Junior Mini Symposia

Organizer

• Emanuela Bologna, Dipartimento di Ingegneria, Viale delle Scienze ed. 8, I-90128 Palermo, emanuela.bologna@unipa.it

Abstract

Additive Manufacturing (AM) represents, nowadays one of the most challenging approach used to innovate the world of industrial manufacturing by means of a technology that is not borrowed from the pre-historical stone manufacturing, and then applied to all the materials used in the modern world as woods, composites and/or metals or metal alloys.
In this context a very interesting approach is the use of additive manufacturing in biomechanics and biomedical engineering where the potentiality of additive manufacturing may be even more enhanced allowing for patient-specific devices required by the paradigm of precision medicine. The proposal of the present mini-simposium is to gather young researchers operating in the field of additive manufacturing to present the latest innovation for applications in biomechanics and biomedical engineering.

The topics are, but not limited to:

• Additive manufacturing for innovative biomedical devices.
• 3D printed scaffolds for tissue regeneration
• Mathematical models of additive manufacturing processes
• Topology optimization in additive manufacturing
• Stochastic models in additive manufacturing
• Multimaterial-based scaffolds with additive manufacturing

Organizers

• Andrea Burlon, Post-doc student at Mediterranean University of Reggio Calabria (email: andrea.burlon@unirc.it)
• Rossella Laudani, Post-doc student at University of Messina (email: rlaudani@unime.it)

Abstract

Real-world problems require an increasing accurate modeling of phenomena jointly with the need to efficiently solve the associated governing differential equations. The main aim of this mini-symposium is to bring together Ph.D. students, eventually supported by senior researchers, to discuss the novel and latest mathematical models and analytical/numerical methods for the analysis of structural systems.
Specifically, contributions on the following topics are of significant interest:

• Mechanics of solids and structural systems
• Mechanics of materials
• Structural vibration analysis
• Models and devices to mitigate seismic actions
• Dynamic identification
• Wave propagation in mechanical metamaterials
• Multiscale analyses

Organizers

• Chiara Pepi, PhD, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy, chiara.pepi@unipg.it
• Silvia Monchetti, PhD, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Florence, Florence, Italy, silvia.monchetti@unifi.it
• Viscardi Cecilia, PhD, Department of Statistics, Computer Science, Applications, University of Florence, Florence, Italy, cecilia.viscardi@unifi.it

Abstract

Every numerical and computational prediction is characterized by several sources of uncertainty arising from model assumptions and simplifications of the reality, and from the uncertainty about input parameters (i.e. physical and mechanical properties, geometries, boundary conditions). Each model can be described by a forward problem, which predicts some quantities of interest of the system given a set of unknown/uncertain parameters, and by the corresponding inverse problem, which consists in estimating the set of these parameters from a set of measured/observed data. In realistic applications, the data are often noisy and/or incomplete and this introduces a further level of uncertainty. Bayesian inference represents an actual effective tool to quantify the uncertainty around models’ input parameters, but novel mathematical formulations and sampling techniques need to be developed. The objective of this mini-symposium is to highlight the new research trends in the field of uncertainty quantification methods in structural engineering applications with a special focus on surrogate models, reduced order models and Monte Carlo methods. Moreover, contributions presenting novel applications of Bayesian inference and/or methods for the inverse problem solutions (i.e. structural identification, surrogate model based sampling techniques, structural health monitoring applications) are welcome.

Organizer

• Ph.D. Domenico Camassa, Research-Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering Sciences and Architecture (DICAR), Polytechnic University of Bari (Italy), domenico.camassa@poliba.it, +39 3278857565

Abstract

One of the major current needs in structural engineering concerns the assessment of the structural integrity and safety of both contemporary and historical civil constructions over time. The scientific community has been working for several decades to develop methodologies for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) of civil constructions. Nowadays, recent and continuing advancements in sensing technology offer new opportunities to this field and pose challenges whose solution will bring significant innovation to SHM.

