Tito, J. A., & Heilig, A. (2022, March), Applying a Professional Finite Elements Software in Undergraduate Studies of Structural Analysis and Design  Paper presented at 2022 ASEE Gulf Southwest Annual Conference, Prairie View, Texas. 10.18260/1-2--39163

\bibitem{asee_peer_39163}
  Tito, J. A., \& Heilig, A. (2022, March), \emph{Applying a Professional Finite Elements Software in Undergraduate Studies of Structural Analysis and Design}
  Paper presented at 2022 ASEE Gulf Southwest Annual Conference, Prairie View, Texas.
  10.18260/1-2--39163

Jorge Antonio Tito P.E. and Amy Heilig.  "Applying a Professional Finite Elements Software in Undergraduate Studies of Structural Analysis and Design".  2022 ASEE Gulf Southwest Annual Conference, Prairie View, Texas, 2022, March.  ASEE Conferences, 2022.  https://peer.asee.org/39163 Internet.  18 Apr, 2024

\bibitem{asee_peer_39163}
  Jorge Antonio Tito P.E. and Amy Heilig.
  "Applying a Professional Finite Elements Software in Undergraduate Studies of Structural Analysis and Design".
  \emph{2022 ASEE Gulf Southwest Annual Conference, Prairie View, Texas, 2022, March}.
  ASEE Conferences, 2022.
  https://peer.asee.org/39163 Internet.  18 Apr, 2024

@INPROCEEDINGS{asee_peer_39163
author = "Jorge Antonio Tito P.E. and Amy Heilig"
title = "Applying a Professional Finite Elements Software in Undergraduate Studies of Structural Analysis and Design"
booktitle = "2022 ASEE Gulf Southwest Annual Conference"
year = "2022"
month = "March"
address = "Prairie View, Texas"
publisher = "ASEE Conferences"
note = {https://peer.asee.org/39163}
number = {10.18260/1-2--39163}
}

TY  - CPAPER
AB  - The Structural Analysis and Design Engineering Technology Program at the University of Houston-Downtown has an agreement with the company Dlubal Software Inc. since the Fall of 2019 to use, for academic purposes, its professional RFEM® software that performs the structural analysis and design of structures.  The software is based on finite elements theory and applies different design codes.  The agreement allows our undergraduate students to be exposed to professional and advanced software that is used for courses in structural analysis, structural dynamics, and the comprehensive capstone design course.  A particular aspect of this agreement is that Dlubal provides their full version software free of charge for academic purposes, which is highly appreciated by faculty and students.  The full version of the software allows the study of structures with different complexity without restriction due to their size, type of loads or design requirements.  

For the structural analysis course, students used the software to analyze and verify the structural performance of a truss pedestrian bridge.  The bridge is 100 feet long, 8 feet 6 inches width, with two longitudinal arch trusses with a maximum height of 10 feet.  The cross section is U-shape, requiring a stability study because the upper chords of the trusses do not have lateral supports.  The availability of the construction drawings and the permanent access to the bridge allow students to verify dimensions, steel sections, and detailing.  To carry out this project, the students had to visit the site, perform the material takeoff (MTO), model the bridge using RFEM®, include dead, live and wind loads, perform structural analysis, and verify the capacity of the steel elements, and the stability of the bridge.  The dead load given by the software is compared with the weight of the steel obtained from the MTO.  This project exposes our students to construction plans, observing field details, and conducting structural analysis of a large structure.

For the Structural Dynamics course, students used the software to model a reinforced concrete bridge given in a professional paper.  The box-type bridge is modeled by solid finite elements obtaining the main vibration modes.  The results are compared with the values and shapes given in the paper.  The authors of the paper provided the information not shown in the manuscript.

The software was used also to develop the capstone projects related to the study of the superstructure of the bridge “Travis St. over Buffalo Bayou”, located in Houston, TX; and the roof of the “Roberto Clemente” coliseum, located in San Juan, PR.  The bridge super-structure consists in three-span steel beams supporting the slab prepared for two traffic lanes and a pedestrian sidewalk. Students developed a numerical model of the bridge superstructure and studied the steel beam in detail.  The roof of the coliseum is a dome with four truncated hyperbolic paraboloid surfaces, constructed with precast slabs supported by prestressed cables that becomes a rigid shell after grouting the space between slabs.  The cables are anchored to four buttresses, a perimetral beam, and to diagonal steel trusses.  Students developed a numerical model of the roof and studied in detail the diagonal steel truss.  For both projects, students presented a final report showing computer assisted drawings of relevant details, material take-off, structural analysis, and recommendations for additional studies.

The projects presented in this paper are examples of a successful technology transfer from industry to university using professional software.  The active support of Dlubal Software, Inc. allowed students to correctly apply the software capabilities. Projects of this nature require intense interaction between student, instructor, and software developer, ultimately resulting in a high-impact experience. Students can appreciate how the theory given in the classroom is applied to advanced software to solve large and complex problems.

Dlubal Software, Inc. remains dedicated to students and universities around the world. The sole focus of this German based company, with the help of several subsidiary offices including in Philadelphia, PA, is the development and sale of its structural engineering analysis and design software. While outreach to engineering companies and other corporations is a high priority, Dlubal knows the importance of dedicating resources directly to universities and students for access to free structural engineering software. This better serves engineering students and prepares them for their post-graduation transition with realistic design scenarios and problem-solving opportunities. In addition, Dlubal technical support engineers are in communication directly with students and professors utilizing the Dlubal software and provide free assistance with modeling analysis and design inquiries. Students also have access to free learning material and resources on the Dlubal website including webinars, short videos, tutorials, FAQs, and more. While universities and students greatly benefit from these educational opportunities, Dlubal equally values the relationship with the academic community and the ability to engage with the future engineering generation.   


JORGE A. TITO
Jorge Tito is Assistant Professor of Engineering Technology. Dr. Tito received his Ph.D. and M.Sc. Degrees from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, in Civil Engineering with a major in Structures. He received the Civil Engineer Degree from the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru. Dr. Tito has experience in teaching, structural design, and construction management, and is a Registered Professional Engineer.

AMY HEILIG
Amy Heilig is the CEO of the USA office located in Philadelphia, PA. In addition, she provides sales and technical support and continues to aid in the development of Dlubal Software programs for the North American market.  Ms. Heilig is a Registered Professional Engineer.

AU  - Jorge Antonio Tito P.E.
AU  - Amy Heilig
CY  - Prairie View, Texas
DA  - 2022/03/16
PB  - ASEE Conferences
TI  - Applying a Professional Finite Elements Software in Undergraduate Studies of Structural Analysis and Design
UR  - https://peer.asee.org/39163
DO  - 10.18260/1-2--39163
ER  -