Founded in 1224 by the King Frederick II Hohenstaufen, the University of Naples was the first public University in Italy and now is one of the biggest of the country. THE UNIVERITY IN NUMBERS Facilities: 3 university divisions 13 faculties 26 doctorate schools 79 departments 108 libraries Courses: 147 degree courses 80 doctorate courses 82 master courses 146 specialization courses People: 96867 students 1604 professors 1207 researchers
Currently, research and academic activities related to steel structures involve two departments. Innovative facilities are available for the development of theoretical as well as experimental activities. Department of Construction and Mathematical methods in Architecture Head: Raffaele Landolfo Department of Structural Engineering Head: Gaetano Manfredi
Full Professor in Structural Engineering at University of Naples Federico II Head of the Department of the Constructions and Mathematical Methods in Architecture External examiner for MSc in Earthquake Engineering and Structural Steel Design at Imperial College London Member of UNI-SC3 Committee on Steel and Composite Structures Expert consultant in several activities of national working group and of the European Project Team dealing with the conversion from ENV to EN of the Eurocode 3 Chairman of the ECCS Technical Committee n.13 on Seismic Design since 2007 His research activity involves the participation in several national and international research projects. Engaged in many national and international research projects, he is author of a book and of more than 200 papers.
The University of Naples is active on the research related to steel structures since the sixties. The main topics currently investigated at the Department of Constructions and Mathematical Methods in Architecture are : Steel & Earthquake Cold-Formed Steel Sustainable Steel Constructions Historical Steel Constructions Composite Materials Umberto I Gallery, Naples
Rotation Capacity of Steel Members High Strength Steel Displacement Based Design Umberto I Gallery, Naples
The principal scope of the work has been the revision of the classification criteria of steel members actually adopted by seismic codes and the introduction of a new criterion which takes into account the principal factors that influence the structural response. A wide experimental campaign of monotonic and cyclic tests has been carried out to investigate the different parameters that influences the ductility and the overstrength of steel members: the material strength, different slenderness ratios and cyclic actions. Indeed, a wide range of cross sections has been tested. The processing of the experimental results allows to classify the tested profiles applying different classification criteria proposed by the technical codes EC3, NTC 08, OPCM 3274.
1. COST Action C26 Urban Habitat Constructions Under Catastrophic Events, European Science Foundation, WG2 Earthquake resistance, years 2006-2010 2. Capacità rotazionale e criteri di classificazione delle membrature RELUIS-DPC, Linea 5, years 2005-2008. 3. L influenza della modellazione dei collegamenti sulla risposta sismo-resistente dei telai di acciaio" PRIN: L influenza dei collegamenti sul comportamento sismo-resistente delle strutture", years 1999-2001.
The idea that is at the base of the so called Dual-Steel Structures is to use Mild Carbon Steel (S235, S275, S355) in dissipative members and High Strength Steel (S460, S690) in non-dissipative members, that are designed to remain elastic during the earthquake and so are characterized by high strength demands. The robustness of the Dual-Steel Structures to severe seismic action is ensured by their global performance, in terms of ductility, stiffness and strength. The main specific objectives of the research are mainly to find reliable structural typologies and joint/connection detailing for Dual-steel Building Frames and to develop design criteria and Performance Based Design methodology for Dual-Steel structures using HSS.
1. HSS-SERF (High Strength Steel), RFCS 6th Framework Program on Research, Technological Development and Demonstration. European Commission, years 2005-2008.
Axial force (kn) Pseudo acceleration (m/s 2 ) Damping (%) Displacement (m) m e F u F F n rk i h e K i K e The structural damage due to seismic events is related to strains developed in members and it is related to their displacements. Displacements and drifts are the best indicators of structural damage. (a) SDOF Simulation y (b) Effective Stiffness K e d In codified force-based design procedures, displacements are considered only as an output of the design process. Instead, in displacement-based design procedures, displacements are the input data of the design process. The DBD methodology allows the base shear strength to be computed case-by-case, in order to meet selected target displacements. 60 40 20 0 Elasto-Plastic Steel Frame Concrete Frame Unbonded Prestressing 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0 d T e 5% 10% 15% 20% 30% The main concern is the definition of the displacement shape, that is usually based on some mixture of theory and empirical knowledge of similar structures. When a new structure type is to be analyzed using the DBD methodology, then the problem to define the displacement shape come to be solved. 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0-200 1 2 3 4 5 6 Displacement Ductility (c) Equivalent damping vs. ductility 0 1 2 3 4 5 Period (seconds) (d) Design Displacement Spectra Fig. 2.1 Fundamentals of Direct Displacement-Based Design -400 Georgescu formulation -600-0.06-0.04-0.02 0 0.02 0.04 Axial deformation (m) 25 20 15 10 5 0 EC8 1s_2s_R2 1s_2s_R4 1s_2s_R6 Average 1s_2s_R1 1s_2s_R3 1s_2s_R5 1s_2s_R7 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 T (s)
1. DiSTEEL (Development of a direct displacementbased methodology for seismic design and vulnerability assessment), RFCS 7th Framework Program on Research, Technological Development and Demonstration. European Commission, years 2006-2009.
