LEARNING OUTCOMES

Basic knowledge in technological characteristics of reinforced concrete buildings. Analysis of the pathologies and degradation of constructive elements.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

This course is intended to provide students with the basic knowledge to understand the main technical characteristics of a building with a reinforced concrete structure. In this regard, all those aspects related to the design, execution and correct maintenance of the constructive elements will be examined in depth.
At the end of the course, students will be able to

- recognise those historical evolutionary factors that have favoured the diffusion of reinforced concrete as the primary construction material;
- understand the chemical-physical properties of building materials in order to use them in design consciously;
- being able to discretise the entire building into its construction elements, being able to analyse its structure, function and state of preservation;
- be capable of recognising and assessing the leading causes of degradation of building elements in the reinforced concrete building. 

TEACHING METHODS

The course mainly involves frontal lectures. However, the course also includes further supplementary activities such as seminars by external guests, visits to building and civil engineering sites, and on-site tours of companies producing building materials and components subject to study.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

In order to achieve a complete understanding of the building typology and its role in the contemporary building heritage, the following macro-themes will be covered
- the historical evolution of construction techniques in the realisation of reinforced concrete buildings;
-the main physical and chemical properties of the materials used in buildings with a reinforced concrete structure;
-the conformation of construction elements (floors, roofing, external infills, doors and windows, etc.);
-the analysis and evaluation of the main deterioration phenomena inherent to structural and completion elements.