Learning objectives
Knowledge and understanding:
At the end of the course, the student will learn the theoretical bases and the fundamental methodologies for the design and verification of the structural elements of a masonry building subjected to static actions. The student will also deepen the study of existing masonry and reinforced concrete buildings, with reference to the different stages of the knowledge process, the most common aspect of vulnerability, as well as the corresponding intervention techniques.
Applying knowledge and understanding:
The student should acquire all those skills which are the basis of a conscious design of masonry buildings subjected to static actions. The student will also learn the methodological steps of the vulnerability assessment of existing masonry and reinforced concrete buildings, as well as the most common intervention criteria and the consequent technical solutions for the strengthening of the structural elements.
Making judgements:
The student will govern the procedures ruling current design practice and the structural assessment of existing masonry buildings, through a continuous link between theoretical knowledge and practical applications. The student should understand and evaluate in a critical manner the main aspects governing the conception, the design and the execution of a new building, as well as the static assessment of an existing structure.
Communication skills: The confidence gained through the connection between theoretical knowledge and practical applications, will allow the student to obtain the necessary skills for results presentation, by adopting an appropriate terminology. The student will be expected to convey the main topics of the course both in oral and written form.
Learning skills:
The student will be able to design the structural elements of a masonry building. The student will be also able to manage the different steps that are necessary for the knowledge of existing masonry and reinforced concrete buildings, to identify the most critical aspects of its behavior and to design a possible intervention.
Finally, the student will be able to deepen its knowledge on structural design topics through an independent consultation of books and scientific journals, so to effectively face up the working experience or undertake further training courses.
Prerequisites
The courses of Structural Mechanics, and Structural Engineering are helpful.
Course unit content
The course deals with the basic principles related to the design of new masonry buildings subjected to static loads, as well as to the assessment of the structural safety of existing masonry and reinforced concrete buildings, by also illustrating the possible strengthening strategies. The contents of the course are listed below:
1. Introduction to masonry structures. Construction techniques and typologies of existing masonry buildings.
2. Mechanical characterization of masonry.
3. Structural behavior of masonry structures and design rules for new buildings; rules for “simple masonry buildings”.
4. Design of masonry walls under static loads: simplified dimensioning. Verification of unreinforced masonry walls subjected to vertical loading. Unreinforced masonry walls subjected to shear loading. Unreinforced masonry walls subjected to combined vertical and lateral loading.
5. Construction techniques of existing diaphragms: reinforced concrete, steel and timber floors.
6. Knowledge of existing buildings: general information and history, dimensional survey, inspection of structural details, simulated design, material testing. Knowledge levels and confidence factors.
7. Vulnerability and damage aspects of existing masonry and reinforced concrete buildings.
8. Restoration and strengthening techniques.
9. Structural monitoring.
Full programme
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Bibliography
- Gersi, A., Lenza P. e Calderoni, B., "Edifici in muratura alla luce della nuova normativa sismica", Dario Flaccovio Ed.
- Carbone I.V., Fiore A., Pistone G., "Le costruzioni in muratura", Hoepli.
- Mastrodicasa S., “Dissesti statici delle strutture edilizie”, Hoepli.
- Pisani M.A., “Consolidamento delle strutture”, Hoepli.
- Antonucci A., “Restauro e recupero degli edifici a struttura muraria”, Maggioli.
All the teaching material (Powerpoint slides) is available via the portal elly.dia.unipr.it.
The students are strongly recommended to check periodically Elly web site, since it represents the only tool used by the teacher to communicate with the students themselves. The teaching material relative to all the topics covered during the lessons (whose knowledge will be required at the final examination), as well as the notices/communications relative to the course are reported on this site.
Teaching methods
The course is structured in traditional frontal lectures, also with Powerpoint presentations. Theoretical concepts are applied during the course by carrying out several design examples.
Assessment methods and criteria
The students, forming groups of 2-3 persons, should draw up a calculation report on an existing building, by identifying the main structural vulnerabilities and designing the strengthening intervention for some structural elements.
This calculation report and the related topics, previously illustrated during the lessons in the classroom, will be discussed with the teacher during the oral examination. The oral examination will be taken by the whole group.
For the students of the first cycle degree, each oral question has a score is from 0 to 30; the final examination rating is calculated as the weighted mean of the these scores, rounding up. The examination is passed with a final score greater than 18.
For the students of the second cycle degree, a suitability is reached.
Other information
Being a laboratory, it is preferable to attend the lessons.
