Chiara Bedon

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• Professor
• Associate Professor at University of Trieste

The paper investigates the behavior of a cable-supported glazing façade subjected to high-level and medium-level air blast loads. To describe realistically the dynamic response of the studied system, nonlinear dynamic analyses were performed using a sophisticated FE-model (M01). This model, opportunely calibrated to dynamic experimental and numeric...

The paper presents the results of an experimental and theoretical investigation on the Pietratagliata cable-stayed bridge (Udine, Italy). Ambient vibration tests were performed in order to estimate the dynamic characteristics of the lower vibration modes of the bridge. Structural identification is carried out by means of a manual tuning procedure b...

Structural glass represents a relatively new solution for constructions, requiring appropriate knowledge, but is largely used for facades, roofs, footbridges, etc. There, composite systems in which multiple glass members can interact with traditional building materials, should offer appropriate fail-safe performances, within the full lifetime. Furt...

For structural design and vibration monitoring purposes, several simplified equivalent-force models or more complex computational strategies are available to describe Human-Structure Interaction (HSI) phenomena on pedestrian systems, and in particular the vertical reaction forces induced by walking occupants. Among others, various Spring-Mass-Dampe...

This paper proposes and validates a computationally efficient, non-linear numerical macro-modelling strategy to predict and assess the global and local response of steel-concrete composite joints, when subjected to seismic loads. The reference numerical model takes the form of a component-based strategy in which each component can be efficiently ch...

Fire accidents are a critical design condition for load-bearing elements in general. Among others, ordinary glass and composite glass materials are even more susceptible to fire and require the use or definition of specific test protocols, simulation strategies, performance indicators and validation methods. In this paper, the structural performanc...

Glass-glass photovoltaic (PV) technologies for building integrated (BIPV) applications are increasingly used in construction, due to several advantages. Besides, many complex aspects characterize the performance of these building components, and robust technical knowledge by many experts (with electrical, mechanical, structural, and architectural b...

In practice, the structural analysis and design of pedestrian systems subjected to human-induced vibrations is often based on simplified biodynamic models that can be used in place of even more complex computational strategies to describe Human-Structure Interaction (HSI) phenomena. Among various walking features, the vertical reaction force that a...

Old Cairo, also known as Islamic Cairo, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site representing a rich tapestry of history and culture. Today, among various significant aspects, its cultural heritage necessitates the elaboration of a proactive conservation strategy, which should take advantage of the intrinsic support provided by the efforts documented in the...

This article explores the potential and accuracy of spring–mass–damper (SMD) pedestrian load modelling strategies for assessing human-induced vibrations of in-service footbridges. To this aim, a recent SMD modelling proposal based on uncoupled single-body measures (SMD-0, in the following) is specifically used for the calibration of key input param...

Old Cairo is a unique site in the world because of its historical, cultural, and religious values. Old Cairo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, represents a rich tapestry of history and culture. Its significance lies in its role as a center of Coptic and Islamic civilizations and its preservation of numerous historical monuments. Today, the conservatio...

The structural analysis and design of multi-story buildings subjected to seismic sequences represents a well-known intriguing research topic, which has been addressed in last decades by several studies and investigations , but still lacks of a more generalized discussion. The primary goal of this paper, in this regard, is to investigate the seismic...

The mechanical response of partially fractured laminated glass elements is rather challenging to assess and quantify. In this paper, the attention is focused on the contribution that fractured glass can offer to the out-of-plane bending stiffness of a partially broken 2-ply laminated glass element. Literature and technical standard assumptions are...

This study rigorously assesses the shear capacity of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforced concrete (RC) beams as a lightweight material alternative, scrutinizing the efficacy of the Eurocode and ACI design codes. Leveraging a dataset of 260 experimental FRP-RC beam cases, two distinct Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models were developed using...

With the advancement of warfare weapons, terrorist attacks and failure of engineering structures due to impact of blast load has also frequented. Therefore, to protect the important structure and thereby human beings, scientists and engineers are proposing innovative solutions for mitigating the impact due to blast loading. Sandwich structure is on...

Glass-glass photovoltaic technologies are becoming increasingly popular for building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) applications, thanks to many benefits. From a general point of view, these systems require a multidisciplinary approach, involving expertise from electrical, mechanical, structural, and architectural fields. This study investigates th...

Modelling the complex phenomena that take place in the multifunctional response of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) is a rather challenging task. Moreover, several operational conditions can take place and represent additional influencing parameters for material properties and performances. As such, specific performance indicators are requi...