The application of recent sensing technologies (MEMS, radar, satellites, smartphones, drones, GNSS, etc.) to SHM is very promising but still presents several issues. One of the major problems is that the modeling techniques, data analysis methods, and experimental approaches that have been developed for data acquired from traditional sensors generally turn out to be inadequate for recent technologies. There is a need to develop ad hoc theoretical methods and experimental techniques for acquiring, processing, and interpreting data. In addition, the integration of different types of sensors should be addressed by developing suitable data fusion techniques.

This mini-symposium aims to present research and stimulate discussion on this topic. The main focus concerns the development of novel ad hoc modeling techniques, data analysis methods, and experimental approaches. This topic requires a multidisciplinary approach involving both traditional and more recent knowledge from science and engineering. The topics here addressed include structural health monitoring, structural dynamic identification, damage identification, uncertainty quantification, model updating, and data sciences techniques (artificial intelligence, machine learning, neural networks, etc.).

Organizer

• Gabriele D’Orso, Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, gabriele.dorso@unipa.it, +393393289950, Viale delle Scienze, Building 8, 90128 Palermo, Italy 

Abstract

Cities are engines of economic and social development if they are well planned and managed. However, most cities are faced with traffic congestion, air pollution, noise pollution, land consumption, and an increase in accidents. This is due to a car-oriented urban development that encourages citizens to use their private cars during their commuting and non-commuting trips. Cities must change the paradigm: policymakers need to make urban mobility sustainable and neighbourhoods liveable, promoting walking, cycling, public transport and shared mobility as valid alternatives to private cars. Research can support them by providing methodologies for designing and planning sustainable mobility solutions.

This Mini-Symposium aims to present methodologies, practices, and policies for modelling and planning sustainable mobility in cities, achieving a behavioural change towards active transport, public transport, and shared mobility. This Mini-symposium provides an opportunity to discuss on recent advances on the use of methodologies involving big data, machine learning, and GIS-based analyses.

This session encourages the submission of articles related to:

• Sustainable mobility planning and policies.
• Methodologies, practices, and policies for achieving behavioral change towards sustainable modes of transport.
• Big data and machine learning in transport modelling and planning.
• Policies for promoting cycling and walking in cities.
• Methodologies for assessing walkability and bikeability.
• Shared Mobility.
• Microtransit
• Transit-oriented development.
• Maas—Mobility as a service.

Organizers

• Gioacchino Alotta, Department of Civil, Energy, Environment, Materials Engineering (DICEAM), via Graziella, Località Feo di Vito, 89124 Reggio Calabria, Italy, gioacchino.alotta@unirc.it
• Francesco Paolo Pinnola, Department of Structures for Engineering and Architecture, University of Naples Federico II, via Claudio 21, Ed. 6, 80125 Naples, Italy, francescopaolo.pinnola@unina.it

Abstract 

Due to the growing number of innovative materials and their more and more sophisticated applications, advanced mechanical modeling is of great interest in solid mechanics. Bioinspired and biocompatible materials and their applications to made cutting-edge prosthetics or biomedical devices, small-scale composites, micro-structured materials and the design of engineered continua are only some examples that require advanced theoretical and computational methodologies. In this context, the Mini-Symposium aims at expanding and sharing knowledge about modeling, analysis and developing of new physical models for innovative materials and complex structures. Specifically, new insights, scientific debates and depth discussions about enhanced formulations and methodologies concerning new constitutive relations, linear and nonlinear viscoelasticity, nonlocal continuum mechanics, plasticity, damage with applications in static and dynamic regime will be welcome.

Contributions in matter physics, materials science, solids mechanics, biomechanics, dynamics of structures are particularly encouraged. Authors may discuss theoretical aspects, computational methods, modelling techniques, interpretation of experimental data and simulation issues.

