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Groundwater discharge or recharge in aquifers can be obtained from the analysis of temperature profiles, a cost-efficient method widely applied in hydrogeology. In this study we proposed a set of type curves that can be used for estimating the vertical velocity flow, and have the potential to allow, in certain cases, the assessment of the thermal diffusivity of the soil matrix. The solutions, represented graphically, establish the dependencies of the basic parameters involved in the process: groundwater velocity, thermal conductivity, specific heat, aquifer depth and harmonic temperature period. Using the non-dimensionalization technique, the mentioned parameters were organized in dimensionless groups which are verified by numerical simulations. For the estimates of the groundwater velocity, transient temperature-depth measurements or steady state amplitudes of the harmonic oscillation were used as input data. In this last case, a particular type curve solution allows us to assess the depth from which temperature oscillations have a negligible amplitude compared to the amplitude at the ground surface. The resulting dependencies have been applied to estimate the groundwater velocity in real aquifers and laboratory experiences

A general and precise protocol that follows the standards of an inverse problem in engineering is proposed to estimate groundwater velocity from experimental lectures of temperature vertical profiles in a 2D aquifer. Several values of error in the temperature measurements are assumed. Since a large quantity of parameters and initial conditions influence the solution of this process, the protocol is very complex and needs to be tested to ensure its reliability. The studied scenario takes into account the input temperature of the water as well as the isothermal conditions at the surface and bottom of the aquifer. The existence of an input region, in which profiles develop to become linear, allows us to eliminate experimental measurements beyond such a region. Once the protocol is developed and tested, it is successfully applied to estimate the regional (lateral) groundwater velocity of the real aquifer and the result compared with estimations coming from the piezometric map

The Agua Amarga salt marsh has been subjected to artificial seawater recharge on its surface during the period 1925–1969 for industrial purposes (saltwork activity) and from 2008 to present to compensate for coastal groundwater abstraction to supply Alicante desalination plants. This groundwater abstraction has caused piezometric depletion in the coastal aquifer connected to the protected salt marsh. The seawater recharge program also involved vegetation monitoring to control the impact on the salt marsh ecosystem, allowing data to be collected about the halophyte vegetation species growing in the salt marsh (Arthrocnemum macrostachyum, Sarcocornia fruticosa, and Ruppia maritima, among others) from spring and autumn field surveys. In this work, vegetation development is assessed with remote sensing for the period 1929–2022 using images with visible and near-infrared spectral resolution. Different spectral indices (NDVI, BI, and NDWI) and classification algorithms (random forest) are used to calculate the vegetation cover. Field data are employed to evaluate the protocols and compare the results, showing a 46% decrease caused by the salt works and a 50% increase as a result of natural evolution and artificial recharge. The spread of Phragmites australis is also addressed by comparing LiDAR data with field monitoring, showing an increase of 12% during the period 2005–2023. The advantages and complementarity of field monitoring and remote sensing information are explained

Traditionally, it has been considered that the Ptolemaic or classical maps from the four editions of Ptolemy’s Geography published in Rome (1478, 1490, 1507, and 1508) are apparently indistinguishable at first glance because they have been printed from the same plates. This poses a problem for antiquarians, collectors, and curators who wish to accurately date their copies. Recently, two very comprehensive articles have been published on the different paper watermarks associated with each edition, which would allow for the correct identification of each one. However, there are occasions when the maps do not display watermarks. This article aims to provide some keys to distinguish between the incunabula editions (1478, 1490) and those of 1507–1508 in cases of the absence of watermarks. In this process of detecting differences, we have used digitized images of the maps. The results show small modifications in the copper plates made between the editions of 1490 and 1507/08. Our findings reveal that seven previously unknown reworked maps have been identified.

Located in the south of the Iberian Peninsula, the Doñana salt marshes occupy around half of Doñana National Park and are currently considered among the most important wetlands worldwide due to the importance of their ecosystem. In this research work, using a novel patented procedure, the effects of climate change on the study area between 2009 and 2020 were evaluated. For this reason, DEMs were downloaded from the 30-meter Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM). Furthermore, to check the depth of the flooded area, 792 satellite images (L5 TM, L7 ETM+, and L8 OLI) with a resolution of 30 m were analyzed. The results show how the combined use of geomatic techniques, such as radar, optical, and geographic information system (GIS) data, along with regression models and iterative processes, plays a key role in the prediction and analysis of the flooded area volume in the Doñana salt marshes. Another significant contribution of this work is the development of a new remote sensing index. In conclusion, given that the study area depends on its aquifers’ status, it would be advisable to implement policies aimed at eradicating illegal aquifer extraction, as well as recovery plans to avoid the complete clogging of this salt marsh.

In light of growing concerns over sustainability, particularly in the wake of environmental disasters like the Aznalcollar dam break, the Spanish authorities have heightened their awareness of issues surrounding ore tailings management. The main aim of this paper is to study the dynamic behavior for the dry closure of the Almagrera dam under the action of an earthquake. This study was carried out with the Plaxis 2D v9.02 program, which uses the finite element (FE) method. The dynamic analysis of the dam was interpreted in terms of deformations, displacements and principal stresses. The construction of the Uniform Seismic Hazard Acceleration Response Spectrum (USHARS) and the selection of real accelerograms for the time-history dynamic calculations is a noted feature of this research. Numerical analyses show that the dam is safe enough because a failure surface has not been formed, although several plastic zones may appear in the dam. The FE study of deformations display that the tailings may attain large deformations, displacements and failure, although this does not jeopardize the safety of the dam where the displacements are smaller than 3 mm. Neither the tailings nor the dam are expected to suffer liquefaction. It was determined that the 0.09 g threshold value is not exceeded in the acceleration-time graphs on the old reservoir field surface, which is the most critical situation.