This volume collects some scientific research results from the first year of activities and Workshop contributions (October 7th, 2024, Trieste & online) of the running “Particular Relevance” Italy-China bilateral project 3FiRES - “Research on BIPV Photovoltaic Facades for Fire Spread Mechanisms, Structural Failures and Resilience Improvement Method...

Glass facades are known to be fascinating building systems that require specific design strategies, experimental protocols and simulation tools. Especially for seismic-resistant buildings, their mechanical performance should be verified against possible failure mechanisms. For this, both numerically optimized and robust approaches are needed, along...

The seismic performance and expected structural damage in reinforced concrete (RC) frames, as in many others, is a critical aspect for design. In this study, a set of RC frames characterized by increasing in-plan and in-height non-regularity is specifically investigated. Four code-conforming three-dimensional (3D) buildings with varying regularity...

Joints and frames in steel-concrete composite systems represent complex mechanical assemblies that require specific calculation procedures to optimise their detailing and structural capacity, particularly under seismic loads. To this aim, component-based modelling approaches should be able to account for the most relevant mechanisms and resistance/...

The structural design of retrofitting solutions for historic buildings is a complex decision-making process and can be effectively integrated by various approaches able to take into consideration the entire life cycle of the project. The present study develops a decision tool for the design of refurbishment interventions for historic buildings, ado...

Integrating photovoltaic (PV) panels with different tilt angles in building envelopes or roofs is widely employed for environmental sustainability. However, little is known about the influence of different tilt angles on the thermal failure of the photovoltaic façades or roofs in fire conditions. A total of 15 four-edge shielded PV panels (300 × 30...

Post-breakage strength and residual mechanical capacity improvements are important tasks for load-bearing structural components in general, and even more for glass elements, in order to protect people from injury in case of breakage. For this reason, among others, the design of glass components and structures is based on key concepts that are gener...

In Italy, a large part of road bridges was built after the Second World War, mainly with Reinforced Concrete (RC) or Prestressed Concrete (PC) simply supported decks. Most of the bridges currently in service have been designed with outdated codes and could be inadequate to modern heavy traffic loads. Furthermore, their structural performance decrea...

This research explores advanced strengthening techniques for laminated glass structures, with a focus on the innovative use of embedded connections to enhance performance under extreme loads, such as blasts and impacts. While traditional methods may provide baseline protection, they often fall short of ensuring both structural resilience and aesthe...

As is known, the propagation of cracks in a structural member is associated with local modifications of rigidity and thus possible major effects that can strongly affect its load-bearing capacity and dynamic parameters. As such, among others, the natural frequency control represents a consolidated and efficient approach for damage detection, damage...

This paper is focused on the study of innovative bi-stable supports to improve the impact performance of point-fixed glass panels, for typical use in facades. To mitigate the effects of impact and reduce potential risk for people, the introduction of innovative, bi-stable, mitigation devices between the fixing system and the primary building struct...

Façades represent complex and vulnerable components for buildings, due to the intrinsic fragility and brittleness of glass, and require specific design and calculation tools, both for ordinary and extreme design loads. In this context, the availability of consolidated and strategic modelling strategies is of utmost importance for structural safety...

For structural design purposes, complex full-scale mock-ups and experiments are often required to assess the dynamic performance of glass curtain walls and facades under soft body impact. The test protocol (based on the use of twin-tyre or spheroconical bag impactor types) represents a key design step to satisfy, to ensure the protection of buildin...

The increasing use of innovative materials in blast- and impact-resistant structures underscores the demand for robust simulation and design methods. Concrete, especially Ultra High Performance Fiber Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC), has emerged as a key player in this domain. The present study delves into the damage investigation and dynamic response...

Glass facades are complex systems in which glass panes are required to interact with many other load-bearing and secondary components. As a matter of fact, they represent a physical barrier expected to offer long-term structural safety, functionality and durability. On the other side, many influencing parameters make them possibly vulnerable (espec...

The stability of monolithic glass beams is reasonably well defined; as an elastic material it behaves in a similar manner to other elastic materials such as steel, for which there are many equations of different forms which give similar results. Special care is required for continuous restraint to the tension flange. Equations presented in Australia...

In engineering applications, the frequency analysis represents a first and practical step to collect relevant parameters for structural and mechanical diagnostics. Any possible material / component degradation and deterioration can be prematurely detected by frequency modifications that exceed a certain alert value. In this paper, the attention is...

In engineering applications, the frequency analysis represents a first and practical step to collect relevant parameters for structural and mechanical diagnostics. Any possible material / component degradation and deterioration can be prematurely detected by frequency modifications that exceed a certain alert value. In this paper, the attention is...

