31448 - Fundamentals of Structural Engineering M

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course students will gain the necessary knowledge concerning: structural analysis methods for statically redundant structures, design methods for simple R/C or steel structures, common construction details, and the most important methodologies for the execution of structural elements. Students will be also able to face and understand the principal technical standards for structural design.

Course contents

REQUIREMENTS

Students enrolled in the course must be able to manage the principal methods for the resolution of isostatic and basing methods for solving simple statically redundant structures (such as force method, displacement method, virtual work principle, etc…), must have a sound knowledge of the beam’s theory and of section analysis for linear homogeneous materials. Students must also be familiar with the concepts equilibrium and compatibility and the main aspects of the statics.

The aforementioned topics are covered in the courses “Meccanica Razionale T” and “Scienza delle costruzioni T”.

All the lectures will be held in Italian Language. It is mandatory a good comprehension of the Italian language to attend and understand the lectures and in order to manage the teaching materials provided during the course. The Italian language familiarity is also necessary to attend the final exam (oral exam).

PROGRAM

1. ANALYSIS OF STATICALLY REDUNDAND STRUCTURES

1.1. Symmetric loading conditions for structures.

1.2. Force and displacement methods.

1.3. Non-sway frames: rotational stiffness evaluation (Hardy-Cross method).

1.4. Shear type frames: translational stiffness evaluation (Shear-Type frames).

1.5. Sway frames.

1.6. Stiffness matrix, direct method.

2. DESIGN/VERIFICATION OF REINFORCED CONCRETE (R/C) STRUCTURES

2.1. Reference standards. Limit state design approach. Elements of probability theory. General rules of the limit states design.

2.2. Actions on structures. Variable actions on structures (snow, wind, etc...). Load case combinations.

2.3. Materials.

R/C: Technology; mechanical characterization, conformity, tests;

Steel: strength classes, requirements, conformity; anchorage length of rebars.

2.4. Working stress method (brief).

General rules and hypotheses. Homogenization coefficient. Analysis of R/C sections in bending. Preliminary criteria for structural elements.

2.5. Limit state design method for the R/C.

Constitutive laws for materials. Failure modes for cross sections in bending. Ultimate moment for bending actions. Verification and design of elements against shear actions. Elements subjected to axial and bending actions: interaction between M-N. Simplified rules for design and verification of element.

3. STRUCTURAL R/C ELEMENTS: TYPE OF ELEMENTS AND GENERAL RULES OF DESIGN

3.1. Design of slabs

Loads definition. Type of structural elements. One-way slabs: Design rules, multiple supports structural model, reinforcement layout, verification against bending and shear actions.

3.2. Design of R/C frames

Identification of the structural layout. Type of beams. Simplified methods for the evaluation of the internal actions and preliminary design of the elements. Loading conditions. Design criteria and reinforcement layout. Detailing rules.

3.3. Design of columns.

Preliminary design of columns. Loading conditions. Design criteria and reinforcement layout. Detailing rules.

3.4. Design of foundations.

Loads on the foundations. Continuous (beams) and isolated foundations (squat or slender footings). Simplified analysis of continuous foundations. General design rules. Detailing and reinforcement layout.

4. STRUCTURAL STEEL ELEMENTS: TYPE OF ELEMENTS AND GENERAL RULES OF DESIGN

General design rules. Verification of elements (classes 1-3) against tension, compression, shear and bending actions. Deformation limits. Stability of compressed elements, Eluer’s theory and real behavior of compressed elements. Bolted connections. Welded connections.

Readings/Bibliography

SUGGESTED BOOKS (IN ITALIAN):

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 STANDARDS:

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 on theoretical topics. Lectures on the technological aspect for the design of R/C or steel structures. Lectures on structural design examples.

Assessment methods

The learning assessment of the student is carried out through the development of two design projects and an oral final exam, which will establish the achievement of the requested knowledge. The projects assigned consist in the design of a simple R/C frame and a steel roof according to the Italian Building Code. The final oral exam takes about 45 minutes. No support from teaching material is allowed.

The oral examination consists normally of three questions that concern:

1. Exercises on the resolution of hyper static structures;
2. Design and calculation of R/C or steel elements;
3. Theoretical questions concerning the course program;
4. Discussion of the projects.

Final passing grades will be granted to students who demonstrate a sufficient understanding of the key concepts discussed in the course, and in particular to a good grasp of the methods of resolution of the structures and the correct application of the design and verification rules.

Failing grades will correspond to serious deficiencies in the design projects, insufficient knowledge of the basic concepts of the subject or inappropriate use of the technical language.

Teaching tools

Blackboard, Projector, PowerPoint Presentations.

Downloadable support material will be available through e-mail distribution lists. The submission to the e-mail distribution lists will be allowed during the first lectures of the course.

Office hours

See the website of Andrea Benedetti

See the website of Nicola Buratti