Numerical analysis of the settlement induced damage to Palazzo Loggia in Brescia

One of the main causes of failure of historic buildings is represented by the differential settlements of foundations. Finite element analysis provides a useful tool for predicting the consequences of given ground displacements in terms of structural damage and also assesses the need of strengthening techniques. The actual damage classification for buildings subject to settlement bases the assessment of the potential damage on the expected crack pattern of the structure. In this paper, the correlation between the physical description of the damage in terms of crack width and the interpretation of the finite element analysis output is analyzed. Different discrete and continuum crack models are applied to simulate an experiment carried on a scale model of a masonry historical building, the Loggia Palace in Brescia (Italy). Results are discussed and a modified version of the fixed total strain smeared crack model is evaluated, in order to solve the problem related to the calculation of the exact crack width.

New tools for self-organised pattern formation

Position-dependent gene expression is a critical aspect of the development and behaviour of multicellular organisms. It requires a complex series of interactions to occur between different cell types in addition to intracellular signalling cascades. We used Escherichia coli to study the properties of an artificial signalling system at the interface between two expanding cell populations. We genetically engineered one population to produce a diffusible acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) signal, and another population to respond to it. Our experiments demonstrate how such a signal can be used to reproducibly generate simple visible patterns with high accuracy in swimming agar. The producing and responding cassettes of two such signalling systems can be linked to produce a symmetric interface for bidirectional communication that can be used to visualise molecular logic. Intracellular feedback between these two cassettes would then create a framework for self-organised patterning of higher complexity. Adapting the experiments of Basu et al. (Basu et al., 2005) using cell motility, rather than a differential response to AHL concentrations as a way to define zones of response, we noted how the interaction of sender and receiver cell populations on a swimming plate could lead to complex pattern formation. Equipping highly motile strains such as E. coli MC1000 with AHL-mediated auto-inducing systems based on Vibrio fischeri luxI/luxR and Pseudomonas aeruginosa lasI/lasR cassettes would allow the amplification of a response to an AHL signal and its propagation. We designed and synthesised codon-optimised auto-inducing luxI/R and lasI/R cassettes as optimal gene expression is crucial for the generation of robust patterns. We still have to complete and test the entire genetic circuitry, although by modelling the system we were able to demonstrate its feasibility. © 2007 The Institution of Engineering and Technology.

Pattern formation and spatial solitons in bistable liquid-crystal microcavities

We report on spatial pattern formation, and appearances of 'optical bullet holes' in single-mode microcavities that are filled with liquid-crystals, when pumped above the cavity resonance frequency. These phenomena only occur beyond the bistability threshold. ©2002 Optical Society of America.