Research interests
Research interests can be divided into two groups:
"Analysis and modeling of structures subjected to extreme dynamic actions"
and
"Sustainability-oriented structural technologies".
Analysis and modeling of structures subjected to extreme dynamic actions
This topic has been developed through the following themes:
Blast events on civil structures
This activity focuses on the effects of malicious or accidental blast events on structural and non-structural elements of civil infrastructures. It is a particularly interesting topic, involving dynamic behavior of materials and complex fluid-dynamics problems.Dynamic behavior of construction materials in case of high strain-rate
In cooperation with SUPSI university of Lugano, different experimental programs were conducted to investigate the high strain-rate behavior of different construction materials, through a Modified Hopkinson bar apparatus. Currently, a dynamic characterization has been conducted for concrete, reinforcing steel, tuff and glass fiber reinforced polymer.Retrofit of civil structures against extreme dynamic actions<
The activity focuses on retrofit techniques of civil structures against blast actions. Composite materials are investigated to increase structural capacity of structural elements, following the design approach used in case of seismic retrofit. Furthermore, within the SAS project, protection barriers were developed aiming to reduce the effects of blast induced shock waves on structures. To do this, a new numerical procedure was developed to design these protection structures.Numerical methods to simulate high dynamics problems
Within this activity, carried out in cooperation with the University of Pavia, mesh-less and in particular SPH (Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics) formulations are investigated. In particular, an original SPH formulation has been developed, able to control the order of convergence of the numerical solution.Probabilistic assessment of the structural fragility of civil infrastructures against both blast and seismic actions
Within a multi-hazard approach, numerical procedures have been developed to assess the probability of progressive collapse of civil structures, given blast and seismic events. The approach has been extended for existing structures, according to Life Cycle Assessment criteria, in order to design retrofit interventions.
Sustainability-oriented structural technologies
This topic has been developed through the following themes:
Integration of materials e techniques for the sustainability
This activity is focused on the study of the possible integrations of the available sustainability-oriented technologies. The main objective is to develop new integrated solutions, in order have sustainable interventions, in environmental, economic and social terms. According to this approach, interventions are analyzed within their life cycle, in terms of environmental impact, economical costs and occupants safety.Structural retrofit techniques using natural fibers
Within this activity, natural fibers are investigated to develop fiber-reinforced materials for structural retrofit techniques. The objective is to develop new materials to retrofit existing structures, with low environmental costs and locally available, even in developing countries. At this aim, different experimental activities have been developed to characterize the mechanical properties of Italian hemp fibers.Geopolymer matrices
The activity is focused on the development and the characterization of geopolymer matrices for fiber-reinforced composites for structural retrofit techniques. The objective is to develop composite materials with low environmental costs and high mechanical and fire resistance properties.Basalt fiber characterization
The activity focuses on the mechanical characterization of new materials and structural solutions using basalt fibers, such as: fiber reinforced mortars and concrete, fiber-reinforced polymer rebar for concrete reinforcement, grid and fabric reinforcement for external retrofit applications.