The module aims to provide fundamental concepts on the equilibrium, deformability, and strength of structures, necessary for understanding the basic aspects of structural design. The student will acquire methodologies to describe the mechanical behaviour of beams and trusses, including principles for controlling strength and deformability in relation to the materials adopted. Significant examples drawn from built architecture will be referenced to achieve the objectives.
The course aims to provide fundamental concepts of equilibrium, deformability, and structural strength, necessary for understanding the basic aspects of structural design. The primary objective is to develop the ability to represent statically determinate systems and determine their equilibrium conditions in accordance with the principles of rigid system statics. The second objective is to acquire methodologies for describing the mechanical behavior of elastic systems, including the principles for controlling resistance and deformability in relation to the materials used. To achieve these objectives, significant structural examples will be examined. By the end of the course, students will have mastered the fundamentals of material strength and structural mechanics, described the behavior of rigid bodies under the action of external and internal forces, described the behavior of elastic structures from the perspective of stress and deformation analysis, and analyzed and solved structural analysis problems.
Teaching is delivered through theoretical lectures and practical exercises, conducted in classroom. Although students are not required to attend classes, attendance is strongly recommended.
Recommended books:
Other suggested books:
Ricevimento: Appointments are available upon request by writing to the instructor at: paolo.dire@unige.it
STEFANIA DEGLI ABBATI (President)
PAOLO DI RE (President)
ELISA TOZZI (President)
Week of January 12, 2026
Class schedule: https://corsi.unige.it/corsi/11428/studenti-orario
ELEMENTS OF STRUCTURAL MECHANICS
The exam includes a written test and an oral test.
The exams are designed to assess the student's ability to solve applied problems related to the mechanical behavior of structures.
The written exam consists of solving application examples that simulate real-world structural problems. The oral exam consists of a discussion of the results of the written exam and a deepening of the student's theoretical knowledge. A successful written exam is required for admission to the oral exam.
Students with a valid physical or learning disability certification and wishing to benefit from compensatory tools for lessons and exams must submit a request using the digital service available on the website https://unige.it/studenti-con-disabilita.
