Evaluation of the robustness of structural and geotechnical systems
“A text that explains in detail a concept that I consider to be the basis of structural design” (Franco Bontempi). “The volume does not limit itself to introducing the problem in a simple way, but guides the reader to understanding the structural response to unexpected events through concrete examples” (Ivo Caliò) The robustness of a structural and geotechnical system is essentially understood as the ability to prevent or reduce the consequences deriving from a local event (exceptional and/or extreme). The text, divided into two distinct parts for easy consultation, addresses with an authoritative approach and an operational approach the topic – still little known today – of the evaluation of structural behavior through robustness indices. Among the many aspects covered, the manual analyses, in detail, the phenomenon of progressive collapse , the forms in which it can manifest itself and the related trigger and propagation mechanisms, then proposing examples of retrofitting interventions to optimize the structural response. Furthermore, numerous numerical applications for estimating the robustness indices are reported in an exhaustive manner. , with particular reference to existing reinforced concrete structures, masonry and geotechnical works. These case studies represent useful operational tools for the structural engineer who deals with these issues. Matteo Felitti, owner of the ENGINEERING & CONCRETE CONSULTING studio, mainly deals with structural calculation, instability static in existing buildings, degradation of materials and resolution of complaints. Expert in Construction Science ICAR/08, External Professor of “Automatic Structural Calculation” at the University of Naples Federico II. Francesco OlivetoEngineer specialized in the structural and geotechnical field. Collaborates with Gruppo Sismica srl for the training and development of calculation methodologies for masonry and reinforced concrete structures in conditions of previous and current damage for the purposes of estimating the residual capacity. The Authors, in collaboration with STACEC Srl, have developed and implemented , in the FaTA Next software, some degradation models for the evaluation of risk indicators on reinforced concrete structures with incorporated damage. This topic will be the subject of a future publication.
