A probabilistic-based framework for the integrated assessment of seismic and energy economic losses of buildings

Structural safety and environmental sustainability are major factors in investment decisions for building systems, but are rarely considered simultaneously. Recent research efforts have redressed this by developing assessment methodologies and technical solutions for integrated energy efficiency and seismic performance. These studies are...

A Framework and Tool for Knowledge-Based Seismic Risk Assessment of School Buildings: SLaMA-School

When dealing with seismic risk assessment at a large scale, the collection of relevant building data is still deemed a challenging task, often leading to limited building knowledge and, consequently, high uncertainties. Therefore, innovative yet standardized frameworks and adaptive tools are needed to support the seismic risk assessment of...

Integrating resilience in the multi-hazard sustainable design of buildings

Recent natural disasters and climate change-induced extremes emphasize the urgent need to enhance the overall resilience of society by addressing the various hazards that buildings may face. Current design approaches recognize the need for integrated risk assessments, but studies primarily focus on existing buildings and single hazards,...

Impact of earthquakes vs. heat waves on the socioeconomic losses of buildings

Recent earthquakes have confirmed the vulnerability of our built environment, resulting in significant socio-economic losses, market disruptions, and environmental damage. Additionally, climate change is causing more frequent and severe weather-related events such as heat waves, which are impacting the construction sector...

Influence of the anchorage shear hysteresis on the seismic response of nonstructural components in RC buildings

This article presents a numerical study on the influence of the anchorage shear hysteresis on the seismic response of nonstructural components (NSC) connected to multi-storey reinforced concrete (RC) buildings, and of the anchorage itself. To cover a variety of different types of shear hysteresis shapes, this contribution considered the...

Seismic assessment and finite element modeling of traditional vs innovative point fixed glass facade systems (PFGFS)

In the last decades, recent earthquakes have further highlighted the high vulnerability of non-structural components. Post-earthquake damage due to building envelope, equipment and building contents can lead to substantial economic losses in terms of repair costs and daily activity interruption (downtime). Moreover, non-structural damage can...

Raising the bar in seismic design: cost–benefit analysis of alternative design methodologies and earthquake-resistant technologies

The severe socio-economic impact of recent earthquakes has represented a tough reality check, further confirming the mismatch between society expectations and reality of seismic performance of modern buildings. Life-safety code-compliant design criteria are not enough when dealing with new structures. To raise the bar in terms of structural...

Multi-criteria design methods in façade engineering: State-of-the-art and future trends

Façade engineering is facing an era of extraordinary challenge to meet the surge in demand for buildings that are environmentally sustainable and enhance occupant wellbeing. Facades, also known as building envelopes, play a major role in the resource-efficiency of buildings and the quality of its indoor environment. Consequently, the...