The primary aim of the course is to introduce the students to the design techniques of the most widespread and applied structural elements. The design process will also take into account the correct integration of the structure with the architectural and the technical systems projects. The course will provide the students the knowledge to formulate and compare different admissible solutions of the structural problem in the framework of an optimization process.

Here is the essence of "conceptual design": provide a simple, effective and safe operating method to "activate" and "direct" the "draft" design process that produces a reasonable number of alternative solutions that meet the boundary conditions and can be subjected to the subsequent "optimization" process thus producing the final choice.

According to Dublin Descriptors (DD) passing the exam certifies the acquisition of the following results:

DD 1, (conoscenza e comprensione) (knowledge and understanding):

- conoscenza degli strumenti utili alla concezione degli schemi strutturali e al dimensionamento degli elementi strutturali - knowledge of the tools useful for the conceptual design of the structural elements and schemes;

DD 2, (capacità di applicare conoscenza e comprensione) (applying knowledge and understanding):

- capacità di definizione degli schemi strutturali e di dimensionamento degli elementi strutturali - ability to define structural schemes and dimensioning of structural elements;

DD 3 (autonomia di giudizio) (making judgements), DD 4 (abilità comunicative) (communication skills), DD 5 (capacità di apprendimento) (learning skills) :

- capacità di operare scelte progettuali in autonomia - ability to make design choices independently (DD 3, DD 5).

To achieve the above-mentioned goals, it is necessary to introduce “rough” design formulations based on the comparison between: the physical-mathematical model of the structure, the probabilistic evaluation of the structural response under possible critical events, laboratory and on-site tests, and finally taking into account the experience gained from similar construction projects. At the end, it should be clear that the structural design is the result of an iterative process based on a systematic procedure where the final draft of the project “reveals” itself after a series of successively improved sketches.

Specific topics are:

• The aims of the design
• The method
• Optimization criteria
• Life cycle analysis and sustainability
• Bracing systems
• 3D frames (reinforced concrete, steel, composite, other materials)
• Trussworks
• Vierendeel beams
• Arches
• Plates and slabs
• Shells
• Suspended and cable stayed structures.

Basic knowledge of structural analysis and design.

Practice works needs the following preliminary skills:

• XLS spreadsheets
• basic hand sketches or CAD software usage
• basic structural analysis tools: e.g. Gelfi, Ftool

During the practice hours four assignments should be carried out by team of 2 students. The topics covered by practice hours are selected among the ones presented in the course and applied to a real structural case. The achievement of the course's goals will be verified by means of an oral exam consisting of discussion of the submitted homework and open questions. Grade is individual and based as follows:

1) 50% oral discussion

2) 50% homework marks