The mechanical performance of glass structures and load-bearing elements attracts the attention of several research studies, especially for those unfavourable or extreme operational conditions which may include possible degradation or even damage scenarios, and thus potential risk for customers. Severe damage and fracture of glass material for cons...

Featured Application The studies presented in the article are useful for designing secondary vibration isolation. They also show that relying solely on indications from one method of assessing the impact of vibrations on people in buildings, a potential investor or later a manager may be exposed to complaints from residents of buildings located nea...

The current study aims to evaluate the effect of the different Interstorey Drift Ratio (IDR) limitations related to the damage limitation state in the seismic design of buildings. To perform the seismic analysis, three steel Moment Resisting Frames (MRF) with different heights were designed for three levels of recommended damage limitation states....

Il Consorzio interuniversitario ReLUIS – “Rete dei Laboratori Universitari di Ingegneria Sismica”, rappresenta da oltre 20 anni un riferimento assoluto nell’ambito dell’ingegneria strutturale nazionale ed internazionale. Fondato nell’aprile 2003, ha ampliato la sua mission nel 2020, includendo aspetti di Ingegneria Strutturale e modificando la sua...

The mechanical analysis of photovoltaics and building integrated photovoltaics is a key step for their optimal design and certification, and requires careful consideration, alongside solar power, durability and functionality issues. The solar cells are encapsulated in thin interlayers that are usually composed of a viscoelastic Ethylene–Vinyl Aceta...

Establishing short supply chains for timber has become important especially in Italy, which is an historically wood-importer country. Timber is an environmentally friendly construction material and a potential mean to reduce carbon footprint produced every year by the building sector. In addition to its sustainability benefits, reversible strengthe...

The primary goal of safety films for glass in buildings is to retrofit existing monolithic elements and prevent, in the post-fracture stage, any fall-out of shards. Their added value is that—as far as the fragments are kept bonded—a cracked film-glass element can ensure a minimum residual mechanical and load-bearing capacity, which is strictly rela...

Structural glass is used in constructions for beams, columns, and stiffeners, with high aesthetical impact to buildings in terms of transparency and modernity. Among several positive characteristics, most of glass members for constructions are typically slender, and this feature may cause major structural stability challenges for their mechanical d...

This paper investigates experimentally and numerically the buckling behavior of three-layered cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels under in-plane axial compression. The main aim is to assess the panels' ultimate limit load and their typical failure mechanisms. A total of 14 specimens were tested. Seven of them were homogeneous (HO series), entirely...

The study of floors vibration serviceability represents a well-known challenging task and has a critical role in comfort analysis, assessment and optimization of pedestrian systems in general. To this aim, several consolidated and/or simplified tools are available in the literature to address the most important aspects. In practice, however, most o...

Façade design is a challenging task, in which multidisciplinary issues and aspects should be optimally considered and addressed. This is especially the case of building façades exposed to seismic events, impacts, or fire. Special attention and major efforts are required for the detection and application of new technologies in the generation of mode...

This chapter explores the behaviour and performance of glass curtain wall systems under various dynamic mechanical loads, including seismic, wind and impulsive loads. The classification of glass facade systems, comprising framed and frameless types, is first shortly discussed, along with their core components such as glass panels and frames. The ch...

Design codes provide requirements for traditional slabs to ensure both safety levels and in‐service functionality criteria. However, for existing structures, an initial diagnostic knowledge phase is essential to characterize the actual health state, e.g. based on structural health monitoring (SHM) with operational modal analysis (OMA) techniques. C...

Glass façades are complex mechanical systems, in which brittle and vulnerable glass panels interact with metal members and secondary components. Under extreme design actions, such as seismic events, glass failure in tension (cracking) or compression (crushing) is a critical condition for structural performance assessment. Compared to full-scale exp...

This paper investigates the role of sheathing-to-framing connection ductility in the evaluation of the structural-behaviour factor for Light-Frame Timber (LFT) buildings, by means of Incremental Dynamic Analyses (IDA). This approach allows to consider nonlinear cyclic behaviour of the walls, which cannot be taken into account with the static approa...

The present study explores the seismic performance and the expected structural damage in reinforced concrete (RC) frames with progressively increasing in-plan and in-height non-regularity. To this aim, four three-dimensional (3D) buildings characterised by different regularity levels are taken into account. The structures are subjected to seismic i...

The stability of monolithic glass fins is reasonably well defined; as an elastic material it behaves in a similar manner to other elastic materials such as steel, for which there are many equations of different forms which give similar results. Special care is required for continuous restraint to the tension flange. Equations presented in Australia...

Weathering and operational conditions, as known, have significant impact on typical constituent materials which are used for many construction applications. Among others, structural glass solutions can suffer for these effects in terms of major modification of material properties of interlayers, bonds, connections, gaskets and polymeric components...

