In this paper a homogenization procedure for the estimation of the failure surface of a quasi-periodic masonry, based on a mean stresses approach through the analysis of the Statistically Equivalent Periodic Unit Cell (SEPUC), is shown. The mean stresses approach consists in the identification of critical states for the homogenized continuum by means of an overall failure criterion, function of the mean stress state of each constituent. These macroscopic tensors are evaluated in the elastic field. The SEPUC definition refers to a statistical criterion applied to a population of Periodic Unit Cells generated taking into account the geometrical features of the quasi-periodic texture; moreover it is validated on the basis of the homogenized elastic properties in terms of components and Frobenius norm of the elastic matrix. By a multi-objective optimization approach, the obtained results highlight that the proposed SEPUC can be used to estimate the failure surface.

In this paper we derive and solve nonlocal elasticity a model describing the elastic behavior of composite materials, involving the fractional Laplacian operator. In dimension one we consider in (($\mathcal{D}$)) the case of a nonlocal elastic rod restrained at the ends, and we completely solve the problem showing the existence of a unique weak solution and providing natural sufficient conditions under which this solution is actually a classical solution of the problem. For the model (($\mathcal{D}$)) we also perform numerical simulations and a parametric analysis, in order to highlight the response of the rod, in terms of displacements and strains, according to different values of the mechanical characteristics of the material. The main novelty of this approach is the extension of the central difference method by the numerical estimate of the fractional Laplacian operator through a finite-difference quadrature technique. For higher dimensions N ≥ 2 {N\geq 2} we study more general problems for which the existence of weak solutions is proved via variational methods. The obtained results provide an original contribute in the knowledge of composite materials with properties of nonlocal elasticity.

Parametric design, algorithmic modeling, generative design, and associative design are only some of the keywords of a work paradigm that is becoming more and more popular, designed to respond to the complexities of contemporary architecture. Most commonly, such an approach is used for new buildings, but when algorithmic design meets heritage building information modeling (HBIM), the process can take on an even greater centrality—flexibility and control go hand-in-hand, ensuring precious tools for the planning of restoration interventions and management projects. This contribution, oriented to expand the use of these strategies to heritage, deals with the theme of parametric modeling of masonry vaults, a structural–architectural feature that in many forms and combinations characterizes most historic buildings. In particular, the connection of BIM software with algorithmic modeling software can allow the ‘translation’ of complex geometric shapes into elements with full Level of Detail elements (LOD 500) while preserving, at the same time, the algorithmic editing functions. In this paper, it is illustrated as this approach permits the finetuning of the vaults’ details, from time to time, based on different survey strategies (e.g., direct measurements, experimental tests, laser scanners, etc.). In other words, using this new connection in real time, architects can design restoration interventions tied to shapes, geometries, and masonry peculiarities that would otherwise be impossible to manage. An updatable virtualization of the actual state of a heritage building thus becomes affordable for the wider public (LOD G). There is also a valuable benefit for the heritage stakeholders in terms of protection of the architectural value and conscious planning in the restoration practice, especially in the museum field.

A multidisciplinary approach embedded with sustainability represents a pathway to design strategies applicable in different cultural contexts. Considering the emissions attributed to building processes, the design of conservation measures is evolving to create high performance both in terms of healthiness and safety. On this, heritage buildings in earthquake-prone cities proved their vulnerability during the recent seismic events. However, the most important aspect of restoration interventions is that the design process must respect the architectural peculiarities of the building. In this regard, the contribution presents the reuse of a heritage building, currently disused, in the novel role of University of Perugia’s plaster cast gallery, in line with the aims declared by the University with the adoption of the “Action Plan for University Sustainability 2021–2023”. Such architecture is part of Palazzo Murena, University of Perugia headquarters, a former monastery designed by Luigi Vanvitelli and completed in 1762 by Carlo Murena. A historical-iconographical investigation, together with a survey, revealed the building origin: a pre-existing architecture, anciently a hospice, included by Vanvitelli in their project. The purpose was the masonries’ reinforcement conceiving, at once, a flexible space according to the adaptive architecture principle: give to buildings configurations new, whole or in part, from the original ones in response to emerging threats. An integrated project was designed to restore the building in order to realize a contemporary museum in which full-height exhibition spaces alternate with the pre-existing ones. In this way, the new Gypso|TechA showcases the academic plasters, actually without a seat matching their cultural value, and through a peculiar layout encodes the collection’s message in a site-specific cognitive process.