Place names determine geographic units in space, encapsulate the description of places where inhabitants conduct their activities, and preserve the perception of the territory in past times. The very definition of landscape impacts two interrelated concepts: human action and perception. On another note, traditional pathways are structuring elements of the landscape, bearing witness to the dynamic relationship between the territory and its inhabitants by connecting residences and workplaces. This work aims to assess the relationship between the landscape mosaic and the toponyms of pathways and roads gathered in the current cartography of Euskadi (Spain), a territory influenced by the existence of two official languages. Given the spatial component of the data, this analysis is conducted through geographic information systems. Firstly, a corpus of 3072 pathway names selected from current official toponymic databases is compiled, as well as the content of the first edition of the National Topographic Map. Subsequently, the semantic content of the corpus elements is examined, as well as the nature of their referential content concerning the landscape units obtained from the Atlas of Spanish Landscapes. The results show common factors in characterizing landscapes and the etymology of names. Thus, it is noted that traditional agricultural, forestry, livestock, and traditional industry activities shape the toponymy in the most populated landscape units. Meanwhile, references to the orography typify the more mountainous landscapes. Therefore, the geographical study demonstrates the existence of common factors that link landscape and toponymy, validating one as a study source for the other.

The concept of accessibility has been examined by the scientific community in various fields such as education, health care, social inclusion, disabilities, transport, and tourism. Regarding heritage, the European Commission’s efforts toward accessible cultural heritage are highlighted, along with the use of digitization and modeling technologies for complex heritage shapes. Thus, this chapter explores relevant scientific research into the accessibility of digital heritage models that represent the assets’ real condition, that is, as-is or as-built models produced using advanced digitization and modeling technologies. The study emphasizes the importance of both physical and semantic aspects of heritage conservation and the need for public awareness and cooperation toward the aimed accessibility. The methodology addresses the search for publications in Scopus and Web of Science and their filtering based on inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure documents related to the accessibility of deformed digital heritage models are considered. The research concludes that creating accessible deformed digital heritage models is crucial for inclusion and participation from the public and stakeholders, and while some studies achieve accurate as-built geometries and accessibility, there is room for improvement.

As far as we know, no dimensionless solutions for infiltrated flow under dams in anisotropic media exist since those that can be found in manuals refer to isotropic soils. The novelty of this work is the presentation of universal solutions in the form of abaci for water flow, average exi gradient, uplift force, and its application point for this type of soil. These solutions are obtained by the application of the discriminated nondimensionalization technique to the governing equations in order to find accurate dimensionless groups that control the results of the problem. In particular, the ratio of permeabilities corrected by a geometrical aspect relationship appears as a governing group, so anisotropy can be considered as input information. In this way, the sought solutions are a function of the emerging groups. Numerical solutions are used to successfully verify the results obtained, which in turn are compared to those of other authors for isotropic scenarios

In the context of extreme weather events, i.e., floods, and increased population in urban areas, traditional drainage systems fall short. The need to develop alternative runoff-control in urban environments and promote the circular economy has prompted us to study various draining materials, some of them recycled that might be used in SUDS construction and technosols. These include recycled shatter brick, gravel for draining concrete, recycled rubber from car tires, and substrates with different proportions of organic matter like compost, coconut fiber, peat, and manure. Mechanical parameters like porosity, density, and uniformity coefficients (among others) were calculated to assess hydraulic conductivity in the laboratory under saturated and laminar flow conditions. Alternative methodologies were applied to adapt the materials and samples to current standards procedures (UNE and ISO). The results, based on Darcy’s law, show values equivalent to those of natural coarse soils, ranging from 4.4⋅10 exp-5 to 1.1⋅10 exp-1 cm⋅s exp-1.

From the dimensionless mathematical model of a scenario 2D, in which heat is transferred from a fluid flow within a thin, horizontal underground layer to the surrounding soil, the dimensionless groups that ruled the solutions are derived. The dependencies of the main unknowns of interest on the parameters of the problem are deduced after the introduction of a characteristic length and time, also assumed as unknowns, for which a constant temperature profile is developed. These dependencies are verified and depicted by universal curves and abacus than can be used in an easy way for the solution of the direct problem in any scenario. The number of dimensionless groups that appear in the solutions are reduced and some of them are collected in the characteristic length and time. In addition, two protocols are proposed for the estimations of flow velocity in the permeable layer from the measurements of experimental temperature profiles, one for the steady state and other for the transient profiles. An illustrative standard application shows the efficiency of such protocols. Keywords: Heat and fluid flow; Dimensional Analysis; Analytical solutions; Temperature-depth profiles

This article presents new teaching methodologies implemented in subjects in the Ground Engineering Area. Specifically, it focuses on a series of activities carried out due to the appearance of the COVID-19 pandemic that resulted in restrictions on class attendance. The new teaching methodologies brought about substantial changes in the way students learn and are assessed. For the practice sessions, a series of videos were prepared so students could attend and take part in the laboratory practices remotely. As regards the final theory exam, a comprehensive multiple-choice question bank was made available to students prior to the exam to consolidate the concepts seen in the master classes, which we call training and learning. We evaluated the impact of these new methodologies, implemented during two academic years, through the analysis of voluntary and anonymous student surveys and a series of indicators related to the results of the final exams. After analyzing the impact of the new teaching methodologies, we conclude that students are positive about the video experience for laboratory practices, but only as a complementary activity to in-person laboratory sessions. The students also stated that they would like the multiple-choice question bank to continue to be available in successive academic years. Improvements in the final grades of the theory exams demonstrate the success of this new teaching methodology

The equivalent frame (EF) idealisation of masonry structures is widely used in engineering structures. Despite its simplifications, reliable numerical models can be produced to calculate the seismic behaviour of unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings. Different EF modelling approaches have been implemented in commercial software specifically conceived for performing nonlinear analyses on URM buildings (such as 3Muri, adopted in this study). Furthermore, the adoption of such an approach is also possible in general-purpose structural analyses software packages, such as OpenSees, through an ad hoc implementation of analysts. The aim of this paper is to compare various EF modelling approaches by adopting alternative nonlinear beam-elements in OpenSees belonging to the distributed and the lumped plasticity. To this aim, the responses of some benchmark cases study available in the literature from the “URM nonlinear modelling-benchmark project” within the context of ReLUIS projects have been adopted to preliminary test the reliability of the alternative approaches considered. In particular, they consist of some single panels and a trilith, for which the results of various software are already available. In the paper, the results obtained with OpenSees have been more in-depth compared with 3Muri, which is assumed as representative of a larger set of EF models adopted in engineering-practice (having already verified in previous works that it provides a reasonable scatter with other software package options). Then, the analyses have been extended as well to a 3D building representative of the neighbourhood of ‘El Plantinar’ in Seville. An accurate comparison has been carried out in terms of generalised forces, drifts and damage at an element and at a global scale. The results have shown that the method proposed in this manuscript allows using OpenSees to calculate masonry structures with the EF approach with a good agreement to other engineering-practice oriented tools. Thus, t

