Soil–foundation–structure interaction plays a fundamental role in the analysis and design of civil engineering systems, particularly under seismic loading conditions. The course provides advanced knowledge and methodological tools for understanding Soil–Structure Interaction (SSI) phenomena and their implications for the safe and efficient design, assessment, and retrofit of buildings and infrastructure systems. The teaching activities are aimed at integrating geotechnical and structural engineering competences through the study of soil behaviour under static and seismic loading, seismic hazard and local site response, and analytical and numerical approaches for SSI modelling. Particular attention is devoted to earthquake-induced phenomena such as ground motion amplification and soil liquefaction, as well as to their influence on structural performance. The course contributes to the educational objectives of the degree programme by strengthening the students’ ability to address complex engineering problems through a multidisciplinary and performance-based approach. The acquired competences are relevant for professional activities in the fields of structural and geotechnical engineering, seismic engineering, infrastructure design, and risk assessment.

The main learning outcomes of the course are: • understanding the fundamental mechanisms of Soil–Structure Interaction (SSI), including the effects of soil nonlinearity under static and seismic loading conditions; • developing the technical skills required to model and analyse SSI problems using analytical and numerical approaches; • evaluating the seismic site response of soil deposits and its influence on local seismic hazard, including ground motion amplification and soil liquefaction phenomena; • assessing the influence of SSI on the global response and performance of structures and infrastructure systems; • applying SSI principles to achieve safe, efficient, and performance-based geotechnical and structural designs; • critically interpreting modelling results and recognising the limitations and assumptions of SSI analyses.

Students are expected to possess a basic background in soil mechanics and structural mechanics

The course is structured through a combination of theoretical lectures, practical exercises, and individual homework assignments. Students are expected to apply the concepts and methodologies introduced during the lectures to engineering problems and case studies, thereby strengthening their understanding through independent analysis and problem-solving activities. The topics listed below will be covered during the course with different levels of depth depending on their relevance to Soil–Structure Interaction applications. 1. Introduction to Soil–Structure Interaction (4 h) • Definition and relevance of SSI • Inertial and kinematic interaction • Engineering case studies 2. Seismic Hazard and Seismic Actions (6 h) • Fundamentals of seismic hazard • Ground motion parameters and response spectra • Seismic actions for design 3. Soil Behaviour under Static and Seismic Loading (16 h) • Soil behaviour under static and cyclic loading • Soil parameters for static and dynamic analyses • Laboratory and in situ testing • Nonlinear soil behaviour • Seismic site response and soil liquefaction 4. Modelling of Soil–Foundation Interaction (12 h) • Analytical and simplified approaches • Spring-based models • Macro-element approaches • Introduction to numerical modelling methods 5. Foundation Systems and SSI Applications (18 h) • Shallow foundations • Deep and piled foundations • Earth-retaining systems • SSI effects on structures under static and seismic loading • Design applications and case studies

The course is organized through a combination of theoretical lectures and practical examples focused on the analysis of soil–foundation–structure interaction phenomena. Students are also required to complete an individual homework assignment, applying the concepts and analytical methods introduced during the course to selected engineering case studies.

Each lecture will be supported by slides and references that will be periodically uploaded on the web site of the course. Reference textbooks for further insights: Kramer, S. L. and Stewart, J. P., 2024. Geotechnical earthquake engineering. 2ª ed. Boca Raton: CRC Press. ISBN 978-1032842745. [1060 pp.] Lancellotta, R. (1994) Geotechnical Engineering. Boca Raton: CRC Press. ISBN 978-0415672450. (448 p.). Reese, L.C., Isenhower, W.M. e Wang, S.T. (2006) Analysis and Design of Shallow and Deep Foundations. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 978-0471431596. (608 p.).

Slides;

Modalita di esame: Prova orale obbligatoria; Elaborato progettuale individuale;

Exam: Compulsory oral exam; Individual project;

... The assessment consists of an individual homework assignment and a compulsory oral examination. The homework assignment is divided into three parts and is intended to develop the practical skills required for the quantitative assessment of seismic hazard, the modelling of soil–structure interaction phenomena, and performance-based design applications. The oral examination aims to evaluate the student’s understanding of the theoretical background, as well as the ability to critically discuss and interpret the methodologies and results developed in the homework assignment. The final grade will be determined equally from the homework assignment and the oral examination.

Gli studenti e le studentesse con disabilita 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'Unita Special Needs, al fine di permettere al/la docente la declinazione piu idonea in riferimento alla specifica tipologia di esame.