Department of Building & Civil Engineering
University of Malta
INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM
23rd – 25th October 2008
URBAN HABITAT CONSTRUCTIONS
UNDER CATASTROPHIC EVENTS
International Symposium:
The Department of Building & Civil Engineering, of the University of Malta, is hosting
an International Symposium on Urban Habitat Constructions Under Catastrophic
Events. The International Symposium is organized within the framework of the
European Science Foundation.
Objectives of the Symposium:
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To increase the knowledge on the behaviour of constructions located in urban
habitats and subjected to exceptional and catastrophic events.
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To present suitable tools for predicting the ultimate response of such
constructions under extreme conditions, occurring when both loading and
structural resistance are combined in such a way to reduce the safety level below
acceptable values.
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To characterise the performance of structures under extreme loading conditions.
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To analyse the consequences of catastrophic events occurring in a given region,
with regards to life safety and economic losses due to direct damage.
ƒ
To propose ad-hoc solutions for the damage prevention as well as for the repair
of constructions hit by extreme actions during catastrophic events.
Symposium Topics:
The latest developments in the field will be addressed in presentations by an
International Panel of Academics, Researchers and Experts, from 22 countries. The
Symposium Topics include:
Fire resistance
• Comparison of national fire models
• Simulation of material behaviour
• Connection modelling
• Members behaviour
• Global analyses
• Fire after earthquake
Earthquake resistance
• Characterization and modeling of seismic actions
• Influence of seismic motion typology on the structural response
• Innovative materials and technologies for existing and new buildings in seismic
areas
• Seismic protection and retrofit of existing buildings
• Analysis of relevant study cases
Impact and explosion resistance
• Analysis of Codes and Standards related to robustness
• Vulnerability to progressive collapse due to localised damage from blast or
impact
• Quantification of actions related to extreme events
• Protection systems and design methodologies to resist blast and impact
• Assessment and repairing of damaged structures
• Testing and numerical simulation
Risk assessment for catastrophic scenarios in urban habitats
• Set-up a common methodology for risk assessment
• Explicit accountancy/quantification of structural robustness
• Analysis of the Vesuvius scenario as a complex study case.
Target Audience:
The International Symposium has attracted the interest of a large number of Academics,
International Experts and Researchers who will be visiting Malta and participating in the
International Symposium. The Department of Building & Civil Engineering would like to
invite entities interested in attending the sessions, to express their interest. The International
Symposium topics will be of particular interest to Researchers, Architects, Civil Engineers &
Structural Engineers.
Venue:
Aula Magna, Old University Building,
St Paul Str, Valletta, Valletta
Dates:
23rd October 2008 to 25th October 2008
Registration Fee:
100 Euro
(Registration fee includes attendance to the Symposium sessions, & coffee breaks.)
Registration:
Title:______Surname:____________________Name: ________________
Profession:____________________________________________________
Organisation:_________________________________________________
Address:______________________________________________________
Tel. No:______________________ Mobile No:______________________
E mail:_______________________________________________________
Registration Fee Enclosed:_______________Euro
The Registration form and payment are to be returned to the following address. Cheques
to be made payable to Foundation for International Studies Ltd
International Symposium Secretariat
Department of Building & Civil Engineering
University of Malta, Msida, Malta.
Due to the limited space available, early registration is advisable, and the acceptance
of registrations is subject to prior confirmation by the Symposium Secretariat.
Registration Deadline:
20th October 2008
Further Information:
Scientific Secretariat & Symposium Organisation:
Ruben Paul Borg
Department of Building & Civil Engineering
Faculty of Architecture & Civil Engineering
University of Malta, Msida, Malta.
Tel:
(+356) 79055680
e-mail: ruben.p.borg@um.edu.mt