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Low-Impact and Integrated Approaches for Seismic and Energy Retrofit of Built Heritage

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Tourism, Culture, and Heritage".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2021) | Viewed by 47881

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Maria Rosa Valluzzi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Padova, Piazza Capitaniato 7, 35139 Padova, Italy
Interests: preservation of monuments, historic city centers and archeological sites; seismic behavior and retrofitting techniques; seismic vulnerability of masonry buildings; earthquake-proof devices for timber structures; investigation techniques for diagnosis; experimental behavior and modeling
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Angelo Masi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Engineering, University of Basilicata, Viale dell'Ateneo Lucano 10, 85100 Potenza, Italy
Interests: seismic risk; reinforced concrete structures; assessment and retrofitting of existing buildings; experimental evaluation of materials; mitigation strategies
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Seismic improvement and energy optimization have become fundamental needs in the modern society, where safety and sustainability are more and more interrelated. Integrated approaches including both aspects are required, to provide advanced solutions in terms of both design/assessment procedures and low-impact intervention measures.

The managing of those issues is particularly complex for existing structures presenting high seismic vulnerability (e.g., due to construction faults, deterioration), and can be very challenging in the case of monumental buildings and historic city centres. In such a context, solutions easy to apply to great extents are in need, also preferring low-time/cost consuming options.

This SI focuses on integrated strategy for the energy and seismic retrofitting applied to existing structures, including either public and residential constructions or CH buildings and monuments. Contributions are welcome on the following topics:

  • Performance evaluation of combined solutions for structural and energy retrofit
  • Review and comparison of traditional techniques (including possible worsening effects of pre-existing interventions)and new integrated and low-impact solutions
  • Parametric analyses for the optimization of effectiveness, costs, and impact of interventions
  • Protocols for new strategies of optimized management of built heritage in seismic area
  • Experimental validation and modelling of integrated and low-impact techniques
  • Case studies
  • Energy driven and seismic driven approaches
  • Policies, incentives and priorities for large territorial scale integrated and low-impact approaches

Prof. Dr. Maria Rosa Valluzzi
Prof. Angelo Masi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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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. Sustainability 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 2400 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

  • seismic retrofit
  • energy efficiency
  • integrated solutions
  • low-impact interventions
  • built heritage
  • masonry buildings
  • reinforced concrete (RC) buildings
  • steel buildings
  • monumental buildings

Published Papers (18 papers)

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Research

27 pages, 10984 KiB  
Article
An Integrated Approach to Improve Seismic and Energetic Behaviour of RC Framed Buildings Using Timber Panels
by Francesco Smiroldo, Isabella Paviani, Ivan Giongo, Stefano Zanon, Rossano Albatici and Maurizio Piazza
Sustainability 2021, 13(20), 11304; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132011304 - 13 Oct 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2535
Abstract
In the present paper, an integrated intervention system applicable to concrete-framed buildings is presented. The purpose of the intervention is to improve both the seismic and the energetic behaviour of such buildings using cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels. Two alternative intervention configurations with different [...] Read more.
In the present paper, an integrated intervention system applicable to concrete-framed buildings is presented. The purpose of the intervention is to improve both the seismic and the energetic behaviour of such buildings using cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels. Two alternative intervention configurations with different levels of invasiveness are described. Considering a double-wythe masonry-infilled frame, the most invasive configuration consists in the replacement of the external masonry wythe with the CLT panel, while the least invasive configuration consists in the arrangement of the CLT panel from the outside without removing the wythes. The technical details and implementation procedures were studied, considering functionality and disturbance to occupants. An isolated one-storey-one-bay frame was used as a reference for the seismic and thermal analyses. Subsequently, the two intervention configurations were applied to a case-study building by identifying two alternative intervention strategies. The obtained results showed that the proposed integrated intervention approach can significantly reduce both the seismic vulnerability and the energy consumption of concrete buildings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Low-Impact and Integrated Approaches for Seismic and Energy Retrofit of Built Heritage)
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27 pages, 6340 KiB  
Article
Integrated Deep Renovation of Existing Buildings with Prefabricated Shell Exoskeleton
by Jacopo Zanni, Stefano Cademartori, Alessandra Marini, Andrea Belleri, Chiara Passoni, Ezio Giuriani, Paolo Riva, Barbara Angi, Giovanni Brumana and Angelo Luigi Marchetti
Sustainability 2021, 13(20), 11287; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132011287 - 13 Oct 2021
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 2945
Abstract
The European goal to reach carbon neutrality in 2050 has further put the focus on the construction sector, which is responsible for great impacts on the environment, and new sustainable solutions to renovate the existing building stock are currently under development. In this [...] Read more.
