Publications

The boundary layer concept is applied to the flow around the nose of a streamlined train. In general, that flow is not axisymmetric due to the shape of the nose and the crosswind component of the relative incoming velocity. This departure from axisymmetry produces a transverse pressure gradient that is responsible for skewing an otherwise plane boundary layer. An empirical correlation, dependent on the longitudinal velocity and one unknown parameter, is used to represent the transverse velocity profile. The value of that unknown parameter is obtained from the momentum equations integrated streamwise inside the boundary layer. A visual comparison was carried out between the numerical simulations and the skin shear pattern of a scale model in a wind tunnel. The qualitative results compare well, the numerical model being able to locate the position of the main longitudinal vortices on the lee side of the train.

Masonry buildings worldwide exhibited severe damage and collapse in recent strong earthquake events. It is known that their brittle behavior, which is mainly due to the combination of low tensile strength, large mass and insufficient connection between structural elements, is the main limitation for their structural implementation in residential buildings. A new construction system for masonry buildings using concrete blocks units and trussed reinforcement is presented here and its seismic behavior is validated through shaking table tests. Dynamic tests of two geometrically identical two-story reduced scale (1:2) models have been carried out, considering artificial accelerograms compatible with the elastic response spectrum defined by the Eurocode 8. The first model was reinforced with the new proposed system while the second model was built with unreinforced masonry. The experimental analysis encompasses local and global parameters such as cracking patterns, failure mechanisms, and in-plane and out-of-plane behavior in terms of displacements and lateral drifts from where the global dynamic behavior of the two buildings is analyzed comparatively. Finally, behavior factors for the design recommendations in case of unreinforced masonry are also evaluated.

The out-of-plane response of walls in existing stone masonry buildings is one of the major causes of vulnerability commonly observed in post-earthquake damage surveys. In this context, a shaking table (ST) test campaign was carried out on a full-scale masonry façade mainly focusing on the characterization of its out-of-plane overturning behaviour. The structure tested on the ST is a partial reproduction of an existing building from Azores, damaged during the 9 July 1998 Faial earthquake. The definition of the tested specimen as well as the selection of the input ground motion is reported in this paper. A specific emphasis is given to the definition of the time-history to be applied during the tests because it was felt as an essential and crucial part of the work to obtain the desired overturning behaviour. The accelerogram to be imposed was selected from a large set of accelerograms (74) by means of a step-by-step procedure on the basis of several numerical analyses resorting to the rocking response of rigid blocks.

The present work describes a shaking table experimental campaign specifically developed for the characterisation of the out-of-plane response of a full scale stone masonry façade. After the description of the specimen and the selection of the input motion presented in a companion paper (Part 1), the experimental campaign is illustrated and extensively described. The out-of-plane behaviour of the sacco masonry façade is presented in terms of displacements, velocities, and accelerations recorded during the shaking table tests. A one-sided rocking response of the façade was observed prior to collapse. The impacts were clearly identified in the acceleration records. The façade overturning occurred with the expected failure mode, as predicted in the design of the test.Finally, some conclusions are drawn regarding the observed behaviour and particular features of this type of stone masonry constructions, which may influence the global behaviour of the façade.

During seismic action, energy dissipation in structures occurs in structural and non-structural components, as well as in the substructure. Several of these dissipative mechanisms are modelled explicitly in nonlinear dynamic analyses, notably through relatively sophisticated hysteretic finite elements. Nevertheless, in most practical applications, it is not possible to simulate all the physical contributions to energy dissipation.Structural engineers are thus constrained to overcome this limitation by a mathematical artifice, in the form of equivalent linear viscous damping, which accounts for the remaining

A utilização de dispositivos de dissipação de energia é vista como forma eficiente para proteger estruturas contra ações sísmicas. Os dispositivos Amortecedores de Líquido Sintonizados (ALS) são uma forma simples mas eficaz para reduzir a resposta de estruturas face a ações dinâmicas. Este artigo descreve simulações numéricas sobre o comportamento de ALS, isolados e/ou incluídos numa estrutura de transmissão, comparando-as com os resultados obtidos experimentalmente. Para o efeito foi usado um software de acesso livre denominado CLAWPACK com potencialidades para simular os fenómenos que ocorrem no interior de ALSs. O CLAWPACK consiste num conjunto de rotinas em Fortran desenvolvidas para obtenção de soluções numéricas de sistemas hiperbólicos de equações parcialmente diferenciais no tempo, como é o caso dos fenómenos não-lineares subjacentes à shallow water wave theory. Foram necessárias adaptações e ajustes em algumas das rotinas principais para permitir a simulação das excitações dinâmicas pretendidas. Nas simulações numéricas são variados alguns parâmetros, em que se incluem a altura de água, a amplitude de excitação e o número de dispositivos. Os principais resultados obtidos são comparados, com os resultados obtidos experimentalmente, tanto para dispositivos isolados como para dispositivos incluídos nas estruturas ensaiadas. As principais conclusões obtidas serão também apresentadas.

