Basic topics on structural masonry, classifications, mechanical properties.
Theory of curved beams, masonry arches and related problems.
Symplified models of masonry structures, FE models, examples.
Recommendations of Italian rules.
S. Sahlin, “Strutural masonry”, Prentice-Hall, Inc.
A. W. Hendry, “Statica delle strutture in muratura di
mattoni”, Patron Editore.
J. Heyman, “The masonry arch”, Ellis Horwood series in
Engineering Science.
L. Galano, M. Betti, Elementi di statica delle costruzioni storiche in muratura, Esculapio, Bologna.
Altro materiale didattico in forma di dispense
Learning Objectives
The student will learn the theoretical knowledge of mechanics of masonry, the main classifications of masonry structures and the used materials in technical applications. In particular the study will be focused on masonry arches and buildings. The student will learn the structural models more popular.
Referring to the descriptor 1 (knowledge and understanding) the student will learn the basic theoretical and technical knowledge of the mechanical behavior of masonry structures.
Referring to the descriptor 2 (applying knowledge and understanding) the student will be able to apply the knowledge of the descriptor 1 to practical case study, such as verification (even partial) of a simple existing building or an arch bridge. The actual Italian Standards will be useful to this aim.
Referring to the descriptor 3 (making judgments) the student will be able to choice the kind of model more reliable for each case, in particular with reference to: 1) description of the structure, 2) estimation of the unknown properties due to insufficient information, 3) choice of the calculus model, 4) interpretation of obtained results.
Referring to the descriptor 4 (communication skills) the student will be able to clearly communicate the results of its research during the exam colloquium with the teacher.
Referring to the descriptor 5 (learning skills) the student will be able to investigates further and more complex aspects of mechanics of masonry, in autonomous way.
All the previous requests will be verified during the exam.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of the elasticity theory and the elastic beam theory, structural
safety and ultimate limit state methods.
Teaching Methods
Direct lessons by the teacher, lessons on specific topics.
Further information
A specific book dedicated to the course is available.
Available in pdf format are the lessons and further
complementary documents
Type of Assessment
Two different approaches for the exam are possible (the student can choiche):
1) Exam in oral form concernig all the topics treated in the Course. Generally the colloquium will be based on at least three questions.
2) (Suggested) Exam in oral form based on at least two different topics indicated by the student and discussion of a "mini-research" illustrated by the student during the colloquium. This second possibility is reserved only to the students that followed the main part of the lessons during the Course.
The aims of the exam are: evaluation of the expressive capacity of the acquired knowledges, criticism related to the studied topics (descriptor 3), use of the correct therminology and lessical expressions. With the approach to the exam (suggested) will be possible to evaluate the capacity of the student in order to illustrate the results of a scientific reserarch available in literature (descriptor 4) and to suggest further investigations on the subject (descriptor 5).
Course program
1) Classifications of masonries (materials, typologies, structural use, unreinforced, reinforced and
framed, historic masonries).
2) General aspects, classifications and properties
of basic components, units and mortar, Italian Standards
(NTC 2018).
3) The mechanical characteristics of the masonry: compressive
and tensile strengths, models, Italian regulations (NTC 2018).
4) Effects of load eccentricity, effects of slenderness on
compressive strength, Italian regulations (NTC 2018), critical
load, moduli of elasticity E and G.
5) Shear strength, basic theory, masonry piers and spandrels, Italian Standards (NTC 2018).
6) Kinematical methods, linear and nonlinear
approaches, Italian Standards (NTC 2018), examples.
7) Tests on masonry, compression, diagonal, shear
and flat jack tests, Italian Standards (NTC 2018), main aspects.
8) Curved beams, equilibrium, compatibility, linear elastic
model, V.W.T., normal and tangential stresses.
9) The funicular polygon, the middle-third
rule, statically determined and hyperstatic arches. Calculus of masonry arches: elastic methods and limit
analysis methods, examples.
10) Modelling of masonry struxtures: buildings, simple cantilever models, framed models, the role of the masonry beams, macro-element models, FE models. Examples.
Further topics (suggested but generally untreated in the course):
- History of masonry arches
- Beams with circular axis
- Masonry quality.
- Reinforced masonry
- Relief of existing masonry structures.