Construction Science

The course aims to provide basic knowledge of the statics and kinematics of rigid and deformable bodies and to analyze the structural response and stability of structures composed of solid beams. The knowledge acquired will provide the basis for the technical skills necessary for the design of safe, sustainable, and resilient structures and infrastructures in accordance with points 4, 9, and 11 of the 2030 Agenda.

Specifically, the expected learning outcomes are:

DD1 Knowledge of scientific terminology, the scientific method, common mechanical quantities, and fundamental concepts of equilibrium, stress, and strain within the context of the mechanics of elastic solids.

DD2 Ability to apply acquired knowledge of mechanics to understand the methodologies for the analysis and design of civil structures.

DD3 Ability to critically evaluate calculation results and approximations arising from underlying assumptions, and to make decisions based on one's structural knowledge and understanding.

DD4 Ability to communicate knowledge effectively, both in writing and orally, using appropriate terminology. Ability to present the results of an exercise clearly and concisely, using graphs, equations, reaction diagrams, and/or other visual representations. Ability to work in a group, effectively communicating one's own ideas and listening to those of others.

DD5 Ability to self-assess the learning skills required to undertake further studies with a high degree of autonomy.

The courses of Rational Mechanics and Mathematical Analysis II are required as  prerequisite.

Structural Engineering: course contents and objectives, mathematical tools and structural models, material strength and structural forms.

Kinematics and statics of rigid bodies: constraints and forces, constraints and reactions, kinematic and static problems, duality and the virtual work equation; stress characteristics in beams; lattice systems.

Mechanics of elastic solids: strain analysis: components of the strain tensor and the rigid rotation tensor, relationships between displacement and strain fields, congruence equations; stress analysis: components of the stress tensor, equilibrium equations, the Cauchy tetrahedron, principal axes, tensor invariants, Mohr circles for plane and spatial states; expressions for the work of internal and external forces; virtual work equation for deformable bodies; the linear elastic constitutive law; elastic potential energy and complementary energy, Clapeyron's theorem, Betti's and Castigliano's theorems; the elastic problem, uniqueness of the solution, solution of the elastic problem in terms of displacement components or in terms of stresses.

Beam theory: the Saint Venant problem, simple and compound stresses, normal force, straight and deviated bending, stress axis; neutral axis; deflection axis; eccentric normal force; uniform torsion: cross-section of any shape, solid and hollow circular cross-section, the torsion factor; the hydrodynamic analogy, double-connected thin-walled sections (Bredt theory), thin-walled rectangular cross-section, composite cross-sections; nonuniform bending or bending and shear stress: Jourawsky's approximate treatment, single-connected sections, single-connected thin-walled sections, double-connected thin-walled sections, the shear center, the shear factor.

Strength of materials: mechanical properties of materials; phenomenological analysis; uniaxial load tests; ductile and brittle materials; elasticity; point strength criteria; safety verification: ideal equivalent stress; the method of allowable stresses.

Structural theory: elastic deformation of straight-axis beams; Elastic and inelastic curvatures; beam systems: force method for one-dimensional hyperstatic systems, overview of the displacement method.

During the lessons, midterm tests are administered. Passing these tests allows students to directly access a simplified oral exam. Access to the midterm tests is subject to attendance. The texts of some midterm tests from previous academic years are available online on the instructor's webpage.

Students who do not take or fail the midterm tests may also take the exam through a single written and oral exam. The written exam, a preliminary to the oral exam, consists of three distinct sections: the first requires the solution of a hyperstatic structure; the second may include the calculation of displacements and stresses on the cross-sections of a horizontal-axis isostatic structure, with a possible resistance test. The third section will cover theoretical questions covering the entire syllabus. To be admitted to the oral exam, students must achieve a passing grade in all sections. The (final) oral exam must be held within a few days of the written exam. The oral exam will test the theoretical and practical knowledge of the topics covered during the course. Evaluation of the exam is based on the following criteria: level of knowledge of the required topics, expressive ability and command of language, ability to apply knowledge to simple case studies, and ability to connect the various topics of the course. How to register for an exam: Booking on the university portal. Eight exam sessions are scheduled throughout the year, as per the academic calendar.

The assessment and objectives of the tests are described below.