72770 - Theory Of Structures M

Academic Year 2025/2026

  • Docente: Luisa Molari
  • Credits: 6
  • SSD: ICAR/08
  • Language: Italian
  • Teaching Mode: In-person learning (entirely or partially)
  • Campus: Bologna
  • Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Civil Engineering (cod. 0930)

    Also valid for Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Civil Engineering (cod. 6709)

Learning outcomes

With the achievement of credits, the student knows advanced tools Structural Mechanicsanddevelops knowledge of building science to arrive in the disposal of general structural problems and the theory of two-dimensional flat and curved solid.

Course contents

The course is organized into the following thematic modules:

1. Elasto-Plastic Behavior of Structures
  • Introduction to plasticity theory.

  • Incremental analysis for determining the mechanism and collapse load of planar beam systems.

  • Limit analysis for determining the mechanism and collapse load of planar beam systems.

2. Structural Instability
  • Energy-based approach

  • Discrete systems

  • Continuous systems

  • Second-order displacements and deformations

  • Column under axial load with flexural instability

  • Column under axial load with flexural-torsional instability

  • Bent beam with flexural-torsional instability

  • Analysis of portals and frames

3. Natural Materials and Structural Sustainability
  • Introduction to innovative natural materials

  • Structural implications and potential applications

Readings/Bibliography

Primary Texts:

  • L. Corradi Dell’Acqua, Structural Mechanics – Vol. 1

  • L. Corradi Dell’Acqua, Structural Mechanics – Vol. 2

  • L. Corradi Dell’Acqua, Structural Mechanics – Vol. 3

Supplementary Materials and Online Resources:

  • Bio-fibre project [https://bio-fibre.org/]

Additional teaching materials may be provided by the instructor during the course.

Teaching methods

The course is primarily based on lectures, in which the theoretical foundations of the discipline are developed.

During lectures, practical examples and significant structural problems will also be discussed, with the aim of:

  • Clarifying the physical meaning of theoretical models

  • Developing the ability to formulate and interpret structural problems

  • Consolidating students’ analytical skills

Students are encouraged to actively participate in discussions and problem-solving activities.

Assessment methods

Learning outcomes are evaluated through a final examination consisting of a written test and an oral test.

Written Test

The written test consists of solving an exercise related to limit analysis and the failure calculation of structural systems. The test is designed to assess:

  • The ability to apply the studied theoretical methods

  • Correct problem formulation

  • The capacity to interpret obtained results

Oral Test

The oral test consists of a discussion with the instructor on the theoretical content of the course and methodological aspects of structural mechanics. In particular, the oral test assesses:

  • Understanding of theoretical principles

  • Ability to connect different topics covered in the course

  • Independent judgment in interpreting structural phenomena

The final grade considers both theoretical knowledge and practical skills demonstrated by the student.

Teaching tools

Lectures are conducted by the instructor using a blackboard, allowing progressive development of theoretical demonstrations and analytical procedures.

Any additional materials may be made available to students during the course.

Office hours

See the website of Luisa Molari

SDGs

Quality education Sustainable cities Climate Action

This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.