The European goal to reach carbon neutrality in 2050 has further put the focus on the construction sector, which is responsible for great impacts on the environment, and new sustainable solutions to renovate the existing building stock are currently under development. In this paper, the AdESA (Adeguamento Energetico Sismico ed Architettonico, in Italian) system, a holistic retrofit technique for the integrated renovation of the existing buildings, is presented. The system was developed by a consortium of enterprises and universities and was applied to a pilot building. The system consists of a dry, modular and flexible shell exoskeleton technique that implements different layers depending on the building retrofit needs (cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels for the structural retrofit, thermal insulation panels for the energy efficiency amelioration, and claddings for the architectural restyling). In order to foster actual sustainability, the solution contextually targets eco-efficiency, safety and resilience. To this end, the system not only couples the structural and energy interventions to reduce the operating costs, but it is also conceived in compliance with life cycle thinking (LCT) principles to reduce impacts throughout the remaining building service life (from retrofit time to the end of its life). The system is designed to be easily mountable and demountable to allow for the reuse/recycling of its components at the end of life by adopting macro-prefabricated dry components and standardized connections, to reduce damage caused by earthquakes by reducing the allowed inter-story drift, and by amassing the possible damage into sacrificial replaceable elements. The paper describes the AdESA system from a multidisciplinary perspective and its effective application for the deep renovation of an existing gymnasium hall. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Low-Impact and Integrated Approaches for Seismic and Energy Retrofit of Built Heritage)
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20 pages, 16665 KiB  
Article
Timber Based Integrated Techniques to Improve Energy Efficiency and Seismic Behaviour of Existing Masonry Buildings
by Matteo Busselli, Davide Cassol, Alessandro Prada and Ivan Giongo
Sustainability 2021, 13(18), 10379; https://doi.org/10.3390/su131810379 - 17 Sep 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2292
Abstract
The retrofit solutions studied herein aim to improve the seismic and energetic behaviours of existing masonry buildings to guarantee safety and the preservation of the building heritage. The retrofit consists of timber-based products (panels and strong-backs) fixed to the masonry walls using mechanical [...] Read more.
The retrofit solutions studied herein aim to improve the seismic and energetic behaviours of existing masonry buildings to guarantee safety and the preservation of the building heritage. The retrofit consists of timber-based products (panels and strong-backs) fixed to the masonry walls using mechanical point-to-point connections; the durability and the hygrothermal performance of the solutions are guaranteed by insulation layers and membranes. The thermophysical properties of the retrofitted walls were evaluated by means of analytical and numerical analyses, considering the heat transmission in both steady and unsteady state conditions and the thermal bridge in correspondence with the corner of the wall. The in-plane seismic behaviour of the retrofitted walls was numerically investigated through nonlinear analyses. The influence of various parameters (such as masonry and insulation properties) on the performance of the retrofit solutions was analysed via parametric simulations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Low-Impact and Integrated Approaches for Seismic and Energy Retrofit of Built Heritage)
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23 pages, 3875 KiB  
Article
Requalification of RC Frame Apartment Buildings: Comparison of Seismic Retrofit Solutions Based on a Multi-Criteria Approach
by Giuseppe Santarsiero, Angelo Masi, Vincenzo Manfredi and Giuseppe Ventura
Sustainability 2021, 13(17), 9962; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13179962 - 06 Sep 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2398
Abstract
Increasing environmental concerns are leading to measures and incentives aimed at reducing the energy consumption of buildings, which must be accompanied by substantial mitigation of seismic and structural risk. As for technical issues, it is important to select effective solutions specifically for medium-size [...] Read more.
