75460 - Structural Diagnostics and Seismic Assessment M

Learning outcomes

During the course students will gain knowledge on the main asptects of seismic assessment methods for exisiting buildings; they will learn experimental tesing procedures for material characterization, modelling and analysis methods, At the end of the course students are able to assess historic structures, conduct visual inspections and in situ investigation; to design, execute and anlayze non-destructive and slightly destructive tests. Fuerthermore they are able to identify they main elements of seismic vulnerabilty and to evaluate the seismic safety of exisiting structures.

Course contents

Module 1 – Seismic Assessment

The module provides the theoretical and methodological foundations for the seismic assessment of existing buildings, with particular emphasis on historic masonry structures and twentieth-century reinforced concrete heritage.

The module is organized following the engineering workflow typically adopted in professional structural assessment practice, progressing from structural knowledge acquisition to engineering judgement. The following topics are addressed:

• Structural knowledge acquisition and the engineering workflow for seismic assessment of existing buildings.
• Characteristics and structural typologies of the existing building stock, including historic masonry buildings and twentieth-century reinforced concrete heritage.
• Performance objectives and the regulatory framework for existing structures.
• Fundamental concepts of engineering seismology and structural response relevant to seismic assessment.
• Seismic behaviour of existing masonry and reinforced concrete buildings, including global response, local mechanisms, and typical vulnerabilities.
• Structural idealization, modelling strategies, and sources of uncertainty.
• Linear and nonlinear seismic assessment methods, including response spectrum analysis and local mechanism analysis.
• Interpretation of assessment results, engineering judgement, and the reliability of seismic safety evaluations.
• Integrated case studies on historic masonry buildings and reinforced concrete heritage.

Throughout the module, students progressively develop a Structural Assessment Portfolio based on real case studies, documenting the complete assessment process from structural knowledge acquisition and structural modelling to seismic safety evaluation.

Module 2 – Structural Diagnostics

The module introduces the principles and techniques of structural diagnostics for existing buildings.

Topics include:

• Knowledge procedure for the vulnerability assessment of existing structures.
• Experimental tests for the characterization of masonry and reinforced concrete through on-site and laboratory tests.
  
• Non-destructive tests.
  
• Slightly-destructive tests.
  
• Destructive tests.

Readings/Bibliography

• Thomas Paulay and M. J. N. Priestley, Seismic Design of Reinforced Concrete and Masonry Buildings
• V.M. Malhotra, N.J. Carino: “Handbook on Nondestructive Testing of Concrete”, CRC Press, USA, 2004.
• M.J. Sansalone, W.B. Street: “Impact-echo”, Bullbrier Press, Ithaca, N.Y., 1997. Giovanni Pascale, Diagnostica a ultrasuoni per l'edilizia: costruzioni civili, beni culturali, Ed. Flaccovio, 2008

Teaching methods

The course combines lectures, practical exercises, laboratory demonstrations, hands-on training with non-destructive testing equipment, and site visits.

Assessment methods

The examinations for Module 1 (Seismic Assessment) and Module 2 (Structural Diagnostics) are independent. Students may take the two examinations in different examination sessions.

For administrative purposes, the Seismic Assessment component is formally divided into Modules 1 and 3. However, these constitute a single teaching module and are assessed through one integrated examination.

For each module, students are expected to demonstrate knowledge of the key concepts, the ability to critically apply the acquired knowledge, and the appropriate use of technical terminology. A passing grade is awarded to students who satisfactorily achieve these learning outcomes. A failing grade is assigned in the presence of significant gaps in the understanding of fundamental concepts, inappropriate use of technical language, or inadequate reasoning in the analysis of the proposed questions.

The final grade for Structural Diagnostics and Seismic Assessment M is calculated as the arithmetic mean of the grades obtained in the Seismic Assessment and Structural Diagnostics examinations. Students must obtain a passing grade in both examinations in order to pass the course.

Structural Diagnostics and Seismic Assessment M is part of the integrated course "Seismic Assessment and Structural Rehabilitation M I.C." (15 CFU). The final grade for the integrated course is calculated as the weighted average of the grades obtained in:

• Seismic Assessment (4.5 CFU);
  
• Structural Diagnostics (4.5 CFU);
• Structural Strengthening M (6 CFU).

The Structural Strengthening M module is delivered during the second semester.

Seismic Assessment examination

The final examination for Seismic Assessment consists of a closed-book written examination lasting between 1 and 1.5 hours. The examination includes two or three open-ended questions and/or exercises designed to assess students' knowledge of the topics covered during the course, their critical understanding of the underlying concepts, and their ability to apply them to structural assessment problems.

Structural Diagnostics examination

The final examination for Structural Diagnostics consists of a closed-book written examination lasting between 1 and 1.5 hours. The examination includes two or three open-ended questions designed to assess students' knowledge of the topics covered during the course and their critical understanding of the underlying concepts.

Teaching tools

PowerPoint presentations, blackboard, computer laboratory facilities, non-destructive testing equipment, real case studies, and structural applications.

Office hours

See the website of Giulio Zani

See the website of Francesca Ferretti