Structural Typology Research Articles

Fragmentation of the Inner Circle of Power: Circulation between the Finnish Elites in 1991–2021

The study outlines the changes that have taken place in the Finnish elite structure regarding elite circulation from 1991 to 2021. The study first explores the changes in the openness of the elite structure by analysing vertical circulation (i.e., maintenance and accumulation of elite positions), and second, in the coherence of the elite structure by analysing changes in horizontal circulation, (i.e., mobility between the elites). In terms of methodology and data, the study was based on the positional approach, where the elite members were identified on the grounds of previous studies and public documents as individuals who held the highest ranking positions of influential organisations within seven sectors of society. The findings were interpreted in the light of elite structure typology. As regards vertical elite circulation from 1991 to 2021, the maintenance of elite positions and the accumulation elite positions among same individuals decreased. Concurrently, the horizontal elite circulation reduced as a result of decreased mobility of individuals between various elites. Consequently, the elite structure moved slightly towards a fragmented elite structure type since the early 1990s.

Spatial development of Russia: the role of its Asian regions

We analysed the balance of environmental, social and economic development of the regions of Asian Russia, assessing the level of adjusted net savings. Using the selected indicators and the assessment of natural, social and production capital values, the typology of territorial production and resource structures of the regions of Asian Russia has been created. Based on the k-means method, using ‘Statistica 12’ software, the clustering and structural zoning by the ratio of natural, productive and human capital in the regions of Asian Russia was carried out.

Structural and Spatial Analysis of the Mosques of the Architect Sinan with Hexagonal and Octagonal Baldachin Systems

The master architect of the Ottoman era, Architect Sinan, created and left behind a wide range of structural typologies. The most numerous of Sinan’s works were his mosques. The features defining the layout plan of Sinan’s mosques are the central domed baldachin and the characteristics of the structure on which the baldachin rests. Sinan made use of multiple support systems of sometimes four, six or eight elements in his system of dome structures, planning the layouts of his mosques around the framework of these systems. Sinan handled each of his domed and multiple pillar-supported central baldachin in different ways in terms of both the foundation of the baldachin and of the side galleries, creating in this group of structures a “Sinan style.” This paper is an attempt to make a comparative analysis of the organization of the domed central baldachin constituting the main space of the mosques of Architect Sinan, which is part of a hexagonal and octagonal baldachin system with multiple supports forming the central nucleus of the mosque, and of the side galleries, addressing the relationships between baldachin, structures, dome and galleries.

Seismic performance factors for timber buildings with woodframe shear walls

Seismic performance factors are an engineering tool to estimate force and displacement demands on structures designed through linear methods of analysis. In Chile, the NCh433 standard provides the regulations, requirements, and factors for seismic design of several structural typologies and systems. However, when it comes to wood frame structures, previous research has found that the NCh433 provisions are highly restrictive and result in over-conservative designs. Therefore, this paper presents an experimental and numerical investigation aimed at proposing new, less restrictive seismic performance factors for wood frame buildings. Following the FEMA P-695 guidelines and a novel ground motion set for subduction zones, this research embraced: (1) testing of several full-scale specimens, (2) developing of detailed and simplified numerical models, and (3) analyzing the seismic performance of a comprehensive set of structural archetypes. 201 buildings were analyzed and results showed that changing the current NCh433 performance factors from R = 5.5 & Δmax = 0.002 to R = 6.5 & Δmax = 0.004 decreases the average collapse ratio of wood frame structures by 13.3% but keeps the collapse probability below 20% for all the archetypes under study. Besides, it improves the cost-effectiveness of the buildings and enhances their competitiveness when compared to other materials, since savings of 40.4% in nailing, 15.9% in OSB panels, and 7.3% in timber studs were found for a 5-story building case study. Further analyses showed that the buildings designed with the new factors reached the “enhanced performance objective” as defined by the ASCE 41–17 standard, guaranteeing neglectable structural and non-structural damage under highly recurring seismic events. Finally, dynamic analyses revealed that the minimum base shear requirement Cmin of the NCh433 standard is somewhat restrictive for soil classes A, B, and C, leading to conservative results compared to archetypes where the Cmin requirement did not control the structural design.

