Submit to Materials Review for Materials Propose a Special Issue

Journal Browser

State-of-the-Art Construction Materials in Italy: Challenges for Sustainable, Safe, and Resilient Buildings

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Published Papers

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Construction and Building Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 July 2022) | Viewed by 15514

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Francesca Ceroni

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Engineering Department, Parthenope University of Naples, Naples, Italy
Interests: FRP materials; masonry; bond; heritage buildings

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, Italian research has contributed significantly to the progress of knowledge on traditional and innovative materials and techniques for civil applications. A great effort has been devoted to investigating the effectiveness of innovative strengthening techniques for existing structures, especially after the dramatic seismic events that recently occurred in Italy. Experimental, analytical, and numerical studies have allowed, indeed, the definition of national code indications and qualification standards for new materials, such as the Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) and Fibre Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) ones. Moreover, research in Italy is also very active in the development of materials (special concrete, nanomaterials) and techniques (dissipative devices) for new structures and for designing sustainable, safe, and resilient buildings, especially with respect to seismic actions.

It is my pleasure to invite you to submit papers for a Special Issue on “State-of-the-Art Construction Materials in Italy: Challenges for Sustainable, Safe, and Resilient Buildings”. Papers describing experimental results, analytical approaches, numerical models, as well as comprehensive reviews, are welcome. This Special Issue is aimed at collecting an overview of recent research activities in Italy on construction materials with reference to both existing and new structures. Research topics will include, but are not limited to:

Strengthening techniques for existing structures;
FRP and FRCM materials for strengthening existing structures (steel, masonry, concrete);
Innovative concrete (light, high performance, fibre reinforced, recycled) and materials for new buildings;
Innovation in steel structures;
Nanomaterials for civil applications;
Materials for dissipative and isolation devices.

I look forward to receiving your significant contributions to highlight the high quality of research in Italy on construction materials.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Francesca Ceroni
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Materials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

existing structures
new structures
steel
masonry
concrete
composite materials
nanomaterials
dissipative devices

Published Papers (6 papers)

Download All Papers

Research

15 pages, 4283 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Semi-Active Control Technique through MR Fluid Dampers for Seismic Protection of Single-Story RC Precast Buildings

by Nicola Caterino, Mariacristina Spizzuoco, Valeria Piccolo and Gennaro Magliulo

Materials 2022, 15(3), 759; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma15030759 - 19 Jan 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 1530

Abstract

The work proposes an innovative solution for the reduction of seismic effects on precast reinforced concrete (RC) structures. It is a semi-active control system based on the use of magnetorheological dampers. The special base restraint is remotely and automatically controlled according to a control algorithm, which modifies the dissipative capability of the structure as a function of an instantaneous dynamic response. The aim is that of reducing the base bending moment demand without a significant increase in the top displacement response. A procedure for the optimal calibration of the parameters involved in the control logic is also proposed. Non-linear modelling of a case-study structure has been performed in the OpenSees environment, also involving the specific detailing of a novel variable base restraint. Non-linear time history analyses against natural earthquakes allowed testing of the optimization procedure for the control algorithm parameters, finally the capability of the proposed technology to mitigate seismic risk of new or existing one-story precast RC structures is highlighted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Construction Materials in Italy: Challenges for Sustainable, Safe, and Resilient Buildings)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 8588 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Method to Calculate the Support Length of Beams Resting on Masonry Walls

by Marco Andrea Pisani, Massimiliano Bocciarelli and Tommaso D’Antino

Materials 2021, 14(23), 7131; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14237131 - 23 Nov 2021

Viewed by 2294

Abstract

Rehabilitation, strengthening, and retrofitting of existing masonry buildings represent an important challenge for the construction engineering field. Often, slab strengthening/retrofitting is performed by replacing existing timber and steel beams or by adding new beams to improve the slab load-carrying capacity. The computation of the stresses at the beam–masonry interface (i.e., the contact pressure) is crucial to properly design the beam support length, preventing local failure of masonry and beam. This paper presents a simple analytical procedure to compute the contact pressure at the beam–masonry interface. The analytical procedure is validated by comparison between analytical and corresponding numerical results obtained by finite element modeling. Different types of beam (solid and laminated timber beams and steel beams) were considered, as well as different support conditions (simply resting on the wall considering different support lengths or fully embedded). The results obtained show that the method proposed is simple and reliable, which makes it suitable for professional practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Construction Materials in Italy: Challenges for Sustainable, Safe, and Resilient Buildings)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 5471 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In-Plane Behaviour of Masonry Walls: Numerical Analysis and Design Formulations

by Thomas Celano, Luca Umberto Argiento, Francesca Ceroni and Claudia Casapulla

Materials 2021, 14(19), 5780; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14195780 - 03 Oct 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2474

