As already mentioned, every building is a prototype: every plot of land is different, and the differences are even more significant when designing at different latitudes. In particular, the danger linked to the seismic acceleration of the ground, the cost of construction materials, local workers and the intended use of the buildings all change. Therefore, each construction will require an ad hoc choice of structural system.
As already mentioned, every building is a prototype: every plot of land is different, and the differences are even more significant when designing at different latitudes. In particular, the danger linked to the seismic acceleration of the ground, the cost of construction materials, local workers and the intended use of the buildings all change. Therefore, each construction will require an ad hoc choice of structural system.
Reinforced concrete is a construction technology typical of our latitudes, thanks to the historical ease of finding raw materials and the long experience of our production sites and workers. The challenge nowadays is the search for product standardisation, which allows the artisan part of the process to be increasingly confined and its flaws to be eliminated, as for example with Bamtec mats.
Reinforced concrete is a construction technology typical of our latitudes, thanks to the historical ease of finding raw materials and the long experience of our production sites and workers. The challenge nowadays is the search for product standardisation, which allows the artisan part of the process to be increasingly confined and its flaws to be eliminated, as for example with Bamtec mats.
Structural steel is a material that is typically found in place due to its mechanical strength, ductility, physical and chemical resistance and durability. These characteristics make it necessary in conditions where, due to a specific design or specific boundary conditions, it is necessary to build strong structures with a limited footprint, or to build buildings with particularly organic shapes.
Structural steel is a material that is typically found in place due to its mechanical strength, ductility, physical and chemical resistance and durability. These characteristics make it necessary in conditions where, due to a specific design or specific boundary conditions, it is necessary to build strong structures with a limited footprint, or to build buildings with particularly organic shapes.
Contemporary timber structures are almost all made of laminated wood instead of solid wood, a very resistant material with excellent behaviour in the case of fire (contrary to what is commonly thought, thanks to the carbonation of the external portions). It is produced on an industrial scale by gluing together wooden boards, reducing the defects of solid wood and increasing the maximum length of the beams.
Contemporary timber structures are almost all made of laminated wood instead of solid wood, a very resistant material with excellent behaviour in the case of fire (contrary to what is commonly thought, thanks to the carbonation of the external portions). It is produced on an industrial scale by gluing together wooden boards, reducing the defects of solid wood and increasing the maximum length of the beams.
The use of high-strength concrete and lightening systems, which considerably increase the mechanical resistance (to bending and shear), makes it possible to create, even for considerable spans, completely flat floors. These elements have the advantage of a shorter laying time, avoid complex form-work and make the distribution of installations easier.
The use of high-strength concrete and lightening systems, which considerably increase the mechanical resistance (to bending and shear), makes it possible to create, even for considerable spans, completely flat floors. These elements have the advantage of a shorter laying time, avoid complex form-work and make the distribution of installations easier.
Seismic isolation is a widely used technique that involves the use of seismic isolators for passive protection against earthquakes. Positioned between the foundations and the superstructure, they allow a relative "sliding" between the parts, dissipating a large part of the seismic acceleration. In this way, damage to the superstructure (and its occupants, equipment and installations) is very limited and the building can be used immediately after the earthquake.
Seismic isolation is a widely used technique that involves the use of seismic isolators for passive protection against earthquakes. Positioned between the foundations and the superstructure, they allow a relative "sliding" between the parts, dissipating a large part of the seismic acceleration. In this way, damage to the superstructure (and its occupants, equipment and installations) is very limited and the building can be used immediately after the earthquake.
Renzo Piano said that "intelligence must be lightness". To paraphrase this meaningful statement, we could say that roofs must be intelligent. This element cannot risk looming over the occupants and must give architectural momentum. The combination of innovative design techniques, some important production processes, together with the use of high-performance and aesthetically pleasing materials, make it possible to achieve these objectives.
Renzo Piano said that "intelligence must be lightness". To paraphrase this meaningful statement, we could say that roofs must be intelligent. This element cannot risk looming over the occupants and must give architectural momentum. The combination of innovative design techniques, some important production processes, together with the use of high-performance and aesthetically pleasing materials, make it possible to achieve these objectives.
Another type of structure is masonry, which is widespread in Italy’s history of construction. The use of this typology, and its complex calculation system, is both useful for working with the built heritage, and optimal for constructing one- or two-storey buildings, possibly in reinforced masonry. This and the other techniques, depending on the needs, can be combined in "mixed structures" (e.g. masonry-wood, concrete-steel...).
Another type of structure is masonry, which is widespread in Italy’s history of construction. The use of this typology, and its complex calculation system, is both useful for working with the built heritage, and optimal for constructing one- or two-storey buildings, possibly in reinforced masonry. This and the other techniques, depending on the needs, can be combined in "mixed structures" (e.g. masonry-wood, concrete-steel...).
