Non-destructive testing in civil engineering: A memorandum for teaching at German-speaking universities

Abstract

This contribution summarizes actual developments and draft fundamental teaching topics in the field of non-destructive testing in civil engineering (NDTCE). It is based on the first memorandum on teaching and research in the field of NDTCE at Germanspeaking universities and provides an overview of the academic education and highlights possible focuses, especially in regards to teaching but also takes into account noteworthy developments and topics in research in the field of NDTCE. Suggestions are given for the development and advancement of the teaching curricula in regards to a comprehensive and sound professional education of students in civil engineering and adjacent disciplines. In terms of content and form, this contribution is based on the memorandum of university teachers in the sister field of “Building Materials”. Resulting parallels are therefore not by chance but rather intended. The memorandum was developed out of an initiative of the Subcommittee on Education – Workgroup Education in Universities – of the technical committee NDT in Civil Engineering of the German Society for Nondestructive Testing (DGZfP).

Some developments in the field of non‐destructive testing ‐ new devices and techniques, industrial training and academic education

“…It is obvious that also the approach to the education of civil engineers has to change, and corresponding subjects have to be integrated into the curricula at universities. An expert group of the German Society for Non-Destructive Testing (DGZfP) has also developed in the frame of the Sub-committee UA-A suggestions to include NDT topics in the Master's program of Civil Engineers at universities have been given [35]. While some fundamentals and applications can already be part of the Bachelor's degree programs, the Master's program should contain at least one lecture with, ideally, at least 3 lecturing hours (3x45 min) per week and at least one exercise with 1 exercise hour (45 min) per week.…”