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As tubagens enterradas constituem componentes principais de sistemas que permitem assegurar o bem estar e o desenvolvimento da sociedade, nomeadamente no que respeita ao abastecimento de água, à drenagem de águas residuais, ao transporte de energia e à comunicação.Com a consolidação das malhas urbanas, tem-se assistido a uma crescente preocupação, não só com a construção, mas em especial com a fase de utilização desses sistemas, tanto nas atividades de exploração (operação e manutenção) como de fim de vida (reabilitação e substituição). Adicionalmente, existe um conjunto crescente de preocupações mais vasto do que as questões operacionais correntes, que inclui os efeitos de fenómenos naturais, como os sismos. As abordagens de gestão do risco permitem ter em conta estes fenómenos e lidar explicitamente com a incerteza que lhes está associada.No contexto da problemática da gestão do risco sísmico de tubagens enterradas, apresenta-se um levantamento de modelos para avaliação da respetiva vulnerabilidade. No âmbito deste artigo é proposta uma abordagem para incorporar a variabilidade probabilística na modelação da vulnerabilidade sísmica de tubagens enterradas. Os resultados obtidos com a metodologia proposta são comparados com a gama de variação da vulnerabilidade sísmica apresentada pela American Lifelines Alliance.

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With the aim of evaluating the seismic vulnerability of residential buildings in Portugal, the classification of the Portuguese housing stock was possible on the basis of a National database published in 1991. The study herein reported, included in a National Project concerning the seismic risk mitigation in Portugal, deals with the analysis of the database that resulted in the establishment of the most current building types in seismic prone regions with higher urban concentrations. The paper presents a summary of the analysis of the statistics of the stock and its geographic distribution, and includes the classification of residential buildings into typological classes, which vulnerability is characterised through a HAZUS99-based methodology.

Nesta comunicação descreve-se o trabalho desenvolvido no estudo do comportamento sísmico da Igreja do Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar. A partir da modelação numérica tridimensional da igreja e da quantificação de parâmetros mecânicos e dinâmicos da estrutura, a análise sísmica foi realizada em duas fases de cálculo. Procedeu-se a um primeiro cálculo linear global da estrutura, seguido de um segundo cálculo da subestrutura dos arcos e colunas de apoio onde foi ativado o comportamento não-linear das juntas entre blocos e analisado o efeito resultante da aplicação de intensidades sísmicas crescentes.

No presente trabalho apresenta-se uma primeira reavaliação da casualidade sísmica das ilhas do Grupo Central do Arquipélago dos Açores, com o objetivo de se estabelecer um zonamento atualizado e mais detalhado para o Arquipélago.Este estudo foi efetuado com base na compilação de catálogos sísmicos históricos e instrumentais da região dos Açores, e num modelo de 9 grandes zonas de geração, utilizando duas metodologias: (i) a clássica e (ii) uma baseada na distribuição espacial da sismicidade. A geologia superficial das diferentes zonas urbanas foi classificada em três categorias (solo duro, solo intermédio e solo brando), de forma a ser contemplada nas leis de atenuação espectral publicadas na literatura.Comparam-se as duas metodologias e apresentam-se curvas de casualidade sísmica para as sedes de concelho das ilhas do Grupo Central e mapas de casualidade sísmica para um período de exposição de 50 anos e uma probabilidade de excedência de 10%.

Com o objetivo de estudar a vulnerabilidade sísmica do parque habitacional de Portugal Continental, foi efetuado o seu levantamento com base no III Recenseamento Geral da Habitação e no XIII Recenseamento Geral da População levados a cabo pelo Instituto Nacional de Estatística em 1991. A análise do inventário de existências permitiu estabelecer a tipificação do parque habitacional português e classificar as tipologias construtivas mais correntes nas zonas de maior sismicidade e maior concentração urbana. Este estudo está incluído no âmbito do projeto

Um dos objetivos do projeto

Large seismic source zones and the modelling of epicentral location by the uniform probability distribution are two options that contribute to smoothed results in probabilistic seismic hazard studies. In order to obtain less smoothed results that reflect the geographical underlying seismic activity it was adopted an empirical distribution, based on the seismic catalogue, to model the random variable epicentral distance. This option avoid the outline of seismic sources in regions where seismogenic structures are poorly known and are the first step to estimate hazard de-aggregation at a site. The methodology was applied de-aggregating seismic hazard for all counties of the Central Group of Azores Archipelago. The relative contribution to the hazard of mean and modal values of magnitude and distance is tabulated for those counties aiming to identify the dominating events to the site. A de-aggregation plot for the county with the severest hazard is also presented, for different spectral periods.

The paper presents a contribution for the assessment of experimental results obtained in seismic tests of structures in a context of fragility analysis for earthquake risk assessment. A methodology is proposed to estimate the vulnerability of specimens tested for increasing excitations, compensating for the damage accumulation in one same specimen (as opposed to the very expensive alternative of testing virgin specimens for each level of excitation). The method provides the damage evolution in relation to a

Apresenta-se um programa experimental realizado na plataforma sísmica do LNEC, em colaboração com a Universidade de Basilicata, no âmbito do projeto Europeu ECOEST II, cujo objetivo foi a aplicação de técnicas de controlo passivo, baseadas em sistemas de contraventamento com dissipadores, na reabilitação sísmica de estruturas existentes de betão armado.

The present paper summarises a few problems encountered with the application of the Eurocode 8 (EC-8), Parts 1-1 dealing with the definition of seismic action and zonation when preparing the National Document Application (NDA) in each European country. Points related to the representation of seismic action, the setting of return periods, the definition of spectral shapes and the possibility of use of more than one seismic scenario are among the most important topics presented. The Portuguese code, in action since 1983 [9], needs to be revised in what concerns seismic action in order to include recent studies on seismicity, seismic hazard and modelling of strong motion data. This revision, opportunely assessed in the context of the EC-8, brings up several of the topics above referred and shows the proposed solutions.

A project entitled

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