Experimental Techniques in Structural Mechanics

Code:

PRODEC014

Acronym:

TEME

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Civil Engineering - Structures

Instance: 2017/2018 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Structural and geotechnical Division
Course/CS Responsible:	Doctoral Program in Civil Engineering

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
PRODEC	0	Syllabus since 2007/08	1	-	5	45	135

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

To provide a global and practical overview of the use of laboratory and field tests for the experimental analysis of the mechanical response of civil and engineering structures. Identification of test equipment requirements and of control parameters in view of the test model or real structure. Conception of experimental set-ups involving aspects relative to the loading simulation and response measurement. Observation, processing and interpretation of results and their relation with the analytical/numerical modeling. Elaboration of well structured, concise and objective test reports.

Learning outcomes and competences

.

Working method

Presencial

Program

1. General considerations about experimental techniques for structural mechanics, supported by presentations of several static and dynamic different types of real tests.
2. General description, for identification and use purposes, of methods and devices for measuring different and most relevant types of mechanical and physical parameters (deformations, displacements, accelerations, forces and temperature).
3. Presentation of several means of mechanical actuation and selection of appropriate control type.
4. Pre and post-peak behaviour of models and/or Structural elements.
5. Signal and data processing and result interpretation.
6. Complementarity and comparison of experimental and analytical/numerical results.
7. Use of experimental results for safety assessment and structural design.
8. General aspects and requirements for test report preparation.
9. Practical applications for a set of tests.

DEMONSTRATION OF THE SYLLABUS COHERENCE WITH THE CURRICULAR UNIT'S OBJECTIVES:

Structural testing is illustrated in topic 1 of the syllabus by presenting several tests made on different types of models and real structures. Topic 2 describes the main measurement techniques in the framework of practical use aiming at an adequate selection of measuring devices. Mechanical actuation devices appropriate for the test type and conditions are described in topic 3 in order to allow conceiving suitable testing systems for the behavior type addressed in topic 4. Topics 5 and 6 focus on the result analysis, describing on how to remove spurious aspects and effects of the structural response and how to complement testing with analytical/numerical simulations. The structural design and safety assessment based on testing is addressed in topic 7, while topic 8 focuses on good practice of test reporting. The above mentioned issues are complemented with experimental tests to be made by the students, under teacher supervising.

Mandatory literature

Apontamentos do docente sob a forma de slides de apoio às sessões de apresentação das matérias. ; .
Relatórios de ensaios diversos já realizados no âmbito da atividade laboratorial, quer de índole científica quer de prestação de serviços; .

Teaching methods and learning activities

The teaching involves sessions with theoretical presentations and discussions, as well as the participation on the execution of proposed experimental tests. The student grading will be based on a report assignment and a written exam if necessary, as well as the participation in the execution of experimental tests.

DEMONSTRATION OF THE COHERENCE BETWEEN THE TEACHING METHODOLOGIES AND THE LEARNING OUTCOMES:

The report assignment, the discussion of the UC contents and the effective participation in the execution of experimental tests allows for an efficient learning experience at this education level.

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Trabalho escrito	100,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	0,00
Total:	0,00

Calculation formula of final grade

.