Existing heritage buildings can be especially vulnerable to earthquakes. They were designed only considering gravity loads and some of them are located in earthquake prone areas, such as the southwestern Iberian Peninsula. Besides, there is a high uncertainty in the definition of their constructive parameters and complex geometry. Due to that, it is paramount to develop accurate numerical models to obtain a reliable assessment of their seismic behaviour. Given this, the main objective of this manuscript is to analyse the seismic behaviour of the Giralda tower, located in Seville (Spain). It was declared as a Word Heritage Site of Outstanding Universal Value by the UNESCO in 1987. Seville has a moderate seismic hazard, but it has been shown that the soft alluvial strata amplify the seismic action. The tower has a brick and stone masonry structure, which was constructed in several construction phases. A 3D Finite Element Model of the tower has been developed using OpenSees software, employing a 3D CAD model. Modal analyses and nonlinear static analyses have been applied to calibrate and to assess the tower’s seismic behaviour. The results showed significant differences in function of the load pattern. It should be remarked that the boundary conditions have a notable effect upon getting a good calibration of the model. Regarding the damage, it has been found to match the historic records: the ramps would be ruined and, in the outer wall, it would be concentrated near the openings, especially close to the belfry.

The computational burden needed to perform a fragility analysis of structures can be excessive and beyond the capability of regular computing systems. In this work, a Neural Network (NN) implementation is presented to make fragility analyses attainable. Neural Networks allow finding solutions to complex problems at a fraction of the computational time required by conventional analyses. The fragility assessment has been developed for low- and mid-rise 3D buildings located in southern Spain, a moderate earthquake prone area. Nonlinear static analyses are carried out to determine the capacity curves of reinforced concrete buildings, avoiding their specific modelling. The curves are predicted with minimal error, requiring only basic geometric and material parameters of the structures to be specified. Four levels of performance-based seismic design have been considered to assess the seismic performance. Fragility curves have been developed for the structural models with different types of structural configurations and heights. Finally, it should be noted that fragility curves have not been obtained to date for the reinforced concrete buildings of the area.

This manuscript discusses some preliminary results on the structural and the seismic performance of the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, a UNESCO World Heritage. The area is characterized by a moderate seismic hazard. The building was built from the 8th to the 16th century and it has undergone several transformations. Owing to the complexity of the building, this work has focused on the assessment of the Abd al-Rahman I sector, which is the most aged part of the complex. For that, first, a 3D numerical finite element model of the sector has been done in the OpenSees framework and calibrated. To do so, an experimental non-destructive campaign has been carried out. Second, the model has been used to evaluate the structural behaviour, under vertical and horizontal loads, considering different scenarios. Finally, the crack patterns and the seismic safety have been obtained. The results showed that the numerical damage obtained for the gravitational loads is in good agreement with the data collected from the in situ surveys. Also, particular attention should be paid to the cymatiums, as they are the most demanded part of the system. Regarding its seismic performance, the building presents a higher capacity in the direction of the arcades. For the seismic demand, slight damage is expected in both principal directions of the building, which could be easily repaired. Damage concentration is expected in the contact between the perimetral wall and the arcades. This work has expanded the study of the features of the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba to the structural and seismic analysis with advanced numerical FE computing, which has not been done to date. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time that a macro-modelling approach with solid elements is presented for the seismic assessment of heritage buildings using the OpenSees framework. The methodology to do so is also presented. Apart from showing how advanced numerical analyses can provide useful information to assess the e

Toponymy, a transversal discipline for geography, linguistics, and history, finds one of its main supports in cartography. Due to exhaustiveness on the territory, cadastral cartography and its toponymy have the ideal characteristics to develop systematic geographical analyses. Moreover, cadastre and geographical names are part of the geographic reference data according to Annex 1 of the INSPIRE directive. This work presents the design, implementation, and application of a methodology based on Geographic Information Systems and Extract, Transform, and Load (ETL) tools for detecting coincidences between the cadastral geoinformation and the official gazetteer corresponding to the province of Gipuzkoa, Spain. Methodologically, this study proposes a solution to the issues raised by bilingualism in the study area. This problem is approached a priori, in the previous data treatment, and a posteriori, applying semantic criteria. The results show a match between the datasets of close to 40%. In this way, the uniqueness and richness of the analyzed source and its outstanding contribution to the potential integration of the official toponymic corpus are evidenced.

Historically, the Vega Alta of the Guadalquivir River (southern Spain) has been an anthropized space. Over time, the dominance of latifundia agriculture has evolved towards more intensive citrus-based agriculture. In this study, wavelet algorithms applied to Sentinel-2 time series were used to determine both the expansion of citrus plantations and the level of intensification of these plantations within the municipality of Cantillana. Sentinel-2 provides comprehensive global coverage from March 2017 to the present. Our study applied a 90% power wavelet transformation for the creation of a wavelet-smoothed time series for four years of Sentinel-2 NDVI data. Based on the data, it can be stated that within our research region covering 5000 hectares of agricultural land, over a span of four years (2017 to 2020), more than 980 hectares of native vegetation and pasture were transformed into citrus orchards, giving rise, at the end of 2020, to a total area of 3250 ha. Analyzing unique spatial patterns within a wavelet-smoothed time series data is very useful for land management, as it allows land use changes to be controlled. For this reason, it becomes feasible to assess the reliability of the wavelet method using both remote sensing and GIS tools.

