Lecturer: Gian Michele Calvi  

Course name: Progetto di strutture in zona sismica
Course code: 064161
Degree course: Ingegneria Civile
Disciplinary field of science: ICAR/09
The course relates to:
University credits: CFU 6
Course website: n.d.

Specific course objectives

The course aims to introduce the students to the seismic design of reinforced concrete, steel and masonry structures, to the vulnerability evaluation and to the numerical analysis and assessment operations of structures subjected to seismic actions. The course is oriented both to theoretical and practical aspects, dealing with a wide range of topics with different levels of deepening.

Course programme

The course will deal with the basic concepts of seismic design, with an introductory part where are going to be discussed the damages to structures in recent earthquakes and relative implications on structure’s safety. The course will develop the following specific topics. Seismic actions: Description of the actions due to an earthquake on different types of structures, response and design spectra, local and geographical effects, characteristics of ground and structural accelerations, velocity and displacements, seismic hazard and hazard maps. Design criteria: Definition of local and global limit states, life safety protection principles, limitations of damages and functionalities, classifications of construction’s importance. Capacity design principles. Analysis models and methods. Modeling of structures under seismic excitations. Linear static analysis, non-linear static, modal dynamic, dynamic non linear. RC, masonry and steel structures: Response of elements and structures built with different technique and materials, section behavior of elements and structures. Safety and structural details verifications. Bridges. Response of bridge, regularity concepts, action’s specific aspects, models, analysis methods and safety verification. Foundations and retaining structures: Basic concepts of soil structure interaction, actions, analysis and verifications of retaining walls, soil liquefaction. Evaluation of existing structures and assessment techniques: Basic problems of RC and masonry existing structures, seismic response of structures designed just for gravity loads, retrofit techniques through the modification of the structural system or reinforcement of its parts, using steel, cement based materials or composite materials. Isolation and damping techniques: Isolators and dampers, properties and experimental tests. Design, analysis and verification of isolated structures.

Course entry requirements

Basic concepts of calculus, geometry and physics. Structural analysis techniques. Construction material properties (steel, RC, masonry). Operational and ultimate behavior of elements and sections realized with concrete and steel under shear, torsion and axial – bending interaction. Basic concepts of structural dynamics.

Course structure and teaching

Lectures (hours/year in lecture theatre): 32
Practical class (hours/year in lecture theatre): 20
Practicals / Workshops (hours/year in lecture theatre): 4
Project work (hours/year in lecture theatre): 6

Suggested reading materials

L. Petrini, R. Pinho, G.M. Calvi. Criteri di Progettazione Antisismica degli Edifici. IUSSPRESS, 2004.

E. Cosenza, G. Magliulo, M. Pecce, R. Ramasco. Progetto Antisismico di Edifici in Cemento Armato. IUSSPRESS, 2004.

T. Paulay, M.J.N. Priestley. Seismic design of reinforced concrete and masonry structures. Wiley, 1992.

M.J.N. Priestley, F. Seible, G.M. Calvi. Seismic design and retrofitting of bridges. Wiley, 1996.

CEN. Eurocode 8 - Design of structures for earthquake resistance. CEN - prEN 1998-1, 2003.

AA. VV.. Ordinanza PCM 20 marzo 2003, allegati e successive modificazioni. G.U. del 8 maggio 2003.

Testing and exams

The final grade will be based on four parameters, with almost equivalent weight: one or more projects that the students will develop during the semester, one middle term written exam, a final written exam, a final oral exam.