scale collapse shake-table test on a Dutch roof substructure composed by wooden planks supported by timber beams lying on masonry gable walls. After attaining the collapse of the gable walls, the timber roof diaphragm was subjected to a supplementary quasi-static cyclic pushover test for a complete characterization of the system response. The test is a part of a wider research project aimed at assessing the vulnerability of URM buildings in Groningen, a region of the Netherlands not naturally prone to seismic events, but which has recently been exposed to induced seismicity. The presented results include the damage evolution, the collapse mechanism and the hysteretic response of the specimen.

This paper discusses the results of three dynamic shake-table tests, performed on full-scale unreinforced masonry buildings without specific seismic detailing. The testing program is part of a wider research project aimed at assessing the seismic vulnerability of buildings typical of the Groningen region, located in Northeast of the Netherlands. This area, historically not prone to tectonic ground motions, in the recent years has been subjected to earthquakes induced by reservoir depletion due to gas extraction. The first building specimen simulated the end-unit of a two-story terraced house, built with unreinforced cavity walls. These walls were composed of an inner load-bearing leaf, made of calcium silicate bricks supporting the floors, and an outer veneer, made of clay bricks with aesthetic and weather-protection function. The two leafs were interconnected by distributed metal ties. The floors consisted of reinforced concrete slabs, providing rigid diaphragms in their plane. The pitched roof was made of longitudinal timber purlins, supported by end gables perpendicular to the shaking direction, and wood boards. The second specimen was a replica of the second story and the attic of the first building, with identical details for walls, slab, and roof framing tested to study the collapse mechanism. The third specimen represented instead a one-story detached pre-1940s house, built with double-wythe unreinforced clay masonry walls. The prototype structure was designed to include large openings and a re-entrant corner, causing significant horizontal irregularities. The first floor was made of timber beams and planks, resulting in a flexible diaphragm. The steep-pitch roof consisted of a series of timber trusses connected by wood purlins and boards. The two façades perpendicular to the shaking direction were designed in order to represent two common gable geometries.

Seismic risk has been the focus of a number of European projects in recent years, but there has never been a concerted effort amongst the research community to produce a uniform European risk model. The H2020 SERA project has a work package that is dedicated to that objective, with the aim being to produce an exposure model, a set of fragility/vulnerability functions, and socio-economic indicators in order to assess probabilistic seismic risk at a European scale. The partners of the project are working together with the wider seismic risk community through web tools, questionnaires, workshops, and meetings. All of the products of the project will be openly shared with the community on both the OpenQuake platform of the Global Earthquake Model (GEM) and the web platform of the European Facilities for Earthquake Hazard and Risk (EFEHR).

Reinforced concrete (RC) frames subjected to seismic loading often depict localized member-end deformations due to strain penetration effects between adjacent members, such as beam-column and column-footing joints. Past experimental programs indicate that the bond-slip deformations occurring at the interface between the reinforcement and the surrounding concrete can contribute up to 40% of the lateral deformation of the RC members.Despite the recognized importance of strain penetration effects on the response of RC structures, the consideration of such effects in numerical models is still limited. The employment of advanced bond-slip models within detailed finite element formulations, capable of simulating continuous domains with highly discretized meshes, has witnessed great advances over the recent years with encouraging results. Nonetheless, this modelling approach is computationally heavy and hence inapplicable for practical seismic (nonlinear) analysis of structures.Alternatively, the use of beam-column elements with lumped or distributed plasticity is a more computationally efficient and engineering-friendly modelling approach. Unfortunately, the elements of this type available in conventional numerical packages did not yet consider an explicit simulation of the interface between the reinforcing bars and the surrounding concrete along their embedment length. In other words, the inclusion of bond-slip effects in beam element models has been essentially achieved through simplified formulations based on empirical relationships.The present study aimed at overcoming the foregoing limitation by developing an explicit bond-slip model applicable to general fibre-based beam-column elements. Using a state-of-the-art bond-slip constitutive model, the current paper introduces a zero-length element that computes the localized member-end deformations accounting for the bond-slip response at each reinforcing bar of a given RC section. Along with the material properties and anchorage conditions, the proposed nonlinear model also accounts for cyclic degradation and rebar yielding effects. Validation studies conducted with the proposed numerical formulation reveal a good agreement with past experimental tests, evidencing an important stability and accuracy at the expense of an acceptable additional computational effort.

