Publications

In this study, we simulate and compare ground motion shaking in the city of Lisbon and surrounding counties (metropolitan area of Lisbon (MAL)), using two possible earthquake models: the onshore source area of Lower Tagus Valley, M5.7 and M4.7 and the offshore source area, Marques de Pombal Fault, M7.6, one of the possible source of the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. The stochastic and a new hybrid stochastic-deterministic approach (DSM) are used in order to evaluate the ground shaking and to characterize its spatial variability. Results are presented in terms of response acceleration spectra (PSA) and peak ground acceleration (PGA) with respect to bedrock and surface. Site effects are evaluated by means of equivalent stochastic non-linear one-dimensional ground responses analysis, performed for a set of stratified soil profile units properly designed to cope with the soil site conditions of MAL region. A sensitive study is carried out using different input parameters and different approaches in order to give the basic information to evaluate the range of uncertainty in seismic scenarios.

In this study, we simulate and compare ground motion shaking in the city of Lisbon and surrounding counties (metropolitan area of Lisbon (MAL)), using two possible earthquake models: the onshore source area of Lower Tagus Valley, M5.7 and M4.7 and the offshore source area, Marques de Pombal Fault, M7.6, one of the possible source of the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. The stochastic and a new hybrid stochastic-deterministic approach (DSM) are used in order to evaluate the ground shaking and to characterize its spatial variability.Results are presented in terms of response acceleration spectra (PSA) and peak ground acceleration (PGA) with respect to bedrock and surface. Site effects are evaluated by means of equivalent stochastic non-linear one-dimensional ground responses analysis, performed for a set of stratified soil profile units properly designed to cope with the soil site conditions of MAL region. A sensitive study is carried out using different input parameters and different approaches in order to give the basic information to evaluate the range of uncertainty in seismic scenarios.

This article describes the dynamical behavior of free-standing block structures under seismic loading. A comprehensive experimental investigation has been carried out to study the rocking response of four single blocks of different geometry and associations of two and three blocks. The blocks, which are large stones of high strength blue granite, were subjected to free vibration, and harmonic and random motions of the base. In total, 379 tests on a shaking table were carried out in order to address the issues of repeatability of the results and stability of the rocking motion response. Significant understanding of the rocking motion mechanism is possible from the high quality experimental data. Extensive experimental measurements allowed to discuss the impulsive forces acting in the blocks and the three-dimensional effects presented in the response.

Stone masonry in historical buildings. Ways to increase their resistance and durability

This paper describes the behavior of single rigid-block structures under dynamic loading. A comprehensive experimental investigation has been carried out to study the rocking response of four blue granite stones with different geometrical characteristics under free vibration, and harmonic and random motions of the base. In total, 275 tests on a shaking table were carried out in order to address the issues of repeatability of the results and stability of the rocking motion response. Two different tools for the numerical simulations of the rocking motion of rigid blocks are considered. The first tool is analytical and overcomes the usual limitations of the traditional piecewise equations of motion through a Lagrangian formalism. The second tool is based on the discrete element method (DEM), especially effective for the numerical modeling of rigid blocks. A new methodology is proposed for finding the parameters of the DEM by using the parameters of the classical theory. An extensive comparison between numerical and experimental data has been carried out to validate and define the limitations of the analytical tools under study.

A caracterização do parque habitacional existente em Portugal Continental no que respeita à sua vulnerabilidade sísmica e a sua classificação em tipologias construtivas são os principais objetivos do presente artigo.Esta caracterização e classificação estão enquadradas num estudo de âmbito mais vasto que é o de avaliação do risco sísmico de Portugal Continental [Sousa,2005] que, por sua vez, requer o conhecimento prévio da vulnerabilidade sísmica do seu parque habitacional.Neste contexto, apresenta-se o panorama da construção existente em Portugal Continental, caracteriza-se e evolução das práticas construtivas ao longo do tempo, identificam-se os principais tipos de construção que subsistem e se praticam no Continente, descrevem-se, de forma sumária, os respetivos sistemas estruturais, mencionando as suas principais vulnerabilidades face à ação dos sismos (entendidas como as deficiências do seu desempenho sísmico), e tipificam-se as soluções construtivas mais correntes enquadrando-as nas tipologias identificadas no Censos 2001.

Apresenta-se um método expedito, baseado em ábacos, de estimativa de caudais de ventilação natural considerando as componentes eólica e térmica

Apresentam-se modelos preditivos para a ventilação natural, como contribuição para a redução de sistemas AVAC, mantendo a Qualidade do Ar Interior.

A ventilação natural requer a estimativa adequada dos caudais de ar em circulação, as taxas de renovação, função da velocidade do vento e da distribuição de pressão na envolvente. A turbulância atmosférica introduz perturbações neste processo simplificado induzindo variações na velocidade e direcção do vento, podendo dar origem a reversões do escoamento.