Housing Cube House Innovative beams Umberto I Gallery, Naples
The research is devoted to define a proposal of design procedure for CFS housing in seismic area, that can be readily used by designers. The study has been focused on the seismic behaviour of CFS shear walls sheathed with oriented strand board and/or gypsum board panels. The first part of the experimental phase has been carried out on two, nominally identical, prototypes. The specimens have been tested under monotonic and cyclic loading conditions. In a second phase, a wide experimental campaign aiming at characterizing the shear behaviour of different sheathings and sheathing-to-cfs profiles connections has been carried out. The theoretical and experimental results have been accounted for the proposal of a seismic design procedure.
1. Abitazioni per la gestione dell emergenza RELUIS-DPC LINEA10, years 2005-2008. 2. Metodologie e criteri di progetto per l housing in coldformed in zona sismica PRIN: Strutture metalliche innovative per la protezione sismica di edifici nuovi ed esistenti: criteri e metodologie di progetto", years 2003-2005. 3. Studio teorico-sperimentale sulla possibilità di impiego dei profili di acciaio formati a freddo in zona sismica PRIN: Strutture di acciaio innovative per la protezione sismica degli edifici", years 2001-2003.
Building Construction of Foundation and Primary Stage School _ BFS Naples _ Lago Patria The cold-formed steel research group is currently involved in the realization of the most important structure in cold-formed steel sheathed with structural panels that is going on in Italy. The design has been developed for the English Department of the United Estates and it is under construction right now. The school extends on 3000m2, it is organized in 8 buildings, 6 of which are in cold-formed steel and will open the next year.
The case study is a residential unit of 7,80x7,80m², with two stories. The total height is of 3 m. This building is a practical application of the MPN system, that is a steel cold-formed brick. The design concept was implemented by the arch. Silvio D Ascia. The Cube House structure is a tubular panel structure, made of two vertical and two horizontal walls, composed by MPN. These elements represent the structural vertical subsystem. The joints between the vertical walls and horizontal slabs are made of a half of steel brick.
The main scope of this work is to promote an innovative coldformed beam realized thanks to the laser welding technology. Laser welding, thanks to its characteristics, is an optimal tool for the automation of welding processes. The main characteristic of the laser welding is the velocity. The quality of the welding is high, and high structural performances are guaranteed. In the first phase a theoretical and experimental study of the basic connections was performed. To this end, a large experimental tests campaign was carried out. Connections shear tests was performed to evaluate the affection of different geometrical and technical parameters on connections strength and ductility. The main scope was the analysis of the structural performances of the MCL beams, assembled with laser welding. The study activities was based on the experimental tests performed on real scale specimens and on FE models with non linear characteristics implemented on ANSYS software. Finally the study and the design of a production line of laser weldings for this beams was carried out.
1. Progetto e sviluppo di un sistema costruttivo integrato in acciaio cold-formed basato su tecnologie e componenti innovative" commissioned by Ben Vautier S.p.A with funding of Ministero delle Attività Produttive, years 2006-2008. 2. Caratterizzazione del processo di saldatura laser di una trave composta" commissioned by Ben Vautier S.p.A with funding according to Legge n.598/94, years 2004-2007. 3. Progetto di sviluppo per una trave modulare componibile " commissioned by Ben Vautier S.p.A with funding according to Legge n.46/82, years 2002-2005.
