They compete to the field of Structural Engineering of DICAM all teaching and research activities in the fields characterizing the SSD ICAR/09, with particular reference to the problems of verification and design of the reinforced concrete, masonry, steel and steel-concrete structures. The research conducted in this area include the structures of ordinary buildings as well as specific typologies such as bridges and monumental buildings.

The methods of investigation include: analytical approaches, mainly devoted to the description of local phenomena that affect the constitutive behavior of materials, the behavior of the sections, the resistant mechanisms, numerical analysis based on models defined on the basis of theoretical formulations and focused on the study of the behavior of the structural elements and / or global structures; experimental tests on specimens and prototypes in a large scale, to be used for the calibration of numerical models and the verification of their reliability.

A fundamental research support is therefore provided by the activity carried out at the "Materials and Structures Laboratory" of DICAM, which, in addition to the ordinary measuring systems and devices for the application of loads, also has contrast systems of high stiffness and strength and machines that allow the execution of tests in load or displacement / deformation control under monotonic or cyclic conditions.

The most recent research topics in which the experimental activity plays a role of paramount importance, deal with the structural use of innovative materials such as glass fibers for the reinforcement of cement matrices, fiber fabrics for the confinement of reinforced concrete structural elements or masonry.

A common denominator to most of the covered topics is the reference to the structures subject to seismic actions, both with regard to the design of new buildings and the vulnerability of existing buildings as well as their retrofitting. In this field which is particularly innovative and which has a significant socio-economic impact related to the activities of risk prevention and rehabilitation of existing buildings, also the researches conducted on the basis of conventions established with the Department of Civil Protection and coordinated within with national research groups from other universities, have to be mentioned.

Among the objectives of the professors related to the institutional sector, it is particularly felt the one of providing a constantly updated education, transferring to future engineers the tools to understand the origin and purpose of the various provisions contained in the most recent design codes on construction, for a conscious application in their future professional life.

Significant contributions to external parties are also provided through conventions established with various institutions, mainly within the Sicilian territory, usually related to problems of structural diagnostics or rehabilitation projects and the collaboration for the organization of University Masters and professional courses.