Increasing environmental concerns are leading to measures and incentives aimed at reducing the energy consumption of buildings, which must be accompanied by substantial mitigation of seismic and structural risk. As for technical issues, it is important to select effective solutions specifically for medium-size RC apartment buildings (e.g., 3–6 storeys), which is where a large share of the Italian population lives today. To this end, it is important to compare, among other factors, the direct and indirect costs related to alternative techniques, thus allowing stakeholders (mainly private) and designers to select the most suitable solution for each case at hand and, finally, to speed up the design process. In this paper, different seismic strengthening techniques are designed and applied to a case study RC frame building that is representative of the EU building stock. An in-depth comparison is made with the aim of showing the advantages and disadvantages of different choices, mainly based on required costs and possible disruptions, keeping the targeted structural performance equal. Specifically, the possibility of disruption is a key point in hastening or, more frequently, hindering the implementation of the decision. In fact, people’s hesitation to leave their home, as well as the difficulty and high costs involved in finding temporary apartments if many people are involved, generally prevent such interventions from taking place. For this reason, some state-of-the-art techniques—that have minimum impact on non-structural elements, that can be applied only on the outside, and that can still provide an effective seismic retrofit—are examined and critically compared in the paper through a multi-criteria decision-making method. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Low-Impact and Integrated Approaches for Seismic and Energy Retrofit of Built Heritage)
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20 pages, 18074 KiB  
Article
CAESAR II Tool: Complementary Analyses for Emergency Planning Based on Seismic Risks Impact Evaluations
by Giulio Zuccaro, Daniela De Gregorio, Mattia Federico Leone, Salvatore Sessa, Stefano Nardone and Francesca Linda Perelli
Sustainability 2021, 13(17), 9838; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13179838 - 01 Sep 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1880
Abstract
Italy is a country with high seismic hazard, however since the delay in the seismic classification of the national territory, most of the existing building heritage does not comply with the current technical standards for buildings. The seismic events that have hit different [...] Read more.
Italy is a country with high seismic hazard, however since the delay in the seismic classification of the national territory, most of the existing building heritage does not comply with the current technical standards for buildings. The seismic events that have hit different Italian regions in recent years have highlighted the complexity of the challenge for the public bodies both in the emergency management and post-event reconstruction and in the planning of effective risk prevention and mitigation measures to be implemented in ‘peacetime’. These difficulties concern, in particular, the capacity to properly manage the financial and technical resources available and to identify the intervention priorities throughout the entire emergency cycle. For correct management, the priority is to quantify and localize, through simulations, the quantification of probable damages and to evaluate in terms of cost-benefits the possible alternative strategies for mitigation, also taking into account the potential, in terms of cost-effectiveness, of integrated measures for seismic and energy retrofitting. In this framework, the project CAESAR II (Complementary Analyses for Emergency planning based on Seismic Risks impact evaluations) has been developed as a Decision Support System for Public Authorities in charge of developing Disaster Risk Reduction plans, with the possibility of programming mid to long-term investments for public and private properties, as well as defining custom financial support mechanisms and tax incentives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Low-Impact and Integrated Approaches for Seismic and Energy Retrofit of Built Heritage)
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13 pages, 4662 KiB  
Article
A Discrete Macro Element Method for Modelling Ductile Steel Frames around the Openings of URM Buildings as Low Impact Retrofitting Strategy
by Giuseppe Occhipinti, Francesco Cannizzaro, Salvatore Caddemi and Ivo Caliò
Sustainability 2021, 13(17), 9787; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13179787 - 31 Aug 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1621
Abstract
This paper adopts the use of steel frames around existing openings as a low-impact seismic retrofitting strategy for unreinforced masonry structures (URM). Although elastic steel frames have been commonly adopted for strengthening masonry walls in case of the realization of new openings, the [...] Read more.
This paper adopts the use of steel frames around existing openings as a low-impact seismic retrofitting strategy for unreinforced masonry structures (URM). Although elastic steel frames have been commonly adopted for strengthening masonry walls in case of the realization of new openings, the use of elasto-plastic frames has been proposed only recently. This study adopts the application of low-resistance ductile steel frames on the openings of existing masonry buildings as a low-impact retrofitting strategy. The adopted low-invasive solution possesses the advantage of increasing the in-plane resistance of the masonry wall, improving the displacement capacity, introducing additional energy dissipation under dynamic loadings, and providing a confinement effect on the adjacent masonry piers. An original aspect of the present paper is related to the adopted numerical method for modelling the presence of the steel frames around the openings. Namely, a Discrete Macro-Element Method (DMEM), which allows an efficient and reliable simulation of the involved collapse mechanisms of the masonry walls interacting with the frames, has been adopted. After the validation of the numerical approach, through a comparison with experimental results already reported in the literature, the low-impact strategy has been applied on a benchmark known as the “via Martoglio building”. The obtained results suggest that this low-impact retrofitting strategy can be successfully proposed for URM buildings and can be efficiently modelled by means of the DMEM. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Low-Impact and Integrated Approaches for Seismic and Energy Retrofit of Built Heritage)
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15 pages, 120130 KiB  
Article
Chinese High Rise Reinforced Concrete Building Retrofitted with CLT Panels
by Carlotta Pia Contiguglia, Angelo Pelle, Zhichao Lai, Bruno Briseghella and Camillo Nuti
Sustainability 2021, 13(17), 9667; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13179667 - 27 Aug 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2931
Abstract
Cross laminated timber (CLT) panels have been gaining increasing attention in the construction field as a diaphragm in mid- to high-rise building projects. Moreover, in the last few years, due to their seismic performances, low environmental impact, ease of construction, etc., many research [...] Read more.
