Program Overview

Program Overview

The three-year Doctoral Program in Structural and Geotechnical Engineering is the third level of the Italian University education system. It guarantees education in scientific research and provides necessary skills to carry out research activities, also at international level, and professional activities of high qualification, with particular reference to topics related to the Solid Mechanics, Structural Mechanics, foundations and soils included.

Educational Goals

The program focuses on fundamental and advanced researches on:

• Constitutive aspects of traditional (masonry) and “innovative” materials (composites, nano-composites, bio-)
• Structural dynamics
• Structural stability
• Geomechanics
• Applied research in the structural and geotechnical sectors with reference to soil protection, conservation and preservation of the historical heritage from seismic hazards, structural adaptation and energy saving

Program Structure

The Doctoral Program in Structural Engineering and Geotechnics is developed in two curricula:

• a) Structural Engineering and Mechanics
• b) Geotechnical Engineering The thesis works are centered on themes related to the two curricula and interdisciplinary studies are also encouraged, also in collaboration with other Institutions (Universities, public and private Authorities), always characterized by rigorous and adequate detailed studies.

Research Areas

Research topics include:

• Conservation and preservation of architectural heritage
• Safety in extreme events such as fires and explosions
• Unconventional mechanics issues
• Frontier technologies
• Biologically inspired or behavior-based technologies
• Biostructural issues
• Heuristic optimization methods
• Security concerns
• Energy harvesting
• Sustainability aspects
• Forensic engineering
• Aspects of the history of structural mechanics
• Design methodologies

Program Details

• ID: 33695
• Course type: Dottorato
• Academic year: 2025/2026
• Positions: 5
• Grant numbers: 1
• Number of scholarships financed by institutions: 0
• Number of scholarships financed by consortiums: 1

Evaluation and Exams

• Exam - Oral: Scheduled for 10/7/2025 at 09:30
• Tests - Evaluation of qualifications: Scheduled for 26/6/2025

Department and Staff

• Department: Ingegneria strutturale e geotecnica
• Coordinator: Francesco Romeo
• Staff: Stefania Pontecorvo