The award to Luca Censoni, Master's Degree Graduate in Civil Engineering
The first edition of the Duccio Forlani degree award, organized by the University of the Republic of San Marino in collaboration with the engineering and geology firm SGAI of Morciano di Romagna, was won by Luca Censoni, who developed an automatic methodology through which the optimal area was identified in which to place an embankment capable, in the future, of reducing the risk of flooding and inundations for some areas and buildings affected in the past near the Rio Gessi watercourse, in Lo Stradone, a hamlet of Santarcangelo di Romagna.
“This is a work on the mitigation of hydrogeological risk,” explains Professor Filippo Forlani, CEO of the SGAI studio and son of the geologist to whom the competition is dedicated. “In this context, an algorithm has been developed that, based on a series of characteristics and a digital model of the terrain, identifies the most suitable point to host an in-line expansion tank, i.e. a basin in which the water, in the event of heavy rains, is partially retained and released slowly so as not to cause or mitigate inconveniences further downstream.”
The thesis of Censoni, a 26-year-old from San Marino, "is important because it contributes to a project promoted by the Consorzio di Bonifica della Romagna which, once implemented, will bring advantages in terms of safety and benefit to the communities in the area. It should also be noted - continues Forlani - that the algorithm is not limited to this case and can be applied to other waterways. The perspective it assumes is therefore broad and fully reflects the horizons of the prize".
The award ceremony, assigned by a jury of academics, took place on Monday 10 March at the headquarters of the Civil Engineering training programs of the University of San Marino, in Dogana, in the presence of Forlani and the director of the degree courses Angelo Marcello Tarantino.
Among the objectives of the initiative, a contribution to the memory of a figure who distinguished himself in the professional field for his intuitions, technical skills and sensitivity: “I am thinking for example of a project curated by my father thanks to which in the Sahel region, in Africa, about 50 years ago a system was created to bring water where in the past tens of thousands of people had dramatically died due to drought”, recalls Forlani. “The award is aimed at those who express something similar to his prerogatives, to the fascination he had for innovation and brilliant people, as well as to his connection with our territory”.