A literature review on cold-formed steel-timber composite structures

State-of-the-art steel-timber composite structures (STC), using cold-formed steel (CFS) and cross-laminated timber (CLT), are considered in this review. Literature on this type of construction solution is reviewed to provide an overview of the characteristics and advantages of STC. Previous experimental and numerical studies with STC structures, mainly composite solutions with CFS beams and CLT panels, are discussed to assess the behavior of this structural typology. A comprehensive description of the connection systems performance in different STC structures is also provided. Furthermore, the design and analytical methods currently available are presented. Likewise, details on aspects related to dynamic properties and fire resistance are discussed.

A literature review on cold-formed steel-timber composite structures

State-of-the-art steel-timber composite structures (STC), using cold-formed steel (CFS) and cross-laminated timber (CLT), are considered in this review. Literature on this type of construction solution is reviewed to provide an overview of the characteristics and advantages of STC. Previous experimental and numerical studies with STC structures, mainly composite solutions with CFS beams and CLT panels, are discussed to assess the behavior of this structural typology. A comprehensive description of the connection systems performance in different STC structures is also provided. Furthermore, the design and analytical methods currently available are presented. Likewise, details on aspects related to dynamic properties and fire resistance are discussed.

Seismic vulnerability index method for hybrid timber–masonry structures. Numerical calibration and application to the city of Valparaíso, Chile

This paper presents a procedure for the extension of the Vulnerability Index Method (VIM) to the seismic assessment of hybrid timber–masonry buildings. The research is based on the execution of a detailed numerical study of this peculiar structural typology to identify the classes and calibrate the scores assigned to influential vulnerability parameters, namely the irregularities of the structural system, the type of floor, and the state of conservation of the building. A sensitivity analysis of the seismic capacity is developed by performing pushover analyses with several models corresponding to realistic variations of each structural or material parameter. The seismic performance of the buildings is analysed by the N2 Method. This methodology leads to the proposal of a new calibrated vulnerability index form that, together with those existing in literature for masonry and reinforced concrete structures, can be used for the seismic assessment of heterogeneous urban environments. The proposed VIM is applied to the assessment of 111 buildings located in the historical centre of the city of Valparaíso, Chile. The computation of the vulnerability index allows a fast evaluation of the seismic vulnerability of the urban buildings. The results plotted on vulnerability maps built within a GIS environment allows the assessment of the impact of potential collapses on the serviceability of two emergency evacuation routes included in the civil protection plans of the city.

X-ray measure of tensile force in post-tensioned steel cables

Non-Destructive Testing methods are key tools for the proper characterization of existing constructions and for their reliable structural assessment. Even if several sophisticated methods are currently available, the possibility of using them strongly depends on the analyzed structural typology. This is particularly true for some specific classes of structures like pre-stressed reinforced concrete ones, for which very few methods exist for the evaluation of the residual pre-stressing force in the elements. Moreover, most of them are currently under development, even if this is a crucial information for their structural analysis and assessment. The paper presents a new Non-Destructive Testing method based on the innovative application of X-ray diffraction for the assessment of the tensile force present in pre-stressing wires and strands. The method is firstly conceptualized considering the main features of the X-ray diffraction and the specific issues related to the geometry of the strands, such as the presence of intertwined spiral wires. The method is then formalized proposing a detailed procedure for the estimation of the total tensile force present in the pre-stressing wire or strand on the base of the X-ray diffractometer measurements and of the nominal geometrical and mechanical properties of the element. Finally, an extensive experimental campaign is used to assess the effectiveness of the proposed procedure. The results show the optimal agreement between the tensile force estimated by the proposed procedure and the one effectively applied and allow estimating the measurement error as a function of the tensile force. The in situ tests demonstrate the actual possibility of using the proposed method together with the issues to be still fixed or enhanced.

