2020

Novel metamaterial concepts can be used to economically reduce flexural vibrations in coupled pipe-rack systems. Here, we model pipe on flexible supports as periodic systems and formulate dispersion relations using Floquet-Bloch theory which is verified by a finite element model. Owing to the flexibility of the coupled system, a narrow pass band is created in low frequency regime, in contrast to the case of pipe without any rack. Two types of vibration reduction mechanisms are investigated for pipe with different supports, i.e. simple and elastic support.

Optical measurements from high‐speed, high‐definition video recordings can be used to define the full‐field dynamics of a structure. By comparing the dynamic responses resulting from both damaged and undamaged elements, structural health monitoring can be carried out, similarly as with mounted transducers. Unlike the physical sensors, which provide point‐wise measurements and a limited number of output channels, high‐quality video recording allows very spatially dense information. Moreover, video acquisition is a noncontact technique.

Capsule-based self-healing is increasingly being targeted as an effective way to improve the durability and sustainability of concrete infrastructures through the extension of their service life. Assessing the mechanical and durability behaviour of self-healing materials after damage and subsequent autonomous repair is essential to validate their possible use in real structures. In this study, self-healing mortars containing cementitious tubular capsules with a polyurethanic repairing agent were experimentally investigated.

This paper gathers reflections on what can bring together academics and practitioners involved in energy-related European Union (EU) funded projects aiming at, or striving to reach, higher integration of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

An effective biodiversity conservation in Protected Areas (PAs) requires that they are seen as part of larger ecosystems and that the ecological connectivity is maintained beyond PA administrative boundaries. The study of ecological processes that link PAs to their surrounding landscapes is thus of great importance to understand which actions should be implemented to promote inside-outside ecological connectivity.

Territorial imbalances between catalysts of development and lagging areas are raising concerns in... the majority of European regions. The divide between main urban nodes and marginal territories poses serious development challenges.

The present paper focuses on the role covered by dynamic models as support for the decision-making process in the evaluation of policies and actions for increasing the resilience of cities and territories. In recent decades, urban resilience has been recognized as a dynamic and multidimensional phenomenon that characterizes urban and metropolitan area dynamics. Therefore, it may be considered a fundamental aspect of urban and territorial planning.