Loredana CONTRAFATTO
Keywords
Computational mechanics, metamaterials, concrete-like materials, volcanic ash, chemical anchors, SCM, AAM, seismic vulnerability, structural reinforcement systems, FRCM, model updating, OMA
In detail:
- nrt materials: computational analysis using the generalised complementary energy functional.
- Numerical techniques for solving constrained optimisation problems of nonlinear functionals subject to inequality constraints: Penalty method, Lagrangian method, Augmented Lagrangian method, Multiplier method.
- Thermodynamic models for elastoplastic materials coupled with damage; study of concrete behaviour in the context of continuum damage mechanics.
- Development and numerical implementation in FEM codes of algorithms for solving non-convex problems in elastoplasticity with damage.
- Viscoplastic regularisations for the computational analysis of damage localisation phenomena.
- Variational formulation and numerical modelling of crack propagation phenomenon in a continuous medium using the Strong Discontinuity Approach (SDA).
- Modelling of cohesive fracture processes in concrete using finite elements with embedded discontinuities (EED). Interface finite elements.
- Structural glass. Simulation of fracture processes and experimentation.
- Structural reinforcement systems with FRP. Numerical modelling and experimentation.
- Experimentation on concrete with recycled aggregates from construction and demolition waste (C&D waste).
- Experimentation on innovative concrete with polymer additives.
- Experimental behaviour and design of chemical anchors on rock supports.
- Mesoscale simulation of the multiaxial behaviour of concrete.
- Homogenisation techniques of periodic discrete media (HPDM) for the modelling of woven fabrics.
- Variational formulations based on isogeometric interpolation for the analysis of Kirchhoff rod, beam, shell and plate systems.
- Experimentation on innovative cements, mortars and concretes with recycled volcanic ash.
- Experimentation on composites obtained by alkaline activation of volcanic ash waste and glass powder from industrial waste.
- Modelling of FRCM reinforcement systems for seismic vulnerability analysis of masonry structures.
- Structural monitoring and dynamic identification using Operational Modal Analysis: design and experimentation.
- Optimal Sensor Placement algorithms for the design of structural monitoring systems.
- Genetic and optimisation algorithms for the calibration of finite element models.
Associate Professor of Structural Mechanics. Graduated in Civil Engineering with first class honours, PhD in Structural Engineering , Post PhD grant and Grant for research collaboration at the Catania University. Main scientific interests in Compuational Mechanics and Innovative & Sustainable Materials.
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Loredana_Contrafatto
ORCID: 0000-0002-6468-9746
Scopus Author ID: 8510851800
1998-present
Participation as a member in local, national and international research projects
2002-present
Scientific coordinator (PI) of local, national and international research projects
RESEARCH ACTIVITY in PhD doctoral programs
PhD Thesis:
- XIX Cycle 2003-2006 – Maria Lina Miccichè – Modellazione dei processi di frattura coesiva mediante discontinuità intraelemento - PhD Program inIngegneria delle Strutture, Università di Catania. (Thesis group member)
- XX Cycle 2004-2007 Leopoldo Greco - PhD Program inIngegneria delle Strutture, Università di Catania. (Thesis group member)
- XXIII Cycle 2007-2010 Giuseppe Tommaso di Venti - Modellazione numerica della nascita e dello sviluppo di interfacce mediante il metodo delle discontinuità forti intraelemento - PhD Program inIngegneria delle Strutture, Università di Catania. (Supervisor)
- XXIV Cycle 2008-2011 Francesco Fazio - Metodi di analisi non lineare di strutture in calcestruzzo armato - PhD Program inIngegneria delle Strutture, Università di Catania. (Supervisor)
- XXV Cycle 2011-2014 Carmelo Caggeggi - Experimental analysis of the efficiency of carbon fiber anchors applied over CFRP to firebrick bonded joints - PhD Program inIngegneria Strutturale e Geotecnica, Università di Catania. Dottorato in Cotutela con Ecole Doctorale Science, Inénierie at Environnement, Université Paris-Est (Thesis group member)
- XXXI Cycle 2015-2018 Attilio Antonio Mondello - Tra conoscenza e sicurezza. Torri campanarie degli edifici ecclesiastici tradizionali allo specchio: casi emblematici in Sicilia Orientale ed in Castiglia e León. Uno strumento conoscitivo di supporto alle analisi e verifiche strutturali per le fabbriche tradizionali a prevalente sviluppo verticale a rischio di stabilità - PhD Program in Valutazione e Mitigazione dei Rischi Urbani d Territoriali (Thesis group member)
