Architectural Sciences

The course has the double aim of giving the tools for structural design and of encouraging abstract reasoning, which plays a decisive role in every composition process. The topics addressed are: kinematics and statics of elastic solids and structures; investigation on materials; theory of structures; elements of stability. Special attention is given to fundamental laws of mechanics and their historical evolution. The practical knowledge is developed through the solution of simple analysis and design problems. At the end of the course the student shall has an understanding of structural forms and functions, the ability to design simple structures, the capacity to critically interpret the results of computer aided computations. The focus of the course is on: theory of elastic beam and system of beams (statically determinate and indeterminate); Cauchy’s continuum; problem of Saint Venant.