What difficulties do architecture students encounter in the structural design for their final master project? How do they address these difficulties? This paper presents the topic and focuses on these two research questions by examining the students’ experience, using thematic analysis with a qualitative approach. We obtained the data through surveys administered to architecture students during their final master project. The results show 11 categories of students’ difficulties in designing the structure. The five most frequent are integration between structure and architecture, pre-sizing, long spans, complex geometries and floor systems. To deal with their difficulties, the students employed seven strategies, which we have grouped into three components: documentary, social and experimental. We found that the final master project students participating in our study possessed and practiced the following skills: self-directed learning, constructive investigation with problem-solving skills and positive social interaction. This study can help instructors understand the difficulties faced by the students learning structural design in the context of real world, authentic projects. Our findings confirm the positive effects of social learning, analogical thinking and design alternatives for structural design education.

Global warming is an essential factor to consider when studying tidal wetlands. The Río Piedras and Flecha de El Rompido salt marsh is one of the main wetlands in Andalusia, Spain. From the mid-1950s to the present day, Land Use Changes (LUCs) have caused significant alterations to the landscape. These changes, along with the effects of climatic variables and human activity, have led to an unprecedented impact on the environment. In this study, a patented method is used to obtain the total cubic meters of eroded soil and the average erosion prediction between 2015 and 2021 in the marshland area. Additionally, the various factors contributing to this phenomenon and the influence of intertidal processes are discussed. The results demonstrate how the enhanced integration of LIDAR technologies, digital elevation models, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), in conjunction with regression models, has proven highly useful in describing, analyzing, and predicting the volumetric change process in the study area. In conclusion, the methodology used is helpful for any type of coastal marshes influenced by tidal processes and climate change.

The preservation of The Great Mosque of Córdoba (Spain) as a carrier of Andalusian collective memory requires innovative approaches to assess and maintain its structural health. This research centers on two non-destructive methods: direct ultrasound testing and rebound hammer. Laboratory tests were performed on natural stone provided by the primary material supplier for the Mosque’s restoration and rehabilitation works. Non-destructive and destructive tests were carried out over 10 ashlars and 100 cubic and prismatic specimens, which were cut from the ashlars. Tests were conducted in multiple directions to investigate stone anisotropy. Destructive testing indicated isotropy, but ultrasound test results disagreed. Sensitivity analysis of specimen dimensions affected result dispersion, but not average properties.

The Mosque of Cordoba (Spain) is an emblem of the rich cultural heritage of Western Andalusia. This research focuses on the mechanical characterization of the natural stone used in the building. Determining its properties is crucial to understanding the structural behaviour of the entire building. An experimental campaign with various mechanical tests, such as density, compression, indirect tensile, and bending tests, was conducted on more than 100 cubic and prismatic specimens obtained from the main quarry that supplies material for the mosque’s restoration. The results indicated the stone’s isotropic behaviour for the studied properties. Further analysis established correlations between compressive strength (averaging 6 MPa) and other mechanical properties. This preliminary characterization provides valuable information for future in situ testing and more sophisticated lab techniques.

Background: Recent advances in technology and computer simulation have expanded the use of virtual manipulatives in engineering education. However, especially in disciplines in which tactile concepts (e.g., force) are included, it has been claimed that learning could be compromised by substituting physical materials with computer simulations. Purpose: This study examines the comparative effect of physical and virtual materials on students' conceptual understanding and motivation to learn structural concepts with manipulatives. Method: The study followed a between-subjects design involving 209 university students and seven instructors. We used a pretest/posttest quasi-experimental design with a purposely developed conceptual test to measure students' understanding of basic structural engineering concepts. Motivation and its components (attention, relevance, confidence, and satisfaction) were assessed with Keller's Instructional Materials Motivation Survey. Results: Our results revealed that the physical and virtual conditions were equally effective in promoting students' understanding of basic structural engineering concepts in a classroom setting. We also found that the students were more motivated to learn through the use of physical materials than with virtual ones. This difference was especially significant in the attention dimension. Finally, we found that male students showed more confidence than female students when using physical manipulatives but not when using virtual ones. Conclusions: The findings from this study associate the benefits of using physical materials with an increase in motivation rather than with superior learning gains. In particular, engineering educators seeking to enhance students' attention should consider adopting physical manipulatives in their classrooms, although they must be aware of the potential sex differences that could be caused by their use.

The city of Seville (Spain) is made up of a historical network of pre-existing city overlaps, which increase the economic and heritage value of certain urban areas. To date, green spaces are one of the most important variables in determining the economic value of housing. Thus, this paper uses the hedonic technique and geostatistical analysis with GIS as a methodological approach to infer the economic influence of urban green spaces on housing prices. Along with the traditional variables used to explain dwelling prices, the size of the green space has also been taken into account as an environmental variable affecting prices. The sample consists of 1000 observations collected from Seville. According to the findings, the most relevant variables depend on the hedonic model. Still, in general terms, a dwelling’s selling price is related to basic explanatory variables such as living area, number of rooms, age, and number of baths. The green area per inhabitant present in a dwelling’s district is also included as part of these basic explanatory variables. In conclusion, the hedonic linear model is the model that best fits housing prices where the values are similar to those obtained by kriging regardless of the district. Based on this research, each square meter of green space per inhabitant in a district raises the housing value by 120.19 €/m2.

Seismic vulnerability and loss analyses of buildings are usually estimated under the fixed-based condition, omitting the soil-structure interaction (SSI) effects. However, according to the literature and the seismic damage due to past events, mid-to high-rise buildings located on soft soils can present a worse seismic performance. This manuscript aims to investigate whether the SSI effects affect the seismic performance and the losses of reinforced concrete (RC) buildings. To do so, a real 5-storey RC building has been selected as the case study. It was built prior to restrictive Spanish seismic codes. The building was constructed over soft alluvial strata and it has a shallow foundation. The area is characterised by a moderate seismic hazard. Nonlinear static analysis (NLSA) and incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) have been performed to assess the seismic behaviour and the losses expected of the case study building. The calculations have been done in the OpenSees finite-element framework. The direct method has been used to model the SSI. The results have been obtained for the fixed-base and for the SSI models. The numerical outcomes have shown the remarkable effect of the SSI on the fragility and on the performance of these structures. It has been observed that the severe damage expected can be worsened by up to 38% if SSI is taken into account. Additionally, the soft-storey mechanism at the ground floor concentrates all the damage expected, showing that this is the most seismic vulnerable part of the building (owing to higher interstorey-drift ratios and peak floor acceleration values). The losses expected derived for structural and non-structural components have been 140% higher if the SSI is considered.