Probabilistic seismic hazards maps have been prepared either for the archipelago of the Azores in general terms, or for the islands of the Central Group using updated seismic information for the region, including a revision of the earthquake catalogue for the period 1522-1998. Two different approaches were used: (i) a standard seismic source model and (ii) a semi-zonified source model based on spatially smoothed seismicity where no delineation of seismic sources is needed. Preliminary data point out that high PGA values were obtained for an area located to the west of the Central Group and for an area between Terceira and the São Miguel Islands. Deaggregation of hazard for some counties was evaluated and results are presented in terms of mean and modal values of magnitude and distance, showing that the main contributions to hazard in all counties are from close-in and not very severe earthquakes.

This report analyses the influence of masonry infills in the earthquake behaviour of buildings with a reinforced concrete frame structure, four storeys high and a plan dimension of 20x15m2. Nonlinear analysis are performed using an ensemble of ground motions. Maximum ductility demand distributions are obtained. The values of the ductility coefficients are evaluated in terms of the vulnerability functions of the buildings and by comparison with the responses obtained in bare frame analyses and taking into account the probabilities of collapse.

Apresenta-se uma metodologia bayesiana para estimar a relação não-linear ações efeitos das ações (função de vulnerabilidade) para efeitos de cálculo de probabilidade de ruína; embora a metodologia seja geral, ela é apresentada para o caso das ações sísmicas. Esta metodologia assenta numa quantificação não informativa de probabilidade á priori no espaço das funções de vulnerabilidade e o seu resultado é uma distribuição de probabilidade para o valor da probabilidade de ruína, as diversas etapas do cálculo são otimizadas por análise pré-posterior.

The objective of this paper is to characterize the earthquake behaviour of asymmetric buildings, with the purpose of assessing values of the behaviour coefficients and associated probabilities of failure. Buildings with a plan dimension of 20x15m2 and 8 storeys high are considered; their resisting elements are R/C frames and shear walls. The resistances of those elements were defined according to a given design processe and their nonlinear behaviour under earthquake actions was computed by step-by-step procedures and assessed by the maximum ductility demand defined in terms of moment curvature relations and by the probability of occurring prescribed global or local collapse mechanisms.

Apresenta-se nesta comunicação o desenvolvimento de um modelo analítico adequado ao estudo do comportamento de estruturas reticuladas de betão armado preenchidos com paredes, não se pode considerar que os modelos já existentes resolvam completamente este problema de análise. Com efeito, o desenvolvimento de qualquer modelo analítico depara com a dificuldade que existe em simular a grande complexidade destas estruturas, devido à necessidade de modelar, por um lado, as paredes de alvenaria, material não homogéneo anisotrópico, e por outro, as condições de fronteira das paredes com os elementos dos pórticos que influenciam o comportamento global destas estruturas, quando sujeitas a ações horizontais alteradas.

Definem-se coeficientes de ductilidade locais no contexto dos

Apresenta-se neste trabalho uma metodologia para o cálculo de coeficientes de comportamento de estrutura, a serem usadas na verificação da segurança em relação á ação dos sismos. Estes coeficientes são definidos em relação a métodos de dimensionamento específicos e quantificados com base no valor da probabilidade de ruína que se pretende atingir. Exemplifica-se esta matéria através da análise de dimensionamento e verificação de segurança de estruturas univariáveis. Indica-se a metodologia a seguir para casos mais gerais.

Apresenta-se nesta comunicação um modelo não-estacionário para idealizar ações sísmicas. Neste modelo e não-estacionariedade verifica-se quer na intensidade quer na distribuição espectral, a sua definição, que é feita com base num espetro de potência e numa função de modulação, permite a sua quantificação a partir de um espetro de resposta de uma forma muito direta, através, através do algoritmo clássico de transformação espectro de resposta-espectro de potência. Apresenta-se, como ilustração, a quantificação de um modelo não-estacionário pelo espetro de resposta do Eurocódigo8.

Pretende-se com este trabalho mostrar a influência das condições geotécnicas locais da definição da ação sísmica a usar num determinado local. Par ao efeito é usado um modelo de comportamento histerético do solo em termos das suas relações tensões tangenciais-distorsão, identificando-se as suas propriedades a partir do conhecimento geotécnico do local. Partindo-se da ação sísmica ao nível da superfície como a qualquer profundidade, usando-se um programa de análise dinâmica não linear de colunas de solo isoladas (1-D) ou em associação (2-D), atuadas por movimentos horizontais.Com os resultados obtidos define-se a função de transferência entre o

Apresenta-se neste trabalho o estudo da influência de painéis de enchimento de alvenaria no comportamento sísmico de edifícios simétricos com 4 pisos e estrutura em pórtico de betão armado. Consideram-se 4 processos de dimensionamento diferentes e os resultados são comparados comos obtidos para estruturas sem painéis de enchimento. Conclui-se que a resistência da estrutura é fundamentalmente a resistência do pórtico de betão armado e que os painéis não agravam nem minoram significativamente os efeitos da ação sísmica.

Apresenta-se e técnica e os resultados de uma campanha de ensaios de vibração realizada na barragem de Aguieira. Foram efetuados ensaios de vibração forçada em eu se obtiveram as funções de transferência dos deslocamentos em diversos pontos da barragem e ensaios de ruído ambiente e funcionamento dos grupos em que se obtiveram os espetros de Fourier dos sinais em deslocamentos.

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