Università Roma Tre

contents
in the last sixty years, the evolution of computing power led to the
development of modeling techniques and numerical strategies, first
addressed only to analytic and often complicated procedures, aimed at
structural analysis. the finite element method (fem) plays nowadays a
naturally multidisciplinary role, where physical models can be implemented
by simple modular schemes and iterative algorithms.

the course focuses on this methodology, aiming to complement the skills of
a masters degree curriculum. it will provide the basic notions to study
structural performances via computational frameworks, employed as tools to
formulate and design structures, a common educational path of engineering
and architectural courses.
teaching methods
the collapse analysis will be regarded in fems as a natural extension of the linear elastic analysis. this will be framed within push-over analyses, which are today prescribed in the technical codes, in order to better evaluate structural capability and ductility under seismic loading conditions.

moreover, the equilibrium field equations will be formulated in a general mathematical format, thus being apt to their use in general-purpose softwares, such as comsol multiphysics, a program able to simulate generic physical problems.
verification of learning
the final assessment will be a presentation and discussion of an in-depth investigation on one specific topic, chosen among those presented during the course. both self and group works are admitted.

THE FINITE ELEMENT METHOD. T.J.R. HUGHES. DOVER PUBLICATIONS, 2000.