Construction technique

Learning objectives

The course aims to provide the fundamental tools for the conception, pre-dimensioning and verification of reinforced concrete and steel structures, in accordance with the current Italian (NTC 2018) and European (EC) regulations. The course includes an exercise where the knowledge acquired during the course can be applied.

Course content

What is a structure?
The design process.
The reference regulatory framework: Italian regulations and Eurocodes.
Building materials.
Actions on structures.
Verification methodologies: allowable stress method and limit state method.
Notes on structural design, load path towards the ground, systems resistant to vertical actions, systems resistant to horizontal actions (bracing systems, shear walls, pendulum systems, frames with nodes transmitting bending moment)
Recurring construction typologies in the building industry (framed buildings, industrial sheds, attics, roofs, stairs, ...).
Brief references to the “Science of Constructions”. Resolution of reticulars.
The resolution of isostatic structures.
The resolution of hyperstatic structures: the congruence method and the equilibrium method, the auxiliary constraint method, the Cross method, examples, notes on the automatic calculation of structures.
Steel structures: deformability, resistance and stability checks, bolted and welded joints.
Notes on wooden structures.
Reinforced concrete structures: resistance to bending, shear, torsion and compressive bending. Punching. Durability.
Notes on masonry structures.
Notes on foundation structures: shallow foundations and deep foundations.

Prerequisites

The student who accesses this teaching knows the basic concepts of statics, geometry of masses, science of constructions and geotechnics: forces, moments, constraints, static moment, moment of inertia, tension, deformation, constitutive relationship, equilibrium, congruence, the characteristics of stress, resolution of isostatic structures, analysis of the section according to De Saint Venant, Mohr circles, cohesion, friction, bearing capacity of the soil, active and passive thrust.
Such knowledge is usually acquired by passing exams in Building Science and Geotechnics.

Bibliography

– Teaching material provided by the teacher
– Reference standards for the calculation and construction of civil works, NTC 2018 and Application Circular, Eurocodes.

GENERAL TEXTS
– P. Pozzati, C. Ceccoli, 1977, “Theory and technique of structures”, UTET.
– E. Giangreco, 2002, “Structural Engineering”, UTET.
– J. Heyman, 1998, “Structural analysis. A historical approach”, Cambridge University Press.
– O. Belluzzi, 1965, “Science of Constructions”, Zanichelli Editore.
– R. Giannini, 2011, “Theory and Technique of Civil Constructions”, Citta' Studi Edizioni.
– M. Mezzina, 2021, “Fundamentals of Construction Techniques”, 2nd edition, Citta' Studi Edizioni.
– P. Foraboschi, 2011. Elements of Construction Techniques. McGraw-Hill.
– A. Zona, 2018, “Construction Techniques Lessons”, Univ. of Camerino.

STEEL STRUCTURES
– G. Ballio, FM Mazzolani, C. Bernuzzi, R. Landolfo, 2020, “Steel Structures: Theory and Design”, 2nd edition, Hoepli.
– G. Ballio, FM Mazzolani, 1979, “Steel Structures”, reprint 2007, Hoepli.
– G. Ballio, C. Bernuzzi, 2004, “Designing steel constructions”, Hoepli.
– N. Scibilia, 2005, “Design of steel structures”, 4th edition, Dario Flaccovio Editore.
– V. Nunziata, 2000, “Theory and practice of steel structures”, 2nd edition, Dario Flaccovio Editore.
– F. Hart, W. Henn, H. Sontag, 1982, “Architettura Acciaio Edifici Civili”, 2nd edition, FINSIDER Gruppo IRI (FINSIDER Italian edition of the volume “Stahlbauatlas-Geschossbauten”, 2nd edition, published by the Institut fur Internationale Architektur-Dokumentation in Munich).
From the technical-scientific series for the design of steel structures, ITALSIDER:
– LF Donato, L. Sanpaolesi, 1970, “Steels and construction safety”, Volume I.
– L. Finzi, E. Nova, 1971, “Structural elements”, Volume IV.
– D. Danieli, F. De Miranda, 1971, “Steel structures for civil and industrial construction”, Volume VI.
– Bernuzzi C. Design and verification of steel structures according to the Technical Standards for Construction and Eurocode 3. Hoepli.

WOODEN STRUCTURES
– M. Piazza, R. Tomasi, R. Modena, 2005, “Wooden structures”, Hoepli.
– G. Giordano, 1999, “Wooden construction techniques”, Hoepli.

REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURES
– R. Walther, M.Miehlbradt, 1990, “Designing in reinforced concrete”, Hoepli.
– L. Santarella, 1998, “Reinforced concrete”, 22nd ed., Hoepli.
– A. Ghersi, 2005, “Reinforced concrete: from allowable stresses to limit states: a unitary approach”, Dario Flaccovio Editore.
– E. Cosenza, G. Manfredi, M. Pecce, 2008, “Reinforced concrete structures: design basics”, Hoepli.

MASONRY STRUCTURES
– L. Boscotrecase, F. Picarreta, 2006, “Masonry buildings in seismic zones”, Dario Flaccovio Editore.

FOUNDATION STRUCTURES
– R. Lancellotta, J. Calavera, 1999, “Foundations”, McGraw-Hill.
– C. Viggiani, 1999, “Foundations”, Hevelius Editions.

Teaching methods and tools

The lessons are frontal and there are exercises in the classroom. The execution of a project of a reinforced concrete/steel structure is expected. The approval of the project by the teacher is necessary to take the exam. The assistance activity for the project is carried out regularly, also with the help of teaching assistants. Occasionally thematic seminars are organized, held by external professors or visiting professors.

Assessment methods and criteria

Project review.
Written test for admission to the oral exam.
Next oral exam.

Additional info

Reception by appointment.