Teaching Structural Analysis through Design, Building, and Testing

Abstract

This paper presents the results of an innovative teaching experience in the area of structural analysis in the mechanical engineering program of the Universidad de Sevilla, Spain. The teaching methodology used is aimed at motivating students to learn by promoting the design, calculation, building, and testing of structures. This method not only trains students to make calculations, but also develops skills that allow them to understand how structures function. The project includes subjects taught in the third and fifth year of the course. In their third year, students begin their structural training studying structural analysis, where they learn the basics by designing, building, and testing balsa wood structures. Students have access to computer software when optimizing the design of their models before building and testing them in the laboratory. After this first approach to structural analysis, students receive training on more advanced concepts. A few examples of such concepts are the dynamic behavior of structures and instabilities in specific types of structures such as plates and laminar structures, and in structural materials such as steel and concrete. Before completing their studies, students are exposed to a project-based teaching methodology in the area of experimental structural analysis, where students deal with similar projects to those they will face as professionals after graduating. This paper explains the advantages of this methodology for teaching in engineering.