Dynamics of Soils and Structures

Code:

MESTEC04

Acronym:

DSE

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Construction and Civil Engineering

Instance: 2021/2022 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Structural Division
Course/CS Responsible:	Master in Civil Engineering Structures

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
MESTEC	10	Syllabus	1	-	6	49	162

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

This curricular unit aims to complement students’ education in the scientific field of structures and geotechnics by enriching the general training with specific knowledge on dynamics of soils and structures. Upon attendance of the Curricular Unit, students should:

- Identify the concepts and specificities on the formulation of equilibrium equations related to the dynamics of structures;

- Describe the main dynamic analysis methods for structural systems subjected to several types of dynamic loads, including soil­structure interaction;

- Know and interpret tests for the dynamic characterisation of structures and soils;

- Analyse and distinguish the specificities of the dynamic behaviour of geotechnical structures and ground;

- Solve a set of practical problems on civil engineering structures subjected to dynamic actions.

Learning outcomes and competences

Identify the concepts and particularities of the formulation of the equilibrium equations that characterize the dynamics of structures. Describe the main methods for dynamic analysis of structural systems subjected to several types of dynamic loads.

Interpret and solve a set of practical problems of civil engineering structures with one or multiple degrees of freedom submitted to dynamic loads, using time and frequency domain methods. Perform the experimental evaluation of physical models, in addition to predictions based on numerical simulations.

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

Basic concepts of structural analysis.

Program

Dynamics of structures

SDOF (Single-degree­-of-­freedom) linear systems

- Free and forced vibration response;

- Experimental identification of natural frequencies and damping ratio;
­
- Shape functions and setting up of generalised SDOF systems;
­
- Response to a generalised load in time and frequency domain.

MDOF (Multi­-degree-­of-­freedom) linear systems
­
- Determination of frequencies and mode shapes;

- Modal superposition method for determining the response to a generalised load;

- Formulations for inclusion of damping;

- Obtaining a response through integration in time domain

- State-space formulation.

Dynamics of soils
­
- Basics on wave propagation in geotechnical ground;
­
- Dynamic characterization of soils: in situ and laboratory tests;
­
- Modelling of the dynamic behaviour of ground;
­
- Local amplification effects.

Soil­structure dynamic interaction
­
- Simplified methodologies for inclusion of soil­structure interaction.

Mandatory literature

Carlos Moutinho, Filipe Magalhães, Pedro Costa; Apontamentos das aulas / Lecture notes
Chopra Anil K.; Dynamics of structures. ISBN: 0-13-521063-1
Towhata Ikuo; Geotechnical earthquake engineering. ISBN: 978-3-642-07145-4
Clough Ray W.; Dynamics of structures. ISBN: 0-07-113241-4

Teaching methods and learning activities

All the topics are presented and discussed in the theoretical/practical classes, with an explanation of theory and the resolution of practical problems, based on the development and use of routines in MatLab. The proposed practical assignments are discussed and the doubts  clarified in the classes.

Software

Matlab

Evaluation Type

Evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Exame	100,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Frequência das aulas	52,00
Total:	52,00

Eligibility for exams

Achieving final classification requires compliance with attendance of the classes of the course unit. It is considered that students meet the attendance requirements if, having been regularly enrolled, the number of absences of 25% for each of the classes’ types is not exceeded.

Are exempted from verification of attendance conditions the cases provided for by law, including working students.

Calculation formula of final grade

Final exam grade.

Observations

To obtain a final classification higher than 18 values the student must be submitted to an oral exam.