No abstract

This work describes the application of a new transducer prototype for continuous monitoring in both the structural and geotechnical fields. The transducer is synthetically constituted by a wire of optical fiber embedded between two fiber tapes (fiberglass or carbon fiber) and glued by a matrix of polyester resin. The fiber optical wire ends have been connected to a control unit whose detection system is based on Brillouin optical time-domain frequency analysis. Three laboratory tests were carried out to evaluate the sensor’s reliability and accuracy. In each experiment, the transducer was applied to a sample of inclinometer casing sets in different configurations and with different constraint conditions. The experimental collected data were compared with theoretical models and with data obtained from the use of different measuring instruments to perform validation and calibration of the transducer at the same time. Several diagrams can compare the transducer and highlight its suitability for the monitoring and maintenance of structures. The characteristic of the transducer suggests its use as a mixed system for reinforcing and monitoring, especially in the lifetime maintenance of critical infrastructures such as transportation and service networks, and historical heritage.

The development of innovative EWS, SHM and SHMR Systems is essential to prevent the occurrence of potentially dangerous events on engineering works, buildings and in the natural environment. Their effectiveness can be improved by using new generation sensors able to realize widespread, low-cost monitoring at increasing spatial and temporal resolution. The main aim of the research is, therefore, to develop a versatile strain transducer capable of monitoring elements of different nature such as slopes, buildings and linear infrastructures performing distributed real-time measurements. The paper introduces a New Smart Hybrid Transducer (NSHT), a strain transducer belonging to the Distributed Optical Fiber Sensors (DOFS) family, appositely designed to overcome the drawbacks of traditional solutions. An experimental laboratory setup was arranged to test its reliability and a comparison between measurements retrieved by the NSHT and traditional devices were done. The results showed that the NSHT is able to perform strain monitoring with spatial resolution as high as 5cm and accuracy comparable to that of the traditional devices. Finally, an ISGMS (Integrated Structural and Geotechnical Monitoring System) architecture based on its use is proposed for the Petacciato site, where a deep-seated landslide affects the historical town and some infrastructures. To realize a single communication line in such a complex monitoring system, where multiple elements have to be monitored, a specific tool was also designed and tested, that allows the exact spatial identification of the various elements under observation. Although on-site validation is needed, these early results are encouraging and demonstrate that the NSHT is a low-cost transducer with great potential and that, looking forward, it can be used to increase the effectiveness of the existing EW, SHM and SHMR Systems. The development of systems involving NSHT also follows the new approach to innovation policy contributing to different points of the 2030 Agenda.

The pandemic Covid-19 has distorted the way of living and enjoying the spaces. Unfortunately, cities are often saturated and many of the public buildings fail to meet the new needs. The need to expand the spaces is a problem and an opportunity: intervening on the existing patrimony, however, requires a multidisciplinary commitment. The interventions on the built heritage have several problems, on the one hand technological, aimed at improving the energy impact of the new building, and on the other properly structural, because the existing heritage was not always built with seismic requirements. This article presents some possible solutions for intervention on the existing patrimony for the implementation of the spaces through volumetric addition, "parasitic architecture", and how the use of wood and its derivatives can allow it.

Densely populated cities characterize urbanized territories, and most public buildings fail to meet many of the new demands imposed by the pandemic and the modern lifestyle. The need to expand spaces has become imperative, although, at the same time, it is necessary to reduce land consumption and preserve green spaces. If we consider the existing heritage a resource, these problems could represent an opportunity to improve existing structures both from a technological and structural point of view. It is possible to effort a holistic approach by improving the energy impact of new buildings and the heritage seismic behaviour facing the problem in a multidisciplinary way. Starting from the "building on the built" philosophy, this paper presents a possible use of engineered wood, such as cross-laminated timber (CLT), to pursue this strategy. The proposal is the realization of volumetric additions to existing buildings without further land consumption. This type of intervention, mentioned as "parasitic architecture", positively impacts urban regeneration strategies. The use of prefabricated timber components (CLT) endorses the speed of realization, reducing the interferences with the surroundings and improving the healthiness and safety of the environment.