Cross laminated timber (CLT) panels have been gaining increasing attention in the construction field as a diaphragm in mid- to high-rise building projects. Moreover, in the last few years, due to their seismic performances, low environmental impact, ease of construction, etc., many research studies have been conducted about their use as infill walls in hybrid construction solutions. With more than a half of the megacities in the world located in seismic regions, there is an urgent need of new retrofitting methods that can improve the seismic behavior of the buildings, upgrading, at the same time, the architectural aspects while minimizing the environmental impact and costs associated with the common retrofit solutions. In this work, the seismic, energetic, and architectural rehabilitation of tall reinforced concrete (RC) buildings using CLT panels are investigated. An existing 110 m tall RC frame building located in Huizhou (China) was chosen as a case study. The first objective was to investigate the performances of the building through the non-linear static analysis (push-over analysis) used to define structural weaknesses with respect to earthquake actions. The architectural solution proposed for the building is the result of the combination between structural and architectonic needs: internal spaces and existing facades were re-designed in order to improve not only the seismic performances but also energy efficiency, quality of the air, natural lighting, etc. A full explanation of the FEM modeling of the cross laminated timber panels is reported in the following. Non-linear FEM models of connections and different wall configurations were validated through a comparison with available lab tests, and finally, a real application on the existing 3D building was discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Low-Impact and Integrated Approaches for Seismic and Energy Retrofit of Built Heritage)
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30 pages, 10827 KiB  
Article
Integrated Seismic and Energy Retrofit Interventions on a URM Masonry Building: The Case Study of the Former Courthouse in Fabriano
by Amedeo Caprino, Filippo Lorenzoni, Laura Carnieletto, Leonardo Feletto, Michele De Carli and Francesca da Porto
Sustainability 2021, 13(17), 9592; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13179592 - 26 Aug 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2294
Abstract
Following the 2016 central Italy earthquakes, the high seismic vulnerability of existing buildings is once again at the center of the debate. Indeed, the majority of the Italian building stock (around 60%) was built before adopting the first seismic provisions (1974) and in [...] Read more.
Following the 2016 central Italy earthquakes, the high seismic vulnerability of existing buildings is once again at the center of the debate. Indeed, the majority of the Italian building stock (around 60%) was built before adopting the first seismic provisions (1974) and in a territory entirely characterized by medium to high levels of seismic hazard. On the other hand, the first provisions addressing thermal performance criteria were introduced in 1976 but with limited impact. A consistent reduction in energy consumption was further achieved in 1991, when even more buildings were erected. As a consequence, the Italian building stock is characterized by reduced seismic capacity and poor energy efficiency and, to optimize the available resources, combined retrofit interventions approaches are required. In this context, a synergic strategy for the seismic and energy retrofit of a unreinforced masonry (URM) building was proposed. The former Courthouse in Fabriano (Ancona, Marche), a strategic, three-story, unreinforced masonry building in the network of permanent monitoring systems of the Italian Department of Civil Protection, was selected as a case study. The overall effectiveness of various solutions of combined structural refurbishment and energy retrofit interventions, having different levels of invasiveness on the building, was assessed. In addition, a common methodology based on the expected annual losses allowed evaluating the financial feasibility of the proposed integrated interventions and estimating the changes in the return of the retrofitting investment in various seismic and climate zones. The results also show how the payback period could be significantly reduced by incentives and regulatory frameworks that currently favour the execution of integrated interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Low-Impact and Integrated Approaches for Seismic and Energy Retrofit of Built Heritage)
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30 pages, 8976 KiB  
Article
Seismic and Energy Integrated Retrofitting of Existing Buildings with an Innovative ICF-Based System: Design Principles and Case Studies
by Valentina Pertile, Alberto Stella, Lorenzo De Stefani and Roberto Scotta
Sustainability 2021, 13(16), 9363; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13169363 - 20 Aug 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3823
Abstract
This work proposes an innovative integrated retrofitting system aiming to improve both the seismic and energy performance of existing reinforced concrete and masonry buildings. The system is based on engineered insulating concrete form panels, installed on the outside of existing buildings as a [...] Read more.