Sustainable Design LCA of Steel Structures Umberto I Gallery, Naples
Economy The research on Sustainable Design deals with the evaluation of environmental, economical and social performances of steel structures during the whole life cycle, considering also the adverse impacts produced on planet, people and economy. In order to achieve the goal of sustainable structures it is indeed required to apply integrated design methodology, which take into account, as a whole, all the sustainability requirements according to multi-performance life-cycle oriented approach. According to this, in the last years the topic of durability of steel structures as well as life cycle structural performance have been investigating. Society Sustainable Development Environment
1. COST Action C25 Sustainability of Constructions: Integrated approach to Life-time Structural Engineering, European Science Foundation, WG3 Life-cycle Structural Engineering, years 2006-2010.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) analysis are aimed at evaluating the environmental burdens associated with a product process or activity by identifying energy and materials used and wastes released to the environment. LCA methodology is characterized by four main stages: 1. Goals and Scope definition 2. Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) 3. Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) 4. Life Cycle Interpretation LCA can be used as a useful tool to address the selection among different design options and identify the critical life cycle stages, in terms of environmental impacts, associated with maintenance, repair and rehabilitation of components.
1. COST Action C25 Sustainability of Constructions: Integrated approach to Life-time Structural Engineering, European Science Foundation, WG3 Life-cycle Structural Engineering, years 2006-2010. 2. Definizione e sviluppo di archivi di dati per la valutazione del rischio, la pianificazione e la gestione dell emergenza RELUIS-DPC, Linea 10, years 2005-2008.
Steel Roofing Steel Bridges Umberto I Gallery, Naples
The main scope of the research is to develop a methodology for the assessment of the vulnerability and the use of reversible mixed technologies, with regard to historical and monumental metallic constructions. The case study was the Dome of the Umberto I Gallery in Naples. The research program has been articulated through a wide experimental activity, in order to characterize both the mechanical properties of historical material and the structural behavior of riveted connections. In order to analyze the structural vulnerability and the seismic capacity of the Dome, three-dimensional finite element models have been implemented. In order to guarantee the structural integrity of the constructions, the research is ongoing in a strengthening solution using FRP.
1. Vulnerabilità e tecniche di consolidamento reversibili per le strutture storiche in carpenteria metallica PRIN: Salvaguardia e riabilitazione strutturale di edifici storici mediante tecniche miste reversibili ", years 2005-2007. 2. Metodologie di analisi per la previsione della risposta strutturale di manufatti architettonici in carpenteria metallica CNR: Metodi e modelli predittivi del comportamento strutturale di manufatti in presenza e in assenza di danno according to Legge 449/97, years 2002-2005.
The main scope of the research is to develop a methodology for the study of the durability and for the assessment of the vulnerability, with regard to historical and monumental metallic constructions. The case study was the historic metal truss railway bridge on Gesso river, near Foggia. The case studies was selected through the strong collaboration established between the research unit and the Italian rail operator Ferrovie dello Stato. The research program has been articulated through a wide experimental activity, in order to characterize both the mechanical properties of historical material and the structural behavior of riveted connections. In order to analyze the structural vulnerability and the seismic capacity of the bridge, three-dimensional finite element models have been implemented.
1. Vulnerabilità e tecniche di consolidamento reversibili per le strutture storiche in carpenteria metallica PRIN: Salvaguardia e riabilitazione strutturale di edifici storici mediante tecniche miste reversibili ", years 2005-2007. 2. Metodologie di analisi per la previsione della risposta strutturale di manufatti architettonici in carpenteria metallica CNR: Metodi e modelli predittivi del comportamento strutturale di manufatti in presenza e in assenza di danno according to Legge 449/97, years 2002-2005.
FRP Reinforcing of Steel Members Umberto I Gallery, Naples
The use of FRP for strengthening and repairing metal structures is not developed as in the case of masonry or reinforced concrete buildings. With regard to steel historic structures, it is interesting to perform further experimental tests in order to investigate the effects of the reinforcement on the ductility of the members, on the possibility to prevent with the FRPs global and local buckling phenomena in compression elements and to assess their suitability in the consolidation of connections. In order to investigate the behaviour of compression iron elements strengthened with FRP a test campaign has been undertaken in cooperation with the University of Liege (ULg). The experimental program included tests on stocky elements with and without FRP, both in tension and in compression. Also, tests on slender columns have been performed with and without FRP so as to investigate the influence of the latter on the buckling resistance.
