PSI - Issue 78

Gennaro Magliulo et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 78 (2026) 1847–1854

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complexity, including curves and branches). The models accurately captured the nonlinear behavior of joints and hangers, enabling the observation of how seismic cyclic loading induces significant damage. The input loads for the analyses were derived from twenty tri-axial accelerograms representative of realistic floor-level seismic actions, obtained through a "cascading" approach described in the literature. The analyses highlighted several key findings: the layout geometry plays a fundamental role in defining the extent of joint damage, significantly influencing local vibration modes and stress distribution; the vertical component of seismic action generally has a marginal effect on overall damage, although additional checks are necessary for configurations with heavy elements or rigid supports; seismic supports exhibit a response less sensitive to layout geometry and more influenced by the total mass of the main pipeline, which varies according to pipe diameter and number; the developed fragility curves show low vulnerability for lightweight piping systems (e.g., copper medical gas pipes), whereas heavier systems present higher vulnerability, especially related to pipe material and the transported fluid. In parallel, a study by Rodriguez et al. (2025) analyzed the influence of gravity load trapezes (suspended beam supports) on the overall seismic behavior. Two scenarios were implemented: a simplified one assuming the trapezes have no lateral stiffness, and a more realistic one with elastoplastic behavior consistent with manufacturer specifications. Using a cascading analysis, lognormal fragility curves were developed for each component (transverse and longitudinal hangers, joints). It emerged that including the contribution of the hangers significantly improves seismic performance, suggesting that conservative assumptions neglecting these components are overly penalizing. Furthermore, the fragility curves indicate that the prevailing critical failure mode is leakage at the joints, consistent with empirical evidence observed during real seismic events. This underscores the importance of targeted experimental testing on suspended supports to calibrate increasingly accurate numerical models, thereby enhancing predictive capabilities and the seismic resilience of piping systems. For more details, see the full article by Blasi et al. (2023). 5. Communication strategies and seismic risk perception in the hospital context Work Package 4 of the ENRICH project, coordinated by INGV, developed effective communication strategies to raise seismic risk awareness in hospitals, with particular focus on Nonstructural Elements (NSEs). Two pilot hospitals were studied, in Lecce (low risk) and Caserta (medium-high risk), highlighting an underestimation of risk in Lecce and greater attention to safety in Caserta. In both cases, the need for specific training and increased awareness about NSEs emerged. The results led to the creation of informational and training materials, including an augmented reality app that provides personalized content via QR codes. The project’s success demonstrated that targeted, science-based communication can increase awareness and promote preventive behaviors. The importance of continuing training and spreading a culture of safety in hospitals is emphasized, with the future goal of extending the developed tools to other facilities and strengthening collaboration among research, healthcare, and institutions. 6. Conclusions The PRIN ENRICH project is a key initiative for seismic safety in healthcare, focusing on the vulnerability of nonstructural elements and hospital flexibility to ensure operational continuity during earthquakes. Using field studies, tests, analyses, and communication efforts, it developed innovative tools and strategies, including an augmented reality app to raise staff awareness. ENRICH shows that combining technical, organizational, and human factors is essential for hospital resilience. Its outcomes provide a model applicable to other seismic areas and support public safety. Future plans involve expanding and implementing these solutions across Italian hospitals, emphasizing functional resilience for better risk management. Acknowledgements The paper was funded by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR) in the framework of PRIN 2020 project (YKY7W4) titled “ENRICH project: ENhancing the Resili-ence of Italian healthCare and Hospital facilities” and by the European Union Next-GenerationEU –Piano Nazionale di Ripresa e Resilienza (PNRR) – MISSIONE 4, COMPONENTE 2, INVESTIMENTO N. 1.1, BANDO PRIN 2022 PNRR D.D. 1409 del14-09- 2022 (ROCK-