Teaching

  • Civil Engineering teaching unit: Docta Manus

    The UE Docta Manus will introduce drawing as the key tool of communication between engineers and architects and as a mediator between construction and the student. Through hand-drawing, we will analyse selected structural projects that embody an exemplary interplay of space and structure.

    Section of Architecture
    Teachers: Corres Sojo Enrique, Fernandez-Ordoñez Hernandez David Carlos, Guaita Patricia, Baur Raffael
    Language: french
    Academic term: 2024-2025


  • Drawing structures

    The Drawing Structures I will introduce the basic drawing techniques (sketch, plan, section, elevation, and axonometry) to the first-year engineers. Based on these techniques, we will further investigate analytical drawing methods capable of exploring projects, structural concepts and their solution

    Section of Civil Engineering
    Teachers: Guaita Patricia, Corres Sojo Enrique, Baur Raffael, Fernandez-Ordoñez Hernandez David Carlos
    Language: english
    Academic term: 2024-2025


  • Dynamics of structures

    Dynamics loads on structures, equations of motion of linear single- and multiple-degree-of freedom systems; free an forced vibrations; damping in structures: modal superposition and response history analysis, earthquake effects

    Section of Civil Engineering
    Teachers: Vanin Francesco, Lignos Dimitrios
    Language: english
    Academic term: 2024-2025


  • Nonlinear analysis of structures

    The course is based on assignments in which students either implement the nonlinear analysis from scratch (for models with truss elements) or use an open-source software (for models with beam elements). The topics that are covered are the following:
    • Truss models: Hand calculations and finite element calculations of truss models with material and geometric nonlinearity;
    • No

      MINEUR
      Teachers: Saloustros Savvas, Lignos Dimitrios
      Language: english
      Academic term: 2024-2025


  • Design of precast concrete structures

    The course deals with the design of precast reinforced concrete structures, both for bridges and for buildings. The course is focused in learning by projects supplemented by some lectures by the teachers. The students will work in groups to design a precast structure.

    Section of Civil Engineering
    Teachers: Fernandez-Ordoñez Hernandez David Carlos
    Language: english
    Academic term: 2024-2025


  • Making structural logic

    (Coursebook not yet approved by the section)

    ENAC
    Teachers: Baur Raffael, Guaita Patricia, Corres Sojo Enrique, Fernandez-Ordoñez Hernandez David Carlos
    Language: english
    Academic term: 2024-2025


  • Seismic engineering

    This course deals with the main aspects of seismic design and assessment of buildings including conceptual design. It covers different structural design and evaluation philosophies for new and existing reinforced concrete, steel and unreinforced masonry buildings.

    Section of Civil Engineering
    Teachers: Vanin Francesco, Lignos Dimitrios, Saloustros Savvas
    Language: english
    Academic term: 2024-2025


  • Stone masonry: Past, present, and future



    ENAC
    Teachers: Haindl Carvallo Mathias Christian, Sonta Andrew James, Aureli Pier Vittorio
    Language: english
    Academic term: 2024-2025


  • TRC LC3 Research Platform Fribourg



    ENAC
    Teachers: Baur Raffael, Corres Sojo Enrique, Fernandez-Ordoñez Hernandez David Carlos, Guaita Patricia
    Language: english
    Academic term: 2024-2025