Landscape approach in assessing the bioresource potential of specially protected natural areas

There are many different approaches to studying the structure and organization of natural ecosystems. Among those are: geomorphological, landscape and ecosystem. It is generally accepted that a landscape approach has the greatest resolution, completeness and hierarchical depth. Landscape consideration of natural-territorial complexes is a key to understanding the regularities occurring in typological and biogeocenotic structure of natural ecosystems of any rank. A landscape approach to forest areas involves considering a specific forest community along with other spatially adjacent areas that form a system of a higher rank in a specific geographic environment. Any forest area within the facies should be considered taking into account other biogeocenoses existing next to it, not only forest, but also others (bog, meadow, etc.). Landscape properties are determined in many respects by the type of forest and their biogeocenotic composition, configuration of stands, their size and spatial relationship. Typological structure of forests determines many aspects of forest management strategy. The resource potential of the territory, economic value and economic accessibility are directly related to it. Landscape characteristics of forest lands often determine the degree of their development and general level of forestry activities. Forest cover, swampiness, basis of erosion, slope, length, steepness and exposure of slopes, type of geochemical circulation are main interesting characteristics of forest landscapes. The listed number of characteristics is included in the forestry-biogeocenotic attributes in the study of natural-territorial complex.

АРХИТЕКТУРНЫЕ АСПЕКТЫ ФОРМИРОВАНИЯ ТИПОЛОГИЧЕСКОЙ СТРУКТУРЫ ЭТНОКУЛЬТУРНЫХ ТУРИСТСКИХ КЛАСТЕРОВ

The target programs for the development of tourism adopted by the government of the Russian Federation testify to the relevance of this sector of the economy. One of the developing areas of tourism is ethnocultural tourism associated with the study of the culture, life and traditions of numerous ethnic groups. Currently, the scientific and theoretical basis for the design of objects of ethnocultural tourism is insufficiently formed, there is no classification of such institutions in the system of tourist services. The aim of the study is to develop a universal typological structure of ethnocultural tourism objects - ethnocultural tourism clusters (ETC). The purpose of the study is to form a classification of ethno-cultural tourist clusters and on its basis to identify their typological characteristics. As a result of the study, a typological classification of ethnocultural tourist clusters is proposed. It is based on the previously developed three-stage system of organizing ethnocultural tourism for the Russian-Kazakh borderland. The proposed typological structure is based on the one-time carrying capacity of the ETC. Tourist service options determine different forms of tourist accommodation in the cluster system of ethnocultural tourism: in the houses of local residents in ethnic settlements, as well as in hotels and guest houses on the territory of the cluster. It is concluded that the proposed typological structure of ethnocultural tourist clusters is universal in solving the problems of multivariate tourist services in vast, undeveloped territories with a poorly developed transport infrastructure and rich cultural, ethnic heritage and similar in climatic and socio-economic conditions.

Longhu pagoda: Advanced numerical investigations for assessing performance at failure under horizontal loads

As an important historical building type for human beings, ancient masonry pagodas have key research significance. They are widely diffused in China, and they are tower-like masonry structures, usually massive and tall. This paper takes the Longhu pagoda as a case-study: it was built in 1342 CE, and it is the only masonry pagoda from the Yuan Dynasty. It is located in the Sichuan Province (China), it has a square plane, and the height is about 33 m. This construction severely suffered the so-called “2008 Sichuan Earthquake”. A full 3D model of the Longhu Pagoda has been obtained and subsequently meshed. The FE software Abaqus/CAE has been used for carrying out static analyses, pushover analyses and non-linear dynamic analyses. The material non-linearities have been taken into consideration employing the so-called Concrete Damage Plasticity (CDP) model available in Abaqus. Modal analyses have shown that FEM results and simplified cantilever model results may agree. Pushover analyses (POs) have been performed under different load conditions and along the four principal bending directions to estimate the global capacities and the corresponding collapse mechanisms. Non-linear dynamic analyses (NLDAs) allowed putting in evidence the accuracy of the results provided by the pushover analyses; besides, they gave helpful information about the crack propagation, confirming the damage reported on-site after the 2008 earthquake. The state of damage found and the related failure mechanisms have been deeply commented. Moreover, some sensitivity analyses have been performed to study the influence of some material parameters on the pushover results. Furthermore, two fictitious 3D models of the pagoda have been created by doubling and removing two floors to investigate the influence of the tower slenderness. The before mentioned analyses have also been performed on such models, and the impact of the slenderness on this structural typology has been studied. Finally, the kinematic theorem of limit analysis has been applied, and some values of collapse acceleration have been consequently computed using different a-priori established collapse mechanisms. The results have been compared with FE simulations results, and the ability of limit analysis to quickly predict the seismic vulnerability has been discussed.

