Models for qualitative assessment of the behavior of structural systems

Abstract

The first and most important decisions in designing a structural design, which covers both the aesthetic as well as economic values are qualitative and intuitive. It is extremely important that professionals involved in this process, whether the architect or engineer, has the ability to visualize and understand the behavior of structures under different circumstances. Considering these aspects, this paper aims to study and overall improvement of qualitative models, based on the techniques of the book "Structural Modeling and Experimental Techniques", developed by Harris and Sabnis (1999). The following structural systems will be studied: beams, gratings, frames, plates, and beams Vierendeel. Thus, this research is primarily experimental, with a view to the development, implementation, and evaluation of the structural model. To do this, bending tests are carried out in qualitative models, where its deformations are measured with the aid of a dial indicator. Aspects such as deflection, buckling, and the influence of geometrical and physical properties on the performance of structural systems studied will be analyzed. Thus, it is believed that the use of qualitative models as a tool to aid learning and an evaluation of the behavior of structures is an effective proposal since the models allow the student to develop, through the experience of trial, an intuitive feeling of the behavior of structural systems. Thus, with the ability to improve this perception, this professional future will be better prepared to design a structure.(AU)