This book presents a selection of the best papers from the HEaRT 2015 conference, held in Lisbon, Portugal, which provided a valuable forum for engineers and architects, researchers and educators to exchange views and findings concerning the technological history, construction features and seismic behavior of historical timber-framed walls in the Mediterranean countries. The topics covered are wide ranging and include historical aspects and examples of the use of timber-framed construction systems in response to earthquakes, such as the gaiola system in Portugal and the Bourbon system in southern Italy; interpretation of the response of timber-framed walls to seismic actions based on calculations and experimental tests; assessment of the effectiveness of repair and strengthening techniques, e.g., using aramid fiber wires or sheets; and modelling analyses. In addition, on the basis of case studies, a methodology is presented that is applicable to diagnosis, strengthening and improvement of seismic performance and is compatible with modern theoretical principles and conservation criteria. It is hoped that, by contributing to the knowledge of this construction technique, the book will help to promote conservation of this important component of Europe

The applications of discrete elements models based on rigid block formulations to the analysis of masonry walls under horizontal out-of-plane loading is simplified block pattern are addressed. Two procedures for creating irregular block systems are presented, one using Voronoi polygons, the other based on a bed and cross joint structure with random deviations. A test problem provides a comparison of various regular and random block patterns, showing their influence on the failure loads. The estimation of manual frequencies of rigid block models, and its application to static pushover analyses, is addressed. An example of application of rigid block model to wall capacity problem is presented.

The overall aim of Sub-Project 10 (Earthquake disaster scenario predictions and loss modelling for urban areas) has been to create a tool, based on state-of-the-art loss modelling software, to provide strong, quantified statements about the benefits of a range of possible mitigation actions, in order to support decision-making by urban authorities for seismic risk mitigation strategies. A further larger aim has been to contribute to a seismic risk mitigation policy for future implementation at European level. Among the European cities for which loss estimation studies have been carried out are Istanbul, Lisbon and Thessaloniki, and tools, using GIS mapping, have been developed by research teams in each of these cities; these were made available for further development to examine mitigation strategies within SP10. Related research studies

Much work in Earthquake Engineering was devoted to the improvement of earthquake resistant design of new structures. One European result is EN 1998, which will be in several years the main seismic code for all European countries. But it is well known, that older existing structures cause in many large earthquakes much more casualties and damages than new structures. It is certainly not possible to retrofit all existing structures, but agreement exists, that assessment and retrofit of safety - critical - structures and lifeline structures must have priority. In September 2004 the European Integrated Research Project LESSLOSS on Risk Mitigation for Earthquakes and Landslides was started. The project will run for three years and comprises 13 Sub-Projects (SP´s). The consortium consists of 46 partners (see http:\\www.lessloss.org). LESSLOSS SP5 is on In-situ Assessment, Monitoring and Typification of buildings and Infrastructure. The project partners of SP5 are ARS, CESI, LNEC, RWTH and VCE. This Sub Project focuses mainly on the assessment of important existing structures and tries to integrate experimental methods into the assessment procedure. The progress of SP5 obtained in the first year is summarized in this paper. Highlights presented by all partners are mentioned and the assessment of Hospital Innsbruck is presented in more detail. The most innovative task of LESSLOSS/ SP5 is Update of vulnerability estimates via monitoring, which was also started in the first year.

In order to study the behavior of bridge structures in relation to traffic, wind and seismic loads, it is extremely important to know their actual dynamic properties (natural frequencies, vibration mode shapes and damping). The experimentally identified dynamic properties of bridge structures are also an effective way to characterize their actual global structural behavior. Whether included in the reception load tests of recently built bridges, before they are opened to the traffic, or as part of the inspection works of bridges already in service, LNEC has performed modal analysis studies based on the results of ambient vibration tests. Some of the studies carried out recently in important bridges are reported in this paper.

O sismo de Northridge ocorreu na parte norte da área metropolitana de Los Angeles, Califórnia, às 4:31 h do dia 17 de janeiro, uma segunda-feira coincidente com dia de feriado nacional, tendo atingindo uma magnitude de 6.6 na escala de Richter. O número total de vítimas mortais cifra-se em 57, havendo para cima de 8 000 feridos e 20 000 desalojados.As estimativas de perdas totais, feitas em meados de fevereiro de 1994, apontavam para valores de 15 biliões de US dólares, tendo o Estado da Califórnia apresentado um impacto económico total de ordem dos 30 biliões de dólares, perto do valor do Orçamento Geral do estado Português para 1994. Os prejuízos infligidos na indústria e no comércio são também surpreendentemente elevados, exigindo longos períodos de interrupção das atividades económicas.

Communicating science within disaster risk reduction using methods that encourage two-way dialogue between scientists and laypersons is a challenging task. This paper aims at presenting a methodological strategy of communicating risk and non-structural seismic protection measures through participatory approach. Such methodological strategy is part of a pilot experience of risk communication in two schools in Lisbon (Portugal) under the EU project KnowRISK (Know your city, Reduce seISmic risK through non-structural elements). The efficacy of education for seismic safety is often inhibited by an incomplete understanding of the process by which individuals decide to protect themselves from harm (Becker JS, Paton D,Johnston DM, Ronan KR. Nat Hazards 64(1):107

Most of the Lisbon 18th century timber-framed masonry

Good performance of non-structural elements can be decisive in saving lives and costs when an earthquake strikes. The European project KnowRISK aims to educate and encourage households to take the necessary precautionary measures to protect people, houses, and contents. Preparedness and prevention act on community resilience. Within the KnowRISK project, the idea of a Practical Guide has been conceived suggesting seismic mitigation solutions for non-structural components to non-experts stakeholders. It is intended to guide people into the first steps of prevention in a straightforward manner, minimizing or avoiding injuries, damage, and long-term financial consequences. The novelty of the Guide belongs to his philosophy: a path through increasing challenges corresponds to a growing level of safety. The idea is that anyone can mitigate seismic risk in its own environment by adopting simple and low cost measures. The Practical Guide may contribute to increase risk awareness. This kind of initiatives if undertaken at larger scales may also enhance social resilience.