This work summarises the strategy adopted in the European research project PERSISTAH. It aims to increase the resilience of the population, focusing on the existing primary schools in the Algarve (Portugal) and Huelva (Spain) regions. Software was developed to assess the seismic safety of these schools, considering different earthquake scenarios. Seismic retrofitting measures were studied and numerically tested. Some of them were also implemented in the retrofitting activities of two case study schools (one in each country). It was found that the adopted ground motion prediction equations (GMPEs) considerably affect the results obtained with the software, especially for offshore earthquake scenarios. Furthermore, the results show that the masonry buildings would be the most damaged school typologies for all the scenarios considered. Additionally, a set of guidelines was created to support the school community and the technicians related to the construction industry. The goal of these documents is to increase the seismic resilience of the population. Different activities were carried out to train schoolteachers in seismic safety based on the guidelines produced, obtaining positive feedback from them.

The European building stock is an aging infrastructure, mainly built prior to building codes. Furthermore, 65% of these buildings are located in seismic regions, which need to be both energetic and seismically retrofitted to comply with performance targets. Given this, this manuscript presents integrated constructive solutions that combine both energy efficiency improvement and seismic strengthening. The goal and novelty is to design and to evaluate one-shot, compatible, noninvasive, and complementary solutions applied to the façades of buildings with a minimum cost. To do so, different constraints have been borne in mind: the urban environment, achievable seismic and energy performance targets, and reduced construction costs. The method was applied to an old Spanish neighbourhood constructed in the 1960s. Different retrofitting packages were proposed for an unreinforced masonry case study building. A sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the effects of each configuration. A benefit/cost ratio was proposed to comparatively assess and to rank the solutions. The results of the seismoenergetic performance assessment showed that improving the behaviour of walls leads to higher benefit ratios than improving the openings. However, this latter strategy generates much lower construction costs. Integrating seismic into energetic retrofitting solutions supposes negligible additional costs but can improve the seismic behaviour of buildings by up to 240%. The optimal solution was the addition of higher ratios of steel grids and intermediate profiles in openings while adding thermal insulation in walls and renovating the window frames with PVC and standard 4/6/4 double glazing.

Spanish primary school buildings are likely to present a high seismic vulnerability. This is due to two main factors: (a) most of them were built prior to the enforcement of the Spanish seismic codes; (b) the elevated child-to-adult ratio compromises the effectivity of the evacuation plans. In this work, the schools of the Spanish province of Huelva, mainly reinforced concrete framed buildings from the 70s, were studied. First, a general classification based on the structural type and overall geometry of the building was made. Next, several characteristics of the buildings that could influence their seismic response have been analysed through a sensitivity analysis. This paper focuses on one of the characteristics studied: the existence of an atrium (an observed recurrent irregularity) and its position. Different versions of the index building model, varying the position of the atrium, have been analysed. Non-linear static analyses were used to study the seismic performance of the models. Results have shown that if the atrium is located in the short direction of the building, it improves its seismic performance, in most of the cases. However, the addition of one or more atriums in the long direction of the building diminishes the global strength of the building. Finally, it should be mentioned that torsional effects appear when the atrium is not located next to the centre or the surface occupied by the atrium is large. Therefore, the existence and position of the atrium must be carefully considered for a safe seismic design.

La Vega de Granada es una de las comarcas españolas que presenta una mayor peligrosidad sísmica, donde se han registrado importantes eventos con intensidad macrosísmica (Io)≥VIII. A final de 2020 comenzó una serie sísmica (aún activa, en marzo de 2021), que ha alcanzado una Io=V-VI. En el marco de los estudios de riesgo sísmico, es necesario conocer la vulnerabilidad de las edificaciones. Así, esta investigación persigue estimar unos valores relativos de vulnerabilidad de las edificaciones. Para ello, partiendo de información proveniente de Catastro y del Instituto Geográfico Nacional, así como de las fechas de normativas sismorresistentes, se ha llevado a cabo un análisis multicriterio. Para la integración de los datos, los cálculos, la representación y el análisis de los mismos se ha empleado un sistema de información geográfica gratuito. Los resultados muestran que, principalmente, la zona oeste de Santa Fe es la que podría verse más afectada., La Vega de Granada is one of the Spanish regions with the highest seismic hazard, where important events with macroseismic intensity (Io)≥VIII have been recorded. At the end of 2020 a seismic series began (still active, in March 2021), which has reached an Io=V-VI. In the framework of seismic risk studies, it is necessary to know the vulnerability of buildings. Thus, this research aims to estimate relative vulnerability values of buildings. For this purpose, a multi-criteria analysis was carried out based on information from the Cadastre and the National Geographic Institute, as well as on the dates of seismic-resistant regulations. A free geographic information system was used for data integration, calculations, representation and analysis. The results show that the area west of Santa Fe is the most likely to be affected.

Engineering graphics are present in the design stage, but also constitute a way to communicate, analyse, and synthesise. In the Architecture-Engineering-Construction sector, graphical data become essential in analysing buildings and constructions throughout their lifecycles, such as in the thermal behaviour assessment of building envelopes. Scientific research has addressed the thermal image mapping onto three-dimensional (3D) models for visualisation and analysis. However, the 3D point cloud data creation of buildings’ thermal behaviour directly from rectified infrared thermography (IRT) thermograms is yet to be investigated. Therefore, this paper develops an open-source software graphical method to produce 3D thermal data from IRT images for temperature visualisation and subsequent analysis. This low-cost approach uses both a geographic information system for the thermographic image rectification and the point clouds production, and 3D point cloud processing software. The methodology has been proven useful to obtain, without perspective distortions, 3D thermograms even from non-radiometric raster images. The results also revealed that non-rectangular thermograms enable over 95% of the 3D thermal data generated from IRT against rectangular shapes (over 85%). Finally, the 3D thermal data produced allow further thermal behaviour assessment, including calculating the object’s heat loss and thermal transmittance for diverse applications such as energy audits, restoration, monitoring, or product quality control.

