The development of a suitable solution to structural design requires, first of all, the selection of a construction material and, subsequently, the adoption of a structural typology, also with reference to the specific actions characterizing the design problem. Finally, each single structural element can be considered, defining suitable dimensions and verifying that the stress state induced by external actions is compatible with the material resistance properties. The above design process is discussed within the course. With reference to common building codes, the definition of design actions is discussed and the behaviour of columns and beams subject to axial load, bending and shear actions is investigated. Concrete and steel are considered the main construction materials and the corresponding typical structural typologies are presented.

Students:

- gain knowledge and understanding of theories, techniques and tools useful in structural conception and its dimensioning, in compliance with the current regulatory framework;

- are capable of analysing buildings, based on material properties, structural typologies and load analysis, in compliance with current regulations;

- are capable of dimensioning structural elements in the relationship between form and structure.

The topics treated are:

• solution of statically indeterminate systems with an introduction to automatic calculation (computational methods);
• loads applied on the structure and their definition with reference to current European standards;
• load distribution and application on structural and non-structural elements;
• introduction to the semi-probabilistic limit state method;
• design of steel structures (steel constitutive relationship, classification of steel cross-sections, flexural and shear design of steel beams, buckling of axially loaded elements, bolted and welded joints);
• design of reinforced concrete (RC) structures (concrete constitutive relationships, classification of concrete, flexural and shear design of RC beams and columns, axially loaded elements).

The assessment procedure will include both written and oral tests to assess knowledge, understanding, and communication skills learnt by the student. In particular, there will be two partial written tests during the semester concerning the solution of statically indeterminate systems and design of steel and RC elements. The two partial written tests are non mandatory. If the student fails one of the partial written tests during the semester, he/she will be have to take one of the final written exams on the same topics. Finally, there will be an optional oral test with theoretical questions on topics covered in the program. 

The assessment procedure described above, i.e. two written tests + optional oral test or final written exam + optional oral test, is the same for attending and non-attending students.