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Renewable energy communities (RECs) around photovoltaic systems on public buildings are optimal solutions to counter energy poverty, ensuring all stakeholders access to cheap, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy systems. As the neighborhood is the minimum suitable unit for the implementation of highly sustainable settlements, this article discusses the potential and criticality of RECs at this scale in southern Italy. Starting with the concept of RECs, this study presents a methodology to size sustainable urban communities around school buildings. It integrates practical energy indicators with those defining performance in vegetation and water management. The impact of these factors is analyzed to identify the ideal community size in terms of energy efficiency, economic value, and social cohesion. An interactive scorecard ranks high school sites suitable for transformation into community hubs, taking into consideration the scale of substation distribution. The findings provide empirically validated operational guidelines and best practices to support the transition to smart, efficient, and socially inclusive communities. At the urban scale, the analysis evaluates different urban morphologies, microclimates, characteristics and density of buildings, and population around each assumed community hub. The study provides valuable guidance to local designers, planners, and administrators for the implementation of sustainable technologies by preparing a map of potential RECs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) play a vital role in infrastructure development and public service delivery, with government entities collaborating with private sector organizations to achieve shared goals in the long term. An essential aspect of PPP contracts is the concession period, during which Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) are responsible for financing, building, operating, and maintaining public assets. The concession period has significant implications, associated with project risk, revenue, operations expenses, profitability, and bankability. While numerous studies focus on determining "optimal" concession periods, fewer explore the factors driving concession periods in national PPP programs, especially for social infrastructure projects relying primarily on availability payments. To fill this gap, this research aims to identify and analyze the effect of various potential factors on the length of the concession period, using linear regression analysis on a data set of healthcare PPP projects in Italy. This research theoretically contributes to understanding the driving factors of concession periods in PPP projects and provides insights for a balanced approach to PPP project planning and regulation and related strategies. On the practical side, decision makers can negotiate optimized concession periods, ensuring successful and sustainable public infrastructure projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the ways in which narrow understandings of race and Italianness are reproduced by those who govern and administer sport at elite levels of competition. By shedding light on how citizenship discourses establish who can and cannot represent the nation, I specifically focus upon the belongings and identities of Black, foreign-origin and mixed-heritage Italian women athletes. By doing so, this article elucidates the complex ways in which racially minoritized sportswomen fight for recognition within the Italian 'imagined community'. This article suggests that despite their commitment to, and pride in, representing the nation, their struggles have not proved sufficient to re-define Italianness: that is, to make it more open and inclusive of non-white citizens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article will discuss the existence of and reasons for a pattern of cross-mobilisation between Italian feminist and LGBT movements in relation to the controversial issue of gestational surrogacy. Gestational surrogacy usually involves a woman who offers to carry out a pregnancy (either on a voluntary basis or through monetary compensation) on behalf of couples (be them heterosexual or homosexual) who are infertile or cannot have children. In Italy gestational surrogacy has acquired prominence in the political debate following the approval of the law same-sex unions in 2016. Immediately within this context important fractures on this issue emerged between and within the feminist and LGBT movements. This article will consider the motivations behind those rifts and map the different proposed solutions to the regulation of gestational surrogacy in Italy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article intends to be a reflection on the socio-political construction of oral sources in the context of extensive field research, carried out in a post-industrial area of the city of Milan, known as Bicocca. It investigates the ethnographic encounters as heuristic tools aimed at the construction of specific anthropological knowledge. Today, the University of Milano-Bicocca, the Arcimboldi Theatre, CNR, and Siemens Italia, among others, occupy the site. However, until the 1980s, the same area hosted the Pirelli Industries, one of the largest plastic, tires, and cable manufacturing company from Italy. Even if the site was later transformed into a technology integrated area, it is still permeated with both material and immaterial historical traces of its industrial past. I consider here my ethnographic interviews with former unionists and workers of the Pirelli focusing on the accounts of the years 1968-1969, also known as the second “Red Biennium” (Biennio Rosso) or the “Hot Autumn” (Autunno Caldo). Reconsidering these ethnographic documents collected between 2008 and 2013, I describe the memories that emerged incisively in the relationship between the subjects involved in this ethnographic research and me. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The twisted-cable type of patterns is found as Late Roman–Byzantine and early Umayyad floor patterns, with considerable uniformity in texture, colors, and technique. They consist of 'cables' which together form circles, circle segments, squares and other visually prominent ornamental elements. Cables mostly form complex closed loops, joined at points of local overlap by interlocking 'knots'. The loops are the inconspicuous construction elements and several of them participate in each visually prominent segmented circle, square, etc. Majority of these patterns are tetragonal with chiral character, with predominant 2D layer-group symmetry p422. Other symmetries are rare, mostly in circular designs. Most of patterns were dichroically colored using local marbles. The combination of loops and knots generates broad versatility of design and a rich spectrum of extant patterns. The principal artistic heritage of this mosaic style are the Cosmatesque floor patterns of central Italy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since Italy is so susceptible to earthquakes it is important for several disciplines to jointly analyse its built heritage and prevent seismic risk. Italian and international authorities have tackled the issue, developing protocols to reduce the risk and/or establish better reconstruction procedures compared to the past: 'build back better' (BBB). ARIM is a BIM procedure used to create and manage 'informed models' in which the data refers to elements of the resistant building, identification of the materials, state of degradation, mechanical properties, knowledge of the subsoil and foundations, geometry of structural elements, construction techniques, disruption and degradation. The ARIM procedure creates an interface with a dual role as an informative system and as a way to represent the collected data ensuring permanence, consultation, and implementation over a period of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The developments of the latest technology in the field of Digital Cultural Heritage (DCH) are revolutionizing the methods of surveying, representing and managing the built heritage. The integrated use of 3D survey instruments such as laser scanning, digital photogrammetry and the new holistic way to represent the architecture, based on the Building Information Modeling (BIM), allows the collection, analysis and archiving of a large amount of data, by increasing information sharing among a great number of experts involved during the life cycle of the building. The paper focuses on the connection between Italy and Czech in terms of vaults patterns and construction techniques. The two case studies are the frame vault of the chapel of the Italian Cultural Institute and the barrel vault with lunettes of the Klementinum Baroque Library. They are both unique examples of the great expertise of architects and craftsmen that worked in Bohemia across the 17th and 18th centuries. Most of them were from the North of Italy, like the ones that worked in the building sites of the two case studies. The in-depth study of the construction techniques and the complex shapes needs the use of new scan-to-BIM modeling requirements, based on the definition of geometric primitives useful for the generation of intelligent three-dimensional models able to integrate different types of data. Finally, the acquired data are included in a database that collects information coming from both Italian and Czech studies, raising awareness among citizens of the richness of their built heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Horizontal acceleration and velocity are considered the most important parameters in determining damage potential to buildings during the paroxysmal energy dissipation of an earthquake. However, taking as example the two mainshocks of the 2016 Central Italy seismic sequence and comparing Interferometric Synthetic-Aperture Radar (InSAR) and macroseismic data, it is shown that maximum damage was concentrated where the ground subsided coseismically. A number of empirical relationships are determined between InSAR vertical displacement on the one hand, and macroseismic intensity or ground motion intensity measures on the other. Finally, resorting to a finite-discrete element model, the effect of the vertical component of ground motion is investigated on a test masonry structure under recorded accelerograms. Highlights • An analysis of Interferometric Synthetic-Aperture Radar (InSAR) data of the 2016 Central Italy Earthquakes is presented. • The most severe damage is concentrated in the area that underwent subsidence. • Good correlation is found between InSAR vertical displacement and Housner Intensity of horizontal components. • The effect of vertical acceleration is investigated numerically on a test structure with cohesive-frictional interfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cities in Roman Italy offered work to many thousands of people in all kinds of sectors. Most of that work was more or less permanent, and much of it required skill and expertise. The urban economy was subjected to periods of expansion and contraction which were partly cyclical and seasonal, partly due to such external factors as imperial policy. As a result, the labour demand of the urban economy fluctuated, in part following a pattern of predictable and regular seasonal cycles, in part as a result of less predictable and less short-term trends that were primarily caused by imperial spending. Governed by their short-term and more longterm labour strategies, members of rural households sought wage-earning labour in the cities. The low opportunity cost of many members of rural households meant that they were prepared to work for low wages at least for short periods, which lowered the urban wage-levels for unskilled labour. If they had mules or oxen, they used animal labour besides their own. While in the city of Rome the grain dole shifted the balance somewhat in comparison with cities without such free hand-outs, it did not support a large group of city-dwellers who were unemployed in slump times. Hence at peak times many people from the countryside were hired to perform wage-labour in the cities, but when labour demand contracted, in winter or when a major building project was finished, many wage-earners returned to the countryside. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Which executive profiles currently govern the construction value chain? Addressing this lively research question is the key point of our article and it appears central to scholars, practitioners, and policymakers interested in project management in general, and construction and real estate in particular. For this reason, we draw from Upper Echelons Theory in studying the executive profiles of 109 important firms currently active in Italy. Our statistical analysis shows that, although homogeneity substantially regards the executive's gender, age, and level of education, heterogeneity is associated more with his or her functional background. We thus prospect some conceptual and methodological avenues for further analyses in this challenging area of research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper outlines the response of the healthcare system in the area mainly affected by the 2012 Emilia earthquake by drawing on specific surveys and information from local health authorities. Some hospitals were evacuated after the M $$_\mathrm{l}$$ = 5.8 May 20 seismic event due to damage to non structural components and minor structural damage. A short description of the damage suffered and characteristics of the healthcare system as a whole is offered initially, followed by a detailed description of the effects which took place at the Santa Maria Bianca hospital of Mirandola. The focus has been on damage to non structural elements and content, whose integrity is of primary importance for healthcare structures performance during and after a seismic event. Some instruments for the acquisition of accelerometric data were installed after the May 20 event both outside and inside a building which is part of the hospital complex. The seismic behavior of this building has also been analysed by means of a purposely made finite element model and on the basis of the recorded data. The contribution of undamaged and damaged masonry infills to the global seismic response has also been estimated thus providing some hints on the observed building performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high cost of energy, along with an urgent need to reduce global worming causing emissions, has contributed to the rethinking of contemporary design and building techniques. It also brought to the forefront the need to increase the energy performance of heritage buildings. Italy's Abruzzo region has many small towns with old structures. The earthquake that struck the area in 2009 caused significant destruction to many communities and buildings. The need to rebuild led to a series of interventions aiming not only at reconstructing, but also at increasing the structure's energy performance. This paper describes a study of Abruzzo's historic buildings and proposes interventions to improve their energy-efficiency. The authors developed a methodology based on an on-site investigation and the study of compatible possible solutions. The first phase includes a series of thermal measurements, using both indirect and qualitative methods such as thermography and direct and quantitative methods. With the information gathered, it was possible to verify the energy performance of each solution based on the level of invasiveness of the proposed intervention. The proposed methodology serves as a guide to recovery design, using a “case by case” approach to identify the method of intervention in each value context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY Multi-storey buildings made of cross-laminated timber panels (X-lam) are becoming a stronger and economically valid alternative in Europe compared with traditional masonry or concrete buildings. During the design process of these multi-storey buildings, also their earthquake behaviour has to be addressed, especially in seismic-prone areas such as Italy. However, limited knowledge on the seismic performance is available for this innovative massive timber product. On the basis of extensive testing series comprising monotonic and reversed cyclic tests on X-lam panels, a pseudodynamic test on a one-storey X-lam specimen and 1D shaking table tests on a full-scale three-storey specimen, a full-scale seven-storey building was designed according to the European seismic standard Eurocode 8 and subjected to earthquake loading on a 3D shaking table. The building was designed with a preliminary action reduction factor of three that had been derived from the experimental results on the three-storey building. The outcomes of this comprehensive research project called 'SOFIE - Sistema Costruttivo Fiemme' proved the suitability of multi-storey X-lam structures for earthquake-prone regions. The buildings demonstrated self-centring capabilities and high stiffness combined with sufficient ductility to avoid brittle failures. The tests provided useful information for the seismic design with force-based methods as defined in Eurocode 8, that is, a preliminary experimentally based action reduction factor of three was confirmed. Valid, ductile joint assemblies were developed, and their importance for the energy dissipation in buildings with rigid X-lam panels became evident. The seven-storey building showed relatively high accelerations in the upper storeys, which could lead to secondary damage and which have to be addressed in future research. