The Structural Design course is structured to provide students with the following skills: - Knowledge of the theoretical basis of seismic structural design and the relevant regulatory references; - Ability to develop a theoretical model of a real structure in terms of structural geometry, constraints, materials and applied forces. - Know how to develop a numerical model of a real structure, combining the above theoretical modelling skills, the theoretical knowledge of finite elements already acquired in previous courses, and the operational tools available in the profession (FEM - SAP programmes). - Know how to recognise the many formal, technical, economic, environmental, and social issues underlying structural design. - Know how to develop comprehensive solutions for the design of structures that organically integrate the various requirements of building construction. - Know how to prepare and draft comprehensive technical documents for the structural design.
Lectures on the topics listed above. Workshop activities carried out in groups (composed of 2-3 students).
Theoretical activities:
Seismic design of structures Elements of seismology, structural morphology and seismic response of buildings, fundamentals of dynamics of systems with one or more degrees of freedom, modal analysis, definition of seismic response spectrum; structural analysis methods for seismic design, design criteria, resistance hierarchy.
Structural modelling (SAP) Approaches to structural modelling of buildings, theoretical references to the finite element method, geometric modelling (from CAD to FEM model), modelling of constraints, modelling of actions (forces, displacements and accelerations), constitutive modelling of materials, analysis methods, extrapolation and management of results for structural verification purposes.
Workshop activities: Workshop activities will include two exercises:
1) Finite element modelling using SAP software The exercise consists of finite element modelling of a simple assigned structure and the dimensioning of its structural elements based on the results provided by the structural analysis. A 3D model will be created and analysed using linear static analysis with equivalent static forces and dynamic modal analysis with response spectrum. At the end of the exercise, a structural calculation report must be drawn up. Objective: to learn the basic tools of modelling with SAP; to learn how to analyse a structure subject to seismic actions using linear static analysis and dynamic modal analysis with response spectrum; to learn how to extrapolate the results in order to carry out regulatory checks on the structural elements; to learn how to draw up a calculation report.
2) Integrated design of a structure The exercise consists of designing a structure as part of an architectural project (definition of the static scheme, definition of the foundation system, dimensioning of structural elements, design of connections). The project must take into account the perceptual, functional and technological aspects of architecture, as well as the economic, environmental and construction aspects of the building. Objectives: to provide the methodological and operational tools for defining a structural design, to raise awareness of the multitude of issues (technical, economic, architectural, social, etc.) that contribute to the definition of such a design, to develop synthesis skills.
The timetable for this course is available here: EasyAcademy
