DALMINE
Overview
Date/time interval
Syllabus
Course Objectives
In particular, students will be able to recognize the main types of structural elements and their function in the resisting system; identify the path of vertical and horizontal loads; propose simplified static diagrams consistent with the building's configuration; distinguish the main forces acting on structures; perform preliminary sizing of the main structural elements; and justify basic design choices in terms of safety, regularity, efficient use of materials, and compatibility with architectural and functional requirements.
Course Prerequisites
Teaching Methods
Teaching will be delivered through lectures, guided exercises, and practical activities. Lectures will introduce theoretical and design principles, while exercises will focus on reading simple building cases, defining the static diagram, identifying the load path, and preliminary sizing of the main elements.
Exercises will include physical models to visualize the behavior of structural diagrams and foster an intuitive understanding of the relationship between shape, constraints, loads, and structural response.
Assessment Methods
Grading will be expressed out of 30. The indicative evaluation criteria for the module are: correct identification of the static diagram and load path; correctness of the sizing and assumptions adopted; understanding of the theoretical and design principles; clarity of the graphic representation, order of the work, and ability to justify choices.
The instructor may request a supplementary oral exam if the written test presents uncertainties in the assessment or if it is necessary to verify the actual acquisition of the required skills. The interview will focus on the same learning objectives as the module and may contribute to confirming or revising the assessment. The module grade will contribute to the final grade for the integrated training activity in proportion to the number of credits earned.
Contents
The following topics will be covered: the role of the structure in building design and general safety criteria; the path of vertical and horizontal loads; types of actions on buildings and preliminary load analysis; main structural elements and their functions, with reference to beams, columns, floors, walls, and bracing; elementary static schemes for reinforced concrete and steel buildings; load-bearing systems for horizontal loads, such as frames, walls, bracing, and mixed systems; deck organization and management of discontinuities, such as holes, mesh changes, and irregularities; criteria for regularity, robustness, and construction simplicity; criteria for preliminary sizing of the main structural elements; qualitative comparison of alternative structural solutions in terms of safety, material efficiency, functional flexibility, and sustainability.
Online Resources
More information
The teaching materials used during the course will be made available on the course's Moodle platform. Specifically, the PDFs of the lectures, the material relating to the exercises, any summary diagrams, and the notes written or developed in class during the explanation of the application examples will be uploaded.
These materials support study and exam preparation, but do not replace active participation in lectures, individual study, and any reference texts. Particular attention must be paid to understanding the load paths, the construction of the static diagram, and the preliminary sizing of the structural elements.
Non-attending students are required to prepare the entire course syllabus using the materials available on Moodle and the reference texts indicated. Students are encouraged to independently complete the exercises proposed during the course and to test their preparation by comparing their work with the solutions or examples discussed in class. Non-attending students may contact the instructor for clarification on study methods and the topics most relevant to the exam.