After the course, the student is expected: - to be able to correctly identify the structural problem at hand and to choose the most appropriate solution methodology; - to use Finite Element programs for the solution of structural problems and to check these solutions by hand calculations, for frames, plates and shells; - to acquire an appropriate technical and scientific language.

Fundamental notions from the bachelor mathematical courses (Mathematical Analysis, Geometry, Linear Algebra, Analytical Mechanics, Numerical Methods) and engineering courses (Structural Mechanics: study of isostatic and statically indeterminate structures by the force method, differential equation of the elastic curve) are required.

1. ONE-DIMENSIONAL STRUCTURES. Statically Indeterminate Structures: Method of displacements; Structural symmetry; Thermal actions and imposed displacements; Frames with non-orthogonal beams; Stiffness matrix of the beam; Automatic computation of beam systems; Beams with curvilinear axis, arches. Line of thrust; Beam on elastic foundation. 2. BI-DIMENSIONAL STRUCTURES: In-plane loaded plates; Out-of-plane loaded plates; Sophie Germain equation for plates in bending, boundary conditions; Symmetrically loaded membranes and shells of revolution: circular plates, cylindrical and spherical shells; Domes; Pressurized tanks. 3. DYNAMICS OF STRUCTURES: Single-degree-of-freedom linear systems: undamped and damped free response; forced response to harmonic, periodic, impulsive or generic excitations; Multi-degree-of-freedom linear systems: modal analysis. Response spectrum analysis; Fundamentals of seismic engineering; Practical concepts for the seismic design; Fundamentals of theory of plasticity; limit analysis; incremental plastic analysis of beam systems. 4. FINITE ELEMENT METHOD: Fundamentals, shape functions and stiffness matrix; Applications (bar, beam, plane elements) with commercial codes.

Approximately three fourths of the lectures are given in classroom whereas one fourth are held at LAIB (Basic Information Laboratory) to teach the use of a finite element software. This allows the student to check the results obtained analytically during the course and face linear finite element analyses in general. The LAIB lessons cover: (1) introduction to finite element analysis on PC, thin or thick beam elements; (2) analysis of plane frames and trusses; (3) analysis of shear-type and spatial frames; (4) analysis of rectangular thin plates; (5) analysis of circular plates and hemispherical domes; (6) analysis of beam on elastic foundation and hydrostatic tanks; (7) free-vibration analysis of beams and plane frames.

Official textbook: - A. Carpinteri, "Advanced Structural Mechanics", CRC Press, 2017. (Chapter 1 to 6) Recommended books: - A. Carpinteri, "Structural Mechanics Fundamentals", CRC Press, 2013. (it covers the topics students are expected to know from the bachelor course in structural mechanics) - R.W. Clough, J. Penzien, “Dynamics of Structures”, third edition - S. Timoshenko, "Theory of Plates and Shells", McGraw-Hill, Singapore, 1959. (world-wide known structural mechanics book) As regards numerical and analytical practice lessons, material will be uploaded on the didactic web-portal.

Lecture slides; Text book;

Exam: Written test; Compulsory oral exam; Individual essay;

The exam is aimed at ascertaining the knowledge of the topics listed in the course syllabus and the ability to apply the theory and the relative calculation methods to the solution of structural systems. The exam consists in three on-site parts: (1) a structural problem to be solved with a finite element software, similar to those dealt with at the Lab sessions. Time: 1 hour. Evaluation: from -2 up to +2 points out of 30 to be added (or deducted) to the final score. Taking this test is mandatory to access step no. 2. (2) a written exercise on statically indeterminate frames, similar to the one presented in classroom lectures, to be solved by hand. The use of cell phones, programmable calculators, books, texts, notes (except the formulary provided during the course) is forbidden. Time: 1.5 h. Evaluation: 0-17 failed; 18-30 passed. Passing this test is mandatory to access step no. 3. (3) an oral examination on the theoretical topics of the course. Oral questions will assess the knowledge level and the scientific language of student. Time: 0.5-1h. Evaluation: passed/failed. If passed, the final mark will properly take into account the results obtained in both the oral and the written tests. Then, the score taken for the finite element test will be added (or deducted) to the final mark. If the oral test is not passed, the results of parts (1) and (2) remain valid.

In addition to the message sent by the online system, students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) are invited to directly inform the professor in charge of the course about the special arrangements for the exam that have been agreed with the Special Needs Unit. The professor has to be informed at least one week before the beginning of the examination session in order to provide students with the most suitable arrangements for each specific type of exam.