STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS AND DESIGN

The course aims to provide students with the fundamental concepts of Structural Mechanics and Construction Technology, with particular attention to materials and structural typologies most relevant in the field of Environmental Engineering. By the end of the course, the student will be able to understand the basic behavior of structural elements, analyze simple static schemes, and apply fundamental principles for the safety verification of elementary structural elements, also considering aspects of durability and environmental impact.

- Knowledge and understanding: The student will acquire basic knowledge on the behavior of structural materials (concrete and steel), on the actions acting on structures, and on the fundamental principles of structural analysis and verification.
- Applying knowledge and understanding: The student will be able to schematize simple structural systems, calculate internal forces in statically determinate elements, and apply basic concepts for the resistance verification of reinforced concrete and steel sections subjected to simple stress states.
- Making judgements: The student will be able to critically evaluate the structural safety of simple elements and recognize the implications of material choices and construction techniques on durability and the environment.
- Communication skills: The student will be able to communicate clearly and concisely the technical concepts learned, using appropriate terminology.
- Learning skills: The student will have developed the learning skills necessary to undertake further studies in the field of environmental infrastructure and to independently update their knowledge on topics related to structural design in specific environmental contexts.

Understanding of fundamental concepts of forces, vectors, equilibrium of rigid bodies, moments, friction, reference frames. This is crucial for tackling structural statics.
Solid foundations in Linear Algebra (vectors, systems of equations) and Calculus (functions, derivatives, integrals - useful for understanding diagrams and concepts like stress/strain).

1) Introduction:
- Role of Structural Engineering in Environmental Engineering.
- Types of structures relevant to Environmental Engineering (e.g., tanks, treatment plants, containment structures, foundations for instrumentation).
- Concepts of safety, durability, and sustainability in construction.
2) Fundamentals of Structural Mechanics:
- Bodies, forces, constraints, equilibrium. Classification of structures (statically determinate, indeterminate).
- Concepts of stress and strain.
- Linear elastic constitutive laws (Hooke's Law).
- Analysis of planar statically determinate systems: beams, simple frames, three-hinged arches, trusses. Calculation of support reactions and internal forces (axial force, shear force, bending moment).
- Drawing of stress diagrams.
3) Structural Materials:
- Concrete: Composition, mechanical properties (compressive and tensile strength), behavior under load, shrinkage and creep (brief mention). Durability of concrete in aggressive environments.
- Steel for structures and for reinforced concrete: Mechanical properties (yield strength, ultimate strength, elastic modulus, ductile behavior), types of steel. Corrosion problems.
- Other materials of interest (masonry, wood - brief mention of structural behavior).
4) Basis of Structural Analysis and Design:
- Actions on structures: permanent loads (dead loads), variable loads (imposed loads, snow, wind), seismic actions (introduction). Load combinations.
- Concept of structural safety: semi-probabilistic approach to limit states. Partial safety factors.
- Limit states: Ultimate Limit States (ULS - loss of equilibrium, material failure, instability) and Serviceability Limit States (SLS - excessive deformations, cracking).
5) Introduction to the Design of Structural Elements:
- Reinforced Concrete: Behavior of reinforced concrete beams and columns. Simple bending verification (Ultimate Limit State method - introduction). Axial force and bending verification (introduction).
- Steel: Behavior of steel tension members, compression members (buckling - introduction) and bending members. Brief mention of connections.
6) Introduction to Foundations:
- Function of foundations. Types of foundations (shallow and deep - introduction). Principles of soil-structure interaction.
7) Environmental Considerations in Construction:
- Material selection from a sustainability perspective.
- Recycling and reuse of construction materials.

Teaching materials (lecture slides, solved exercises) will be made available to students on the online learning platform moodle.

Learning assessment is carried out through a final exam aimed at verifying the achievement of learning objectives and expected learning outcomes.

The exam typically consists of a written test followed by an oral test.

Written test: Covers theoretical topics and the solution of practical exercises similar to those carried out during the exercise sessions. It aims to verify the student's ability to apply acquired knowledge and solve elementary technical problems.

Oral test: Consists of a discussion on the written test and other topics from the course program, aimed at assessing the deep understanding of theoretical concepts, critical reasoning ability, and communication skills.

written and oral

Scores in the range 18-21 range: limited and often superficial knowledge of the topics covered in the classes; unclear and lacking in technical terminology oral presentation .

Scores in the range 22-25: not always in-depth knowledge of the topics covered in the classes; orderly oral presentation but with not always correct use of technical terminology;

Scores in the range 26-27: good knowledge of the topics covered in the classes; fair ability to organize information and present it orally; familiarity with technical terminology;

Scores in the range 28-30: excellent mastery of the topics covered in the classes; ability to hierarchize information and correct use of appropriate technical terminology.

Honors will be awarded in the presence of excellent judgment and communication ability, and excellent understanding of the program's topics."

The course consists of lectures to present the fundamental theoretical concepts and classroom exercises for the practical application of acquired knowledge through problem solving and examples.
Real or simplified case studies related to typical environmental engineering structures may be presented.