15640 - Structural Monitoring

Learning outcomes

The course consists in Learning methods relating to Non Destructive Tecniques (NDT), Semi-Destructive and Destructive Tests, with particular reference to the diagnosis of reinfoced concrete, steel, masonry and wooden structures. The analysis aims to determine mechanical and phisical properties of such materials.

Course contents

The course is aimed at providing knowledge and practical skills related to the main diagnostic techniques for existing buildings, with particular focus on restoration, rehabilitation, and conservation of the built heritage.

Through lectures, case studies, and practical activities, the course addresses:

• non-destructive, semi-destructive, and destructive testing techniques;

• diagnostic investigation of masonry, reinforced concrete, timber, and steel structures;

• identification of degradation phenomena, structural damage, and vulnerability;

• selection of investigation areas and appropriate testing equipment;

• critical interpretation of experimental data and assessment of test reliability;

• understanding of the mechanical and constructive properties of traditional and modern building materials.

Particular attention will be devoted to the relationship between diagnosis and intervention design: starting from the results of investigations, the course will examine both traditional techniques and innovative solutions for structural strengthening, damage mitigation, and rehabilitation, with emphasis on compatibility, durability, and conservation principles for historic and existing buildings.

The course will include practical examples, site visits, and analysis of real case studies, with the aim of providing students with concrete tools to interpret, understand, and enhance the built environment.

Readings/Bibliography

G. Menditto – S. Menditto: “Indagini semidistruttive e non distruttive nell'ingegneria civile: disciplina tecnica, applicativa e normativa”, Pitagora, Bologna, 2008.

G. Pascale: “Diagnostica a ultrasuoni per l'edilizia: costruzioni civili – beni culturali”, Flaccovio, Palermo, 2008.

R. Pucinotti: “Patologia e diagnostica del cemento armato”, Flaccovio, Palermo, 2005.

E. Ruggerone: “Diagnostica strutturale”, Flaccovio, Palermo, 2005.

A. Bray, V. Vicentini: “Meccanica sperimentale – misure ed analisi delle sollecitazioni”, Levrotto e Bella, Torino.

J.W. Dally, W.F. Riley: “Experimental Stress Analysis”, McGraw-Hill, 1991.

A. Ajovalasit: “Estensimetri elettrici a resistenza”, Aracne, Roma, 2006.

V.M. Malhotra, N.J. Carino: “Handbook on Nondestructive Testing of Concrete”, CRC Press, USA, 2004.

F. Ansari: “Fiber optic sensors for construction materials and bridges”, Technomic, Lancaster, USA, 1998.

M.J. Sansalone, W.B. Street: “Impact-echo”, Bullbrier Press, Ithaca, N.Y., 1997.

J.H. Bungey, Non-destructive Testing in Civil Engineering, The British Institute NDT, 1993

Teaching methods

PPT presentations and visit to the laboratory in Bologna.

An visit to the LISG laboratory (Structural and Geotechnical Engineering Laboratory) of DICAM Department is planned. A hands-on exercise to be carried out in the laboratory will be proposed.

Considering the types of activities and teaching methods adopted at LISG, attending this activity requires all students to complete modules 1 and 2 in e-learning and to participate to module 3, which is a specific training on safety and health in study environments. Information on the dates and attendance methods for module 3 can be found in the relevant section of the study program's website.

Assessment methods

Attendance at lectures plays a fundamental role in the learning process. Therefore, attending all lectures is highly recommended, though not mandatory.

The exam will be exclusively an ORAL TEST.

The exam does not require any assignments to be submitted before the exam date.

The exam will be graded on a scale of thirty.

The purpose of the oral test is to assess the student's ability to apply their knowledge and perform the necessary logical-deductive reasoning.

Grading scale:

• Knowledge of a very limited number of topics covered in the course and analytical ability emerging only with the help of the instructor, overall correct language expression → 18-19;
• Knowledge of a limited number of topics covered in the course and autonomous analytical ability only on purely executive matters, correct language expression → 20-24;
• Knowledge of a wide range of topics covered in the course, ability to make autonomous critical analysis choices, command of specific terminology → 25-29;
• Essentially exhaustive knowledge of the topics covered in the course, ability to make autonomous critical analysis and connection choices, full command of specific terminology, and ability to argue and self-reflect → 30-30L.

During the test, the use of tools such as calculators, dictionaries, codes, etc., is NOT permitted.

It is mandatory to register on AlmaEsami.

Teaching tools

Copies of ppt presentations will be delivered to the students trough the VIRTUALE web-site.

Office hours

See the website of Cristina Gentilini