MESTEC03 - ECTS

Using the previous knowledge related to the calculation of cross-sections of reinforced concrete (RC) elements, this Course Unit (CU) aims to enable students to use accurately the theoretical and practical principles for the analysis and design of RC structures, namely frames, slabs, walls and foundations. The behaviour in service and close to failure is analysed, and the requirements of Eurocode 2 (EC2) are discussed and applied.

This CU aims to develop the following skills and competences:
(i) Ability to design RC projects, presenting drawings to allow the correct execution on the construction site;
(ii) Critical evaluation of the solutions found, selecting safe structural options with the best cost/performance ratio;
(iii) Ability to solve Civil Engineering problems without a unique solution;
(iv) Initiation in the practice of RC building structures design.

MESTEC04 - ECTS 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.

MESTEC05 - ECTS The knowledge of the main type of foundations (shallow foundations – footings and spread footings, mats, wells, deep foundations-piles and related) is the main objective of this discipline. The particularities of the different types of foundations and their specificities as conditioned by the ground nature, is thoroughly discussed and analysed. The deepening of site investigation and characterization methods is also developed. Teaching of principles and methodologies of geotechnical and structural design of direct and deep foundations, single and in group is pursued. An introduction to ground reinforcement, treatment of sensitive soils, deepening footings and other amelioration methods, is made.

 

MESTEC24 - ECTS

Get to know the basics and how to apply numerical modelling techniques in order to solve structural and geotechnical problems related to Civil Engineering.

Understand the basics of the Finite Element Method, including different formulations and their computational implementation.

Develop decision making abilities in the selection of the best methodologies for structural and geotechnical simulation of problems in Civil Engineering.

Develop the ability to critically appraise the results of numerical modelling and their use in structural and geotechnical design processes.

MESTEC25 - ECTS

To know the basics and how to apply the techniques for modeling uncertainties in Civil Engineering problems.
Evaluate, quantify and calculate safety using reliability analysis techniques and quantify the risk inherent to Civil Engineering structures.
Apply commonly used models to characterize the variability of structural systems.
Apply reliability analysis techniques to calculate the probabilities of failure.
Evaluate the structural safety based on a probabilistic approach and determine the corresponding level of risk.

MESTEC12 - ECTS

JUSTIFICATION: For the structural design, it is necessary to evaluate the stress and deformation demand distributions due to the different actions defined in the codes, particularly the seismic and the wind actions. In order to determine the stress and deformation distributions, it is essential to know how to characterize it, as well as to define adequate design approaches taking into account the verification of the structural behavior for the different limit states to be considered.

OBJECTIVES: To study the seismic and wind actions, and their effects on the response of the structures. To study the standard aspects regarding the structural design for seismic and wind actions.

MESTEC14 - ECTS

Know the behavior of resistant structures and structural elements, in new, or existing constructions, built in: (i) masonry, including stone masonry in the case of old constructions, and (ii) timber.
Know the codes and technical recommendations applicable to the evaluation of strength and safety, and to the design of structures built in these two materials.
Learn and apply methods (simplified, in some cases) of structural analysis, design and safety verification of masonry and timber structures, including the seismic action.

MESTEC07 - ECTS

Based on the knowledge gained in the study of Strength of Materials complemented with concepts from the Theory of Instability and with specific regulations, a series of common problems in the area of Steel and Composite Steel-concrete structures are proposed. These applications will allow future engineers an easy integration into practical civil engineering activity. 

MESTEC13 - ECTS

To describe the main concepts related to the analysis and design of structures which behaviour is not adequately described by the Bernoulli principles. To relate models that describe the uniaxial behavior of concrete elements subjected to tension or compression with specific design methodologies. To identify different techniques for applying prestress on concrete structures and the respective methods of analysis and design. Calculate and develop solutions based on learned structural methods, applying the European structural codes. To draw structural solutions that illustrate the obtained design. Acquisition of a set of skills to elaborate a structural project, related to the analysis and design of laminar concrete structures subjected to high local forces, prestressed structures and the respective construction phases, and specific issues related to slabs, namely, flat slabs.

MESTEC06 - ECTS -

MESTEC27 - ECTS

The Circular Economy action plan identifies Construction and Demolition as one of the five priority intervention sectors.

This Course Unit is intended to alert the student to the importance of sustainability in construction and the role of Civil Engineering in the transition to Circular Economy

It is intended that the student acquires knowledge and tools that allow him to make technical decisions, duly substantiated, with regard to the design, dimensioning, maintenance, renovation / demolition of works according to the premises of the Circular Economy in construction.

At the end of the course the student should be able to:

- make technical decisions that promote Circular Construction;

- dimension in civil engineering with the inclusion of recycled materials;

- know new construction and management technologies aligned with the principles of Circular Economy;

- be aware of national and international legislation on Circular Economy

MESTEC22 - ECTS

JUSTIFICATION:
Monitoring and observation are techniques of growing importance in modern engineering practice, for evaluation of the behaviour of the built infrastructure and assessment of the structural condition and safety.
Important technological developments have taken place in recent years. Moreover, continuous monitoring techniques have gained increased relevance, in the context of (i) the definition and implementation of maintenance plans for existing constructions; (ii) to assist construction and control teams during the construction phase of new structures; (iii) in the definition of strategies for repair and upgrade of existing constructions, among other applications.

OBJECTIVES:
- To provide basic knowledge regarding the use of testing equipments for the observation of the behaviour of materials and structures along different phases of their life time (construction, reception, service, rehabilitation or strengthening), submitted to static or dynamic loads;
- to present non-destructive techniques used in structural diagnosis and evaluation of structural safety;
- To illustrate the importance and usefulness of Testing and Structural Monitoring by presenting a large variety of case studies, involving inspection, performance of static and dynamic tests and long-term monitoring.

MESTEC18 - ECTS

This course is focused on the conception and design of Bridges having as fundamental lines the structural analysis and the design, including the particularities of this type of structures, namely the nature of the loads, the structural systems and the relevance of the construction process.

Additionally, it is also provided some knowledge about bridges history and socio-environmental and management concepts associated with the design, construction and operation of bridges.

MESTEC08 - ECTS

MESTEC28 - ECTS The rehabilitation topic is a paradigm in the current context of civil construction, where structural rehabilitation takes on a crucial importance for the success of “recycling” constructions. In this framework the objectives of this curricular unit are the following:

To raise student’s awareness for the structural problems of existing constructions, aiming at the conception, design and execution of rehabilitation and/or strengthening interventions on their structures, foundations elements and bearing soils.

To provide knowledge on: strategies for characterization, survey and assessment of the state condition of structures and foundations; techniques for repair, rehabilitation and strengthening of structures and foundations; basics of safety assessment of existing constructions and strengthening design in traditional and current structures and their foundations.

MESTEC10 - ECTS