| Elenco delle attività formative previste per i dottorandi del primo anno |
Introduction to Soil Mechanics
data presunta: 4, 5, 6 febbraio 2025 - tipologia: riconducibile al progetto formativo - modalità di erogazione: Ex-cathedra - numero ore: 12
docente del corso: AMOROSI Angelo qualifica: Professore affiliazione: Italiana
programma delle attività: This three-day course is designed to introduce postgraduate students to the fundamental principles of soil mechanics. It covers key experimental characteristics and constitutive modeling strategies, with a particular focus on clayey materials. The course begins with the derivation of fundamental field equations for a two-phase medium, followed by a review of typical experimental results and their interpretation within the framework of Critical State Soil Mechanics. Next, the essentials of plasticity theory are presented, starting with one-dimensional conditions and later extending to three-dimensional scenarios. This provides a theoretical foundation for exploring a broad range of plasticity-based soil models, from standard perfectly plastic formulations to advanced mixed-hardening multi-surface approaches. Lastly, an alternative constitutive framework based on thermodynamics with internal variables is introduced, highlighting its benefits through examples of elasto-plastic coupling in soils.
modalità di accertamento finale: da definire
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Numerical Modelling of Geomechanical Problems
data presunta: 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 marzo 2025 - tipologia: riconducibile al progetto formativo - modalità di erogazione: Ex-cathedra - numero ore: 15
docente del corso: BOLDINI Daniela qualifica: Professore affiliazione: Italiana
programma delle attività: This 15-hour course provides an in-depth exploration of saturated soil modeling using the finite element method, tailored for postgraduate-level study. The course begins with an introduction to the field equations governing the interaction between the soil skeleton and pore fluid under static conditions, followed by their finite element discretization and solution techniques. Key challenges in practical applications are addressed, including 2D versus 3D schematization, initial and boundary conditions, staged construction, and soil-structure interaction, with practical examples to illustrate these concepts. The course also examines the implementation of soil constitutive laws at Gauss integration points, covering both explicit and implicit numerical algorithms. In the concluding session, the scope is extended to dynamic conditions, providing insights into tackling earthquake-related geomechanical challenges.
modalità di accertamento finale: da definire
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Finite Element Method for linear and nonlinear mechanical problems
data presunta: 17, 19, 21 febbraio 2025 - tipologia: riconducibile al progetto formativo - modalità di erogazione: Ex-cathedra - numero ore: 12
docente del corso: ADDESSI Daniela qualifica: Professore affiliazione: Italiana
programma delle attività: This class covers the fundamentals of the Finite Element Method (FEM) for numerically solving general mechanical problems, with a focus on structural applications. Detailed attention is given to the classical displacement-based formulation, as it forms the foundation of most widely used numerical codes. Additionally, two- and three-field mixed FE approaches are briefly introduced. The course explores the main FE types used to address 1D, 2D, and 3D continuum problems, including truss, frame, solid, plate, and shell elements. Finally, the class provides insights into common numerical issues and strategies for effective solution implementation.
modalità di accertamento finale: da definire
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An innovative approach to static and dynamic topology optimization with practical applications
data presunta: 21, 22 maggio 2025 - tipologia: riconducibile al progetto formativo - modalità di erogazione: Ex-cathedra - numero ore: 8
docente del corso: VENINI Paolo qualifica: Professore affiliazione: Italiana
programma delle attività: An innovative approach to topology optimization is presented that is based on the minimization of a proper norm of the input/output transfer matrix G. The singular value decomposition (SVD) of G is shown to be the key ingredient of the proposed optimization strategy that applies to static and dynamic topology optimization, with nearly no modifications. Alongside the theoretical derivations, the class is introduced to the coding of the proposed approach in the Matlab environment as far as the static regime is concerned, whereas hints are given for the extension to dynamic response. The optimization of exoskeletal systems that minimize the response of 3D framed structures to horizontal environmental actions is one of the results of practical interest that are achieved.
