Abstract
Integrated multi-performance rehabilitation of existing buildings is increasingly recognized as a national and international priority, particularly considering recent Italian incentives such as the Seismo-Bonus and Superbonus 110%, which promote seismic and energy upgrades. These measures present a strategic opportunity to launch a large-scale, long-term renovation initiative with broad societal benefits. The QuakeSAFE-GreenSHIELD project addresses current technical gaps by developing integrated, performance-based methodologies for the assessment, design, and retrofit of existing structures. It aims to deliver cost-effective, low-invasive retrofit solutions, particularly exoskeleton-type systems—for Reinforced Concrete schools and condominiums. Combining expertise in Structural Engineering, Earthquake Dynamics, Façade Systems, and Architecture. The project will conduct theoretical modeling, numerical analyses, and experimental validation at multiple-scales- ranging from local component-level (e.g., joints, non-structural elements, damping and stiffness enhancements) studies to full system (global)performance evaluations. Final outputs will include practical guidelines with design examples and technical details to support professionals and decision-makers in implementing effective, multi-objective rehabilitation strategies.
Results achieved
Thanks to the support received through European Union funding- NextGenerationEU, within the framework of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) and the PRIN 2022 PNRR funds of the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MIUR), the QuakeSAFE-GreenSHIELD project addressed the integrated multi-performance rehabilitation of existing buildings, and increasingly recognized national and international priority, particularly considering recent Italian incentives such as the Seismo-Bonus and Superbonus 110%, wich promote seismic and energy upgrades. Combining expertise in Structural Engineering, Earthquake Dynamics, Façade Systems, and Architecture, the project developed an integrated, performance-based methodologies for the assessment design, and retrofit of existing structures, conducting theoretical modeling, numerical analyses, and experimental validation at multiple scales, from local component level studies (e.g., joints, non-structural elements, dampers) to full-system (global) performance evaluations, aiming to deliver cost-effective, low-invasive retrofit solutions, particularly exoskeleton type systems, for reinforced concrete schools and condominiums. For what concern the research Unit of Bologna, the project developed and experimentally validated an innovative post-tensioned Glued Laminated Timber (GluLam) exoskeleton based on “PresLam” (Prestressed Laminated Timber) technology, a low damage system featuring a rocking-dissipative mechanism and repleaceble “Plug&Play;” fuse type dissipaters. The experimental campaign was carried out on a full-scale, infilled reinforced concrete frame retrofitted with the low damage exoskeleton system. A series of horizontal displacement cycles of growing intensity was imposed to the beam of the frame. The results showed that, compared to an unstrengthened infilled RC frame (representative of most existing buildings), the retrofitted system exhibits a significant increase in lateral strength and substantial energy dissipation capacity, while maintaining a limited and controlled levels of structural damage. The rocking behaviour activated trough the precompression at the joints level proved to be effective and reliable, leaving the wooden structural elements slightly damaged only.Dettagli del progetto
Responsabile scientifico: Claudio Mazzotti
Strutture Unibo coinvolte:
Dipartimento di Ingegneria Civile, Chimica, Ambientale e dei Materiali
Coordinatore:
"Sapienza" Universita' Di Roma(Italy)
Contributo totale Unibo: Euro (EUR) 53.242,00
Durata del progetto in mesi: 24
Data di inizio
28/09/2023
Data di fine:
28/02/2026