El presente Ciclo de Innovación y Mejora en el Aula (CIMA) se aplica a la asignatura “Mecánica del Suelo y Cimentaciones (MSC)”, impartida en el tercer curso del grado en Fundamentos de la Arquitectura (Plan 2012) de la Universidad de Sevilla. Según el Plan de Estudios, a esta asignatura se le asignan 6 créditos y se imparte durante el segundo cuatrimestre. En líneas generales, la asignatura se centra en las siguientes cuestiones: — Identificación de tipos de suelos, tipologías de cimentaciones, estructuras de contención, sistemas de mejora y recalce y excavaciones. — Diseño, cálculo, análisis y definición de estructuras de suelo, cimentaciones, estructuras de contención, patología y recalce. — Seguridad en las cimentaciones según normativa. — Estudio y análisis del comportamiento del suelo. El número total de alumnos en la clase es 32. El aula donde se imparte la materia cuenta con sillas y mesas no fijas para permitir y fomentar el trabajo en grupo. El objetivo final de la asignatura consiste en que los alumnos sean capaces de razonar lógicamente, buscar sus propios recursos, tengan autonomía en la toma de decisiones, trabajen en equipo y sean responsables.

The present book aims to present the work developed in the European research project PERSISTAH (Projetos de Escolas Resilientes aos SISmos no Território do Algarve e de Huelva, in Portuguese), which has been developed cooperatively by the University of Seville (Spain) and the University of the Algarve (Portugal). This research project focuses on the study and assessment of the seismic risk of primary education buildings in the territory of the Algarve (Portugal) and Huelva (Spain). To this end, the objectives established by the National Platforms for Disaster Risk Reduction (PNRRC) of the National Civil Protection Commissions of Portugal and Spain have been taken into account.

The seismicity of the southwestern Iberian Peninsula is moderate but large events with long return periods occur (≈ 200 years). This exceeds the life of various generations, making the population unacquainted with the seismic hazard. On the one hand, this results in a low demanding seismic code which increases the seismic vulnerability and, therefore, the seismic risk. On the other hand, the local emergency services must be properly prepared to face a destructive seismic event, with emergency plans and mitigation strategies. This assumption enhances the need of assessing the seismic risk of Seville in a civil protection context. For all the aforementioned and for the lack of instrumental data of relevant earthquakes, the assessment of the seismic hazard in this area is challenging. To do this, seismogenic zones of the new seismic hazard map of Spain have been used as sources. The peak ground acceleration (PGA) for each scenario has been calculated by means of ground motion prediction equations (GMPE). To estimate the site efects, in a 1D model environment, a shear wave velocity (Vs) map of the top 5 m has been depicted based on the standard penetration test (SPT). Seville’s building stock has been classifed in agreement with the previous works in Lorca and Barcelona to determine its vulnerability. The main goal of this work was to investigate the infuence of the soil amplifcation on the seismic behaviour of diferent building typologies. Therefore, the fnal target was to plot the damage scenarios expected in Seville under a maximum credible earthquake by means of a deterministic seismic hazard assessment (DSHA). As outputs, the scenario modelled showed that around 27 000 buildings would experience a moderate damage and that 26 000 would sufer pre-collapse or even collapse. Thus, approximately 10% of the population would lose their dwellings. Regarding the human loses, around 22 000 people would sufer serious injuries and approximately 5 000 people would die. Owing to

Most seismic vulnerability analyses do not consider the Soil-Structure Interaction (SSI). However, it has been proved that SSI does not equally affect all types of structures and all types of soils. The analysis of the state of the art reveals that SSI especially affects the performance of mid/high-rise buildings under soft/inelastic soil conditions. This leads to overestimating the capacity of buildings and to obtaining unreliable results. This paper aims to assess the soil influence in the seismic vulnerability analysis of a reinforced concrete (RC) building. Three models of a real case study building have been determined (low-rise (real), mid-rise and high-rise). A pre-code 1970s case study building, located in Huelva, has been selected. This building shares typical constructive and structural characteristics with most RC buildings constructed during that period. The 3D continuum model of the soil has been carried out to simulate its nonlinear behaviour. The most probable soil profile has been defined, observing a clayey soil. Therefore, the analyses have been performed under undrained conditions. Nonlinear static analyses have been carried out to determine the seismic capacity of the models through the finite element method (FEM). The damage has been assessed by means of the local procedure, defined in the European seismic code, and the global fragility procedure. The results have shown that the soil does not significantly influence the behaviour of low-rise buildings. However, in the case of mid- and high-rise buildings, the maximum capacity can be reduced by up to 10% and 30%, respectively.

The so-called isotherms represent the relationship between free and bound chlorides in the process of penetration of chloride ions in concrete structures. A new isotherm of the exponential-asymptotic type that corrects and improves the behavior of the classical four dependences in low porosity concrete subjected to high concentrations of chloride is present in this paper. The proposed isotherm has two advantages over the classic ones, in particular compared to that of Langmuir-Freundlich considered the most accurate. On the one hand, it contains only two coefficients so it is easy to adjust to the pairs (free chloride, bound chloride) obtained in experimental tests, on the other, it corrects the inflection contained in the initial stretch of Langmuir-Freundlich dependence. Data coming from experimental tests extracted from the scientific literature are used to fit the coefficients of all isotherms and long-term numerical simulations are performed to reproduce the concentration profiles and verify the consistent and precise behavior of the proposed isotherm to predict the first stage of the service life of the reinforced concrete structures

In the present paper, three of the main seismic parameters, maximum magnitude -Mmax, b-value, and annual rate -AR, have been studied for the Pyrenees range in southwest Europe by a Geographic Information System (GIS). The main aim of this work is to calculate, represent continuously, and analyze some of the most crucial seismic indicators for this belt. To this end, an updated and homogenized Poissonian earthquake catalog has been generated, where the National Geographic Institute of Spain earthquake catalog has been considered as a starting point. Herein, the details about the catalog compilation, the magnitude homogenization, the declustering of the catalog, and the analysis of the completeness, are exposed. When the catalog has been produced, a GIS tool has been used to drive the parameters’ calculations and representations properly. Different grids (0.5 × 0.5° and 1 × 1°) have been created to depict a continuous map of these parameters. The b-value and AR have been obtained that take into account different pairs of magnitude–year of completeness. Mmax has been discretely obtained (by cells). The analysis of the results shows that the Central Pyrenees (mainly from Arudy to Bagnères de Bigorre) present the most pronounced seismicity in the range.

