Learning objectives
Knowledge and understanding:
The course, which is configured as a continuation of the Structural Mechanics course, aims to deepen the basic structural skills of the students. In particular, at the end of the course, the student will have acquired the theoretical basis and application tools for the analysis of the static behaviour of structures containing elements such as cables, arches, plates and shells.
Applying knowledge and understanding:
At the end of the course, the student will have acquired the ability to understand and evaluate through simple calculation models the static behaviour of one-dimensional (cables and arches) and two-dimensional (plates and shells) elements typically present in architecturally relevant structures.
Communication skills:
At the end of the course, the student should have acquired an adequate property of language, as regards the specific technical terminology of teaching, and be able to properly present and discuss the covered topics.
Prerequisites
The student must be confident with the concepts of force balance and mechanical behaviour of simple structures (reactions, internal actions, deformation), already addressed in the Structural Mechanics course.
Course unit content
1. Systems of forces
2. Static response of cables
3. Equilibrium of arches
4. Equilibrium of plates
5. Equilibrium of shells
Full programme
Systems of forces.
Operations with 2D forces. Funicular. Exercises.
Static response of cables.
Introduction. Fundamentals of statics of cables and tensile structures. Case of very stretched cables. Case of slightly stretched cables. Cables under self-weight: parabolic and catenary configurations. Examples and applications.
Equilibrium of arches.
Introduction. Isostatic arches: reactions and internal forces. Three hinge arches. Round arches, parabolic arches, and segmental arches. Examples and applications.
Equilibrium of plates.
Sophie Germain-Lagrange hypothesis; displacement, strain and stress components, elastic surface equation (or Germain-Lagrange), boundary conditions. Approximate solution for rectangular plates. Exercises.
Equilibrium of shells.
Fundamentals of statics of shells, such as tanks and domes. Definition of geometric and load characteristics. Stress components in the membrane regime. Examples and applications.
Bibliography
- O.Belluzzi, “Scienza delle Costruzioni” Vol.I e Vol.III, Zanichelli Ed., Bologna, 1967.
- Al. Carpinteri, “Scienza delle Costruzioni” Vol.I e Vol.II, Pitagora Ed., Bologna, 1995.
- V. Di Berardino, “Esercizi di Scienza delle Costruzioni” Vol.I, Edizioni scientifiche Siderea, Roma, 1969.
- E. Viola, “Esercitazioni di Scienza delle Costruzioni” Vol.I, Pitagora Ed., Bologna, 1985.
- E. Giangreco, “Teoria e Tecnica delle Costruzioni” Vol.III, Liguori Ed., Napoli, 1985.
- P. Pozzati, “Teoria e Tecnica delle Strutture” Vol.II, UTET, Torino, 1993.
- Frei Otto, Bodo Rasch “Finding Form: Towards an Architecture of the Minimal”, Axel Menges, 1996.
Teaching material is available via website Elly of the university.
Teaching methods
The course consists of theoretical lectures and practical exercises. For each covered topic, the exercises are intended to provide the student to become familiar with the solutions to the problems previously formulated in theoretical form.
Theoretical lectures are delivered both on the blackboard and by projecting slides.
For each theoretical topic, the practical exercises are planned in two ways:
- initially, by using the projection of slides to explain the solution methodology;
- subsequently, students are asked to solve some exercises in the classroom, and a collective discussion on the problems encountered follows.
Assessment methods and criteria
The assessment of student learning is formulated on the basis of a final oral exam.
The final exam is weighted as follows:
- 70% application of theoretical concepts to practical cases (applying knowledge and understanding) (21/30);
- 20% questions on theoretical concepts (knowledge and understanding) (6/30);
- 10% ability to present scientific topics with the right technical words (communication skill) (3/30).
Other information
It is strongly recommended to attend the classes.
