In civil engineering, the mechanical behaviour of soil and structural elements is typically analysed within the framework of solid mechanics. It would therefore seem logical to study soil–structure interaction through a unified approach, simply treating the two materials in contact as possessing different mechanical properties. However, owing to the specific behaviours of soils and structures, the different traditions of geotechnical and structural engineering practice, and the conceptual and practical difficulties of a unified approach, each problem is usually addressed by introducing significant simplifications, depending on the purpose of the analysis.
The study of soil–structure interaction under static loading is primarily concerned with determining the stresses in structural elements and the displacements of geotechnical systems (foundations, excavations, tunnels), which in turn can have significant effects on existing structures. Seismic loading introduces additional complexities, as the properties of the soil and structural elements govern the dynamic response of the system; the study of soil–structure interaction must therefore primarily address this aspect.
The present course examines situations where soil–structure interaction exerts a significant influence on design. It presents both conventional and advanced analysis techniques, discussing their applicability and limitations in relation to the objectives of the analysis. The course addresses the effects of both static and seismic loading.
October 1-2-8-9, 2025 - 11:00am-4:00pm
The course will take place in presence at the Aula Caveau - DISG, Faculty of Engineering, via Eudossiana 18, Rome.
For all courses supplied by the PhD Program of the DISG credits are not provided: a certificate of in person attendance will be produced upon request (only after a check of the effective presence). Certificate of online attendance will not be provided.