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72782 - Mechanics of Historical Masonry Structures

Academic Year 2015/2016

  • Docente: Angelo Di Tommaso
  • Credits: 6
  • SSD: ICAR/08
  • Language: English
  • Moduli: Angelo Di Tommaso (Modulo 2) Christian Carloni (Modulo 1)
  • Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures (Modulo 2) Traditional lectures (Modulo 1)
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Civil Engineering (cod. 8211)

Learning outcomes

The overarching goal of the course is to provide students with fundamental tools for the analysis of historical masonry structures. In particular, the course introduces the theoretical aspects, the numerical tools, and the experimental techniques for an effective structural diagnosis of historical structures aimed at their preservation and rehabilitation. Structures from different periods of history are analyzed.

Course contents

1. Fundamentals of Fracture Mechanics (**)

  1. Linear elastic fracture mechanics: stress intensity factor and energy release rate

  2. Quasi-brittle materials: the cohesive model

2. Statics of Masonry Solids and Structures (*)

  1. No-tension masonry models

  2. The masonry continuum

  3. Equilibrium and compatibility

  4. Collapse state

3. Masonry Strength and Deformability (**)

  1. Tests on mortar and brick (natural and artificial stone) specimens

  2. Formulation of a triaxial failure criterion for stones

  3. Masonry compression strength

  4. Masonry tensile strength

  5. Masonry deformation

4. Arches and Vaulted Structures (*)

  1. Masonry arches: the concept of thrust and limit analysis

  2. Domes: membrane state, cracking patterns, brief description of some famous cases

  3. Barrel, polygonal, and cross vaults: membrane state, cracking patterns, brief description of some famous cases

  4. Exercises on collapse mechanisms of arches

5. Piers, Towers, and Gothic Cathedrals

  1. Piers: Compression strength under eccentric loading (*)

  2. Towers: typical cracking patterns (**)

  3. Gothic Cathedrals: Historical notes, construction techniques, relevant static problems (**)

    (*) Module 1

    (**) Module 2

Readings/Bibliography

  • Class hand-outs (available on the web site http://campus.cib.unibo.it [http://campus.cib.unibo.it/] ).

  • Fracture and Size Effect (in concrete and other quasibrittle materials), Z.P. Bazant, J. Planas, CRC Press, 1998

  • Statics of Historic Masonry Constructions. M. Como, Springer, 2013.

  • The Stone Skeleton, J. Heyman, Cambridge University Press, 1995.

  • The Construction of Gothic Cathedrals, J. Fitchen, The University of Chicago Press, 1961.

Teaching methods

The course content will be entirely covered by the lectures. The course includes some laboratory sessions, field trips, and invited keynote lectures, which will help cover the practical aspects of the lectures. The instructors will supervise students during all activities.

Assessment methods

A full comprehensive final (written and oral) exam will be used to assess students’ knowledge and understanding of the topics covered in the course. The written exam will consist of two problems. The first problem will be related to item 1) of the course content. The second problem will be related to item 2) of the course content.

In addition, a project related to the study of a historical building will be assigned. Students will present their project at the end of the course. The assessment of the presentation will be part of the final grade.

Teaching tools

The teaching tools are overhead projector, projector and PC.

Office hours

See the website of Angelo Di Tommaso

See the website of Christian Carloni