Suggested focus topics (not limited to):

• mechanics of biological tissues
• linear and nonlinear viscoelasticity
• non-local mechanics
• mechanics of biomedical materials and devices
• multiscale mechanics
• size dependent materials
• metamaterials
• finite element formulations of complex materials
• fractional calculus and its applications

Organizers

• Marianna Crognale, Department of Structural and Geotechnical Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy, marianna.crognale@uniroma1.it
• Melissa De Iuliis, Department of Structural and Geotechnical Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy, melissa.deiuliis@uniroma1.it
• Cecilia Rinaldi, Department of Structural and Geotechnical Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy, cecilia.rinaldi@uniroma1.it

Abstract

In the last years, advancements toward structural monitoring and retrofit strategies have increased to offset the impacts of climate change, global economic development, population growth and mitigation, socio-ecological changes, and rapid urbanization and to improve urban resilience. “Green” and sustainable technologies not only offer an important element in developing urban resilience across different scales (e.g., building, infrastructure, community), but also in helping foster adaptive capacity to cope with environmental disturbances.
The mini symposium is dedicated to all the contributions that aim to transform the future of built environment through the development of real-time efficient structural monitoring systems and innovative retrofitting approaches which make civil structures smart, sustainable, durable, multi-hazard resistant and resilient. In this context, also digital representations of built environment interacting through the Internet of Things plays an important role as they allow the optimization of the use of experimental data and modeling to manage resources and to preserve building safe conditions by means of a set of strategies relying on the integration of physics-based and data-driven methods, environmental sustainability, and low-carbon-emission operations.

Organizers

• Chiara Masnata, Research Fellow, Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, viale delle Scienze, 90128, Palermo, Italy. chiara.masnata@unipa.it
• Salvatore Russotto, Ph.D., Department of Engineering, University of Palermo, viale delle Scienze, 90128, Palermo, Italy. salvatore.russotto01@unipa.it

Abstract

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) and structural control are nowadays of crucial importance to preserve several types of structures like buildings, bridges, railway tracks, offshore platforms and wind turbines from failure and significant damage due to dynamic loads. This mini-symposium will offer an opportunity for young Ph.D. students to discuss challenges and advances in SHM and innovative strategies for vibrations control in order to ensure safety and preservation of existing and new structures. The mini-symposium will be focused on the most recent developments in theoretical, experimental and practical cases concerning the following topics:

• Structural vibration-based identification;
• Strategies for continuous SHM;
• Innovative methods to detect and/or localize structural damage;
• Automated or semi-automated algorithms for structural identification and SHM;
• Analysis and development of innovative control devices;
• Optimal design of devices to reduce structural vibrations.

Organizers

• Laura Sardone, Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture (DICAr), Politecnico di Bari, Via Edoardo Orabona, 4, 70125 Bari BA, Italy; sardone@poliba.it
• Beibei Xiong, Department of Structural, Geotechnical and Building Engineering (DISEG), Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi, 24, 10129 Torino TO, Italy. xiong@polito.it

Abstract

The demand for well-designed, functional living and working spaces is increasing dramatically, which is set to continue well into the future. By 2050, over 13,000 urban buildings will need to be constructed globally daily, according to recent projections [1]. The Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry increasingly employs Generative design technologies and strategies to tackle the demands. Adopting new-generation design tools improves shape exploration and structural optimization while facilitating decision-making processes in complex design problems. Moreover, due to the environmental emergency strictly related to material production, Generative Design Strategies helps the designer to deal efficiently with predicting structures employing the least material. Generative algorithms are evolving, becoming more powerful, widely applicable, and easier to use. The technology requires investment in tools, education and cultural exchange for those willing to commit to improving design techniques. In this context, the Mini-Symposium aims to expand the knowledge of the scientific community and the AEC operators, referring to the synergies exploitation between the designer and the algorithms, focusing on Generative Design techniques and the development of innovative workflows concerning digital simulation, analysis and optimization.

Contributions focusing on (i) improving engineering productivity and time-to-market with AI-driven Generative Design, (ii) frameworks of generative design, (iii) problem definition and solution-finding through Algorithm Aided Design showing the capacity of the generative approach are particularly encouraged.

Authors may discuss theoretical aspects, computational methods, modelling techniques, process application to case studies for efficient solutions, and experimental interpretation data and simulations.

[1] Bertollini, V.; Here’s what building the future looks like for A 10-Billion-Person Planet. In Redshift by Autodesk. Infographics - August 24,  2018.