The course aims to teach the theory bases and the practical tools for analysis and the design of bridges. The student will study 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 and composite steel-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 prestressed concrete structures and composite steel-concrete structures is also useful to follow the course.

Theory lessons: 1. Basis of design of bridges 2. Slab bridges 3. Girder bridges 4. Local effects on bridge decks 5. Structural effects of creep 6. Box section bridges 7. Composite steel-concrete bridges 8. Construction details: bearings, joints, liquids drainage 9. Piers and Abutments 10. Bridge foundations 11. Seismic design of bridges.

The ccourse is organized in theoretical lessons and exercises.

The books that are suggested for a better understanding of the topics of the course are: PRC structures: Reinforced and Prestressed Concrete Design to EC2: The Complete Process – Eugene Obrien, Andrew Dixon, Emma Sheils Manual for Refined Analysis in Bridge Design and Evaluation – U.S. Department of Transportation Design manual for orthotropic steel plate deck bridges – American Institute of Steel Construction Design of steel-concrete composite bridges to Eurocodes – Ioannis Vayas and Aristidis Iliopoulos Structural Effects of Time-Dependent Behaviour of Concrete – CEB Bulletin No. 215. Bridge launching – M. Rosignoli Designers’ guide to Eurocode 8: design of bridges for earthquake resistance – B. Kolias, M. N. Fardis, A. Pecker 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);

Exam: Written test;

... The exam consists in a written test intended to verify the achievement of expected learning outcomes. The written exam consists of exercises and questions on numerical and theoretical issues covering all the program. The duration may be adapted depending on the complexity and difficulties of the questions, spanning between 2 and 3 hours.

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.