This work proposes an innovative integrated retrofitting system aiming to improve both the seismic and energy performance of existing reinforced concrete and masonry buildings. The system is based on engineered insulating concrete form panels, installed on the outside of existing buildings as a shell exoskeleton. A key major advantage of the proposed system is that it addresses the contemporary improvement of seismic and energy performances of existing buildings in a single installation stage, operating exclusively from outside of the building. The insulating formworks are ad hoc prefabricated in a factory on the base of the specific geometry of the existing buildings so as to greatly maximize the ratio between overall retrofitting benefits and costs and at the same time to simplify the installation procedures. The objectives of the presented research are, on one hand, to highlight the major structural issues that the system aims to address, and on the other hand to illustrate the main characteristics and combined benefits of the proposed retrofitting system. From a structural point of view, the proposed system is conceived to behave as a non-dissipative structure with regard to seismic actions, and the lateral strength and stiffness of the structural elements are designed accordingly. An analytical design approach is proposed and validated using the available data from an experimental test performed on a full-scale simple building. Moreover, numerical modeling strategies for the proposed system are illustrated for two complex case study buildings. The results of the analyses show a considerable increase in lateral stiffness of the retrofitted buildings that, considering the non-dissipative behavior of the elements, leads to a relevant reduction of seismic deformation demand on existing structural elements. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Low-Impact and Integrated Approaches for Seismic and Energy Retrofit of Built Heritage)
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20 pages, 7105 KiB  
Article
Multidisciplinary Performance Assessment of an Eco-Sustainable RC-Framed Skin for the Integrated Upgrading of Existing Buildings
by Luca Pozza, Anna Degli Esposti, Alessandra Bonoli, Diego Talledo, Luca Barbaresi, Giovanni Semprini and Marco Savoia
Sustainability 2021, 13(16), 9225; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13169225 - 17 Aug 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2167
Abstract
Recent earthquakes have highlighted a general inadequacy of the existing building stock in Italy and the need to address this critical issue by increasing its structural resilience. At the same time, the problem of energy consumption in existing residential and commercial buildings is [...] Read more.
Recent earthquakes have highlighted a general inadequacy of the existing building stock in Italy and the need to address this critical issue by increasing its structural resilience. At the same time, the problem of energy consumption in existing residential and commercial buildings is increasingly significant and incompatible with the environmental targets set by governments. Considering all the aforementioned aspects, the seismic upgrading of existing buildings, based on the use of an eco-friendly and sustainable technology, has become more and more relevant and different intervention approaches have been developed. This paper aims to provide a multidisciplinary approach for the performance assessment of an eco-friendly and sustainable RC-framed skin for integrated refurbishment of existing buildings. A preliminary description of such skin technology is provided with particular attention to the simultaneous improvement of structural (e.g., seismic) and non-structural (e.g., energy, acoustic) performances and to issues concerning the limitation of invasiveness and interruption of use of the building. Technological details and in situ installation phases are described with special regard to connection and interaction with the existing building. Procedures for the assessment of upgraded building performances, in terms of seismic capacity and thermo-hygrometric and acoustic performances, are defined and applied to a selected basic cell structure. The feasibility and sustainability of the proposed upgrading intervention is finally investigated by means of a holistic Life Cycle Assessment for environmental impact and Life Cycle Cost for an economic evaluation. Finally, results from a multidisciplinary performance assessment are critically discussed by relating the performance aspects to the technological and installation issues. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Low-Impact and Integrated Approaches for Seismic and Energy Retrofit of Built Heritage)
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19 pages, 9217 KiB  
Article
Multipurpose Retrofitting of a Tower Building in Brescia
by Giuliana Cardani, Gian Ermes Massetti and Davide Riva
Sustainability 2021, 13(16), 8877; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13168877 - 09 Aug 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1928
Abstract
The paper aims to report a proper low-impact integrated study approach for the energy and seismic retrofitting of a tower building located in the city centre of Brescia (Italy). The building consists of a group of aggregate buildings built in the 1950s, from [...] Read more.
