The objective of the course is to provide students with sound theoretical bases and essential implementation skills of computationally oriented structural analysis methods for proper application to complex real-world engineering problems.

The expected learning outcomes encompass: (1) Solid knowledge and in-depth understanding of computational methods and programming techniques for structural analysis; (2) Ability to apply knowledge and understanding to linear and nonlinear analysis of frames, plates, shells, and solid structures; (3) Critical thinking and communication skills for effective teamwork in solving structural analysis problems of real civil engineering systems, including buildings and bridges and addressing specific modeling issues of steel structures, concrete structures, cable-supported systems, and deteriorating structures.

I - MATRIX ANALYSIS OF FRAMED STRUCTURES. Principle of Virtual Work. Principles of Virtual Forces and Virtual Displacements. Matrix formulation of the Force and Displacement Methods. Modelling of frame systems. Stiffness matrix. Equivalent nodal forces. Transformation of coordinates. Assembly. Rigid restraints and links. Solution of linear equation systems. Stress analysis.

II - ADVANCED TOPICS IN MATRIX STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS. Release of degree of freedoms. Beams with varying cross-section. Offsets. Shear walls. Grillages. Prestressing. Beams on elastic foundation. Elastic restraints and links. Imposed displacements. Inclined constraints. Conditioning of linear equation systems. Checking of results. Characteristic problems in modelling of frame systems.

III - FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS. Principle of Virtual Work applied to a continuum subdivided in elements. Finite Element Method. Convergence criteria (h and p). Isoparametric transformations. Numerical integration. Elements for plane, solid, and axisymmetric problems. Plate and shell elements. Finite Strip Method. Problems with geometrical and material non-linearity. Specialised elements for steel structures, concrete structures, and cable-supported systems. Basic aspects of elements with time-variant properties for life-cycle structural analysis.

• SDG9 - INDUSTRY, INNOVATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
• SDG11 - SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES

Requested background: Fundamentals of matrix analysis; Principles and methods of structural mechanics.

Grading is based on weekly evaluations of the progress of numerical laboratory assignments and final oral exam. Assignments involve teamwork and include programming of computer codes for structural analysis with benchmark testing and application to real structures, such as bridges under load testing. In the assignments students should demonstrate their teamwork proficiency and ability to apply knowledge and understanding acquired during the course to programming computational methods and solving advanced structural analysis problems. The oral exam consists of open questions on the course topics and in-depth discussion of the assignment reports aimed at assessing the students’ knowledge and understanding of theory, implementation, and proper application of computationally oriented structural analysis methods.

Lecture notes and slides are made available to students in attendance before each class session.

(Book in Italian)

(Book in Italian)

(Book in Italian)