The programme of the course covers the following topics:

(A) Fundamentals of solid mechanics and strength of materials (12 hours)
The strain and the stress tensors; the Cauchy Tetrahedron; concepts of homogeneity, isotropy, anelasticity, linear and nonlinear elasticity; constitutive relations; Mohr's circles for the determination of principal stresses, principal strains and principal directions; properties of the elastic solution; fundamental theorems of elasticity (Kirchhoff, Clapeyron and Betti's theorems).
(B) The Saint Venant problem (30 hours)
Properties of areas; the Saint Venant problem: introduction and fundamental hypotheses; centred axial force; flexure; eccentric axial force; torsion in beams of circular or generic cross-section; torsion in open or closed thin-walled cross-sections; shearing force; thin-walled cross-sections subjected to shear; combined shearing and torsional loading; beam strength analysis; the differential equation of the elastic line; buckling.
(C) Elements of structural analysis for the solution of statically indeterminate structures (21 hours)
The method of forces; the method of displacements; introduction to the use of a finite element programme and solution of simple structural problems.
(D) Design of reinforced concrete structures (21 hours)
Strength assessment according to the semi-probabilistic method of Limit State Analysis; fundamental concepts for the design or reinforced concrete structures.

Not applicable.

Reference didactic material
Handouts of the lessons provided on the didactic portal.

Further reading
A. Carpinteri "Structural Mechanics: A Unified Approach", E&FN Spon, London, 2002.

The following criteria are used to evaluate the proficiency of the student:
1. Written test with multiple choice and open questions on the parts A, B and D of the programme (20 points).
2. Written exercise on the solution of a statically indeterminate structure (part C of the programme) (7 points).
3. Discussion of the report collecting the numerical exercises done during the course with the finite element method, to be given the day of the exam (3 points).

An oral examination for improving the final mark is possible for the students receiving at least 25 marks after tests 1, 2 and 3.