Structural assessment of bridges through ambient noise deconvolution interferometry: application to the lateral dynamic behaviour of a RC multi-span viaduct

Operational Modal Analysis (OMA) is becoming a mature and widespread technique for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) of engineering structures. Nonetheless, while proved effective for global damage assessment, OMA-based techniques can hardly detect local damage with little effect upon the modal signatures of the system. In this context, recent research studies advocate for the use of wave propagation methods as complementary to OMA to achieve local damage identification capabilities. Specifically, promising results have been reported when applied to building-like structures, although the application of Seismic Interferometry to other structural typologies remains unexplored. In this light, this work proposes for the first time in the literature the use of ambient noise deconvolution interferometry (ANDI) to the structural assessment of long bridge structures. The proposed approach is exemplified with an application case study of a multi-span reinforced-concrete (RC) viaduct: the Chiaravalle viaduct in Marche Region, Italy. To this aim, ambient vibration tests were performed on February 4^{text {th}} and 7^{text {th}} 2020 to evaluate the lateral and longitudinal dynamic behaviour of the viaduct. The recorded ambient accelerations are exploited to identify the modal features and wave propagation properties of the viaduct by OMA and ANDI, respectively. Additionally, a numerical model of the bridge is constructed to interpret the experimentally identified waveforms, and used to illustrate the potentials of ANDI for the identification of local damage in the piers of the bridge. The presented results evidence that ANDI may offer features that are quite sensitive to damage in the bridge substructure, which are often hardly identifiable by OMA.

Non‐destructive techniques for structural characterization of cultural heritage: A pilot case study

This work describes an approach for combining local and global non-destructive techniques for the structural characterization and conservation assessment of cultural heritage buildings. An experimental investigation program was conducted on the south vault of St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, involving historical investigations, a damage survey, sonic tests, and ambient vibration measurements. Recorded data were employed to assess the material and structural properties of the vault and to characterize the observed damage pattern. The study of the correlation between results of sonic tests and ambient vibration measurements has shown how, in complex structural typologies, the information provided by both these two kinds of tests are necessary in order to effectively characterize the structural behaviour, which is strongly influenced by the complexity of geometry and restraint condition. Experimental results have been used for the validation of a numerical model adopting a non-conventional approach. The procedure is based on comparing numerical simulation of ambient vibration response in terms of the frequency content of acceleration signals. This approach can be performed using only a limited number of measured acceleration signals, proving to be useful and cost-effective. The work aims to provide helpful insights into the combined use of non-destructive tests for the efficient structural characterization and safety assessment of heritage structures.

National priorities and national projects in the housing sector of modern Russia

The article is devoted to the analysis of implementation efficiency of the housing policy in Russia as the mostimportant direction of the state economic policy. It is noted that all countries rec-ognize the importance of housingsecurity for the health of the nation and economic growth. The studies have shown that problems of housingdevelopment, including the availability and ade-quacy of housing are among the national priorities in the stateeconomic policy and are imple-mented throughout a system of strategic documents and national projects thatdefine goals, ob-jectives, directions and target indicators of the state housing policy. The article shows a system oftarget indicators for the development of the housing sector, which allow us to assess the effec-tiveness of housingpolicy in Russia. The most important indicators are the volume of housing construction and the average housingavailability. Based on the official statistical data of the Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat) and the Bankof Russia, the analysis of the dynamics of housing construction development is carried out and the main trendsin housing construction were identified, such as: increased spatial heterogeneity in the distribution of housinginvest-ments, a decrease in the volume of housing construction, an increase in demand for new housing, anda deterioration in the typological structure of built housing. The article shows the impact of project financing and thereduction of mortgage rates on the housing construction dynamics. Us-ing methods of correlation-regression andfactor analysis, as well as scenario approach a forecast of achievability of the target indicators for the developmentof the housing sector in Russia is made. It is concluded that it is essential to adjust the strategic target indicatorsof housing con-struction as well as the state housing policy. Measures to improve availability and adequacy ofhousing for the Russian population are proposed.
 Acknowledgments. The reported research was funded by Russian Foundation for Basic Research and by theTomsk Region Government, grant No. 18-410-700013

