Important Study on Seismic Assessment of Nonstructural Elements Wins Best Paper Award for 2022

An important scientific recognition has been conferred to the study titled "Experimental Seismic Assessment of Nonstructural Elements: Testing Protocols and Novel Perspectives," conducted by Martino Zito, Roberto Nascimbene, Paolo Dubini, Danilo D’Angela, and Gennaro Magliulo. Published in the renowned journal Buildings, the research has clinched the award for Best Paper of 2022.

This study focuses on nonstructural elements (NEs), crucial components within buildings and infrastructures that are not part of the load-bearing system. Despite their nature, NEs can pose significant seismic risks, especially in critical contexts such as hospitals or industrial plants.

Through meticulous examination of the primary international testing approaches and protocols, the authors have proposed new perspectives and a unified approach for the seismic evaluation and qualification of NEs. The technical recommendations provided in their study lay the groundwork for a more robust and standardized testing and qualification system, paving the way for the development of regulatory criteria for experimental seismic assessment of nonstructural elements.

Special congratulations are due to Roberto Nascimbene for his significant contribution to this work. His expertise and dedication have certainly contributed to the success and recognition achieved by the study.

The receipt of the Best Paper award for 2022 underscores the importance and innovation of the research conducted by its authors, representing a significant step forward in the field of seismic safety for infrastructures.