Stefania Degli Abbati

Bio: Stefania Degli Abbati is an academic researcher from University of Genoa. The author has contributed to research in topics: Masonry & Seismic risk. The author has an hindex of 6, co-authored 15 publications receiving 189 citations.

Damage assessment of fortresses after the 2012 Emilia earthquake (Italy)

Abstract: The medieval fortresses are a very common and distinctive type among the Emilian historical constructions and the earthquake of May 20 and 29, 2012 highlighted their high vulnerability. Starting from the analysis of the geometrical and constructive features, the interpretation of their seismic vulnerability has been based on an accurate damage assessment and supported by the numerical results of typical configurations. An abacus of recurring seismic damage mechanisms in fortresses has been proposed: it in particular concerns the towers and their interaction with the fortress perimeter walls. Moreover, the seismic response of the most important fortresses in the epicentral area has been described referring to their historical notes, the recent interventions and their influence on the seismic damage.

Theoretically-based and practice-oriented formulations for the floor spectra evaluation

Abstract: This paper proposes a new analytical formulation for computing the seismic input at various levels of a structure in terms of floor response spectra. The approach, which neglects the dynamic interaction between primary structure and secondary element, is particularly useful for the seismic assessment of secondary and non-structural elements. The proposed formulation has a robust theoretical basis and it is based on few meaningful dynamic parameters of the main building. The method has been validated in the linear and nonlinear behavior of the main building through results coming from both experimental tests (available in literature) and parametric numerical analyses. The conditions, for which the Floor Spectrum Approach and its simplified assumptions are valid, have been derived in terms of specific interval ratios between the mass of the secondary element and the participant mass of the main structure. Finally, a practice-oriented formulation has been derived, which could be easily implementable also at code level.

Reference-based combined deterministic-stochastic subspace identification for experimental and operational modal analysis

Abstract: In this paper, the use of the combined deterministic-stochastic subspace identification algorithm for the experimental modal analysis of mechanical structures is discussed. The algorithm requires artificial forces to be applied to the structure, so it can be used for experimental modal analysis (EMA). The algorithm can also be used for operational modal analysis (OMA), since the excitation level of the artificial force(s) can be low compared to the excitation level of the ambient forces. Both the modes that are artificially excited and those that are excited by the ambient forces are identified. This type of operational modal analysis is called an OMAX analysis (Operational Modal Analysis with eXogenous inputs) [1]. The main advantages of OMAX over OMA are that the modes that are excited by the artificial forces can be scaled to unity modal mass and that a higher number of modes can be identified.

Modeling Strategies for the Computational Analysis of Unreinforced Masonry Structures: Review and Classification

Abstract: Masonry structures, although classically suitable to withstand gravitational loads, are sensibly vulnerable if subjected to extraordinary actions such as earthquakes, exhibiting cracks even for events of moderate intensity compared to other structural typologies like as reinforced concrete or steel buildings. In the last half-century, the scientific community devoted a consistent effort to the computational analysis of masonry structures in order to develop tools for the prediction (and the assessment) of their structural behavior. Given the complexity of the mechanics of masonry, different approaches and scales of representation of the mechanical behavior of masonry, as well as different strategies of analysis, have been proposed. In this paper, a comprehensive review of the existing modeling strategies for masonry structures, as well as a novel classification of these strategies are presented. Although a fully coherent collocation of all the modeling approaches is substantially impossible due to the peculiar features of each solution proposed, this classification attempts to make some order on the wide scientific production on this field. The modeling strategies are herein classified into four main categories: block-based models, continuum models, geometry-based models, and macroelement models. Each category is comprehensively reviewed. The future challenges of computational analysis of masonry structures are also discussed.

PERPETUATE guidelines for seismic performance-based assessment of cultural heritage masonry structures

Abstract: Ancient monumental masonry buildings are complex structures that were not based on an engineered design, underwent many transformations during their life and often present lack of connections among the structural elements. Earthquakes are the main cause of damage for ancient masonry structures and, in order to reduce their vulnerability with compatible and light interventions, it is necessary to have accurate models for the seismic analysis, able to simulate the nonlinear behavior of masonry, and a well defined performance-based assessment procedure, aimed to guarantee the acceptable level of risk for the occupants and for the conservation of the monument itself. The paper outlines the guidelines that were developed within the PERPETUATE European research project. The wide variety of architectural assets is classified and the related proper modeling strategies are identified; moreover, immovable artistic assets are considered in the assessment. A displacement-based approach is adopted, because these structures crack even for low intensity earthquakes and can survive severe ones only if they have a sufficient displacement capacity. Safety and conservation requirements are proposed by considering distinct sets of performance levels, related to use and safety of people, conservation of the building and of the artistic assets that might be present. Some indications on the seismic hazard assessment are provided, considering the distinctive features of some types of ancient structures. Within the fundamental knowledge phase, sensitivity analysis is proposed in order to address and optimize the in-situ investigation and to define proper confidence factors, aimed to consider epistemic and statistical uncertainties. Different modeling approaches and methods of analysis are considered, depending on the characteristics of the structure; both static pushover and incremental dynamic nonlinear analyses are considered. Related verification procedures are defined to evaluate the seismic intensity measure, and the corresponding return period, which is compatible with each performance level that must be fulfilled.

Seismic behaviour of ordinary masonry buildings during the 2016 central Italy earthquakes

Abstract: Between August 2016 and January 2017 nine shallow earthquakes ranging from 5.0 and 6.5 of moment magnitude affected Central Italy, involving several municipalities wherein unreinforced masonry buildings are more than three quarters of all constructions. Damage state has been very severe, with sixteen settlements belonging to the municipalities of Amatrice, Arquata del Tronto, Accumoli, Castelsantangelo sul Nera and Norcia experiencing a cumulative European macroseismic scale intensity larger than IX. Ground motion demand in terms of peak ground velocity was approximately two or three times what expected for a 475 years return period while the pseudoacceleration response spectra showed values between once and twice gravity acceleration for the period range typical of two and three storeys unreinforced masonry buildings. Moreover, since October 2016, such large seismic demand acted on structures damaged from previous shocks testifying the effects of damage accumulation, too. The significant shaking alone cannot explain the extremely severe damage of some settlements, with large portions of whole blocks completely collapsed, highlighting the need for investigating the specific vulnerability factors and construction features of unreinforced masonry buildings in the affected area. In fact, although some deficiencies already highlighted in previous Italian earthquakes (e.g. inadequate structural connections) have been surveyed also during this sequence, a marked vulnerability of masonry and its mortar has been noticed, in particular in the area between Amatrice and Arquata del Tronto. On the contrary, the historical constructions in Norcia performed much better, as a result of the 1860 seismic code and of the retrofitting interventions implemented after the different earthquakes occurred in the last two centuries. Finally, a number of demolished and rebuilt constructions performed very well, and this was also the case also of modern hollow clay blockwork buildings that protected not only human life, but also cost of construction and continuity of use.

Seismic Performance Assessment of Buildings

Abstract: The seismic performance assessment of buildings is a challenging process [...]