Implementation of an Experimental Model for Teaching Prestressed Concrete Structures Implementación de un modelo experimental para la enseñanza de estructuras de concreto presforzado Academic Article in Scopus uri icon

abstract

  • This study describes the implementation of an experimental model in teaching prestressed concrete structure design, focusing on the Lab-Based Learning (LBL) methodology. The aim of the research was to develop a low-cost and easy-to-implement an experimental learning activity in unsophisticated civil engineering labs allowing students to observe the effect of prestressing cables on concrete beams. The activity involved the definition of a simple test with low-density polystyrene beams, where students compared a specimen without prestressing to one with reinforcement. Variables such as maximum strength, stiffness, and ductility of the beams were measured. The effectiveness of this methodology was assessed through surveys conducted with students before and after the experimental activity, recording improvements in the interest in the subject, identification of important variables, and technical understanding of the structural behaviour of prestressed beams. The results show a positive impact on student learning, with students reporting greater accuracy in the use of technical terminology and in their structural design abilities. The activity also demonstrated acceptance of the experimentation-based teaching model, although areas for improvement were identified regarding the precision of measurements and the time allocated for result analysis. This study highlights the usefulness of LBL as a didactic tool in the teaching of prestressed concrete systems, providing a foundation for future implementations and adaptations in structural engineering courses. © 2025 Latin American and Caribbean Consortium of Engineering Institutions. All rights reserved.

publication date

  • January 1, 2025