Abstract

This paper presents the results of several numerical analyses aimed at investigating the in-plane resistance of masonry walls by means of two modelling approaches: a finite element model (FEM) and a discrete macro-element model (DMEM). Non-linear analyses are developed, in both cases, by changing the mechanical properties of masonry (compressive and tensile strengths, fracture energy in compression and tension, shear strength) and the value of the vertical compression stress applied on the walls. The reliability of both numerical models is firstly checked by means of comparisons with experimental tests available in the literature. The analyses show that the numerical results provided by the two modelling approaches are in good agreement, in terms of both failure loads and modes, while some differences are observed in their load-displacement curves, especially in the non-linear field. Finally, the numerical in-plane resistances are compared with the theoretical formulations provided by the Italian building code for both flexural and shear failure modes and an amendment for the shape factor ‘b’ introduced in the code formulation for squat walls is proposed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Construction Materials in Italy: Challenges for Sustainable, Safe, and Resilient Buildings)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 8027 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study of the Behavior of Structural Materials Treated with Bioconsolidant

by Yolanda Spairani, Arianna Cisternino, Dora Foti, Michela Lerna and Salvador Ivorra

Materials 2021, 14(18), 5369; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14185369 - 17 Sep 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1414

Abstract

In this article, the effectiveness of the bioconsolidation technique applied to degraded structural materials is illustrated as a new method of consolidation and conservation of the existing building heritage in a less invasive way. Satisfactory results have been obtained by an experimental campaign carried out through non-destructive diagnostic tests, static destructive mechanical tests, and microstructural analyses on a series of natural stone material specimens and artificial stone materials before and after the use of bioconsolidants. The consolidated specimens have been tested after three to four weeks after the application of the M3P nutritional solution on each specimen. The effect on the microstructure of this technique has also been observed using scanning electron microscope and optical photomicrograph, the formation of new calcium carbonate crystals promoting the structural consolidation of the materials under examination was observed in all the specimens analyzed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Construction Materials in Italy: Challenges for Sustainable, Safe, and Resilient Buildings)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 3249 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Innovative Materials in Italy for Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Buildings

by Francesco Colangelo, Ilenia Farina, Marta Travaglioni, Cinzia Salzano, Raffaele Cioffi and Antonella Petrillo

Materials 2021, 14(8), 2048; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14082048 - 19 Apr 2021

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3979

Abstract

In the last 20 years, there have been a series of seismic events in Italy that have caused serious damage to civil and building structures. This has led to a significant increase in the use of concrete for the reconstruction of new structures and the repair of existing structures damaged by earthquakes. At the same time, the concrete industry is responsible for the most significant environmental damage during the life cycle of the built environment. The environmental disadvantages characterizing the concrete industry are related to the constant growth of the exploitation of natural aggregates. Therefore, it is necessary to use alternative and innovative aggregates that provide good concrete performance and lower environmental impacts. In this study, a very promising route from an environmental point of view is given by the use of artificial aggregates from industrial waste as substitutes for natural aggregates. An innovative low cost and energy saving granulation process has been employed to produce lightweight aggregates using fly ash from the incineration of municipal solid waste and ground granulated blast furnace slag. The final aim of this research is to demonstrate the environmental sustainability of artificial aggregates, through a comparison of three different mixtures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Construction Materials in Italy: Challenges for Sustainable, Safe, and Resilient Buildings)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 3616 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Assessment of Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Hemp-Lime Mortar

by Eliana Parcesepe, Rosa Francesca De Masi, Carmine Lima, Gerardo Maria Mauro, Maria Rosaria Pecce and Giuseppe Maddaloni

Materials 2021, 14(4), 882; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ma14040882 - 12 Feb 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2334

Abstract

The use of renewable and natural materials characterized by the low environmental impact is nowadays a key issue for the sustainable development of the construction industry. For this reason, the interest for natural fibers, to be used as reinforcement in composites as an alternative to other fibers, is continuously growing. In this paper, the use of hemp for reinforcing lime mortar used as plaster is considered with a multidisciplinary approach, taking into consideration the structural and thermal performance. Natural fibers have several advantages compared to industrial ones, such as low cost, low environmental impact, biodegradability, renewable nature. Moreover, these can show remarkable mechanical performance in relation to specific weight, and sometimes, as in the case of hemp fibers, these can improve the thermal insulation capacity of the plaster. However, the experimental results on the mechanical features are still lacking, especially to assess their durability, and the variability of thermal parameters with the mechanical characteristics. Therefore, this paper proposes an experimental program, developed at Laboratory of Materials and Structures (LAMAS) of the University of Sannio (Italy), aimed at investigating the main mechanical properties (compression strength, flexural strength) of lime mortar reinforced by hemp fibers and subjected to various environmental exposures and aging processes. The characterization is completed with the measurement for the produced samples of the thermal conductivity by means of the standardized guarded hot plate technique. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Construction Materials in Italy: Challenges for Sustainable, Safe, and Resilient Buildings)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

State-of-the-Art Construction Materials in Italy: Challenges for Sustainable, Safe, and Resilient Buildings

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (6 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI