Vault System Research Articles

ZOLLINGER LAMELLA VAULT OF EXISTING TIMBER HANGARS IN ŠIBENIK (CASE STUDY) – INITIAL CONDITION ASSESSMENT AND PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS OF GLOBAL STRUCTURAL FEATURES

<p class="KEYWORDS" style="text-align: justify;">A preliminary condition assessment using non-destructive testing methods for determining material quality, has been carried out on three adjacent wooden hangars near Šibenik with the aim of exploring the possibilities of their repurposing. Through visual inspection and detailed geometric measurements, it has been verified that their unique structure embodies the original Zollinger lamella vault system in which the joint typology is decisive for both, the overarching structural analysis and the execution of the structure. In this paper, the results of conducted investigation, including the developed detailed geometric model are presented, and guidelines for future comprehensive research focusing on the influence of joint stiffness on global structural features are discussed, as well.</p>

The Geometric System of the Nave Vault of the Church on the Hill of Sighişoara

The Geometric System of the Nave Vault of the Church on the Hill of Sighişoara. The literature on the methods of late Gothic net vault constructions mainly accentuates ideas, which presume that the initial conditions of the design are orderly. However, in the case of buildings of multiple building periods, this is rarely the case. In the present article, we present the point cloud-based geometric analysis of the net vault system of the Church on the Hill of Sighişoara. Our results highlight that contrary to the generally accepted theories, the construction of a net vault is not necessarily initiated with the plan of the rib system, and that the underlying principle organising the whole system’s geometry is not always the plan pattern. Our case study also exemplifies how the Gothic principles of unity and division still blend with the ideas of separation and addition, even in a late Gothic hall church with direct connections to the guild of Landshut. Keywords: masonry ribbed net vault; late Gothic vault construction; geometric analysis; Church on the Hill of Sighişoara; Gothic construction principles

The Complex Architecture of the Vault System of an Early Medieval Church

The present work focuses on the solid modeling of the church of Santa Sofia in Benevento, Italy, and is related to a multidisciplinary research project that involved methods typical to both the humanities and mathematical engineering. Starting from the history of the church and its current configuration, a twofold objective is pursued: to give a brief account of the methodology used to analyze and virtualize the main phases of Santa Sofia and to report on the problem of modeling the church vault complex. Indeed, the 3D modeling of the church presented different levels of difficulty with some parts very easy to draw and others calling for specific geometrical analysis. In particular, to reconstruct the complex system of vaults of the church, a home-made code based on remapping Coons patches was written. The resulting 3D models of the different archeological and architectural phases of Santa Sofia are an example of virtual heritage and, being a digital content, allow for immediate sharing both to the scientific community and to a general and nonexpert audience, keeping in mind that knowledge is the means used to ensure the enhancement and preservation of cultural heritage.

The Vaults of the Church of St. Michael the Archangel in Brixen Between Geometry, History and Missed Space

Through the analysis of the vaulted system, the study aims to research the spatialities enclosed in the church of St. Michael the Archangel in Brixen (Bz): the current one surveyed, the gothic one and the painted baroque one, grafted onto the late-Gothic structure.

Thermal hydraulic analysis of VVER spent fuels stored in vault dry system under different operating and design conditions

Abstract The spent nuclear fuel discharged from power reactors is a very important problem facing the future of using power reactors in electricity production. This paper focuses on the thermal-hydraulic behaviour of the VVER spent fuel in the vault dry storage system under forced convection mode, which is experimentally and numerically investigated. For this purpose, a test rig is designed and constrained to simulate the cooling loop vault system that contains four spent fuel assemblies discharged from the VVER reactor, which are represented by four electric heaters. A numerical simulation is performed by the ANSYS-CFX fluid dynamics code. The effects of decay heat generation and inlet air velocity are investigated as an operating condition. Also, the effect of the type of the Vault System tube material is being studied. The results show that the increase in the inlet air velocity improves the coolability of the fuel, while the increase in decay heat leads to a decrease in the coolability of the fuel. The used velocity range is (0.1 < V < 0.5 m/s) for inlet coolant air and heater power (20 < P < 100 W). Three tube materials (aluminum, copper, and stainless steel) were evaluated for mechanical properties, including thermal conductivity, to assess the feasibility of their use as tubes in the spent fuel storage.

A New Fuzzy Vault based Biometric System robust to Brute-Force Attack

Fuzzy vault based biometric systems use fuzzy vaults during the coding that occurs within the enrollment stage inside a biometric system. In that stage the biometric system creates a vault from the biometric data, user’s key and chaff points. In the verification stage, a new biometric data is introduced and user’s key can be recovered through the use of the Lagrange polynomial interpolation method. As a consequence, in this kind of systems brute force attack would be successful because fuzzy vaults are finite. Most of the related works focus on designing secure fuzzy vault systems through the use of a password or using hybrid systems. This leads to security falling on the same user or increasing the number of security elements such as chaff points, the degree of the polynomial, or multiple biometric samples. This paper proposes a new system that considers cryptography to achieve a fuzzy vault biometric system robust against brute-force attacks. It is important to say that our system does not need a higher number of chaff points or even a higher polynomial degree. Obtained results show that this new fuzzy vault biometric system not only would be secure for current times but also would be for the future time.

Modernism under load: experimental vaults in Cuba after the Revolution (1959–1963)

This article illustrates the shifts in architectural thinking and practice in Cuba immediately after the Revolution in 1959. It specifically traces the interest of the Cuban architects in developing construction methods from local sources and materials. One of these methods was ceiling systems made from ceramic bricks and tiles to make reinforced and unreinforced shells for houses, schools, factories, and recreational facilities. The architect Juan Campos Almanza led research in the Centre for Technical Investigations to design systemised but flexible and scalable vault systems. He and other architects later used these systems in projects across the country. This experimental period involved architects, engineers, and builders working together on accelerating building crafts under the pressure of mass construction and material limitations. The efforts of these groups came to a stop in 1963 when the Ministry of Construction decided to resort to total mechanised construction of concrete panels, alienating all other forms of local and craft-based building techniques. The experimental period of vaults in Cuba, which ended in 1963, highlights how state-sponsored institutions in Cuba played a decisive role in both pushing and suppressing innovative building techniques after the Revolution.

Cryptography based Internet Security ATM System using Fingerprint for securing PIN

Today, ATMs (automated teller machines) are used in a variety of ways, including: you can withdraw cash, transfer cash, check your balance, get an account summary, and more. The main component here is security, to maintain the security we prefer cryptography and biometrics. Cryptography is a state- of-the-art technique for increasing security. Using cryptography and biometrics together creates a bio cryptographic system. Since the private key is an important component of encryption, here one is the main task to secure the private [1] key. To overcome this issue, we use a biometric fingerprint image. However, biometrics cannot protect anyone’s fingerprint template because of the many suspected attacks. Therefore, we use a fuzzy vault system that combines cryptography [2] and biometrics [4] to ensure that only authorized users can use their passwords and PINs with the legal data. Keywords: Biometrics, Cryptography, Fuzzy vault system, IP security, Java Applets.

A fuzzy vault development based on iris images

Biometric systems gather information from the person's biometric attributes, used extensively to authorize the individuals. Due to the obvious convenience of using specific individual traits such as face, fingerprints, palm veins, and irises, biometric authentication is becoming more common. In particular, Iris systems are in high demand for high-assurance applications, because they contain a broad feature set and remain stable. Authentication methods based on iris biometrics are now commonly used in a variety of fields. This is due to the fact that iris biometric authentication is both safer and more comfortable than conventional passwords. Template Security is a major concern in biometric systems. The template security mechanism ensures reusable, permanent, and un-linkable models. The Fuzzy Vault strategy is one of the most popular security schemes for Template protection.
 Fuzzy vault has demonstrated to be an effective protection method but lacks revocability and security attacks. This article introduced an improved fuzzy vault system. The improved fuzzy vault system was introduced, which uses more than one key to protect biometric data. Different keys make the search space more detailed. The additional key was used to encrypt vault data, which stopped the intruder from accessing the information on the person's biometry. The system was tested using CASIA.v1 and IITD.v1 datasets, and findings showed that the system ensures the protection and authentication of the iris templates without compromising performance. The proposed modification gave a 0.0 % False Accepted Rate (FAR) for both the dataset and False Rejected Rate (FRR), 0.14 % for CASIA v1 and 0.12 % for ITTD v1 False Rejected rate

DOCUMENTING COMPLEXITY FOR THE 20TH CENTURY HERITAGE: THE ENRICHED 3D MODELS OF THE TURIN EXPOSITION NERVI’S HALLS DIGITIZATION

Abstract. Great attention is increasingly paid to the heritage belonging to the XX century, particularly for the spatial structures made of concrete, that are a significant trait of this modern movement architecture. Since they demand today urgent conservation plans sustaining their deterioration, the multidisciplinary researches should devotes a profound investigations for tailored approaches providing a clear indication of best practices and recommendation for correct 3D documentation, information management and structural assessment and monitoring. In this framework, the Geomatics approaches are advancing the interests toward the multi-scale and multi-sensor digitization and for supporting management of complex information in enriched 3D models. The iconic halls B and C in Torino Esposizioni (Italy), designed by Pier Luigi Nervi, is the case study presented. It was recently awarded by the Getty Keeping it Modern grant. The multi-disciplinary research conducted, still in progress, focuses a particularly into the investigation of the structural analysis and consistency of ferrocement elements of the vaulted system finalized to the structural condition assessment. Here the role of multi-scale and multi-sensor 3D models is investigated, such as the development of a digital twin of the halls as a starting point to create an enriched informative system. The reconstruction of this model particularly considering the large extension and the complexity of the spaces, is addressed to works as a collector of 3D multi-sensor data and information related to the diagnostic investigation on structural health monitoring for the durability of ferrocement elements.

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.

Multi-area economic environmental dispatch using multi-objective squirrel search algorithm

The main objective of multi-area economic/environmental dispatch (MAEED) problems is the effective management of electrical energy generation by minimizing the total fuel cost and emissions of a multi-area power generation units, while satisfying various system and operating constraints. This paper bestows a new swarm intelligence approach, multi-objective squirrel search algorithm (MOSSA) to solve the MAEED problem. In the suggested approach, an exterior elitist vault system, crowding distance and fuzzy clustering principles are acquainted to procure a uniformly spaced Pareto optimal front curve. In addition, the MAEED problem is unraveled by squirrel search algorithm based weighted sum approach (SSA-WSA) with price penalty factors, artificial bee colony (ABC) and exchange market algorithm (EMA). The adequacy of the suggested strategy is approved on 40 generating units with single and multi-area power systems. The numeric results exhibit that the suggested MOSSA strategy accomplished much preferred trade-off solutions over the SSA-WSA, ABC, EMA and different strategies surfaced in the literature. The result transmuted evinces the desirability of MOSSA to solve the MAEED problem.

Complex Vaulted Systems: Geometry and Architecture from Design to Construction

Nexus Network Journal guest editors Roberta Spallone and Marco Vitali introduce the papers in vol. 22 no. 4, a special issue dedicated to Complex Vaulted Systems.

Brainstem Toxicity in Pediatric Patients Receiving Cranial Radiotherapy with Protons: A Single Institution Experience

Asymptomatic post-radiation brainstem imaging changes (CTCAE version 5 Grade I toxicity) following proton beam therapy (PBT) have been reported as high as 20-30% incidence in some series while symptomatic brainstem injury is rarer, with an incidence of 2-7% in the literature. These findings have led to consensus statements and recommendations for brainstem dosimetric goals for patients receiving PBT. We retrospectively reviewed the incidence of post-PBT brainstem imaging changes and injury following cranial PBT utilizing a gantry-mounted synchrocyclotron single vault system. Patients ≤ 21 years of age who received a minimum 0.1cc max brainstem dose of 50 cobalt-Gray equivalents (CGE) were eligible for analysis. Patients were assessed for “central nervous system necrosis” in the brainstem per CTCAE v5.0 criteria. All patients were followed clinically and radiographically for ≥ 1 year after completing PBT. Analysis included brainstem doses exceeding University of Florida brainstem goal and max constraints. Between 2013 and 2018, 58 patients with a median age of 10.3 years (range 1–21.9 years) were included for analysis. The median radiation dose was 54 CGE (50.4–60 CGE). 36.2% of patients were treated with craniospinal radiation, 71.4% received 23.4 CGE and 23.4% received 36 CGE. 22.4% received pre-radiation chemotherapy, 32.8% received concurrent chemotherapy, and 34% received adjuvant chemotherapy. 3.4% received myeloablative chemotherapy with stem cell rescue. The percentage of patients exceeding the University of Florida goal and max brainstem constraints are presented in Table I. Two patients (3.4%) demonstrated evidence of radiographic changes consistent with CTCAE Version 5.0 Grade 1 toxicity. Both of these patients received pre-PBT myeloablative chemotherapy with stem cell rescue. There were no patients with CTCAE Version 5.0 Grade ≥ 2 brainstem injury. No symptomatic brainstem injury observed in pediatric patients treated using a gantry-mounted synchrocyclotron proton system despite exceeding previously recommended dose constraints. The incidence of post-radiation asymptomatic radiographic changes in the brainstem was lower than previous publications of grade I toxicity. While goal and max D50% were commonly exceeded, no patients exceeded the 0.1cc max constraint suggesting this may be more predictive of brainstem toxicity.Abstract 2532; TableGOAL 0.1cc Max > 56.6MAX 0.1cc Max > 58GOAL D10% > 55.4MAX D10% > 56GOAL D50% > 52.4MAX D50% > 54% Exceeded8.6%013.8%1.7%39.7%15.5% Open table in a new tab

CONSTRUCTIVE ANALYSIS OF MAYA VAULTED ARCHITECTURE FROM PHOTOGRAMMETRIC SURVEY

Abstract. Studying Maya architecture from a constructive perspective reveals new insights into the ancient building techniques and processes. Gaining deep knowledge of these structures is key to assessing the current conservation state of the buildings and to designing strategies for the excavation and preservation of this heritage. In order to study the Maya vault system, considering its regional variants and technical development over time, we performed field data collections at 48 Maya Lowlands archaeological sites with the aim of documenting and comparing constructive techniques from different areas and chronological periods. Surveying some of these buildings with digital photogrammetry made it possible to obtain geometrically accurate models with a high-quality texture that were used to measure, analyze and compare the features of the vaults in detail. The main advantage of this survey methodology is that it permits to achieve a high amount of information with affordable instruments. From the models obtained, a thorough analysis of stonemasonry techniques, stereotomy solutions and building processes was carried out, considering their implications for the stability and conservation of the structures. This paper presents the survey methodology used and an example of the constructive analysis of a vaulted building from a photogrammetric model.

The Illusory Architecture of the Camera di Giove in Sassuolo

The prospective illusionism of vaulted systems is a research field in which the study of geometry, survey, and architectural representation converge. The painting defines a precise scale and orientation relationship with the observer, while the morphology of the vaulted system increases the architecture’s spatiality. Therefore, the study of quadrature framed in vaulted surfaces implies investigating systems based on stratifications of real and ephemeral information. The present research examines the Camera di Giove, a vaulted room located in the Ducal Palace of Sassuolo, an important residence of the Este family. The chamber represents a typical Baroque example of an extension of spatial perception, thanks to the relationship with the nearby rooms and the vertical perspective of the vaulted painting. The research suggests a path of analysis that highlights the geometric–mathematical relationships existing between the quadrature, the vault, and the architectural space.

Aftershock fragility assessment of Italian cast–in–place RC industrial structures with precast vaults

Through a fragility analysis carried out with different probabilistic methods, the vulnerability of an Italian cast-in-place RC industrial structure with precast reinforced hollow brick light-weight vaults is evaluated via nonlinear analyses. After a brief description of the vault construction system, a typical case study built in the 1960s is considered and the influence of FE numerical modelling through three different representations of the vault system is assessed. Fragility curves are calculated by Incremental Dynamic Analysis (IDA), with three damage limit threshold values corresponding to local limit conditions regarding bending or shear that first occur in a few elements, as determined through pushover analyses. A comparison of fragility curves in the two horizontal directions (X–Y) for the three models is reported.Concerning the model with the greatest probability of collapse, seismic sequence effects on structural damage with the same ground motions for mainshock and aftershock are taken into account. Double Incremental Dynamic Analysis (D-IDA), with the mainshock represented by several fixed percentages of Near Collapse PGAs previously evaluated in X–Y directions and scaled aftershocks, is performed and compared to the IDA results. Aftershock fragility curves created with only the damage limit threshold value of Near Collapse are likened to the case that analyses a single seismic event (undamaged structure). Furthermore, ductility damage indices are calculated for maximum displacements obtained by each nonlinear dynamic analysis of IDA and D-IDA.

POINT CLOUD SEGMENTATION AND FILTERING TO VERIFY THE GEOMETRIC GENESIS OF SIMPLE AND COMPOSED VAULTS

Abstract. This research work proposes a methodology to statistically determine the geometric configuration of a masonry cross vault. Within Cultural Heritage it is possible to find architectural elements with absent or scarce historical sources about design approach or construction techniques. The cross vault case study belongs to a partially destroyed vaulted system distributed along the aisles of ancient Assunta’s Cathedral which is part of the Aragonese Castle on Ischia island, near Naples (Italy). Using photogrammetrical data acquisition, standard geometric analysis, numerical processes, computing and statistics this paper shows a method to objectively determine the geometric shape which best fits one of the existing Cathedral vault according to critical interpretation about stylistic and cultural contents linked to specific geographical and temporal contexts. This paper provides explanations, methods and objective calculation algorithms to find the best-fitting shape for a generic given point cloud and it is aimed at demonstrating the complementarity between descriptive geometry and algorithmic mathematical approaches. The final product of this multidisciplinary workflow is a 3D model deriving from the comparison between an ideal automatic model built thanks to the translation of traditional geometric rules in visual scripting language and an automatic model deriving from the mathematical analysis of survey data, curves and surface, of the architectural element. This experimentation generates 3D models to perform in-depth multidisciplinary tests and AR and VR applications to promote the communication of destroyed or inaccessible cultural heritage.

The rejuvenation on historical ruined vaults using lab analyses and numerical simulation

The exposure of historical masonry structures to climatic conditions and to user interventions, as well as the loss of their functionality over time, leads to the divergence of these structures from their original form and their dilapidation into ruin. With the aim of preserving such structures as cultural assets, the material characteristics of the original members are determined in a laboratory and their seismic capacity is determined by means of numerical analyses. The present study covers the works carried out to return to its original form a ruined vault in a historical castle that was built as a defensive structure in early 1800s, but which has in time lost its structural integrity. The study consisted of four stages: field work, laboratory analysis, preservation applications and a numerical simulation of the examined structure. The field study involves a visual inspection of structural deterioration and the gathering of representative samples from various points of the structure. The laboratory study includes mechanical, chemical and mineralogical analyses of the samples taken from the structure. Applications for the restoration of the structure to its original form are presented in the third stage, while the seismic performance level of the structure against seismic effects is defined. The study is important in its presentation of the process of reverting a vault structure that has suffered a deterioration of structural integrity over time into its original form from a geometric and material point of view. Such vaults are of particular importance as elements of castle structures that were used for defensive purposes at the time. The findings obtained from the research have been foreseen to contribute the understanding of structural behavior and intervention decisions in the restoration process of load-carrying brick vault systems in historical structures.

On the Origins and Variations of Blockchain Technologies

We explore the origins of blockchain technologies to better understand the enduring needs they address. We identify the five key elements of a blockchain, show the embodiments of these elements, and examine how these elements come together to yield important properties in selected systems. To facilitate comparing the many variations of blockchains, we also describe the four crucial roles of common blockchain participants. Our historical exploration highlights the 1979 work of David Chaum, whose vault system embodies many of the elements of blockchains.