Performance and safety control of structural materials and members

Academic Year 2026/2027 - Teacher: NINO SPINELLA

Expected Learning Outcomes

Ability to analyze the behavior of structures and understand their calculation models.

In-depth knowledge of Limit State checks of reinforced concrete and steel structural members.

Ability to manage and evaluate the assessment calculations of reinforced concrete and steel structures: evaluation of the material properties, formulation of the investigation plan and evaluation of the performance of the structural members.

Course Structure

The topics covered by the course will be illustrated through lectures. Numerical examples and applications will be carried out in the classroom to show the practical applications of the theoretical topics covered. The interaction between students and teachers, especially during the execution of practical applications, will allow the teachers to monitor the learning level of the students.

Required Prerequisites

Knowledge of the behavior of linear elastic members: analysis of statically determined and statically undetermined structural schemes, evaluation of internal forces and analysis of the stress fields of the cross-section. Navier's formula and Jourawsky's formula.

Attendance of Lessons

Attendance at classes is strongly recommended.

Detailed Course Content

Behavior models of materials (concrete and steel), resistant mechanisms of structural members and loads (types and combinations).

Main internal force conditions of structural members and related limit state checks: tension, compression, bending moment, shear, etc.

Contribution of course to the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

GOAL 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

Target: 9.1, 9.4, 9.5

GOAL 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

Target 11.4, 11.5, 11.6, 11.b, 11.c

GOAL 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

Target: 12.2, 12.a

Textbook Information

1. Verifica e progetto di aste in acciaio. Aurelio Ghersi, Edoardo M. Marino, Pier Paolo Rossi, Francesca Barbagallo, Dario Flaccovio Editore. (in Italian)

2. Il cemento armato: Le basi della progettazione strutturale esposte in maniera semplice ma rigorosa. Aurelio Ghersi, Dario Flaccovio Editore. (in Italian)

3. Strutture in cemento armato. Basi della progettazione. Edoardo Cosenza, Gaetano Manfredi, Marisa Pecce. Hoepli Editrice. (in Italian)

4. Slides and notes of the teachers

Course Planning

	Subjects	Text References
1	Analysis and verification of steel structural members	Verifica e progetto di aste in acciaio. Aurelio Ghersi, Edoardo M. Marino, Pier Paolo Rossi, Francesca Barbagallo, Dario Flaccovio Editore. (in Italian)
2	Analysis and verification of reinforced concrete structural members	Il cemento armato: Le basi della progettazione strutturale esposte in maniera semplice ma rigorosa. Aurelio Ghersi, Dario Flaccovio Editore. (in Italian)

Learning Assessment

Learning Assessment Procedures

The student will be evaluated based on oral examination. During the examination, numerical exercises related to practical cases could be also required.

Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises

All the topics of the course are asked with the same frequency. The questions can concern theoretical aspects or they can be asked in the form of numerical exercises to be solved. By way of example, the following are some options:

1. Provided the description of a structure, the student must illustrate the modeling and the methods of analysis for the evaluation of the structural response

2. Once a simple structure or a structural element has been assigned, the student will have to determine the load that involves reaching a limit state

3. If a structural problem has been indicated, the student must illustrate the physical phenomenon and / or the theoretical formulation and / or the related regulatory requirements

Degree Course in

Construction Management and Safety