Fragility curves for Italian URM buildings based on a hybrid method

A hybrid seismic fragility model for territorial-scale seismic vulnerability assessment of masonry buildings is developed and presented in this paper. The method combines expert-judgment and mechanical approaches to derive typological fragility curves for Italian residential masonry building stock. The first classifies Italian masonry buildings in five different typological classes as function of age of construction, structural typology, and seismic behaviour and damaging of buildings observed following the most severe earthquakes occurred in Italy. The second, based on numerical analyses results conducted on building prototypes, provides all the parameters necessary for developing fragility functions. Peak-Ground Acceleration (PGA) at Ultimate Limit State attainable by each building’s class has been chosen as an Intensity Measure to represent fragility curves: three types of curve have been developed, each referred to mean, maximum and minimum value of PGAs defined for each building class. To represent the expected damage scenario for increasing earthquake intensities, a correlation between PGAs and Mercalli-Cancani-Sieber macroseismic intensity scale has been used and the corresponding fragility curves developed. Results show that the proposed building’s classes are representative of the Italian masonry building stock and that fragility curves are effective for predicting both seismic vulnerability and expected damage scenarios for seismic-prone areas. Finally, the fragility curves have been compared with empirical curves obtained through a macroseismic approach on Italian masonry buildings available in literature, underlining the differences between the methods.

Implementing digitalization in the public sector. Technologies, agency, and governance

Technological transformations are currently reshaping the structure and strategies of public administrations and are expected to foster efficiency and policy integration. However, the literature on digital government has demonstrated that the introduction of technology is far from a smooth process, as it is often associated with conflict and negative feedback. This paper departs from James Thompson’s notion of technology, understood as one of the most effective devices for organizational integration to conceptualise the context of digital innovations in the public sphere. ICTs are not all the same; they differ in their impact on intra- and inter-organizational interdependencies that are required for them to work properly in their domain. This paper introduces a typology of ICT-driven governance structures and advances hypotheses regarding the causal mechanisms underpinning successful implementation. Each type of governance structure is exemplified by an original case study of a programme of e-government reform in the Italian public sector. The empirical evidence is used to explore some implications concerning the strategies by which the programmes have been implemented and their transferability to other contexts.

Psychological and pedagogical problems of typical types of motivation of students (youths) engaged in physical education at the initial stage of exercises

The article considers the motivation of senior students to take independent exercises in various types of physical activity. The purpose of the study is to develop educational and methodological materials in the discipline Physical Education and Sport in a technical university. It is assumed that it is possible to manage motivation development by focusing on typical motivation options conditioned by drivers of development and characterized by the typological structure of the motivational sphere. According to the survey data, processed by means of multivariate data analysis, typical motivation options for independent exercises in Physical Education are identified. They identified 7 types that differ not only in factors (drivers) of development and containment of motivation, the structure of the motivational sphere, but also in motivational activity, as well as the degree of formation of polymotivation. The “effective” type with the development driver “sportsmanship” and the “professional-social” type with the driver “social significance” have high motivational activity and formed polymotivation; the “effective-aesthetic” type with the driver “personal development” and the “individual” type with the driver “psycho-emotional health” have medium motivational activity and unformed polymotivation. The “effective-emotional” type with the development driver “hedonism”, the “aesthetic” type with the driver “active rest” and the “individual” type with the driver “sports intentions” have low motivational activity. Problems of development and psychological and pedagogical directions of their solution are indicated for each typical variation both at the stage of normative mastering of activities and in further independent exercises. The most common problems are the lack of formation of ideas about the impact of Physical Education on professionalization and professional health, mutual influence of health components in the process of health training, differentiation and consistency of achievement of goals in the process of independent occupations.

