21010036-2 - FUNDAMENTAL OF GEOTECHNICS

The objectives of the individual module help to define the set of objectives of the entire course.
Knowledge of the qualitative behavior and relative mathematical modeling of several structures: 2D and 3D frames, 2D and 3D pin-jointed trusses, shear-type frames and Vierendeel beams, Grid of beams under bending, arches, walls and load bearing partitions. Setting up a preliminary structural project. Notes on the classification, resistance and deformability of geotechnical materials.
In-depth analysis from architectural point of view in collaboration with the parallel Architectural Design Studio 1M.

Canali

teacher profile | teaching materials

Programme

1. Introductory classes
Introduction to structural design:
a) systems with simply or multiple supported span,
b) systems with structural overhang,
c) the structure of a multi-storey building.

2. Solid mechanics and beam model.
Statically determinate beam systems.
The Cauchy stress.
Introduction to mechanics of materials: steel, wood, reinforced concrete, glass. Characteristics strength and design strength. Basic concepts: elasticity and inelasticity, isotropy and anisotropy, fragility and ductility.
Bernoulli’s beam model and displacement fields in elastic beams.

3. Between Structural Mechanics and Structural Design.
Loads on structural elements: area of influence of a beam and a pillar.
Preliminary design of beams and a pillars. Stress and displacement analysis of simple beams, design checks. Cantilevers with variable section.
Design of a steel truss in 3D.
Statically indeterminate structures framed resolution methods: integration of the elastic line, force method and stiffness method. Features and benefits of the three methods. Applications of the force method and of the stiffness method. Shear-type frames – Vierendeel beams. Bracing systems: concepts and comparisons. The centre of a system of parallel vectors. The stiffness centre of a braced deck. Grid of beams under bending. Arches: circulars, parabolic. Concept of funicularity. Arch thrust and thrust elimination methods.
Introduction to 3D frames. Center of rigidity. Center of mass.
Introduction to structural dynamics. Resonance. Introduction to modal analysis. Applications to the preliminary design of framed structures.


4. Lessons of the software SAP2000 for modeling and analysis of the structures presented in the course.

Core Documentation

for the theoretical part of strength of materials:
Capecchi D., "Scienza delle Costruzioni", Ed. CISU, 1995 (in Italian)

for the structural design part:
Schodek D.L., “Structures”, any ed., Pearson (in English)
Sandaker B.N., Eggen A.P., Cruvellier M.R., “The structural basis of architecture”, 2nd ed., Routlege, Taylor and Francis, 2011

students can also download additional teaching material form the Course's MS Teams Channel, through dedicated sections
students will deliver assigned homeworks through MS OneDrive folders, that will be created and shared when the delivery deadline approaches


Reference Bibliography

Any additional teaching material will be indicated by the teacher during the classes and it will be published through the Course's MS Teams Channel

Type of delivery of the course

The course is developed through lectures, work and structural-design reviews and specific seminars. Two software for structural modeling will be explained and used. The Mathematica software for the qualitative solution of the problems related to the theoretical part. This tool allows students to understand the proposed physical-mathematical models as well as focus on the conceptualization of a structural problem. The SAP2000 software will be used to conceptualize and implement a structural model of the architectural project, and to evaluate the numerical response, once the design loads have been defined. This allows students to have a tool for the design of structural elements. In case of an extension of the emergency from COVID-19 outbreak, all the provisions that regulate the methods of carrying out the teaching activities and student assessment will be implemented. In particular, the following methods will apply: web classes and exams through the Microsoft Teams platform

Attendance

students who do not have at least 75% attendance will not be admitted to the final exam. The attendance is verified in class by the teacher

Type of evaluation

Individual homework are assigned during the course, to be delivered in written form and for which each student will be evaluated. The oral exam will focus on the theoretical topics, developed in class, and on the discussion of the project. The final project concerns the structural modeling and study of a selected part of an architectural project, in agreement with the teacher. It is delivered with drawings and a small report on the numerical model and structural analysis. In case of an extension of the emergency from COVID-19 outbreak, all the provisions that regulate the methods of carrying out the teaching activities and student assessment will be implemented. In particular, the following methods will apply: web classes and exams through the Microsoft Teams platform. Instructions for exams in remote mode: - the final project will be delivered in PDF format within the day before the exam. - The exam is carried out as an individual remote meeting with Microsoft Teams or other video conferencing platform. - It is necessary for the student to be able to share the screen, in order to show (if required) the ability to use the SAP2000 software and the Mathematica software. He / she must also be able to show (live streaming - with any useful platform, or by writing on a graphic tablet) a blank sheet on which he / she writes and explains the formulations required for the theoretical part, draws the structural schemes useful for the discussion and possibly draw analytical diagrams (deformed configurations and stress diagrams).