The vibration performance assessment of pedestrian structures attracts, since decades, the attention of several research studies. In this paper, the attention is focused on the experimental vibration analysis of in-service structural glass assemblies that are used to take part in in-service pedestrian systems. In most of cases, these systems are ch...

The lateral-torsional buckling (LTB) performance assessment of laminated glass (LG) beams is a remarkably critical issue because-among others-it can involve major consequences in terms of structural safety. Knowledge of LTB load-bearing capacity (in terms of critical buckling load F cr and corresponding lateral displacement d LT), in this regard, i...

Timber floors can be susceptible to human-induced vibration due to the low density of timber compared to other construction materials. Human-induced vibration is a complex problem due to many involved parameters. As in many dynamic systems, the response depends on the dynamic parameters and the excitation source. Therefore, more advanced assessment...

The earthquake of L’Aquila on the 6th April 2009 was the fifth stronger earthquake recorded in Italy. To support citizens, around 3300 timber house modules have been built in the region of L’Aquila. These single- or two-story buildings are characterized by total surface from 40 to 70 square meters, realized by employing two of most common wood-base...

The effects of severe earthquakes on structures are often catastrophic, and thus it is important to consider them. It is especially the case of High Rise Buildings, where the seismic analysis plays a vital part in the structural analysis and in predicting the response of these structures under the seismic loads. The main aim of the optimal seismic...

Aims In this study, the mechanical characterization of no-fines concrete solutions is addressed experimentally, with the purpose of possibly increasing their strength by using silica fume and embedded fibers (steel and nylon fibers) as possible efficient reinforcement. Background Due to competition between developed and advanced countries, the con...

The determination of the blast protection level and minimum load-bearing capacity for a laminated glass (LG) window or façade component is of crucial importance for safety and security design purposes. In most cases, such an operation is carried out based on complex experimental analysis and often with the support of Finite Element (FE) numerical m...

This paper investigates the column buckling behaviour of three-layer Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) panels under compression, from both the experimental and numerical point of view. The main aim of present study is hence to define the expected load-bearing capacity for these composite CLT solutions, and to assess the typical fracture mechanism for tw...

With the worldwide construction sector being responsible for one third of carbon dioxide emissions, as well as forty percent of the world’s energy use and waste production, a shift to sustainable and renewable construction techniques is crucial. Engineered timber, a champion of sustainable construction materials, has evolved to a stage that enables...

The progressive collapse of structures subjected to a truck collision with ground floor columns is numerically investigated in this paper. For this purpose, a four-story steel building with a dual system (including an intermediate steel moment frame, with a special concentric steel bracing system in the longitudinal (x) direction, and an intermedia...

The vibration performance of pedestrian structures attracts the attention of several studies, especially with respect to unfavorable operational conditions or possible damage scenarios. Specific vibration comfort levels must be satisfied in addition to basic safety requirements, depending on the class of use, the structural typology and the materia...

The seismic vulnerability assessment of existing structures is a well-known challenging task, due to a combination of several aspects. The use of analytical or finite element (FE) numerical models can offer robust support in this analysis but necessitates the accurate calibration of geometrical and mechanical input, with related uncertainties. In t...

Geopolymer concrete has developed as a potential alternative to ordinary Portland cement-based concrete, wherein various industrial by-products have been converted as beneficial spin-offs. Apart from appropriate compressive strength in the construction sector worldwide, the durability, sound absorption, thermal conductivity, and weight of concrete...

Several factors, including incentives associated with aesthetics, transparency, high chemical, and mechanical durability, and its excellent corrosion resistance, have rapidly accelerated the interest and use of glass as windows, façades, or load-bearing elements in structural applications. Nonetheless, the glass is chemically attacked when subjecte...

Water quality and content significantly influence the mechanical properties of concrete. In light of the global water shortage, the utilization of seawater for concrete production has garnered considerable interest within the industry. Furthermore, sufficient compressive strength must be ensured for such an alternative. Magnetized seawater can be e...

The determination of the blast protection level and the corresponding minimum load-bearing capacity for a laminated glass (LG) window is of crucial importance for safety and security design purposes. In this paper, the focus is given to the window response under near-field blast loading, i.e., where relatively small explosives would be activated cl...

Purpose Glass material is largely used for load-bearing components in buildings. For this reason, standardized calculation methods can be used in support of safe structural design in common loading and boundary conditions. Differing from earlier literature efforts, the present study elaborates on the load-bearing capacity, failure time and fire end...

