The aim of the course is the understanding of the meaning and of the gradual historical development of the design and assessment methods used by engineers in their profession. The best possible introduction to the course is this citation taken from Louis De Broglie's book "Sur les sentiers de la science": "When a young mind in formation is introduced to the study of whatever subject of scientific knowledge, it should firstly retrace more or less quickly the main milestones that humanity managed to achieve in the past in order to build the contemporary science".
Course Prerequisites
The preliminary knowledge of Mechanics of Solids and Structures and Structural Engineering is recommended
Teaching Methods
Lectures (hours/year in lecture hall): 23 Tutorials (hours/year in lecture hall): 0 Workshops (hours/year in lecture hall): 0
Assessment Methods
The oral exam consists of an individual interview whose purpose is to verify the understanding of the fundamental topics of the course.
Texts
During the lectures, teaching material will be provided. E. Benvenuto. La scienza delle costruzioni e il suo sviluppo storico. Ed. Sansoni.
G. Stagnitto. Evoluzione scientifica e costruzioni. CLU, Pavia.
Contents
- The mechanics of the ancients - The "Scienza Nuova” and its precursors - The 18th century and the birth of the "science of building" - The first structural calculations - The 19th century and the "engineers' architecture" - The birth of the reinforced concrete - The new building techniques