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Dampness is the main cause of masonry deterioration in many historical buildings but moisture behaviour is often difficult to understand. This is partly due to the complexity of moisture models which are rarely applied in monitoring plans. This paper reports the modelling of the moisture dynamics of the Cathedral of Lecce and its below ground Crypt (South Italy). The aim of this study is to give insights into moisture dynamics in buildings in order to overcome knowledge gaps in the field, such as those related to the estimation of the drying capacity of a microenvironment. The sharp front (SF) theory was used to analyse the main processes involved in rising damp. Moisture transfer dynamics were investigated to and from the walls and columns constituting the Crypt''s masonry by first considering a steady state of balance between the water absorbed by capillary forces and that lost by evaporation. A varying state of non-equilibrium was then treated deriving simplified formulae to calculate indoor and outdoor evaporation rates. The model was validated with experimental surveys and site evaporation measurements. The paper shows that many physical quantities (e.g. height of the rise, capillary rise, water stored, drying flow rate, time-scale for drying) can be calculated and modelled over time using formulae that involve commonly available microclimatic and meteorological data (e.g. temperature, relative humidity and air speed). The information obtained can help to understand the periodic moisture behaviour leading to an explanation related to deterioration process dynamics. The results are useful for masonry maintenance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The paper reports the results of a multi-disciplinary study carried out on a significant example of Modernist architecture, dating back to the Fascist period in Italy. The buildings of that period are as laboratories for architectural innovation and are characterized by the adoption of new constructive and technological solutions for the elimination of the decorative and functional element in order to obtain pure volumes. This characteristic feature caused in a great number of Modern buildings design errors and the deterioration of the unprotected elements. In order to safeguard this heritage it is necessary to have a thorough understanding of the materials and the techniques used. This can be achieved only through a multi-disciplinary approach on relevant case studies. The current study was carried out on the characteristic construction components of the main façade of a selected building, the stone cladding and the steel windows, to have a more thorough awareness of the techniques used and to verify the state of conservation. It was also possible to hypothesise conservation actions coherent with the material culture. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In Mediterranean countries such as Italy is necessary to achieve comfort in new residential buildings both in winter and summer. For this reason, in defining the overall energy performance, the EPBD Directive [1] requires to consider summer performance indicators as well. In the energy certification of buildings, however, the winter performance of buildings is highlighted, while the summer performance indicators are often neglected. To investigate the energy performance of buildings in the summer season, the BEST Department of Politecnico di Milano conducted a comparative evaluation between the actual and normalised energy performance of a high-performance residential building equipped with a cooling plant, located in Milan. The study compares the results of a summer monitoring campaign with two theoretical calculation models: the standard calculation used for energy certification in the Lombardy region (Italy) and a building simulation with EnergyPlus. The study showed that the real energy requirements, as estimated through the monitoring campaign of some representative flats, were much lower than the energy requirements calculated with the standard certification procedure but quite consistent with those calculated with the building simulation model. However, real energy consumption is different even in identical flats due to the different behaviours of the users. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The paper presents a methodology that has been developed and implemented for the simulation of electricity use (kWh) as well as electricity pricing (c€/kWh) in buildings. In the simulation, electricity pricing has been treated as dependent on electricity use as energy pricing tariffs usually discriminate between specific electricity consumption zones, time periods, etc. Pricing and electricity use, together, may then provide an estimation of the building electric energy cost (€). The simulation runs on an hourly resolution allowing to highlight some potential wasteful and costly practices in energy use and management and providing insight to user behavior, which has been a key driver for its development. The key aspects of the simulation approach are presented and its use is demonstrated in two different buildings in Greece and Italy. The methodology is now adapted to allow for neural network based, real time training, which will also be briefly introduced. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This study evaluates and contrasts the management practice and the performance that characterise Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) in Italy and in the UK. The methodology relies on the investigation of six carefully selected case studies, critically reviewed by referring to EIA and project design information, as well as collecting the opinion of key project participants. The study focuses on the construction industry and on specific key sectors like infrastructure for transport and renewable energy and commercial and tourism development. A main term of reference for the analyses has been established by critically reviewing international literature so as to outline common good practice, requirements for the enhancement of sustainability principles and typically incurred drawbacks. The proposed approach enhances transfer of knowledge and of experiences between the analyzed contexts and allows the provision of guidelines for practitioners. Distinctive differences between the UK and the Italian EIA systems have been detected for pivotal phases and elements of EIA, like screening, scoping, analysis of alternatives and of potential impacts, definition of mitigation strategies, review, decision making, public participation and follow up. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents a parametric approach to the definition of a proper building shape compared to the building heating requirement in the very first stage of the design process. A new simplified index is introduced, namely the south exposure coefficient C fs. In fact, as far as bioclimatic architecture is concerned, the relationship between buildings and natural environment is very important both for the control of indoor comfort conditions and energy requirements. The building shape is a fundamental aspect of this relationship. Usually, in thermal behavior analysis this parameter is considered only from the point of view of compactness. This is a reductive approach, because two buildings with the same coefficient could have different shapes and so a different thermal behavior. Some aspects such as orientation, openings, exposure to atmospheric agents and natural elements must also be strictly considered. Moreover, in scientific literature no indications are given to designers who operate in mild and warm climate conditions. This is why the results of a research activity focused on heating requirements of buildings with different shapes and laid in the Italian territory are presented. Monthly calculations have been performed following the quasi-steady-state method suggested in the European standard. Outputs show that better results in the building energy performance can be achieved considering a bioclimatic (though simplified) approach since the very beginning. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The use of underexcavation or soil extraction as a method of straightening leaning structures is reviewed through a re-examination of some historical applications to a variety of structures. Most of the cases involve tall, slender structures supported on shallow foundations. The use of shallow foundations most likely accentuated the lean since the stresses are higher than would be exerted on the soil by even a slightly larger foundation. The cases illustrate that this method of stabilization, used either by itself, or in combination with other measures, has been a viable civil engineering practice through the 19th century and into the first half of the 20th century, since the first documented case in 1832 to it's now famous application to stabilize the bell tower at Pisa, Italy and to a number of structures in Mexico City. A review and summary of fifteen historical cases is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Economic data on construction market performance culled from recently published analysis and studies, have served to highlight and quantify the phenomena that have driven the negative global economic downturn, affecting the construction sector in particular, over the last two years, with obvious repercussions also for Italy. Although there were a few rallying signs that the downward trend was easing off slightly in early 2011 - both in Europe and, albeit rather more hesitantly, in Italy - those tenuous hopes for recovery were not backed up by actual statistical indicators, potentially providing some indication of promising development trends. Of the few emerging dynamics in the American market, which is recovering more swiftly than in Europe, there seems to have been a marked increase in the production of sustainable or "green" buildings, which are taking over increasingly larger slices of the market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The construction industry is at the top of the list of priorities for surveillance and research, although it is often difficult to perform detailed analysis of the risk factors. In mid-2002, construction work started on the Torino to Novara high-speed railway line. A Regional Epidemiological Observatory developed a standardized data collection system that provided a rare opportunity for researchers in Italy to analyze risk factors for occupational injury in a large cohort of workers involved in a single major construction project. The aim of this study is to describe the characteristics of a cohort of workers employed at construction sites of the high-speed Torino to Novara railway between 2003 and 2005, analyze the main determinants of occupational injury risk and estimate incidence rates. Methods Frequency rates of occupational injury were calculated by characteristics of workers and firms and relative risks were estimated using a Poisson model. Results Annual injury incidence decreased over the period and was higher than the Italian construction industry rate. The risk was highest among workers performing the least skilled jobs and with the shortest contracts. Moreover the risk was higher in large enterprises. Conclusions Although calculated within a specific context, the results provide information applicable to all construction sites. The high risk of occupational injury associated with short-term contracts suggests, at such large and long-term construction sites, to engage workers on a permanent basis for the duration of the construction project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the archeological excavations at the Sibari archeological site in Italy, with a focus on the Casa Bianca area and the sanctuary of Eastern divinities, as well as the history of worship in the sanctuary. Topics discussed include the history of the excavation and restoration of the sanctuary at Casa Bianca, including architectural and spacial elements of the sanctuary; archeological evidence of structures existing prior to the Casa Bianca, and decorative elements of the sanctuary.

The article presents a study which investigates the implications of safety and health training program on injury outcomes at the railway construction sites between Torino and Novara, Italy. It states that the study was attended by the 29% of 2,795 workers who have attended at least one day at the construction site. It reveals that the training program has decreased the incidence of occupational injuries from 16-25%. It suggests that the program has a moderate positive impact on workers' safety.

