Performance and safety control of structural materials and members

Academic Year 2024/2025 - 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.

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.

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. Slides and notes of the teachers

Course Planning

 SubjectsText References
1Analysis and verification of steel structural membersVerifica e progetto di aste in acciaio. Aurelio Ghersi, Edoardo M. Marino, Pier Paolo Rossi, Francesca Barbagallo, Dario Flaccovio Editore. (in Italian)
2Analysis and verification of reinforced concrete structural membersIl 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

4. Even during the exam, the student must be able to set up and develop practical applications on the check of the structural types analyzed in the course