B8922 - FUNDAMENTALS OF EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING M

Learning outcomes

The course covers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills aimed at understanding and mitigating the effects of seismic actions on civil engineering structures. Students will acquire knowledge on the following areas: seismology fundamentals, i.e. understanding the causes and mechanics of earthquakes; Structural Dynamics: i.e. how structures respond to dynamic loads, including single degree of freedom systems and multi degree of freedom systems; Hazard Assessment, i.e. learning methods for assessing seismic hazard in a given region; Elastic and Inelastic Response spectra; Earthquake Actions and Design Codes, i.e. structural analysis methods and seismic design criteria. The main skills developed are: ability to analyze seismic data and apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios; proficiency in using software tools for seismic structural analysis; competence in creating designs that comply with seismic standards, with reference to reinforced concrete structures; ability to convey technical information effectively.

Course contents

Requirements/Prior knowledge

A prior knowledge and understanding of the concepts of structural mechanics and construction techniques is required to attend with profit this course. In particular, the student should be really conversant with structural design.

This knowledge is usually acquired by passing the exams of Principles of Structural Mechanics and Principles of Structural Engineering.

All the lectures will be held in English Language.

 

Course Contents

The course topics are listed below:

1) References to the basics of seismology.

2) Elements of structural dynamics: the dynamics of systems with one degree of freedom, the dynamics of systems with several degrees of freedom.

3) General criteria for the seismic design: performance objectives, definition of the seismic design spectra, structural conception, methods of analysis.

4) Seismic design of reinforced concrete structures: ductility of reinforced concrete elements, capacity design, design criteria and construction details of beams, columns, walls and joints.

5) The existing buildings: structural systems and criteria for the evaluation of the safety level.

6) Innovative methodologies for the antiseismic protection of structures.

Readings/Bibliography

Suggested books:

Lecture notes.

- A. Castellani, E. Faccioli, “Costruzioni in zona sismica”, Hoepli

- A. Chopra, "Dynamics of Structures: theory and applications to earthquake engineering" WILEY

- M. Wakabayashi, “Design of earthquake-resistant buildings”, Mc Graw-Hill

- G.G. Penelis e A. Kappos: “Earthquake resistant concrete structures”, CRC Press

 

Reference standards:

Eurocode 8: Design of structures for earthquake resistance.

Norme Tecniche per le Costruzioni – D.M. 17/01/2018.

Circolare 21/01/2019, n. 617, C.S.LL.PP.

Teaching methods

The course is characterized by frontal lessons at the blackboard and with power-point slides.

The topics covered during the lessons are reported with demonstrations and examples in order to clarify the elements and concepts that underlie the design. The regulatory references for design are also reported with reference to both Italian and international standards such as the Eurocodes.

A homework regarding the design of a structure in seismic area is also required.

Assessment methods

The learning assessment is carried out through the development of a design application and an oral final exam, aimed at evaluating the achievement of the requested knowledge. The oral examination consists normally of three questions that concern: theoretical questions concerning the course program, design and verification criteria of structural elements, analysis and design of structures and interventions in seismic areas, discussion of the design application.

To obtain a passing grade, students are required to at least to demonstrate a knowledge of the key concepts of the subject and some ability for critical application. A failing grade will be awarded if the student shows knowledge gaps in key-concepts of the subject and/or logic failures in the analysis of the subject.

Teaching tools

Possible lecture-notes supplied by the teacher.
Power-Point presentations. Design examples.

Office hours

See the website of Luca Landi