Scaling issues in structural testing
Description:
Since buildings and infrastructures are quite large objects, scaling of physical models is a central issue in structural testing.
Scaling is introduced with dimensional analysis, that is, understanding how the solution of an equation is affected by scaling some of the parameters. This is quite a theoretical subject, and you can get away pretty well with whiteboard and markers.
Scaling also deals with how materials preserve specific properties at different scales. For example, how a tiny concrete beam develops cracks and why this behavior might not be representative of a large structural element.
The way we introduce forces in scaled physical models changes with the scaling factor. Judging the pros and cons of competing solutions (e.g., hydraulic actuation or additional masses) requires a lot of experience.
This teaching module aims to provide a toolbox for handling typical issues associated with the scaling of physical models for structural testing.
Intended Learning Outcomes:
- Apply dimensional analysis to study the effect of scaling on the response of a tested specimen.
- Apply size-effect models to study the effect of scaling on the response of a tested specimen.
- Design structural testing campaigns with scaled physical models.
| Resources | Tasks | Supports | |||
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Lecturing |
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Lecture notes on energetic size effect uploaded on the LMS |
Study the theory and solve the exercise at the of the lecture note. Post the results on the discussion board and compare with peers. ↓ |
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The teacher explain the theory in the classroom and is available by email and with office hours to help the students. |
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Lecture notes on statistical size effect uploaded on the LMS |
Study the theory and solve the exercise at the of the lecture note. Post the results on the discussion board and compare with peers. ↓ |
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The teacher explain the theory in the classroom and is available by email and with office hours to help the students |
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Lecture notes on dimensional analysis uploaded on the LMS |
Study the theory and solve the exercise at the of the lecture note. Post the results on the discussion board and compare with peers. ↓ |
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The teacher explain the theory in the classroom and is available by email and with office hours to help the students |
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Flipped classroom |
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Selected publications on structural testing campaigns |
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Read the publications and post 2-3 questions on the discussion board of the LMS ↓ |
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The teacher answers to the questions on the discussion board of the LMS. |
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Virtual tour to the LAB available online |
Experience the virtual tour of the selected LAB and post questions on the discussion board of the LMS |
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The teacher answers to the questions on the discussion board of the LMS. |
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Additional information
The in-class activities of this teaching module are distributed over 2 lectures of 3.5 h each. Each lecture is split into 3 sessions of 1h with 15 breaks in between (that is, 6 sessions in total).
In-class activities: The first 5 sessions are allocated to lecturing of theory. A flipped classroom model is adopted for the last session, which is dedicated to discussing students' posts on the discussion boards. The teacher moderates the discussion supported by a PowerPoint presentation with relevant pictures/plots.
Out-of-class activities (individual): The students shall read the provided references as well as experience the virtual lab tour. These tasks must be completed before the last session of lecturing.
Out-of-class activities (groups): The students will form groups of 4-5 people to solve the assigned exercises and to assemble a final report with the results.
Online activities (individual): PEER feedback on the solution of the exercises, online discussion on provided literature, virtual LAB tour.