Structural mechanics : a didactic experimental set-up and its virtual tool

Abstract

A didactic test frame was developed for use in Structural Mechanics classes. It enables the evaluation of support reactions in isostatic and simple hyperstatic structures, as well as the measurement of flexural displacements and the determination of influence lines in beams. Hands-on activity is fundamental in engineering education but large classes call for the replication of experimental set-ups which may become costly in some cases. Efficient complementary solutions may be provided by recourse to information and communication technologies. In the present case two alternative approaches have been explored. In the first one the real experimental set-up was used as a remote laboratory tool for demonstration during lecture classes. An IP camera captured the laboratory images that were projected live on a large video screen for up to 100 students. The second approach involved the development of a software tool specifically designed to complement the existing didactic test frame prototype. This paper describes both, the experimental set-up and its virtual tool