Models, Computers and Structural Analysis

Published in: Megaprojects: Building Infrastructure by Fostering Engineering Collaboration, Efficient and Effective Integration and Innovative Planning: Proceedings of the 10th Latin American and Caribbean Conference for Engineering and Technology
Date of Conference: July 23-25, 2012
Location of Conference: Panama City, Panama
Authors: Alberto Gomez-Rivas
George Pincus
Jorge A. Tito
Refereed Paper: #143

Abstract

There are three basic components of the structural design problem: the real structure, the physical model, and the computer model. To avoid the typical problems of scale and similitude in the physical models, it is assumed that if the computer model predicts the behavior of the physical model, then it can also predict the behavior of the real structure. This method would be very useful in engineering education because by using models it is possible to allow students to visualize complex phenomena learned in theory but not seen in practice. The use of models in structural engineering is motivated by the work in small boxes performed by Karl Terzaghi; the current diminishing budgets in universities; and because the women students that worked with the models seem to have a better understanding of the basic structural principles.