Behind the scenes of public funding for performing arts in Italy: hidden phenomena beyond the rhetoric of legislation

This paper focuses on how Italian performing arts organizations were funded between 2003 and 2005. How does policy regulate the financing system for performing arts? What are the underlying logics that govern financing choices? In this paper the authors move beyond the simple examination of formal policies by analysing the funding data and organizational routines of the ministerial offices responsible for the allocation of grants. The authors implemented a multi‐method research methodology consisting of document analysis, in‐depth interviews, and quantitative analysis of funding data. The main findings can be summarized as follows. First, funds are continuously allocated to the same group of organizations. Second, although rigid, the system is imbued by a ‘rhetoric of the project’. Third, the system does not reward innovation. In conclusion, only by studying how the law is actually implemented can one capture the choices that underlie financing actions, and thus unravel unanticipated outcomes and inconsistencies between rhetoric and conduct.     

Probabilistic life-cycle assessment and rehabilitation strategies for deteriorating structures: a case study

When it comes to existing buildings, the estimation of the structural residual bearing capacity is required to evaluate the potential for reuse/conversion. The level of detail and accuracy of surveys dramatically affect structural diagnostics. In order to optimise the experimental survey process, a simulation of the structural life-cycle may be useful.

Based on a previously developed approach of Monte Carlo simulation implemented with a damage law for the life-cycle analysis of newly designed constructions, this paper presents the method application to a historic roof steel structure. It aims to identify critical situations, assess the residual life of the system, and plan possible retrofit strategies for the building conversion.

The case study is a steel frame roof structure of the ex pig abattoir within the complex of the municipal slaughterhouse in Monza (close to Milan, Northern Italy) and protected from the Cultural Heritage Authority. The life-cycle of the structure is here investigated over different stages of the building lifespan along with the damages caused by aging and negligence. The construction was built in 1902, and abandoned in 1984. Therefore, the periods analysed are: from construction to disuse and from disuse to today. The second phase of life, still on going, has significantly sped up the degradation.

The probabilistic evaluation of failure times is discussed and the possible interventions scenarios in terms of costs, and after-maintenance reliability and safety are investigated.     

An Enhanced Finite Element Macro-Model for the Realistic Simulation of Localized Cracks in Masonry Structures: A Large-Scale Application

ABSTRACT

Finite element macro-modeling approaches are widely used for the analysis of large-scale masonry structures. Despite their efficiency, they still face two important challenges: the realistic representation of damage and a reasonable independency of the numerical results to the used discretization. In this work, the classical smeared crack approach is enhanced with a crack-tracking algorithm, originating from the analysis of localized cracking in quasi-brittle materials. The proposed algorithm is for the first time applied to a large-scale wall exhibiting multiple shear and flexural cracking. Discussion covers structural aspects, as the response of the structure under different assumptions regarding the floor rigidity, but also numerical issues, commonly overlooked in the simulation of large structures, such the mesh-dependency of the numerical results.