Experimental structural analysis

The course deals with the fundamentals and applications of experimental techniques in structural engineering, both for laboratory applications or testing and monitoring of real structures. The course is divided into three parts: the first part is aimed at the study of instrumentation techniques and equipment (with detailed study of specific sensors like strain gauges, inductive and resistive displacement transducers, load cells and accelerometers); the second part deals with the design of load tests in bridges and buildings; finally, dynamic testing techniques are studied in the third part (including the tools necessary to perform structural monitoring and evaluation of the limit state of vibrations; and the methods for the analysis in the time- and frequency-domain).

Additional info

Detailed learning guide

Main topics

Parte 1. Instrumentation

Parte 2. Load tests

Parte 3. Dynamic testing

Lecturers

Carlos Zanuy

PhD Civil Engineer. Director of Structural Engineering Group at UPM. He has specialized on the structural response under complex load states (fatigue, impact, time-dependent effects), bond and interaction between materials, utilization of fiber-reinforced-concrete, railway structures, instrumentation and experimental techniques.

Detailed CV

Iván Muñoz

PhD Mechanical Engineer. He has been lecturer of structural engineering courses at three schools of two universities: School of Mechanical Engineering (2003-2007) and School of Architecture (2009-2001), both at UCLM, and School of Civil Engineering at UPM (2012-). His specialization deals with the monitoring and instrumentation of structures, non-destructive testing and developments of systems for cancellation of vibrations.

Detailed CV

José Manuel Soria

PhD Civil Engineer. He is currently lecturer at UPM involved in courses of dynamics, experimentation and structural engineering. He has taken part in many experimental campaigns on laboratory real structures, including buildings, bridges, footbridges, dams, etc. He is member of Spanish Association for Structural Dynamics (AEDE).

Detailed CV

Carlos Martín de la Concha

Civil Engineer. He is currently reasearching in structural dynamics and vibrations of light-weight structures in service.

Detailed CV

Antonio Madrid

Civil Engineer. Experienced designer of bridges and special structures, including a wide range of structural types and materials. He has participated in the inspection and assessment of many existing structures and has been involve in the analysis of pathologies. He has carried out numerous dynamic and static load tests in railway and road bridges, in new and existing structures.