This guide is intended to be a resource, and not a manual, for increasing the resilience of an educational community, by showing the community what they can do on their own account and how they can strengthen their ability to handle seismic risk (for example, being informed and familiarised with the characteristics that affect the vulnerability of an area in the event of an earthquake, and prepared to protect the students under their tutelage before the earth shakes).

The Iberian Peninsula is close to the Eurasia-Africa plate boundary resulting in a considerable seismic hazard. In fact, the southwestern Iberian Peninsula is affected by far away earthquakes of long-return period with large-very large magnitude. A project named PERSISTAH (Projetos de Escolas Resilientes aos SISmos no Território do Algarve e de Huelva, in Portuguese) aims to cooperatively assess the seismic vulnerability of primary schools located in the Algarve (Portugal) and Huelva (Spain). Primary schools have been selected due to the considerable amount of similar buildings and their seismic vulnerability. In Portugal, the Decreto Lei 235/83 (RSAEEP) is mandatory while in Spain, the mandatory code is the Seismic Building Code (NCSE-02). In both countries, the Eurocode-8 (EC-8) is recommended. Despite the fact that both regions would be equally affected by an earthquake, both seismic codes are significantly different. This research compares the seismic action of Ayamonte (Huelva) and Vila Real de Santo António (Portugal). Both towns are very close and located at both sides of the border. Moreover, they share the same geology. This analysis has been applied considering a reinforced concrete (RC) primary school building located in Huelva. To do so, the performance-based method has been used. The seismic action and the damage levels are compared and analysed. The results have shown considerable differences in the seismic actions designation, in the performance point values and in the damage levels. The values considered in the Portuguese code are significantly more unfavourable. An agreement between codes should be made for border regions.

Previous research has indicated that many European buildings are vulnerable to moderate-magnitude earthquakes. For example, during the L´Aquila (Italia, Mw 6.3, 2009) and Lorca (Spain, Mw 5.9, 2011) earthquakes, many old buildings were severely damaged and some of them collapsed. In specific, significant damage has been found in several school buildings after past earthquakes in Europe. This is due to the fact that many of them were constructed prior to the current seismic codes, thus considering only gravitational loads and with no seismic design whatsoever. Primary schools are even more vulnerable than other typologies because of their low adult/child ratio. The seismic activity of the Iberian Peninsula is low-moderate. However, the Algarve and Huelva regions, which are situated in the south-west, are influenced by large faults which have caused major earthquakes of long-return periods. The European project PERSISTAH (Projetos de Escolas Resilientes aos SISmos no Território do Algarve e de Huelva, in Portuguese) aims to cooperatively evaluate the seismic vulnerability of primary schools in the Algarve (Portugal) and Huelva (Spain) regions. The present work is framed under this project. The objective of this paper is to determine the most effective retrofitting scheme for a typical primary school building in this area, considering structural, architectural and constructive parameters. The scheme could be applied to several buildings of the same typology, decreasing costs and time. An existing reinforced concrete frame building has been selected for the study. This is one of the most commonly used typologies for primary schools in this area. A nonlinear static analysis has been carried out in order to study its seismic behaviour. The performance point of the building has been obtained through the capacity-demand spectrum method. The preliminary results have confirmed the poor seismic behaviour of this building. Specifically, soft-story behaviour has been identified

The seismic retrofitting of reinforced concrete (RC) buildings has been widely analysed. Most of the solutions proposed are focused on the building’s structure improvement. However, the effects of ground-improvement techniques combined with the building’s structure-improvement techniques have not been usually analysed. Therefore, this paper aims to assess the seismic performance of a building by adding different seismic retrofitting techniques in the structure and the ground. A RC school building is proposed in this work. This has been selected because it was constructed prior to the current seismic code. Schools are some of the buildings most vulnerable to earthquakes. This is due to the low adult/child ratio. This paper is framed within the PERSITAH project (Projetos de Escolas Resilientes aos SISmos no Território do Algarve e de Huelva, in Portuguese). The main goal of the project is to analyse the seismic vulnerability of schools’ buildings located in the Algarve-Huelva region. This area is characterized by earthquakes of long-return period and large magnitude. Therefore, the population is not aware of the seismic hazard of the area. Different seismic retrofitting techniques have been added to the building and they have been compared and analysed. The techniques have consisted of the addition of X-bracings within the buildings’ bays, steel jackets in columns and soil injection grouting. These solutions have been added both individually and combined to generate hybrid models. Nonlinear static analyses have been carried out to determine the seismic performance of the building including each technique. The N2-method has been considered to obtain the performance displacement. Moreover, the damage level probability and the mean damage index have been determined for each retrofitting technique. Results have shown that the addition of X-bracings is the most efficient solution. However, this solution causes a great architectural impact. Therefore, the solution of steel

A project named PERSISTAH is being developed to study the seismic vulnerability of primary schools in Huelva (Spain) and the Algarve (Portugal). This area has a moderate seismicity but this is affected by a nearby area where earthquakes of large magnitude (Mw≥6) and longreturn periods happen. The seismic vulnerability of URM (UnReinforced Masonry) buildings has been observed and analysed in the last decades. The seismic retrofitting of these buildings is required in order to improve their seismic behaviour. Many retrofitting techniques have been developed for that purpose, most of them very complicated and expensive. Therefore, these are not appropriate to retrofit a large number of buildings. This is especially relevant in areas of moderate seismicity where the cost-efficiency ratio must be carefully considered. The aim of this paper has been to develop a simple, effective and affordable technique to retrofit these buildings. These buildings are characterised by numerous openings which causes a great weakness in the URM walls. Then, a technique that consists in installing a steel encirclement or a grille in the openings of the walls has been proposed. This is a specific retrofitting technique for URM walls since this technique substantially improves the seismic capacity of these structures. To test the technique a case study is proposed. The building under study is a primary school located in Huelva and built in 1961. Results have shown that the capacity of the building is notably increased. Also, the performance point and the damage level of the structure are decreased.

