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Case Studies









SOME RELEVANT PROJECTS

2008-2009
MAFEX – Phase I
Development of numerical methods for the prediction of blast wave propagation and effect   in complex urban areas

The objective of these models and methods was to allow effective analysis about the:

  • (Re) Design and (re) planning of critical urban infrastructures.
  • Detect weak points and vulnerabilities against external blast.
  • Verify and optimize inner building layout reducing blast effect consequences.


2009-2010
MAFEX – Phase II
Numerical model for predicting the dynamic behavior of critical constructive systems.

The objective of these models and methods was to allow effective analysis about:

  • Perimeter design against blast,
  • Progressive collapse of threatened facilities,
  • Structural system behaviour under dynamic situations


2009-2010
CORTASAT
Blast and fire analysis for designing innovative walls to be applied in electrical sub-station

A design of an innovative compartment wall was analysed against the blast shock and the fire provoked by a mal-functioning transformer. Using numerical advanced simulations (Hydrocodes and FEM) the optimal distance among transformers and wall system.



2010-2012

SEGURCRIT
Innovative solutions against extreme events (fire and blast) for critical infrastructure security.

Based on full-scale blast test and advanced numerical techniques, innovative constructive solutions and design guidelines for transport infrastructure where developed to increase the level of protection against external blast.



2011-2013
CERPRO
Composite armor solution against bullet impact at high speed.

Based on numerical advanced simulations and lab test, the behaviour of a composite armor made of boron carbide and Dyneema was analysed. Weak points were detected and optimization was carried out by means of innovative design.






On going
MAPEX
Probabilistic damage-mapping development tools for urban critical infrastructures against terrorist attacks

The main objective of this proposal, MAPEX, is to develop a probabilistic mapping damage methodology for the assessment, analysis and optimization of the security level of urban critical infrastructure against external blast effects taking into account the interaction and influence of factors such as urban planning, explosive charge, building geometry and orientation, constructive and structural systems behaviour as well as human blast response. 

The developed methodologies help to:

1) assessing threats to facilities; 2) use as a design tool; 3) performing vulnerability assessments; 4) investigation of bombing events; 5) base camp design; and 6) planning sites for new construction; 7) crisis management and evacuation protocols strategies.



On going
HARMONIZE
A Holistic Approach to Resilience and Systematic  actions to Make Large Scale Urban Built Infrastructure Secure

The central aim of the HARMONISE project is to develop a comprehensive, multifaceted, yet mutually reinforcing concept for the enhanced security, resilience and sustainability of large scale urban built infrastructure and development.

Specifically, HARMONISE will:

1) Facilitate a systematic approach to develop a security and resilience concept for a combination of complex and dynamic urban systems; 2) Deliver supporting tools for the design/planning stage of large scale urban built infrastructure development, tested/enhanced through quality case studies; 3) Improve the design of urban areas and systems, increasing their security against, and resilience to new threats.

The concept will be designed for use by civil authorities / municipalities and other key stakeholders involved in the design, planning, construction, operation or use of large scale urban built infrastructure.


On going
BASIS
Blast Actions on Structures in Steel

Focus in this project is on global response of low to medium rise buildings to actions due to industrial explosions. Explosion tests representing industrial accidents involving different substances will be performed on a building scale model to quantify the nature and distribution of the actions. Computational Fluid Dynamics tools will be validated and used to generate actions for subsequent tests and numerical studies.

The response of sub-assemblies (cladding/frame, beam-column connections and floor systems) will be studied in large scale tests. Explosion loading in the tests will act upwards on the slabs and connections, a situation for which they are not designed under normal conditions. Static tests will be used to quantify the effect of explosion damage on a floor’s ability to contribute to the building’s stability. Using numerical models, validated against the tests, the global collapse behaviour of buildings will be studied. Numerical analysis will also be used to explore structural retrofitting possibilities for existing buildings.

Design guidance will be developed which can be used to fill gaps in the Eurocodes. A simplified analysis tool suited for design office use will be developed. A reference building will be used throughout to evaluate the actions, analyse global response, consider retrofitting strategies and provide design examples