31448 - Fundamentals of Structural Engineering M

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, and after passing the final examination, the student possesses the fundamental knowledge on: the modelling and calculation of structures, including strongly hyperstatic ones, the criteria for the design, calculation and verification of structural elements and structures of medium complexity in reinforced concrete and steel, through the application of recurring schemes, the most recurring construction details, the main methodologies for the execution of structural works. They also know how to consult and interpret the main technical regulations on structural design.

Course contents

PREREQUISITES

The student who enters this course is familiar with the main methods of solving isostatic and hyperstatic structures (such as the method of forces, the method of deformations, the principle of virtual work, etc.), the geometry of masses, the theory of beams, and can evaluate stresses in homogeneous and isotropic elastic material sections. Furthermore, he masters the concepts of equilibrium and congruence and the main aspects of statics.

This knowledge is acquired, as a rule, bypassing the Rational Mechanics and Construction Science examinations.

All lectures will be given in Italian. It is, therefore, necessary to understand Italian to profitably follow the course and be able to use the teaching material provided, as well as to sit the final (oral) examination.

 

PROGRAMME

0. INTRODUCTION AND REMINDER OF THE BASIC CONCEPTS OF BUILDING SCIENCE

0.1 Recurring structural types

0.2 Stress diagrams in isostatic and hyperstatic structures


1. CALCULATION OF MULTI-HYPERSTATIC STRUCTURES

1.1 Symmetrical structures with symmetrical and antimetrical loading (review)

1.2. The method of forces and the method of displacements. The method of auxiliary restraints.

1.3. Structures with rotating and non-rotating nodes: rotational stiffnesses; Cross's method.

1.4. Structures with translating and non-translating nodes: translational stiffnesses.

1.5. Structures with translating and rotating nodes.

1.6. Matrix analysis of structures, calculation of stiffness matrices by direct method.


2. DESIGN/VERIFICATION OF REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURES

2.1. Reference standards.

Limit state approach. Elements of probability theory. General criteria of the limit state verification method (method of partial coefficients).

2.2. Definition of actions.

Variable actions on structures (snow, wind, etc.). Definition of load combinations.

2.3 Materials.

Concrete: technological aspects; prior evaluation tests of mechanical characteristics, acceptance checks, complementary tests; compression test. Steel: Classes of steels, normative requirements, acceptance checks; anchorage lengths of reinforcement.

2.4. Method of verification at allowable stresses (scheme)

Generalities of the method and basic assumptions. Coefficient of homogenisation. Calculation of reinforced concrete deflected sections, verification and design problems. Approximate expressions for maximum dimensioning.

2.5. Verification of reinforced concrete sections at ultimate limit states.

Material calculation diagrams. Breaking ranges and failure modes of sections. Ultimate moment of inflected sections. Shear verifications and sizing of reinforced concrete beams. Pressure sections: normal moment-stress interaction for verification and design. Simplified verification and design formulae. Anchorage lengths.

3. REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS: TYPES AND DESIGN CRITERIA

3.1. Design of floors

Load analysis. Types of floors. Slab design criteria, 2-, 3- and multi-support layouts, reinforcement arrangement, shear and bending verifications of slabs.

3.2. Design of reinforced concrete frames.

Identification of the static scheme of a building. Beams in height and thickness. General criteria for the evaluation of internal actions and general dimensioning of beams. Verification for substructures. Load conditions for maximum stress values. Formwork drawings and arrangement of reinforcement for bending and shear.

3.3. Design of abutments.

Areas of influence for maximum dimensioning of pillars. Verification for substructures. Load conditions for maximum moment-normal stress combinations. Formwork drawings and reinforcement arrangements.

3.4. Design of foundation structures.

Loads on foundations. Continuous foundations (inverted beams) and isolated foundations (shallow and thin plinths). Simplified model for continuous foundations. Dimensioning criteria. Checks and arrangement of reinforcement.

4. STEEL STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS: TYPES AND DIMENSIONING CRITERIA

4.1 Verification criteria and basic design.

Stretched elements, deflected elements: strength and deformability checks, elements subject to shear: strength checks.

4.2 Element stability

The problem of stability in compressed elements: Euler theory and real auction, Elements subject to near bending, Local instability.

4.3 Composite Elements

Composite elements: principles of operation and stability checks.

4.4 Connections

Welded connections, Bolted connections, The connection to the foundation.

Readings/Bibliography

RECOMMENDED TEXTS:

E. Viola, Fondamenti di Analisi Matriciale delle Strutture, Pitagora Editrice Bologna, 1996.

P. Pozzati e C. Ceccoli, Teoria e Tecnica delle strutture, ed. UTET, Torino, voll I e e II (1972 – 1974).

A. Ghersi, Costruzioni in Cemento Armato, Flaccovio editore, 2010.

E. Cosenza, G. Manfredi, M. Pecce, Strutture in cemento armato, Hoepli, 2008.

V. Nunziata, Teoria e pratica delle strutture in acciaio, Flaccovio editore, 2011.

G. Ballio, F.M. Mazzolani, Strutture in Acciaio, Hoepli, 1987.

REFERENCE REGULATIONS:

Norme Tecniche per le Costruzioni – D.M. 14/01/2008.

Circolare 02/02/2009, n. 617, C.S.LL.PP.

Eurocodice 2 UNI EN 1992-1-1:2005 Parte 1-1: Regole generali e regole per gli edifici.

CNR 10011, Costruzioni in acciaio, 1988.

Teaching methods

Lectures and online lessons on the theoretical basis of the problems covered in the course. Lectures and online lessons on the application and technological aspects of reinforced concrete and steel structures design. Lectures and online lessons on design examples.

Assessment methods

Learning is verified through two exercises to be carried out during the year, a written test and a final oral test to ascertain the acquisition of the required knowledge and skills. The exercises concern a simple reinforced concrete structure and a steel structure to be designed according to current regulations. The written test concerns the resolution of a hyperstatic structure and the design/verification of reinforced concrete or steel sections. The final oral examination lasts approximately 20 minutes, without the aid of supporting material (textbooks or notes), and normally covers the following topics:

1. exercises focusing on the resolution of hyperstatic structures;
2. design, calculation and verification of reinforced concrete and steel elements;
3. theoretical aspects relating to the above programme;
4. discussion of the project deliverables.

Students who demonstrate mastery and operational ability about the key concepts illustrated in the teaching, and in particular a good command of the methods for solving structures and the correct application of design and verification techniques, are guaranteed to pass the examination.

Failure to pass the examination may be due to serious deficiencies in design work, insufficient knowledge of basic concepts such as statics and kinematics of structures, concepts of balance and congruence, or lack of command of technical language.

Teaching tools

Blackboard, overhead projector, digital slides and lecture recordings.

Downloadable material via the virtuale.unibo.it platform.

Office hours

See the website of Marco Savoia

See the website of Luca Pozza