Condition Assessment of an Early Thin Reinforced Concrete Vaulted System

ABSTRACT For the analysis and conservation of architectural heritage a multi-disciplinary approach is required. In the specific case of early concrete buildings, survey and experimental investigations constitute a fundamental source of information for verifying the actual structural behavior and the residual safety levels. This paper reports the direct experience acquired from an extensive experimental campaign conducted on the Paraboloide in Casale Monferrato. The study aims to be an example of how condition assessment of the structural heritage of the early 1900s, with an apparently simple geometric shape and composition, can actually contribute in understanding hidden structural complexity. Moreover, this work may provide useful information to researchers and practitioners who are approaching this specific structural typology (e.g., the industrial heritage represented by parabolic concrete silos). In more details, results are presented regarding the in-situ investigations, and the laboratory tests carried out to analyze the mechanical performance inherent to both (i) local aspects of the structure, such as the quality of the materials and connections, and (ii) global aspects, such as the modal response of the structure. Furthermore, considerations are made on the results of the experimental campaign, also through the corroboration of numerical models.

Recreational and health forests of Kremenets district, Ternopil region

The article presents the results of the research of recreational and health stands in Kremenets district of Ternopil region. The total area of these forests is 5868.2 hectares. Studies of the typological structure of the forests were carried out according to the methods of AlekseevPohrebniak Forest Typology of Forestry Ecological School. MapInfo Professional 12.0 and a vector map of Ukraine were used to construct a map-scheme of the research region. The typological variety of recreational and health-improving stands is represented from subors (В) to dubravas (D). Thus, dubravas are the largest share among them (72.9% of the total area covered with forest vegetation). The share of the area of sudubravas is 17.7% of the total area covered with forest vegetation; the rest is subors (9.4%). Forest managers have identified 14 types of forests on the territory of the research facility. Thus, there are only 2 types of forest in the subors, 8 types of forest in the sudubravas and 4 types of forests in the dubravas. The most common type of forest in Kremenets district is fresh hornbeam forest represented 71.6% of the total area covered with forest vegetation. The share of fresh hornbeam-oak-pine forest reaches 17.1%; a slightly smaller share is represented by fresh oak-pine subors — 9.4%. The forest species diversity is represented by 22 species of trees. Thus, among these tree species, the largest area is occupied by Common Oak (Quercus robur L.) — 40.6% of the total area covered with forest vegetation, and 29.1% — by Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.). Stands of artificial origin (78.0% of the total area covered with forest vegetation) are dominant; the rest of stands have natural origin (22.0%). The age structure of stands is unbalanced. Middle-aged stands dominate (57.9% of the total area covered with forest vegetation). The share of maturing, young and matured forests ranges from 9.0 to 14.9% of the total forest area. In terms of relative completeness, stands with a density of 0.71–0.8 dominate which is 37.7% of the total area covered with forest vegetation. The share of stands with completeness of 0.61–0.7 (29.9%) and 0.81–0.9 (14.5%) is slightly smaller. The bonitete classes are dominated by stands of the I bonitete class — 51.3% of the total area covered with forest vegetation. Thus, the share of II, Ia and III bonitete classes varies from 7.1 to 23.3% of the total forest area

Typological structure and age composition of beach stands in the mountainous Crimea

The features of the typological structure, age composition and territorial distribution of beech stands in the Mountainous Crimea were studied. It is shown that nowadays beech forests grow in the range of altitudes from 400-500 to 1300-1400 m above sea level on an area of 34.9 thousand hectares, which is 13.4% of the forested territory of the peninsula. The age structure of beech stands is characterized by the cyclical process of renewal of indigenous stands, which is determined by the implementation of favorable natural factors - the level of seed yield and weather conditions during the formation of seed renewal generation, the frequency of which is 40-50 years. Based on the analysis of the ecological spectrum of the species composition of the grass layer, it is established that the forest growing conditions in the beech stands in the central part of the Main Ridge of the Crimean Mountains should be characterized as fresh sudubravas and beech forests. The density of beech young growth in ecotopes in this area varies from 0.5 to 4 thousand pieces per 1 ha. In areas where the light regime improves, the young trees grow in the form of small bunches, often forming groups of young plants around the trunks of adult trees. Using satellite images of the Landsat 8 space sensing system, it was revealed that at present, in the central part of the beech forests of the Mountainous Crimea, significant areas are completely devoid of forest vegetation, or are covered with sparse woodlands, in the phytocenotic structure of which herbaceous plants predominate.