  •  

    • Manuel Jordan, “Modelling reinforced concrete frame structures subjected to ground motions with large vertical-to-horizontal peak acceleration ratios,” EPFL, 2016.
    • David Grisot, “Out-of-plane failure of reinforced concrete walls with a single reinforcement layer,” EPFL, 2016.
    • Marlène Vouillamoz, “Evaluation parasismique d’un bâtiment en bois,” EPFL, 2016.
    • Tharchagini Kandiah, “Evaluation parasismique d’un bâtiment en maçonnerie de pierre,” EPFL, 2016.
    • Cristiano Garbellini, “Efficient analysis methods of RC sections under cyclic biaxial bending and axial load,” EPFL, 2016.
    • Claudia Gardeta, “Vulnerability of RC wall buildings in New Zealand,” EPFL, exchange student at the University of Canterbury (Prof. S. Pampanin, Prof. R. Dhakal), 2016.
    • Dario Zaganelli, “Performance-based seismic assessment of stone masonry buildings: numerical and experimental studies,” visiting Master student from the University of Bologna, Italy. Supervisor at alma mater: Dr. L. Landi, October 2015-March 2016.
    • Filippo Lucca, “Analysis of out-of-plane response of brick masonry walls by means of discrete element models,” visiting student from the Università degli Studi di Padova, Italy. Supervisor at alma mater: Prof. C. Modena, 2015.
    • Emanuele Paolo Ghera, “Seismic assessment of the Ganter bridge,” EPFL, 2015.
    • Alexandre Aubry, “Seismic assessment of a highway bridge over the Dranse (Valais),” EPFL, 2015.
    • Alexandru Moraru, “Potential of damping devices in regions of moderate seismicity,” EPFL, in collaboration with the company VSL, 2014.
    • Matteo Campiche, “Seismic behaviour of thin walls subjected to large axial forces,” EPFL, in collaboration with Prof. Carlos Blandon, School of Engineering of Antioquia, Colombia, 2014.
    • Mohamed Eddamanhoury, “Comportement sismique de bâtiments en maçonnerie non armée avec dalles en béton armé, (Seismic behaviour of unreinforced masonry buildings with reinforced concrete slabs)” EPFL, 2014.
    • Danilo Tarquini, “Seismic performance of reinforced concrete walls with substandard details,” visiting Master student from Roseschool, Istituto Universitario di Studi Superiori (IUSS) Pavia, Italy, 2014.
    • Benaboud Haroun, “Effective slab width in URM buildings with RC slabs,” EPFL, 2013. SGEB-award for outstanding Master project in the field of earthquake engineering (www.sgeb.ch)
    • Efthymios Papoutsis, “Seismic behaviour of planar and non-planar reinforced concrete walls,” visiting Master student from the Aristotele University of Thessaloniki, Greece. Supervisor at alma mater: Prof. Anastasios Sextos. 2013.
    • Salvatore Marino, “Force-deformation characteristics for composite spandrels,” visiting Master student from the University of Bologna, Italy. Supervisor at alma mater: Prof. D. Diotallevi, Dr. L. Landi, October 2012-August 2013.
    • Raphaël Bonvin, “Seismic assessment of an existing URM building in the canton Valais,” EPFL, 2012.
    • Sujith Mangalathu, “Analysis of masonry spandrels with shallow arches,” visiting Master student from Roseschool, Istituto Universitario di Studi Superiori (IUSS) Pavia, Italy, 2012.
    • Sabrina Simonini, “Seismic analysis of RC walls with unequal length,” visiting Master student from the University of Bologna, Italy, Co-Supervisor: Prof. Rutenberg (Technion, Israel), 2011.
    • Suleidy Perez, “Seismic design and analysis of mixed reinforced concrete – unreinforced masonry wall Structures,” EPFL, 2011. SGEB-award for outstanding Master project in the field of earthquake engineering (www.sgeb.ch)

     

    Demonstration models for a shake table (MA1-MA3)

    The effect of an earthquake on structures is best demonstrated by a shake table test. The objective of this project is to develop small models for our Quanser shake table, which can be used in classes on structural dynamics and earthquake engineering and / or for highschool students to recruit them for the civil engineering profession. The models should demonstrate a particular seismic effect. This is a non-exhaustive list:

    • Base isolation and its effect on building vibrations
    • Diagonal bracing of a frame and the effect of viscous dampers
    • Storey response spectra and non-structural damage during earthquake excitation
    • Liquefaction of sandy soils under earthquake excitation
    • Effect of foundation flexibility (e.g. a sand layer underneath a foundation)

    Supervisors: Bastian Wilding, Katrin Beyer

    • EPFL students interested in doing a Master’s project: Please check the project proposals on IS-Academia and contact Katrin Beyer if you are interested in one of the topics.
    • Students from other universities who are interested in doing a Master’s project with the EESD-Lab: We are always open to discuss the possibility of hosting you for a Master’s project that is related to one of our research projects. Please contact Katrin Beyer by email.