Abstract:

This paper presents an innovative teaching and learning methodology that was carried out in the course of Matrix Methods of Structural Analysis, of the Civil Engineering Degree taught at the University of Burgos.

The aim was for the students to be able to identify and properly use the instrumentation material of structures to achieve results that allow them to check the calculation methods previously used.

The work proposal consisted of a first phase of structural calculation of a simply supported beam with a point load in the center of the span. A small-scale beam model was performed, consisting of a steel plate of 80 mm wide and 5 mm thick, and a maximum length between supports of 800 mm. The plate was instrumented with a strain gauge and a Linear Variable Differential Transformers (LVDT) in the center of the span to measure the deformation produced by the application of the load.

In the second phase, the planned test implementation and the "in situ" data acquisition were performed, through the instrumentation connected to the measurement chain; a dial indicator was also placed to check the LVDT measurements. Once the data recording equipment was started up, the point load was placed in the center of the span.

In the third phase, the boundary conditions of the beam were changed, fixing one of the supports and repeating the test procedure.

Finally, during the fourth phase, the students had to elaborate a final report that contained all the tasks performed during the tests, the comparison between the calculation results and the data obtained in the practice, and the final conclusions.

Student surveys reflect a high degree of satisfaction with the experience described. The students highlight the fact of having been able to handle real instrumentation material and having understood how "in situ" data acquisition works. Likewise, the students successfully strengthen their knowledge about the calculation methods. As a consequence of the involvement and good results obtained by the students, in future years it is scheduled to extend the methodology to larger structural elements and other materials, such as reinforced concrete or prestressed concrete.

Keywords:

Teaching methodology, Instrumentation, Strain gauges, LVDT, Dial indicator, Technological classroom, Flexion Test.