OVERVIEW

The course illustrates the principles of structural design, starting with the fundamental concepts of structural safety. It introduces steel structures, addressing the topic of truss structures and the verification of axially loaded elements. It then moves on to the theory of reinforced concrete construction, with particular reference to the verification of individual structural elements (beams and columns) against various stresses, as well as serviceability and ultimate limit states. Furthermore, the principles of modern seismic design are described. [1]

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The fundamentals of structural safety are illustrated. The principles of modeling and analysis of structural systems, collapse mechanisms, and the fundamentals of seismic design (capacity design) are described. Steel structures are introduced, with particular reference to truss structures and the response of elements to axial loading. In particular, reinforced concrete structures are covered, starting with a brief historical evolution of this construction system.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students will master the fundamentals of structural safety and acquire the necessary knowledge to verify and design reinforced concrete structural elements under various internal actions. Steel truss structures will also be introduced. Classroom exercises will allow students to consolidate these skills through a "learning by doing" approach. Furthermore, they will be able to conceptualize the structural layout of a residential building, ensuring compatibility with the basic principles of seismic design.

PREREQUISITES

Students attending the course are expected to have acquired the knowledge from the Strength of Materials course. Prior completion of the Building Technology course is highly recommended. 

TEACHING METHODS

The course is divided into lectures and practical exercises.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Structural Systems: steel structures, single/multi-story buildings, floor and vertical bracing.
Safety and Actions: structural reliability, semi-probabilistic methods, SLS and ULS, load classification and combinations.
Steel Material: production, profiles, mechanical properties, lab testing.
Axial Resistance: ULS for tension, compression, and buckling of members.
Reinforced concrete structures: historical overview and technological aspects.Basic principles of the response of reinforced concrete elements.Verification of a section under bending and combined axial and bending stress, assuming elastic behavior and concrete with zero tensile strength.Ultimate Limit State (ULS) verification of a section under bending or combined axial and bending stress.Shear verification of reinforced concrete slabs and beams (truss model with variable inclination strut).Torsion verification.Serviceability Limit State (SLS) verification: cracking and deflection.Typology, design, and verification of foundation structures (specifically isolated footings and inverted T-beams).Alternative design solutions for staircases: flight slabs; cranked beams with cantilever steps.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

upporting teaching materials available on Aulaweb. 
E. Cosenza, G. Manfredi e M. Pecce (2019) Strutture in cemento armato: basi della progettazione (terza edizione). Hoepli.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

https://corsi.unige.it/corsi/11949/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

oral interview

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The oral exam consists of a discussion on the topics included in the program covered during this first module.

FURTHER INFORMATION

All course information is provided in class or through Aulaweb.