modalità di accertamento finale: da definire
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Variational calculus
data presunta: 3, 4 Luglio 2025 - tipologia: riconducibile al progetto formativo - modalità di erogazione: Ex-cathedra - numero ore: 6
docente del corso: RUTA Giuseppe qualifica: Professore affiliazione: Italiana
programma delle attività: Introduction to the calculus of variations: functions vs. functionals, admissible variations, Euler’s approach vs. Lagrange’s approach for the determination of the first variation, pattern examples from geometry and mechanics. Extended functionals, applications to mechanics (weak formulation, stationarity of potential energies): bulk equations, natural and essential boundary conditions. Hints to numerical approaches.
modalità di accertamento finale: da definire
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Seismic Safety and Sustainability: Next Generation of Low-Damage Concrete and Timber Buildings
data presunta: 20, 22, 24 ottobre 2025 - tipologia: riconducibile al progetto formativo - modalità di erogazione: Ex-cathedra - numero ore: 9
docente del corso: PAMPANIN Stefano qualifica: Professore affiliazione: Italiana
programma delle attività: The significant socio-economic impact of recent earthquakes has underscored the critical disparity between societal expectations and the actual seismic performance of modern buildings. This has highlighted the urgent need for coordinated national seismic risk reduction strategies. Modern societies demand more than just Life Safety; a paradigm shift toward performance-based design with a focus on Damage Control or low-damage design philosophies and technologies is imperative. Growing awareness among the public, building owners, authorities, and insurers/reinsurers of the economic consequences of moderate-to-strong earthquakes—measured in terms of damage, financial loss, and downtime—has facilitated greater acceptance and adoption of cost-effective low-damage technologies.
Expectations have risen significantly, with calls to fast-track the development of what is commonly perceived as the “ultimate” earthquake-resilient (or even earthquake-proof) building system, capable of enduring severe seismic events with minimal impact.
This short course provides an overview of the progress achieved over the past two decades in developing and implementing an integrated low-damage building system. It addresses the superstructure, non-structural components, and soil/foundation interaction. Real-world applications in New Zealand will be showcased, demonstrating the use of concrete, engineered timber, steel, or combinations of these materials. These examples highlight cutting-edge technical solutions developed through extensive research and successful transfer of performance-based seismic design principles and advanced technology into practice, all in pursuit of the broader goal of Building Restoration.
modalità di accertamento finale: da definire
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Fundamentals of linear and nonlinear structural dynamics
data presunta: 6, 7, 8 maggio 2025 - tipologia: riconducibile al progetto formativo - modalità di erogazione: Ex-cathedra - numero ore: 12
docente del corso: ARENA Andrea qualifica: Professore affiliazione: Italiana
programma delle attività: The course aims at providing the basic knowledges for the understanding of linear and nonlinear dynamical behaviors of structures. The introduction of the course will be dedicated to the modeling of dynamical systems, including the identification of the kinematic descriptors of the motion, the characterization of the constitutive behavior of a structure and the actions acting on it. Paradigmatic structural models will be introduced to discuss the main dynamic phenomena arising both in the linear and in the nonlinear regime. Applications will be proposed by referring to case-studies implemented in a software able at performing symbolic analysis. In summary, the course will be structured based on the following brief program:
Introduction.
The dynamic model of a structure: kinematic parameters describing the motion; rheological models representative of the constitutive behavior of structures; actions acting on structures. Linear and nonlinear structural models; laws of motion.
Linear dynamics.
The harmonic motion. Free dynamics of the “simple harmonic oscillator”: the linear normal mode. Effect of damping of the free dynamic response of the “simple oscillator”. Forced dynamics: direct resonance in harmonically excited systems. Resonance in parametrically excited systems. Multi degrees-of-freedom systems. The modal analysis and its applications in linear dynamical systems through the theorem of modal expansion. The case of indirect harmonic forces.