- XXXI Cycle 2015-2018 Salvatore Gazzo – A numerical model for the description of the mechanical behaviour of woven fabrics - Dottorato in Cotutela con l’Ecole Nationale des Travaux Publics de l’Etat – Lyon, PhD Program in Valutazione e Mitigazione dei Rischi Urbani d Territoriali (Thesis group member)
- XXXVI Cycle 2020-2023 Davide Li Rosi – METODOLOGIE PER L’IDENTIFICAZIONE DINAMICA DI TORRI STORICHE IN MURATURA - Rilievo, cronologia costruttiva e misurazioni sperimentali in situ per l’affinamento della modellazione a elementi finiti di dettaglio, PhD Program in Valutazione e Mitigazione dei Rischi Urbani d Territoriali (Supervisor)
- XXXVII Cycle 2021-2024 Daniele Calderoni – Sperimentazione di nuovi leganti e prodotti sostenibili per l’edilizia basati sul riuso di ceneri e frammenti piroclastici del vulcano Etna, PhD Program in Valutazione e Mitigazione dei Rischi Urbani d Territoriali (Supervisor)
- XXXVIII Cycle 2022-2025 Gloria Russo – Metodologie d’indagine innovative per la salvaguardia dai rischi naturali e antropici di costruzioni in muratura con coperture di particolare pregio, National PhD Program in Defense Against Natural Risks and Ecological Transition of the Built Environment (Gruppo di Tesi)
- XXXVIII Cycle 2022-2025 Simone Scalisi – Modal identification of structures and infrastractures, National PhD Program in Defense Against Natural Risks and Ecological Transition of the Built Environment (Co-Supervisor)
- XXXVIII Cycle 2022-2025 Alfredo Messina – Inverse problems in structural engineering, National PhD Program in Defense Against Natural Risks and Ecological Transition of the Built Environment (Supervisor)
- XXXVIII Cycle 2022-2025 Shahin Sayyad – Finite Element Model Updating of Structures, National PhD Program in Defense Against Natural Risks and Ecological Transition of the Built Environment (Co-Supervisor)
- XXXVIII Cicle 2022-2025 Gloria Russo – Metodologie d’indagine innovative per la salvaguardia dai rischi naturali e antropici di costruzioni in muratura con coperture di particolare pregio (Thesis group member)
- XXXIX Cycle 2023-2026 Giulia Ferlito – Innovative FEM Modelling for the Analysis of Masonry Infrastructure Subject to Reinforcement Interventions, National PhD Program in Defense Against Natural Risks and Ecological Transition of the Built Environment (Supervisor)
- XXXIX Ciclo 2023-2026 Elisa Montis – Post-elastic seismic behaviour of historical multi-arched masonry structures (Co-supervisor)
- XXXXL Cycle 2024-2027 Scollo Luigi – Ecological Transition of cementitiuous materials based on volcanic Ashes in Building environment (ETNA-Built), Defense Against Natural Risks and Ecological Transition of the Built Environment (Supervisor)
- XXXXL Ciclo 2024-2027 Carmelo Riccardo D’Amico – Valorizzazione della cenere vulcanica come materiale sostenibile per l’edilizia: caratterizzazione, prestazioni e potenzialità applicative (Supervisor)
- XXXXL Ciclo 2024-2027 Arian Seilany – Fibre Bragg Grating Sensors for Smart Infrastructure: Advanced SHM Techniques and Industrial Case Studies (Co-supervisor)
Main institutional activities
2008-present
Member of committees for internal competitions at the university and training schools
2016-present
Member of committees for competitions at other universities for various university roles
2012 – 2016
2016 – 2020
Coordinator of the Master's Degree Program in Structural and Geotechnical Engineering
2012 – 2016
Member of the Departmental Joint Committee
2020 - 2024
2024 - 2028
Member of the Departmental Board
2021- present
Scientific coordinator of the Spin-off Company Giniu Ingegneria e Architettura s.r.l, University of Catania
2017-2020, 2018-2021, 2019-2022, 2020-2023, 2021-2024, 2022-2025, 2023-2026, 2024-2027
Member of the PhD Board - PhD Program in Evaluation and Mitigation of Environmental and Territorial Risks (XXXIII - XL cycle)
2022-2025, 2023-2026, 2024-2027
Member of the PhD Board and Council Secretary - PhD Program in Defense against natural risks and ecological transition of built environment (XXXVIII cycle, XXXIX cycle, XL cycle)
2021
Co-founder and scientific coordinator Giniu Ingegneria e Architettura s.r.l. - Spinoff company of University of Catania
http://www.giniu.it/
2021-present
Member of the Register of Evaluation Experts (AVA system) of the National Agency for the Evaluation of the University System and Research as Disciplinary Expert for the initial and periodic accreditation of courses of study and university sites
2021 - 2024
2025 - present
Emergency Management Officer (Company First Aid Officer, BLSD - PBLSD Operator, Level 3 Fire Safety Officer), Building 3 Engineering Emergency Team
2023-Present
Director of training course A060 Technology in secondary school, member of the Board and Technical-Scientific Committee of the High School for Teacher Training of the University of Catania.
2025-2026
Coordinator of National Interest PhD Program Defense against natural risks and ecological transition of built environment (XLI cycle)