1. PROHITECH (Earthquake Protection of Historical Building by Reversible Mixed Technologies), in 6th Framework Program on Research, Technological Development and Demonstration. European Commission. Contract number: INCO-CT-2004-509119, WG8 Numerical Analysis, years 2005-2008.
In the last years, the University of Naples promoted many courses and products in the field of steel structures. Raffaele Landolfo was the tutor of more than 50 MSc thesis and PhD thesis. MSc Thesis PhD Thesis Second Level Master Courses
Raffaele Landolfo was the tutor of more than 30 BSc + MSc thesis, at the faculties of Structural Engineering and Architecture. Some of them were awarded by ACAI (Association of Italian Steelwork Producers), and published on a famous Italian technical review (Costruzioni Metalliche): Laura Grazia Mariniello Innovation and Construction: Design of a cfs system for buildings in seismic zone ACAI AWARD YEAR 2005-2006 Susanna Trotorelli Innovative earthquake resisting Techniques for the design of steel Structures ACAI AWARD YEAR 2006-2007 Consiglia Mozzillo Design of a steel pedestrian bridge with a bi-helicoidal structure ACAI AWARD YEAR 2007-2008
Gaetano Della Corte - 2001 Seismic stability of elasto-plastic frames Gianmaria Di Lorenzo - 2002 Theoretical-experimental study of an innovative cold-formed steel beam Luigi Fiorino - 2003 Seismic behaviour of sheated cold-formed steel stud shear walls: an experimental investigation Mario D Aniello - 2007 Steel dissipative bracing systems for seismic retrofitting of existing structures: theory and testing Maria Rita Guerrieri - 2007 The laser welding as an innovative technology for cold-formed steel structural systems Lucrezia Cascini - 2008 Atmospheric corrosion and durability design of metal structures Manuela Brescia - 2008 Rotation capacity and overstrength of steel members for seismic design Ornella Iuorio - 2008 Design procedures for cold-formed steel housing in seismic area
General principles of design and structural types in steel structures Stability of steel structures Design and detailing of connections Steel and Architecture Tension Structures and Glass Engineering Cold-Formed thin-walled members and structures Steel structures in tall buildings and large coverings Design, Fabrication and Erection of Steel Bridges Composite Structures Aluminium Structures Steel in Refurbishment Masts, Towers, Tanks and Silos Provisional Structures and Fire Design
The dissemination of the steel Research Activities is traditionally made trough scientific publications. But many other activities are devoted to promote the use of steelwork in Italy, trough divulgative publications, training courses for designers and e-learning for academic teaching. Academic e-learning Training Activities for Designers National and International Publications
The e-learning project Federica@ is one of the first web learning projects promoted by the Italian universities. The steel topics are present in this context by means of many structural engineering lessons.
To promote the use of steelwork in Italy the Steel Research Activities are also advertised in training courses for Practitioners and Designers.
To promote the use of steelwork in Italy the Steel Research Activities are published on different media: Proceedings of International Conferences Proceedings of National Conferences National and International Journals
To promote the use of steelwork in Italy the Steel Research Activities are published on different media: Design Guides for Engineers: 1. De Marco T., Landolfo R., Salvatore W. Acciai strutturali, prodotti e sistemi di unione (Ed. Promozione Acciaio, Milano, 2007). 2. De Marco T., Landolfo R., Salvatore W. Edifici monopiano in acciaio ad uso industriale (Ed. Promozione Acciaio, Milano, 2007). 3. Ghersi A., Landolfo R., Mazzolani F. M. Design of metallic cold-formed thin-walled members (Spon Press, London, 2001). 4. Mazzolani F. M., Landolfo R., Dubina D., Da Silva S. Design of steel structures for buildings in seismic areas (next)
To promote the use of steelwork in Italy the Steel Research Activities are published on different media: National Divulgative Reviews
TC 13 Activities: In 2007 Raffaele Landolfo was appointed as Chairman of TC 13, the Technical Committee n.13 Seismic Design of the European Convention for Constructional Steelwork (ECCS). Creation of Technical Working Groups to identify weakness in the European Codification Production of Technical Documents addressing these issues with the aim to contribute to the new generation of codes Collection of design example from different countries Creation of the TC13 network of knowledge and background of members by means of the ECCS web-site Extension of the network outside Europe promoting and organizing workshop in cooperation with USA and Japan Corrections to EC8 in its present format Proposals for a next generation EC8 Publications of EUROPEAN RECOMMENDATION and DESIGN MANUALS