The course deals with structural materials and systems which are not usually covered in the basic courses of "Strength of Materials" and "Structural Engineering". The following topics will be described: three-dimensional trusses and grid structures; tensile structures, glulam structures, structural glass. Some notions of computational mechanics (finite element methods) will be given in order to enable the students to use a commercial finite element code, for the analysis of simple structures, with due awareness.

More specifically the topis covered in the course are:

1. Some notions on the finite element method for structural analysis. Use of a commercial FE code to analyze simple structures (trusses, beams, frames, etc.).

2. Three-dimensional trusses and grids. Structural types, types of nodes, analysis examples, examples of realized projects.

3. Tensile structures (cable and membrane structures). Statics of cables, types of cable nets, types of membrane structures; introduction to form-finding methods (force density method); mechanical characteristics of the coated fabrics used as membranes.

4. Structural glued laminated timber (glulam). Mechanical properties of wood. Fabrication of glulams. Connections. Design of glulam members (straight beams, tapered and curved beams, columns) and of simple structural systems.

5. Structural glass. Properties and types of glass. Laminated glass. Glass facades, construction details. Structural glass beams and fins.

At the end of the course there will be be an oral exam. Each student has to carry out two in-depth studies on two topics among those dealt with in the course, writing two reports. Besides, working knowledge on the use of a commercial finite element code (for the analysis of simple structures) will be verified.