95842 - Structural Concept Design

Learning outcomes

Once completed the course, the student owns an adequate knowledge of the theories and methods of structural design and he/she knows how to effectively integrate them in the definition of the project.

Course contents

Equilibrium and constraints
Review of rigid-body mechanics. Forces and moments. Equilibrium conditions in the plane. Fundamental constraints and their mechanical role. Degrees of freedom of structural systems. Distinction between statically indeterminate, statically determinate, and kinematically indeterminate systems. Examples of structural elements and systems in architecture.

Analysis of plane structures
Determination of support reactions using equilibrium equations. Simply supported beams and cantilever beams. Systems of beams and truss structures. Interpretation of typical loading conditions in architectural structures, including distributed loads and concentrated loads, and load transfer paths in basic structural elements.

Internal actions
Concept of axial force, shear force, and bending moment. Qualitative and quantitative diagrams of internal actions in structures subjected to concentrated and distributed loads. Interpretation of internal action diagrams for common architectural elements.

Stress and strength of materials
Concept of stress and strain. Allowable stress and safety factor. Mechanical behavior of common structural materials used in architecture, including ductile and brittle materials. Structural assessment under tension, compression, bending, and shear. Basic interpretation of material response in relation to structural safety and serviceability.

Resistant sections and shape optimization: geometry of areas
Definition of centroid, first moment of area, and second moment of area. Definition of principal axes of inertia, central ellipse of inertia, and kern of a section. Comparison between different section types, including rectangular, hollow, L-shaped, T-shaped, and I-shaped sections. Relationship between cross-sectional shape and stiffness. Influence of geometry on structural behavior. Applications to architectural structural elements.

Truss structures
Principles of truss behavior. Tension and compression members. Stability of equilibrium. Concept of slenderness in compressed members. Examples of truss systems in architecture.

Readings/Bibliography

Lecture notes, essential study material.

Russell C. Hibbeler (2017) Statics and Mechanics of Materials. 5th edition in SI units. Pearson.

Teaching methods

The course is organized into lectures, guided problem-solving sessions led by the instructor, and exercises to be completed independently by students as homework.

Assessment methods

Use of artificial intelligence during the exam
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support individual study through further explanations, summaries, and self-assessment activities. During the in-person examination, the use of artificial intelligence is not allowed in any form. Any use of AI during the exam constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Examination structure
The final examination consists of a written test and an oral examination.

The written test consists of two exercises involving the analysis of statically determinate structures, including beam systems and trusses, and the assessment of structural sections.

To pass the written test, students must obtain a sufficient score in both exercises. The written test is graded on a scale of 30 points, with a minimum passing grade of 18/30 and a maximum grade of 30/30.

Students who pass the written test are admitted to the oral examination. The oral examination consists of one question covering all topics included in the course and, where appropriate, a discussion of the homework assignments.

Written examinations are scheduled in January, February, June, July, and September.

Teaching tools

Teaching material presented during the lectures will be made available to students on https://virtuale.unibo.it/ using university credentials.

Office hours

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