The course aims to teach the theory bases and the practical tools for analysis and the design of bridges. The student will study bridge history, bridge typologies, construction techniques, calculation methods and economic factors related to the construction of bridges. Three dimensional structures, movable loads, phased construction and creep analysis, substructures such as piers, abutments and foundations will also be addressed during the course.

Knowledge and understanding: The course will provide the basic knowledge regarding the design of concrete bridges with special regard to the definition of resisting mechanisms, the description of the actions, the calculation methods, the dimensioning criteria and the construction techniques of bridge decks, substructures and details. Applying knowledge and understanding: At the end of the course the student should be able to choose the best bridge typology in function of the design requests, identify the correct structural scheme to describe it, choose a performing and sustainable construction technique to build it and understand the main economical, logistic and structural issues related to the design and maintenance of the bridge. Communication skills: At the end of the course the student should gain the mastery of express and communicate topics related to the design, construction and maintenance of reinforced concrete and prestressed bridges. He should be able to discuss using technical vocabulary and to read graphical design blueprint.

For a proper understanding of the course is necessary a good knowledge of structural analysis and structural design. A good knowledge of design of concrete structures and prestressed concrete structures is also useful to follow the course.

Theory lessons: 1. Historical outlook on bridge construction techniques. 2. Basis of design: 2.1. Bridges classification according to structural schemes. 2.2. Fundamental input data for bridge design 2.3. Construction methods 3. Slab bridges 4. Girder bridges: 4.1. Curbon and Engesser methods 4.2. Finite element method 4.3. Secondary torsional stiffness and warping 5. Local effects on bridge decks 6. Creep effects on phased construction 7. Box section bridges: 7.1. Construction methods 7.2. Longitudinal analysis 7.3. Transverse analysis (folded plate) 7.4. Effects of variable depth 7.5. Diaphragm design 7.6. Interaction between longitudinal shear and transverse bending in box shaped beams 7.7. Multi cell box section bridges. 8. External and unbonded prestressing. 9. Construction details: bearings, joints, liquids drainage. 10. Piers and Abutments 11. Bridge foundations: 11.1. Jet grouting 11.2. Piles, micropiles and diaphragms 13.3. Shaft foundations 12. Seismic design of bridges.

Practice lessons: The design of the deck of a real bridge is developed by the students alone or in groups during the course. Moreover practice lessons will cover the following subjects: 1. Actions on bridges according to Italian and European Codes: 1.1. Road and pedestrian bridges. 1.2. Railway bridges 2. Application of Curbon and Engesser methods. 3. Finite element analysis of a girder deck. 4. Local effects on bridge decks. 5. Design of reinforced concrete shell elements using sandwich model. 6. Creep effect on a simple continuous beam obtained by means of phased construction. 7. Case studies: 7.1. Irregular prestressed concrete slab deck 7.2. Continuous beam realized with precast elements and cast in situ slab 7.3. Continuous beams girder build by moving scaffolding 7.4. Continuous beam girder built by incremental launching 7.5. Continuous box shaped composite beam built by balanced cantilever 8. Design of a box shaped bridge: 8.1. General description 8.2. Longitudinal analysis 8.3. Creep effects on phased construction 8.4. Transverse analysis (folded plate) 9. Design of a slender pier. 10. Design of a typical abutment. 11. Design of a shaft foundation. 12. Examples of seismic insulation.

The books that are suggested for a better understanding of the topics of the course are: C. Menn - Prestressed concrete bridges - Springer-Verlag – 1986 J. Schlaich, H. Scheer - Concrete box girder bridges – IABSE AIPC IVBH – 1982 The blueprint of the slides used during both theory and practice lessons are also given to the students.

Modalità di esame: Prova scritta (in aula); Progetto individuale; Progetto di gruppo;

Exam: Written test; Individual project; Group project;

... The exam consists in two steps: * a written part of about 2-3 hours * an individual oral colloquium of about 15 minutes, during which a series of questions on the theoretical and practical part of the course are asked and the design of the bridge done by the student during the course is discussed.

Gli studenti e le studentesse con disabilità o con Disturbi Specifici di Apprendimento (DSA), oltre alla segnalazione tramite procedura informatizzata, sono invitati a comunicare anche direttamente al/la docente titolare dell'insegnamento, con un preavviso non inferiore ad una settimana dall'avvio della sessione d'esame, gli strumenti compensativi concordati con l'Unità Special Needs, al fine di permettere al/la docente la declinazione più idonea in riferimento alla specifica tipologia di esame.