Discusses the development of inquiry based modules for graduate courses in civil engineering using data from the NEES repository.
"A multi-institutional collaborative project, investigating soil-foundationstructure-
interaction (SFSI), is being used to demonstrate collaborative research
using the George E. Brown Network for Earthquake Engineering Simulation
(NEES). The research plan involves computational simulation models as well as
testing of a scaled bridge and complementary shake table, static, centrifuge and
field tests of scaled bridge components to develop improved models of SFSI. To
achieve one of the goals of the project, i.e. synthesize research and educational
activities, two educational modules are under development. The first module
explores the nonlinear behavior of individual reinforced concrete bridge columns
and the second explores the effect of soil modeling assumptions on the analysis of
a bridge bent. Each of these modules integrates results of analytical studies and
experimental data with structural analysis and design concepts currently taught in
the senior year or master's degree, to help students understand the limitations of
modeling assumptions that they make. This paper discusses the two educational
modules and the benefits and challenges associated with integrating experimental
research and curriculum development."
PDFs can be opened with the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.