The paper aims to report a proper low-impact integrated study approach for the energy and seismic retrofitting of a tower building located in the city centre of Brescia (Italy). The building consists of a group of aggregate buildings built in the 1950s, from which emerged an 11-storey tower. It was built with the technology of the time by means of a perimeter and spine framed structure in reinforced concrete, double perimeter infill with a hollow brick air chamber, external cladding on the main fronts with small Botticino marble tiles. The building is registered by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage for its facade and is located in a seismic zone of category two. When work began, the construction was in a class three; thus, the whole project was updated to obtain the new seismic authorisation. The coating showed progressive decay, with dangerous structural instability of the heavy coating. The design team decided to adopt wider corrective action compared to the observed phenomenon, integrating it with a local seismic and global energy improvement through the insertion of a ventilated wall in the building and the realisation of accurate thermal and energy insulation systems. At the end of the intervention, this building became the first condominium in Italy in 2018, certified in class A and upgraded with sustainability criteria in which the application of the GBC Italy (Green Building Council) Condominiums protocol, currently in its final publication phase for the energy–environmental sustainability of condominiums, has been tested. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Low-Impact and Integrated Approaches for Seismic and Energy Retrofit of Built Heritage)
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24 pages, 47127 KiB  
Article
Strategies for Structural and Energy Improvement in Mid-Rise Unreinforced Masonry Apartment Buildings. A Case Study in Mestre (Northeast Italy)
by Luca Sbrogiò, Carlotta Bevilacqua, Gabriele De Sordi, Ivano Michelotto, Marco Sbrogiò, Antonio Toniolo and Christian Tosato
Sustainability 2021, 13(16), 8819; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13168819 - 06 Aug 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3143
Abstract
Two-thirds of the Italian building stock was already built by the 1970s, largely according to gravity load design and using economical materials and poor workmanship. Currently, the structures, fixtures, and fittings of these buildings have reached the end of their service life, and [...] Read more.
Two-thirds of the Italian building stock was already built by the 1970s, largely according to gravity load design and using economical materials and poor workmanship. Currently, the structures, fixtures, and fittings of these buildings have reached the end of their service life, and they require both an assessment and an update to meet new standards and new needs. As an example of a common type, this article deals with the assessment of the present state and the proposal of an integrated structural and architectural intervention on an existing brick masonry mid-rise apartment building in the suburbs of Venice, Northern Italy. The structural analysis highlights a moderate vulnerability, despite the low seismic hazard, and the energy analysis indicates that the highest management costs are due to heating and sanitary uses. Low-impact strategies are preferred for each aspect of the required interventions. Their costs are counterbalanced by (a) the reduction to a fifth of the present management costs; (b) a 20% average increase in the economic value of the flats; and (c) a favorable tax regime at the national level. Transformed into parametric values, also useful for large scale analyses, these costs resulted in a sustainable monthly instalment from the owners, who may also benefit from the increased quality of the place where they live. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Low-Impact and Integrated Approaches for Seismic and Energy Retrofit of Built Heritage)
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23 pages, 41461 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Different Solutions for a Seismic and Energy Retrofit of an Auditorium
by Alessandra De Angelis, Francesco Tariello, Rosa Francesca De Masi and Maria Rosaria Pecce
Sustainability 2021, 13(16), 8761; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13168761 - 05 Aug 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1476
Abstract
The increasing attention paid to climate change has boosted scientific research in the matter of energy refurbishment of existing public buildings. However, the design of the intervention must be integrated with structural upgrading when the constructions are located in seismic zones. Indeed, in [...] Read more.
The increasing attention paid to climate change has boosted scientific research in the matter of energy refurbishment of existing public buildings. However, the design of the intervention must be integrated with structural upgrading when the constructions are located in seismic zones. Indeed, in Italy, as in other seismically active countries, the structural damage, observed after earthquakes, underlines the increase in economic losses for buildings retrofitted only for energy saving. In this framework, the paper introduces an integrated approach for selecting retrofit actions aimed at improving both the seismic and energy performance, starting from a detailed in situ analysis with which dynamic energy and structural simulation models are constructed. The case study is an auditorium erected in 1982 with a reinforced concrete structure inside a masonry ring wall of an ancient building. A step-by-step analysis of each component role in the structural and energy performance of the building is proposed. The results indicate that the proposed approach can help to determine the best technical solution, and the integrated design leads to saving 10% of the cost of the works. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Low-Impact and Integrated Approaches for Seismic and Energy Retrofit of Built Heritage)
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16 pages, 5989 KiB  
Article
The High-Performance Dissipating Frame (HPDF) System for the Seismic Strengthening of RC Existing Buildings
by Vincenzo Manfredi, Giuseppe Santarsiero, Angelo Masi and Giuseppe Ventura
Sustainability 2021, 13(4), 1864; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13041864 - 09 Feb 2021
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 1889
Abstract
In Italy as well as in other earthquake-prone countries, the large number of existing buildings requiring seismic retrofitting calls for sustainable solutions able to reduce both costs and downtime. To this purpose, in this paper, the High-Performance Dissipating Frame system (HPDF), a new [...] Read more.