Performance measurement is a helpful tool for taking corrective actions and controlling a project as far as this enables accurate time and cost forecasts during the first stages of the construction effort when the management team still has opportunities to make adjustments. This paper overcomes the dilemma of practicability and predictability of traditional estimates at completion based on early progress measurement by presenting the empirical results from the construction project of an industrial facility. The case may be a reference practice for assessing time and cost performance measurement of any building, whose layout can be reasonably partitioned into repeatable portions. In such circumstances, an effectively-managed traditional earned value method and appropriate metrics for computing performance provide project managers with accurate forecasts as useful tools for successful project management and control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the Educational Quality Facilities (EQF) project launched by Campania Region in partnership with the research centre CISEM of Milan in Italy. The objectives of the initiative include building and equipping new educational spaces, improving the quality of existing buildings and equipment and create prototypes of better quality schools. The initial budget of the initiative is approximately 90 million euros.

This paper focuses on appropriation of natural capital through construction of buildings. The ecological footprint and the Costanza natural capital concepts are applied. The environmental consequences of human settlement are currently of great concern, and a need is felt to reduce the impact of building on the environment. The embodied energy of building materials and the "land area" required to sustain their production are considered to evaluate the demand on nature of this activity. The ecological footprints of 2 typical Italian buildings are compared. The paper also focuses on how to reduce the natural capital appropriation of building construction by means of environmentally inexpensive materials, renewable energy resources, and optimization of the use of bioproductive land by construction of multistoried buildings. Finally, to allocate an environmental load of buildings, an economic evaluation of natural capital appropriation through building construction is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nave of Santa Maria Novella, a Dominican church in Florence Italy is representative of a Florentine Gothic system of construction. This system, consisting of domical rib vaults on square nave bays, high side aisles, and crypto-buttressing, differs substantially from the French high Gothic system of even-level-crown rib vaults on rectangular bays, with flying buttresses over relatively low aisles. An investigation into the structural aspects of the Florentine Gothic construction system reveals that the domical vaults increase the longitudinal thrust and reduce the transverse thrust, which may require additional precautions to be taken during construction, but entails a less elaborate buttressing system. The domical vaults are found to perform well structurally, with an absence of tensile stresses, and are more suitable for a square bay. In general, the structural system of the nave of Santa Maria Novella is found to be the product of carefully considered structural design, which may be accepted as an alternative to the French Gothic construction system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article deals with different processing techniques applied to data gathered by a novel step-frequency penetrating radar in a measurement survey of the walls of the historical room “Salone dei 500” in Palazzo Vecchio (Firenze, Italy). The aim of the investigation was to detect discontinuities in the masonry walls, possibly corresponding to a cavity containing fragments of the lost fresco of the Battle of Anghiari by Leonardo da Vinci. Data have been processed by means of two different techniques. The first one is a time domain analysis compensating for dielectric losses inside the medium, and the second one is based on a one-dimensional inverse scattering approach. Even if based on different principles, both techniques reveal the presence of a discontinuity in the eastern wall of the room at a depth between 10 and 20 cm, whereas no discontinuity traces are observed in the other walls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Cathedral of Noto partially collapsed on 13 March, 1996. After the removal of the ruins a 1-year experimental investigation and analytical calculation allowed to define the causes of the collapse and the presence of intrinsic weaknesses of the structure and to prepare on this basis a project, which can be called Redesign for improvement of the structure. Some theoretical definitions are given together with the economical and social aspects of the project. A first part of the project description is reported concerning the cross vaults system restoration. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Cathedral of Noto, one of the most important baroque monuments that has given notoriety to the town of Noto, collapsed in the 13th of March 1996, approximately 5 years after the earthquake of ‘Santa Lucia’ that took place in December 13th 1990. The collapse has pointed out serious deficiencies in constructive materials of pilasters, even in their capacity to support vertical loads. That is why the earthquake of 1990 has acted as ‘the last blow’, coming after a long period of fatigue. Instead, the geometry of the church results to be ‘good’, and for this reason the reconstruction design consists merely in new pilasters, well made with local material, the well known ‘pietra di Noto’ and the replacement is going to take place both on the right, in the place of the collapsed pilasters, and on the left, in substitution of the old pilasters, really not adaptive for restoration. In this way, and with few other interventions, the ‘new’ church should result capable to resist to earthquakes similar to the one that occurred in 1693. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The project of the partial reconstruction and preservation of the remaining parts of the Cathedral of Noto collapsed on 13 March, 1996, was approved by the Commission for the recovery of the architectural heritage of the Noto Valley, composed by representatives of the Cultural Heritage Administration and of the Civil Engineering Administration of Ragusa, Siracusa and Catania, by the Director of the Central Institute for Restoration of the Ministry of the Cultural Heritage and Environment, by the President of the National Group for the Seismic Safety and by representatives of administration territorially competent. The most important operations in the project are presented with reference to the nave system and the fac¸ade. A description is given starting from the intervention on the foundation system to the reconstruction of the pillars of the central nave, to the abutments, the roof of the central nave and the covering and domes of the lateral naves and to the fac¸ade and towers. The concept behind the design was to preserve and use the intrinsic resources of the parts, which did not fail, and to integrate the missing parts with demolitions and reconstruction only when necessary for the safety of the structure. The reconstructed parts will not speak an extraneous language with respect to that of the original construction, but, where possible, they constitute its natural, coherent evolution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

On 13th March 1996 the dome of the St. Nicolo` Cathedral of Noto fell due to a post-seismic structural collapse. In order to study the soil–structure interaction a comprehensive laboratory and in situ investigation has been carried out to obtain a soil profile. In this paper the dynamic characterisation results and normalised laws are proposed to consider shear modulus decay and damping ratio increase with strain level. The existing foundations of the cathedral were investigated by means of excavations and tests on the stones and the mortar. In this way the foundations were subjected to visual inspections to detect their size and their embedment level. Now, the soil–foundation interaction has been analysed by means of the finite element code SOFIA, considering at this stage the superstructure weight through the influence area approach. In particular, the effects of the designed remedial work of the foundation have been studied, comparing the two configurations before and after the foundation improvement. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The collapse of the nave and dome of the Cathedral of Noto, S. Nicolo`, in a rainstorm in 1996 brought to light 18th century construction errors unique to this building. S. Nicolo` is the most prominent church in the city of Noto, a rich Baroque center in southeastern Sicily completely reconstructed after an earthquake in 1693. During the course of its construction and reconstruction between 1696 and 1950, S. Nicolo` was plagued by multiple earthquake failures and construction errors. This paper attempts to assemble the unwritten construction history of the church for the first time in English, and to address the question of how architects, engineers and builders responded to the problem of creating a seismically resistant building. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

After the partial collapse of the Cathedral of Noto, the authors were required to carry out an extensive on site and laboratory investigation in order to support the designers of the Cathedral reconstruction to check the possibility of preserving the parts which are still standing and to choose the right solutions and the most compatible materials for the reconstruction. The tests carried out in laboratory in order to characterise the chemical, physical and mechanical properties of the original materials are described and their results discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Cathedral of Noto was damaged after the earthquake that hit Sicily in 1990. Soon after the event, cracks appeared on the domes of the lateral naves, and also on the pillars. In 1992 some provisional work had been carried out in view of confining the pillars of the central nave that were damaged. Some pictures made after the earthquake also show clearly the presence of moisture rise on the pillars and walls. A sudden collapse due to the damages was probably not expected, so that no other measures were taken to better strengthen and repair the structures. Only after the collapse of the Civic Tower in Pavia (1989) and the following research (Masonry Int J 6 (1992) 11, Second International Conference RILEM on Rehabilitation of Structures, Highett, Australia (1998) 542), it was clearly shown that in case of high stresses on low-strength masonry an existing damage can slowly lead to partial or total collapse of the structure over a long time. It seems a confirmation of this long-term behaviour of the structures that the Cathedral collapse took place in 1996, 6 years after the earthquake, which had certainly caused high damages to the structure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Presents a brief overview of the art and architectures in Italy. Examples of art from Classical eras; Best examples of Gothic art; Identifiable Classical architectural features.