Nonlinear dynamics
The Duffing oscillator. Methods to solve nonlinear equations of motion (focus on the method of Multiple Scales). Nonlinear normal modes. Effect of damping in nonlinear systems. Direct resonance in harmonically excited systems. Resonance in parametrically excited systems. The Van der Pol oscillator and the case of nonlinear damping.
Multi degrees-of-freedom systems: the effect of the nonlinearities in the case of internal resonances.
modalità di accertamento finale: da definire
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Soil Structure Interaction
data presunta: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 ottobre 2025 - tipologia: riconducibile al progetto formativo - modalità di erogazione: Ex-cathedra - numero ore: 20
docente del corso: CALLISTO Luigi qualifica: Professore affiliazione: Italiana
programma delle attività: In civil engineering, the mechanical behavior of soil and structural elements is described through the common tool of solid mechanics. It would therefore seem logical to study the problem of soil-structure interaction through a unified treatment, in which the two materials in contact are simply endowed with different mechanical properties. Instead, because of the specifics of the behavior of soils and structures, because of the application traditions of the disciplines of geotechnical and structural engineering, and because of the conceptual and practical difficulties of a unified approach, in practice each application problem is approached by introducing strong simplifications, related to and commensurate with the purpose for which the analysis is performed.
As a result of static actions, the study of soil-structure interaction is mainly aimed at determining stresses in structural elements and displacements in geotechnical systems (foundations, excavations, tunnels), which in turn can induce significant effects in existing constructions. Seismic actions produce specific additions, since the characteristics of the soil and structural elements determine the dynamic response of the system, and the study of soil-structure interaction must primarily address this aspect. In this context, the course examines cases in which the solution of an application problem is related to the interaction between soil and structural elements, illustrating the main analysis techniques, showing their applicability and limitations in relation to the objectives of the analysis, and considering both the effects of static actions and those induced by seismic actions.
modalità di accertamento finale: da definire
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Continuum Mechanics and Thermodynamics
data presunta: 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 settembre 2025 - tipologia: riconducibile al progetto formativo - modalità di erogazione: Ex-cathedra - numero ore: 20
docente del corso: FAVATA Antonino qualifica: Professore affiliazione: Italiana
programma delle attività: In these lectures, a reasonably self-contained introduction to continuum mechanics
and thermodynamics that emphasizes the universal status of the basic balances and the entropy
imbalance will be presented. These laws —along with the physical requirement that physical theories be independent
of the observer— are viewed as fundamental building blocks upon which to frame theories of
material behavior. The general discussion of constitutive equations will be based on the use of
thermodynamics to restrict constitutive equations via a paradigm generally referred to as the
Coleman–Noll procedure. As applications of this general framework, the following topics will be presented: rigid heat conductors, elastic solids under isothermal and nonisothermal conditions; rate-independent plasticity. For all these subjects, general large-deformation theories as well as corresponding small-deformation theories will be considered. Prerequisites are basic notions on calculus and mechanics. Few nonstandard mathematical tools will be introduced with care, if necessary.
modalità di accertamento finale: da definire
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Integrated Course: Historical Masonry Structures - Dedicato alla memoria di Franco Bontempi
data presunta: 8, 9, 10, 11 aprile 2025 - tipologia: riconducibile al progetto formativo - modalità di erogazione: Ex-cathedra - numero ore: 17
docente del corso: ADDESSI Daniela, LIBERATORE Domenico, SORRENTINO Luigi, TROVALUSCI Patrizia qualifica: Professore affiliazione: Italiana
programma delle attività: Finite Element modelling of masonry. Macromechanical and micromechanical approaches.
Damage mechanisms of masonry buildings: lessons from recent Italian earthquakes.
Out-of-plane seismic response mechanisms. Intervention techniques for out-of-plane mechanisms.
1. Mechanical Models for Historical Masonry. 2. Non-standard Limit Analysis for Brick/Block Masonry via Non Linear and Non Convex Mathematical Programming. 3. Micropolar models for masonry.
modalità di accertamento finale: da definire
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