In Italy as well as in other earthquake-prone countries, the large number of existing buildings requiring seismic retrofitting calls for sustainable solutions able to reduce both costs and downtime. To this purpose, in this paper, the High-Performance Dissipating Frame system (HPDF), a new strengthening solution for the seismic rehabilitation of existing buildings, is presented. HPDF is based on external precast reinforced concrete (RC) frames rigidly connected to the existing structures and equipped with shear damper devices in order to provide high dissipation capacity. The proposed solution permits: (i) to increase sustainability through works made up from the outside without removing/demolishing infills/other non-structural components, (ii) rapid execution by adopting precast resisting members mutually restrained with steel connections, and (iii) effectiveness due to shear damper devices able to dissipate a large amount of shaking energy. In the paper, a displacement-based design procedure is proposed and applied to a numerical example. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Low-Impact and Integrated Approaches for Seismic and Energy Retrofit of Built Heritage)
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19 pages, 10653 KiB  
Article
Nested Buildings: An Innovative Strategy for the Integrated Seismic and Energy Retrofit of Existing Masonry Buildings with CLT Panels
by Maria Rosa Valluzzi, Elisa Saler, Alberto Vignato, Matteo Salvalaggio, Giorgio Croatto, Giorgia Dorigatti and Umberto Turrini
Sustainability 2021, 13(3), 1188; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13031188 - 23 Jan 2021
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 4070
Abstract
The Italian building heritage is aged and inadequate to the high-performance levels required nowadays in terms of energy efficiency and seismic response. Innovative techniques are generating a strong interest, especially in terms of multi-level approaches and solution optimizations. Among these, Nested Buildings, an [...] Read more.
The Italian building heritage is aged and inadequate to the high-performance levels required nowadays in terms of energy efficiency and seismic response. Innovative techniques are generating a strong interest, especially in terms of multi-level approaches and solution optimizations. Among these, Nested Buildings, an integrated intervention approach which preserves the external existing structure and provides a new structural system inside, aim at improving both energy and structural performances. The research presented hereinafter focuses on the strengthening of unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings with cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels, thanks to their lightweight, high stiffness, and good hygrothermal characteristics. The improvement of the hygrothermal performance was investigated through a 2D-model analyzed in the dynamic regime, which showed a general decreasing in the overall thermal transmittance for the retrofitted configurations. Then, to evaluate the seismic behavior of the coupled system, a parametric linear static analysis was implemented for both in-plane and out-of-plane directions, considering various masonry types and connector spacings. Results showed the efficiency of the intervention to improve the in-plane response of walls, thus validating possible applications to existing URM buildings, where local overturning mechanisms are prevented by either sufficient construction details or specific solutions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Low-Impact and Integrated Approaches for Seismic and Energy Retrofit of Built Heritage)
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16 pages, 4213 KiB  
Article
Thermal and Seismic Capacity Improvements for Masonry Building Heritage: A Unified Retrofitting System
by Fabio Longo, Alessio Cascardi, Paola Lassandro and Maria Antonietta Aiello
Sustainability 2021, 13(3), 1111; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13031111 - 21 Jan 2021
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2018
Abstract
Today, the attention in the retrofitting of building is quickly growing. In this field, the re-use of waste materials and the innovation in the retrofitting techniques are among the crucial topics. Generally, thermal capacity and seismic resistance are two aspects very felt by [...] Read more.