Using two sets of input-output tables, this paper analyses the role of the construction sector in the North and South regions of Italy, from 1959 to 1992. As expected, the sector has had differing impacts on the two regional economies over the years. In the highly developed North its importance has been declining, similarly to the case of other highly developed countries. In the less developed South, instead, construction has a relatively higher propulsive role in the creation of goods and income. This role is significantly diminished since most of the construction inputs are imported. Some differences are reported in the sector's input and output profiles of the two regions. From the technological and organizational points of view, in the South construction projects appear to be less complex than those in the North. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Migrant workers safety remains a major challenge in the construction sector. • There has been limited focus on migrant worker safety in Italy, Spain and the UK. • Role modelling and soft skills are key for migrant workers' safety behaviours. • On-site training may be crucial to safety training of migrant workers. • Supervisors modelling safety behaviors is crucial to safety training transfer. The construction industry is notoriously high risk for accidents, injuries, and deaths, particularly for non-national or migrant workers, who comprise a significant proportion of the workforce. This paper presents an international, qualitative study focused on exploring the challenges which influence the safety of migrant construction workers in Italy, Spain, and the UK. Based on a comprehensive review of the literature, we formulated two research questions about the challenges relating to safety that migrant workers face and the challenges to safety training effectively improving migrant workers' safety behaviours. We present our template analysis of semi-structured interviews and focus groups with 88 participants from four occupational groups across all three countries. This identified commonalities and differences in interpretations of the primary challenges to migrant workers' safety, amongst participants from the various occupational groups (workers, site supervisors, safety trainers and safety experts) in Italy, Spain, and the UK. These were associated with: increased use of subcontractors; dilution of safety standards down the supply chain; pressure to breach safety regulations on site; differing safety-related attitudes and behaviours due to national cultural differences, language barriers and issues relating to training (provision, delivery, language, content and transfer). Finally, we summarise the contributions and limitations of our study, arguing further interventions related to safety training are needed, along with ethnographic studies to explore how both macro-level and contextual factors affect safety outcomes for migrant construction workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The disposal volume of material for Construction and Demolition in Europe is increasing each year, that the European Union has decided to take control of the matter unifying practices and goals to achieve. This article analyses how waste management works in Italy adjusting its system to the European Union, regarding Construction and Demolition, taking into consideration the disposal of material coming from C&D (Construction and Demolition) production. In Italy, the disposition may differ according to the regions in which it is divided, and this must be taken into consideration when analysing information that reflects the different logistical aspect linked to the territory. It is also necessary to consider how the volume of waste can vary according to the size of the region considered and the type of industrial development to which it belongs. The analysis of the Italian situation shows their achievements regarding reaching a good level of recycling waste volume; indeed, their amount of C&D recycled waste after 2010 was always up to the 70% value established by the European Union, though barriers are still present in the field of waste management. Through data collecting, it has been seen the different volume that is generated in construction-related activities in the country, along with the recovered waste volume. Thus, the goal of this paper is to deepen the general knowledge on waste produced by Construction and Demolition in Italy and waste management practices adopted according to the European Union. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents abstracts to articles published in the journal. The article "Magnificence and the City: Giovanni II Bentivoglio and Architecture in Fifteenth-Century Bologna," by Georgia Clarke, focuses on the urban refashioning in Bologna as depicted in various works published in the city in the 1490s. The article "Sacred Magnificence: Civic Intervention and the Area of San Domenico in Bologna," by Randi Klebanoff. In 1469, the commission of an ambitious new addition to the arca of San Domenico passed from its traditional custodians, the Dominicians, to the civic government, making it a focus of Bolognese civic munificence.

The first storey of the Casa dell'Arciprete in Bergamo, Italy, built of grey limestone, is today covered with a black paint layer: A detailed investigation of the morphology and composition of this layer was necessary in order to plan conservation work in 1993. Optical and scanning electron microscopy showed that the layer is very thin and closely follows the surface of the stone. Energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectra of polished cross-sections did not reveal significant differences between the elemental composition of the stone and the black layer. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of powdered samples provided evidence of a recent conservation treatment with an acrylic resin. Reflectance micro-FTIR analyses of polished cross-sections showed weddeltite as the major component of the paint layer. Hydrolysis and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of black samples showed the presence of an amino acid residue that has to be ascribed to an original proteinaceous binding medium. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of some black surface samples characterized the pigment phase as carbon of vegetal origin. Based on this investigation, it is hypothesized that the original paint layer was composed of carbon black applied with a proteinaceous medium, as recommended in ancient recipes. The organic medium is no longer the main component of the layer but present only in trace amounts: An oxidative process may have transformed the original binder into calcium oxalate. As the underlying stone was in good condition, the painted black layer was conserved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the architectural design of the Casa Aurora in Turin, Italy, and other projects of Aldo Rossi. The architect explained that the Casa Aurora is linked to the discovery of a most complex and rational Turin and that he had attempted to express that at least as a fragment. It is observed that Rossi's work reflects the view that classicism need not be the antithesis of the Modern.