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The modulus of elasticity and bending strength of 45 structural Salzmann pine timber pieces with nominal dimensions of 150x200x5400 mm3 from an existing 18th century structure were estimated by semi-destructive density estimation probing method (drilling chips extraction) and acoustic wave velocity (stress and ultrasound wave). Bending strength, modulus of elasticity and density were obtained according to the EN 408 European standard, and visual grading singularities were recorded. Visual grading methods are highly ineffective for existing timber structures. Sample mechanical properties show a typical profile of material from existing structures, and this was compared with the results of similar works. MOE and MOR predictive models were proposed with determination coefficients r2 of 66–68% and 51–52%, respectively, using dynamic MOE, relative edge knot diameter and slope of grain as independent variables. MOR prediction improved when these grading parameters were included.

The timber structural members of a seven-story building from the end of the 18th century were evaluated following a procedure based on previous research works. The structure consisted of timber-framed brick walls and heavy timber floors with mortar filling. Non-destructive measurements were taken in 13 sampling areas of the floors and framed walls. Detailed measurements of at least 3 pieces in each sample were taken (stress wave Time-of-Flight and probing tests). Mean density and modulus of elasticity values and characteristic values of bending and compression strength were estimated. On-site load tests were carried out on three floor slabs to deduce their actual bending stiffness and compare it with estimation by NDT. They behaved more rigidly than expected, which is explained by floor screed stiffness, the transverse stiffness effect and possible semi-rigid connection behaviour at the supports. Structural verification determined the required strength of the critical members to compare this with the estimated strengths, showing a correct safety level.

The role of public administrations as leading agents for the provision of public services has gained increased attention as a result of the economic challenges that followed the economic downturn that hit most countries after 2008. These policy efforts have materialized in economic reforms that condition the funding & performance evaluation of public services. In parallel, scholars & policy observers have fueled the debate on what elements form the objective function of public service providers as well as on how to model the technology of public services for evaluation purposes. These concerns have become evident in the approach adopted by many academic studies dealing with efficiency assessments in a number of public services (e.g. education, health care, local governments)., Peer Reviewed, Preprint

The mainstream servitization literature mostly describes the success of manufacturing firms in integrating services for their corporate clients. However, the literature is relatively silent on how territories capitalize on the potential interconnectedness between manufacturing firms and the knowledge-intensive business service (KIBS) sector. The analysis of the outcomes that result from the mutually dependent associations between manufacturing businesses and KIBS firms, a process that we call Territorial Servitization, is of great relevance for academics and policy makers. This research hypothesizes that there is a positive symbiotic and bidirectional link between the growth in KIBS activity and employment generation by manufacturing sector start-ups. Furthermore, we scrutinize the mediating role over this relation of relevant industry characteristics, in our case the stock of manufacturing firms and the total number of freights transported. The empirical application considers a unique dataset created from multiple sources—the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), the Spanish Institute of Statistics and Eurostat—for the 17 Spanish regions during the period 2006-2012. The results support the view that territorial servitization contributes to employment creation in manufacturing sectors. Territories with a vigorous manufacturing base benefit from a virtuous circle in which KIBS start-ups and newly formed manufacturers are connected through the economic activity of incumbent manufacturing firms. The study offers valuable insights for scholars and policy makers on how to implement specific policies—e.g., the development of digital infrastructures—that facilitate the interaction between manufacturing and KIBS businesses, thus fuelling territorial development., Peer Reviewed, Postprint (published version)

The paper presents the results of a case study that aims to investigate whether the presence of both bridging and bonding social capital, acting together, can stimulate entrepreneurial innovation within the wine industry at a regional level. The study also investigates the manner in which both types of social capital interact to motivate such innovation. This is done through the analysis of the Catalan region of Priorat, and more specifically the entrepreneurial innovations that the region’s wine sector experienced over a twenty year period at the turn of the current millenium. The results indicate that both forms of social capital do not act in isolation, but on the contrary are jointly responsible for stimulating innovation within the wine-producing network., Peer Reviewed, Postprint (author's final draft)