A critical issue in the design of structural glass elements in buildings is represented by the evaluation of thermally induced stresses and strains. For both climatic actions and fire, thermal stresses represent one of the main causes of premature failure, due to the high sensitivity of glass to temperature gradients. Thermal loads pose a severe sa...

Flexible roofs are sensitive to wind actions because they are light, and their deformability can induce local or global instability. In most cases, their design requires experimental wind tunnel testing to investigate the aeroelastic phenomena and the structural response under the wind. However, the reduced scale necessary in wind tunnels makes the...

For structural design purposes, human-induced loads on pedestrian systems can be described by several simplified (i.e., deterministic equivalent-force models) or more complex computational approaches. Among others, the Spring-Mass-Damper (SMD), Single Degree of Freedom (SDOF) model has been elaborated by several researchers to describe single pedes...

INGENIO - FOCUS "Tetti e Coperture: indicazioni progettuali e soluzioni tecniche" Un'analisi dei criteri di progettazione strutturale per orizzontamenti in vetro: focus sulle principali applicazioni del vetro nelle costruzioni, le caratteristiche meccaniche dei materiali, i criteri generali e il quadro normativo di riferimento.

The use of simplified tools in support of the mechanical performance assessment of pedestrian structures is strongly attractive for designers due to practical efficiency, as well as for researchers in terms of innovation and the assessment of new proposals. On the side of design, the vibration serviceability requires that specific comfort levels fo...

The seismic performance analysis of steel-concrete composite frames involves, as known, the interaction of several load-bearing components that should be properly designed, with multiple geometrical and mechanical parameters to account. Practical recommendations are given by the Eurocode 8-Annex C for the optimal detailing of transversal rebars, so...

Digital tools are notoriously able to assist designers in solving several issues with high accuracy and minimized computational efforts. In this sense, maximization of human comfort in the built environment is a target for various design procedures, where mathematical models and standardized protocols are generally used for well-being purposes. In...

Finite Element (FE) numerical methods are particularly helpful in civil engineering applications, to assess the load-bearing capacity of existing or novel elements and systems. When applied to relatively simple glass windows, major challenges could arise from mechanical characterization and interaction of basic components of assembled systems, with...

Point fixed glass facade systems have been used to fulfill the requirements for high transèarency in modern structures, technological developments in glass production lead to an extent worldwide use. Nevertheless, structural designers face a void in regard to standardization for the current design practices, even for typical loads. Moreover, the ov...

This paper investigates the column buckling behaviour of three-layer Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) panels under compression, from both the experimental and numerical point of view. The main aim of present study is hence to define the expected load-bearing capacity for these composite CLT solutions, and to assess the typical fracture mechanism for tw...

Seismic isolation devices, as known, are particularly efficient tools for the protection of newly designed or existing buildings and infrastructures and for the mitigation of maximum effects due to earthquakes. The highest is the vulnerability of a given existing construction, and the higher is the benefit in structural terms due to a possible retr...

This report is a publication of the European Network COST Action CA20139 “Holistic design of taller timber buildings – HELEN”, established with the aim to “work towards optimized holistic approaches to improve the performance of taller timber buildings and to widen their competitiveness and use across the EU and rest of the world” (https://cahelen...

Although glass is frequently used as a structural component for buildings and infrastructure (façades, floors, walkways, etc.), also in combination with other construction materials, the regulatory framework as a guideline for the design stage is still limited. Many studies, in this regard, have focused on the definition of glass material character...

Cover Story: Modern constructions are often characterized by the presence of slender and aesthetically fascinating components and assemblies. For pedestrian systems, special attention goes to possible vibration issues and, thus, to the need for specific calculations about human-induced loads. What happens, however, in transparent pedestrian systems...

Over the past 30 years, the development of new technologies and especially of smart textiles has unavoidably led to new applications of traditional textiles in the built environment. Depending on special constructional needs (i.e., acoustic insulation, thermal insulation, shading system, etc.) or health monitoring and supporting needs (i.e., for pa...

Structural designers are nowadays supported by standards and guidelines to optimize the mechanical performance and safety level of glass load-bearing elements and assemblies in buildings. Key role is given to deformation and stress check, and post-breakage verification, for newly designed glass systems. Performance limits are provided also for extr...

Modern constructions are often characterized by the presence of slender and aesthetically fascinating components and assemblies. For pedestrian systems in particular, such constructions are notoriously associated with possible vibration issues, and thus require special calculations. When these slender systems are made of structural glass, additiona...

The solution of timber-to-concrete composite (TCC) floors represents a well-established construction technique, which is consistently used for both the retrofitting of existing timber floors and the realization of new diaphragms. The success of TCC floors relies on the intrinsic effectiveness in increasing both the in-plane (for lateral loads) and...