A project named PERSISTAH (Projetos de Escolas Resilientes aos SISmos no Território do Algarve e de Huelva, in Portuguese) is being developed. It aims to cooperatively assess the seismic vulnerability of primary schools of the Algarve (Portugal) and Huelva (Spain). Primary school buildings have been selected due to their low adult/child ratio and the fact that many of these buildings were constructed prior to the current seismic resistant codes. To determine the seismic behaviour of primary schools in both regions, this has been studied with building seismic performance analysis through the capacity-demand spectrum method. One of the main difficulties of the project has to do with the large amount of buildings to analyse. This paper is focused on obtaining and comparing the performance point of different types of buildings and different structural systems (reinforced concrete frames, unreinforced masonry walls and mixed). The goal is to be able to extrapolate the results from the buildings analyzed (type and structural system) to others where the information is not available. Different types and structural systems have been calculated and their seismic behaviours have been compared. The results show that the type and the structural system are outstanding for calculating the performance point and that an acceptable correlation can be inferred from similar types and structural systems. The comparison of the different structural systems for the same typology has shown that for the same shear force, the Reinforced Concrete (RC) frames buildings are able to get deformed significantly more than the Unreinforced Masonry (URM) walls.

Este artículo presenta una descripción detallada de las ventajas e inconvenientes de los pilotes volumétricos y embebidos. La dependencia de los resultados del tamaño de la malla es más significativa en el pilote embebido. Para grupos numerosos de pilotes, la cantidad de elementos en el sistema se reduce significativamente usando pilotes embebidos. Se han comparado los resultados obtenidos con ambos modelos con los datos obtenidos de ensayos de carga a escala real en un caso de estudio de un pilote hincado prolongado con un micropilote, sometido a compresión, tracción y cortantes (caso 1) y con los resultados de un análisis elastoplástico, realizado con un método establecido, como es el de la ecuación integral (caso2). En el caso 1, los resultados para el pilote a compresión revelaron que el pilote volumétrico puede reproducir el escalón que se produce cuando hay un cambio en la sección del pilote, algo que no es posible con un pilote embebido. Para carga axial de tracción y carga lateral, el pilote embebido reproduce mejor el desplazamiento medido en la cabeza del pilote o la distribución de esfuerzos a lo largo del mismo. Las conclusiones obtenidas se refieren principalmente a los tipos de modelización numérica descritos en el texto del artículo y a los programas en que se aplican., This paper presents a detailed description of the relative advantages and disadvantages of volume piles and embedded piles. The mesh dependency is more significant in an embedded pile. When a large number of piles have to be considered, the number of elements in the system is significantly reduced using embedded piles. The results obtained with both models were compared with the data obtained from full-scale loading tests in a case study of a driven pile followed by a micropilote, subjected to compression, tension and shear (case 1), and with the results of an elastoplastic analysis carried out with the well-established integral equation method (case 2). In case 1, the results of the pile subject to compression revealed that the volume pile can reproduce the step produced by a change in the section of the pile, something not possible with an embedded pile. For tension tests or lateral load, the embedded pile reproduces better the displacement measured in the head of the pile or the efforts along the shaft. The conclusions obtained refer mainly to the types of numerical modelling described in the text of the paper and to the programs in which they apply.

[SPA] La sobre-excavación de un talud de grandes dimensiones, con problemas de estabilidad, aparece como la medida más utilizada para corregir esta situación. En un proceso de rotura a gran escala los taludes buscan de forma natural el equilibrio trasladando parte de sus materiales a la zona anterior al pie, como si establecieran una barrera de tierras, eliminando además peso de la parte superior, de la que proceden estos materiales. Al haberse superado los valores pico, la superficie de rotura ya solamente colabora al equilibrio con la resistencia residual. Una de las medidas que reproduce ese comportamiento es la de rellenar el pie del talud creando una barrera natural de tierras en esa posición y descargando o sujetando parte de la masa superior. La ventaja, en relación con la situación de rotura, se encuentra en la conservación de la resistencia intacta de los materiales, lo que proporciona una mayor seguridad. En este trabajo, apoyado en un conjunto de ejemplos prácticos, se plantea una metodología para seleccionar una variedad de medidas que pueden utilizarse, sobre la condición de que la situación final de diseño cumpla con las garantías de seguridad. Tal como se plantea en la minería en muchas ocasiones, se puede asumir cierta movilidad de los bloques que constituyen el macizo de roca, y remodelar las tierras inestables para buscar la geometría del talud más adecuada y evitar los riesgos de deslizamientos o desprendimientos sobre el área de trabajo., [ENG] The re-excavation of a large slope, with stability problems, appears as principal measure used to correct its instability. In a large slope failure, terrain naturally seek balance by transferring part of it mass to the foot slope area, establishing a land barrier, also eliminating the weight of the upper part, where these materials come from. Once the peak shear strength values have been overtaken, the breaking surface only contributes with its residual resistance. One of the measures that can reproduce this behavior is the filling of the slope’s foot creating a natural barrier of lands in that position and unloading or holding part of the upper mass too. The advantage, in relation to the breaking situation, lies in the preservation of the intact strength of the materials, which provides greater security. In this paper, supported by a set of practical examples, the methodology proposed is to select among a variety of measures that can be used, searching that the final design situation complies with the security guarantees. As is usually suggested in mining, it is possible to assume a certain mobility of the blocks that make up the rock mass, and to remodel the unstable lands in order to find the most appropriate slope geometry to avoid the risks of landslides or rock falls on the work area.