Design, Construction, and Performance of the Modular Strong-Block Testing System

Design and Implementation of Experiential Learning Modules for Reinforced Concrete

“…It would be ideal to utilize a structural testing facility, but most small programs do not have access to these types of facilities. To demonstrate how a smaller institution can implement these modules, this project utilizes the Modular Strong-block Testing System [1], a versatile and affordable large-scale testing alternative. Figure 7…”

“…Second, the selected cross-section and material properties would be identical for each of the three modules so students could compare behavior and capacity. Finally, the length of each beam would correspond to a required load that would generate the moment necessary to fail each beam in the desired mode while not exceeding the capacity of the testing system [1]. The resulting cross-section was a 12 in.…”

“…As a part of a multi-course, experiential learning project, St. Louis University (SLU) and Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (RHIT) have developed three full-scale experiential learning modules to be used during an introductory reinforced concrete design course. Each module was implemented on the Modular Strong-block Testing System [1]: a self-contained system that provides an affordable alternative for testing larger-scale specimens. The three experiential learning modules were designed to illustrate fundamental behavior of reinforced concrete beams: Module 1 -Tension Controlled Failure, Module 2 -Compression Controlled Failure, and Module 3 -Shear Analysis and Design.…”

Design and Implementation of Experiential Learning Modules for Structural Analysis

“…Neither institution had a structural engineering laboratory prior to this implementation, but both focus heavily on the undergraduate learning experience. The project utilizes the Modular Strong-block Testing System [3] when needed to test largerscale specimens. While a full structural engineering lab would be ideal to conduct such tests, the self-contained system provides an economical solution for smaller programs.…”

Rationale and Design Approach for Full-scale Experiential Learning Opportunities in Structural Engineering

“…Such a cost is almost insurmountable for smaller programs and it is difficult to complete projects related to structural engineering without adequate testing capabilities. The Modular Strongblock Testing System [10] is one potential economical solution for full-scale testing capabilities at smaller programs. It is a modular system, comprised of 12 individual, 1 yd 3 reinforced concrete "strong blocks," each of which weighs approximately 4,500 lbs.…”