When one of the dimensions of a structural member is not clearly larger than the two orthogonal ones, engineers are usually compelled to simulate it with refined meshes of shell or solid finite elements that typically impose a large computational burden. The alternative use of classical beam theories, either based on Euler-Bernoulli or Timoshenko

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This text reflects the first of the four lectures that the author has presented at Udine, Italy, at CISM

Um dos principais problemas e interesses da engenharia sísmica é a caracterizaçãoda acção sísmica, envolvendo a estimativa da intensidade, conteúdo em frequência,duração e variabilidade espacial dos movimentos intensos do solo mais gravosos, emtermos dos seus efeitos nas estruturas, que pode ocorrer num local.O presente trabalho de investigação desenvolve e aplica a metodologia estocástica etécnicas de modelação de fonte

Os sismos são encarados frequentemente como desastres naturais inevitáveis. Todavia,deveriam ser considerados fenómenos naturais, cujos efeitos adversos podem ser minimizadoscaso se proceda a uma gestão efectiva do risco sísmico.O objectivo principal do presente trabalho de investigação é o de avaliar o risco sísmicoem Portugal Continental.Sendo um tema de natureza multidisciplinar, apresentam-se e discutem-se modelos deavaliação probabilística da perigosidade sísmica e sua desagregação, de vulnerabilidade efragilidade sísmicas de tipologias construtivas, de danos e de perdas económicas e humanas.Aplica-se a análise probabilística da perigosidade sísmica, e sua desagregação, aPortugal Continental, obtendo-se cenários modais capazes de reproduzir os níveis deperigosidade que os condicionam. Apresenta-se o inventário do parque habitacional e seushabitantes, descriminado por factores de vulnerabilidade, e classifica-se a sua vulnerabilidadesegundo os modelos de dano. Procede-se à actualização e aferição de uma metodologia parasimulação de cenários sísmicos, integrada num Sistema de Informação Geográfico. Avalia-seo risco sísmico, seguindo diversas abordagens, comparando-se os resultados com o risco deoutros países.Construiu-se assim uma ferramenta de avaliação de perdas devidas a sismos, queconstitui uma primeira contribuição para o desenvolvimento de um processo de gestão dorisco sísmico aplicado ao Continente Português.

O parque habitacional de Portugal Continental contém algumas tipologias construtivas deelevada vulnerabilidade sísmica em relação às quais urge actuar no sentido de reduzir o riscosísmico a elas associado. No projecto de investigação

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This report addresses the National Laboratory for Civil Engineering (LNEC) participation in Subproject 10 Earthquake disaster scenario predictions and loss modelling for urban areas. More precisely this report was developed in order to accomplish the 24 months LESSLOSS deliverable nº 85, which achieves loss estimates for the Metropolitan Area of Lisbon (MAL), for pre-defined scenarios earthquake. These loss estimations represent the reference situation to be compared with revised loss estimates after implementing mitigation actions with the ultimate goal of being established, in the next deliverable, the

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The present report describes the construction of a model in limestone masonry for the user Group 3 oh the ECOLEADER Project, led by IRIDEX Construction Group, and the first phase of the experimental program developed in LNEC. The description of the construction, a photographic report and the results obtained on the characteristics tests made on the mortars used in the construction are presented.The construction was carried out by contractor José dos Santos Paixão on the basics of model details and materials specifications proposed by the User group 3, being NESDE/LNEC responsible for the guidance and supervision of the works.

This report describes the first phase activity of the Portuguese group in the Precast Structures EC8 research projet. The Portuguese group is composed by Laboratório Nacional de Engenharia Civil (LNEC) and the Civibral, S.A. Precast Company.In this phase, seismic test were made in the LNEC

The present report addresses the first twelve months of LNEC participation in LESSLOSS

The dynamics of rigid bodies was studies by long time, because this phenomenon is important in the seismic security of some types of structures. However, there are few experimental studies. This job shows the experimental test carried out at the Laboratório Nacional de Engenharia Civil (LNEC) of Portugal. Four blue granites stones were tested, each one with different geometrical characteristics, under harmonic and random motions.A numerical simulation was carried out with the Discrete Element Method (DEM). This method has shown to be a good tool in the study of the dynamics of rigid bodies. It was proposed a new methodology to find the parameters of the DEM by using the parameters of classical theory.

The project LESSLOSS

Análise dos registos históricos de eventos climáticos e o seu impacto no setor da energia da AML, para identificar o grau em que este setor foi afetado por estímulos relacionados com o clima. Avaliação de capacidades adaptativas.

Análise da forma das edificações nas ações do vento

As condicionantes arquitetónicas e de urbanização na ventilação natural

Caracterização do vento. Ações sobre estruturas. Ensaios em túnel de vento