Structural Mechanics 2: architecture of equilibrium
Learning outcomes of the course unit
Knowledge and understanding:
At the end of the course, the student will acquire the theoretical basis and the application tools of equilibrium analysis of structures, such as cables, arches and shells.
Applying knowledge and understanding:
At the end of the course, the student will acquire the ability to understand the static behavior of architecture structures, including cables, arches and shells.
Communication skills:
At the end of the course, the student should have acquired a command of the technical language to allow a proper and effective presentation of the results.
Course contents summary
1.Systems of forces
2.Equilibrium of cables:
Basic concepts of the static equilibrium of cables and membrane structures, examples and applications
3.Equilibrium of arches:
Fundamentals of the static of arches, examples and applications
4. Equilibrium of shells
Basic concepts of the equilibrium of shells of revolution, membrane regime,
Spherical domes, examples and applications
Course contents
1.Systems of forces
Operations with forces (sum, decomposition, .),
Funicular.
2. Equilibrium of cables
Introduction,
Cables under self-weight: parabolic and catenary configurations,
Prestressed cables,
Loss of tension due to relaxation,
Cable suspended and strayed structures,
Tensile structures,
Examples and applications.
3.Equilibrium of arches
Three hinge arches,
Third mean of cross-section,
Line of pressure,
Method of Mery,
Examples and applications.
4. Equilibrium of shells
General: shell of revolution and axisymmetric load conditions,
Concepts of surface curvatures.
The internal forces in shells of revolution: membrane regime,
Spherical domes.
Equilibrium of uniformly stretched membranes,
Examples and applications.
Recommended readings
Recommended textbooks:
O.Belluzzi “Scienza delle Costruzioni” Vol.I e Vol.III, Zanichelli, Bologna.
Teaching material available via the teacher’s website or the portal https://didattica.unipr.it/
Teaching methods
The course consists of theoretical lessons and practical exercises. For each topic, exercises are planned so that the student can deal with the resolution of the problems previously formulated in theoretical form.
The theoretical lessons and practical exercises are carried out on the blackboard together with the showing of slides, which are available on the portal https://didattica.unipr.it/
Assessment methods and criteria
The assessment of student learning is formulated on the basis of a final written exam.
The final exam is weighted as follows:
- 70% application of the theory to exercises (applying knowledge and understanding);
- 20% theoretical questions (knowledge and understanding);
- 10% clarity of presentation (communication skills).
Other informations
It is strongly recommended to attend lessons.