Today, the attention in the retrofitting of building is quickly growing. In this field, the re-use of waste materials and the innovation in the retrofitting techniques are among the crucial topics. Generally, thermal capacity and seismic resistance are two aspects very felt by the building owners. Commonly, independent approaches are assessed in order to cover the energy and mechanical lacks of a building. In such a way, the intervention may result time- and cost-consuming or, sometimes, poorly effective. The present paper aimed to propose and validate a new retrofitting system based on the partial use of waste materials, such as fly ash and expanded glass (acting as a matrix), and a fiber open grid reinforcement. The proposal is suitable for the plastering of building with the double scope of thermal insulation and seismic strengthening throughout a unique application. An experimental investigation was carried out considering small-scaled masonry panels with double-side retrofitting. The studied parameters were thermal transmittance and shear strength. The results evidenced the effectiveness of the proposed technique, able to significantly improve the un-retrofitted masonry, from both the thermal and mechanical point of view. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Low-Impact and Integrated Approaches for Seismic and Energy Retrofit of Built Heritage)
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19 pages, 4132 KiB  
Article
A Life Cycle Framework for the Identification of Optimal Building Renovation Strategies Considering Economic and Environmental Impacts
by Martina Caruso, Rui Pinho, Federica Bianchi, Francesco Cavalieri and Maria Teresa Lemmo
Sustainability 2020, 12(23), 10221; https://doi.org/10.3390/su122310221 - 07 Dec 2020
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3986
Abstract
It is well-known that the existing building stock is responsible for non-renewable resource depletion, energy and material consumption, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Life cycle analysis (LCA) procedures have thus been developed, in recent years, to assess the environmental impact of construction and [...] Read more.
It is well-known that the existing building stock is responsible for non-renewable resource depletion, energy and material consumption, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Life cycle analysis (LCA) procedures have thus been developed, in recent years, to assess the environmental impact of construction and operational phases through the entire building life cycle. Furthermore, the economic, environmental, and social consequences of recent natural disasters have encouraged the additional integration of hazard-induced impacts into common LCA procedures for buildings. Buildings are however expected to provide the population with safe living and working conditions, even when hit by different types of hazards during their service life, such as earthquakes. Hence, next-generation LCA procedures should include not only hazard-induced impacts, but also the contribution of potential retrofitting strategies that may alter the structural and energy performances of buildings throughout their remaining service life. This study presents a life cycle framework that accounts for the contributions of initial construction, operational energy consumption, earthquake-induced damage repair activities, potential retrofitting interventions, and demolition (considering also its associated potential material recycling), in terms of both monetary costs and environmental impacts. The proposed methodology can be used to undertake cost-benefit analyses aimed at identifying building renovation strategies that lead to an optimal balance, considering both economic and environmental impacts, between reduction of seismic vulnerability and increase of energy efficiency of a building, depending on the climatic conditions and the seismic hazard at the site of interest. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Low-Impact and Integrated Approaches for Seismic and Energy Retrofit of Built Heritage)
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20 pages, 4249 KiB  
Article
The Market Price Premium for Buildings Seismic Retrofitting
by Chiara D’Alpaos and Paolo Bragolusi
Sustainability 2020, 12(21), 8791; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12218791 - 22 Oct 2020
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2521
Abstract
The Italian territory is largely prone to seismic risk and 6 million buildings require seismic retrofitting. In the last three main seismic events (Abruzzo 2009, Emilia Romagna in 2012 and in Lazio in 2016) 633 people died and considerable financial losses such as [...] Read more.
The Italian territory is largely prone to seismic risk and 6 million buildings require seismic retrofitting. In the last three main seismic events (Abruzzo 2009, Emilia Romagna in 2012 and in Lazio in 2016) 633 people died and considerable financial losses such as the structural collapse of buildings and interruption of production activities were incurred. During the period 1944–2017, economic losses caused by seismic events amounted to EUR 212 billion. More than 80% of the entire building stock does not respect seismic design standards provided by Italian regulations (NTC 2018). Seismic retrofitting of buildings may avoid many deaths and financial losses, as well as increase people’s safety. In addition, seismic retrofitting of buildings may also generate an increase in real estate asset value (namely a market price premium), which may accelerate investments. Despite the relevance of this issue, there is a lack of literature, which investigates the key factors in boosting investments and the market price premium for retrofitted buildings in detail. The aim of this paper is to fill this gap with respect to the Italian Real Estate market. To estimate the capitalization effect of benefits produced by seismic retrofitting on property market values, it is fundamental to know how much people are willing to pay for it. As, to our knowledge, there are no available datasets which provide house characteristics, including seismic performances and market prices of Italian real estate assets, we implemented a contingent valuation approach to determine the market price premium for retrofitted assets. In detail, information about the willingness to pay (WTP) an additional price for a seismically retrofitted home (by considering different risk exposure), ceteris paribus was elicited using open-ended questions in a self-administered web interview. In particular, we applied the methodology to a case study, i.e., a contingent scenario related to masonry-detached houses located in a seismic hazard zone. Our results revealed that individuals are willing to pay an additional price for retrofitted assets and the average market price premium ranges from 10% to 52% of the property market price. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Low-Impact and Integrated Approaches for Seismic and Energy Retrofit of Built Heritage)
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