Abstract

Student learning is enhanced through physical demonstrations and laboratory experiments. Such activities are a successful tool to facilitate retention of knowledge and increase student involvement in construction and physical testing. Students who experience laboratories have a clearer understanding of masonry construction and applying the fundamental concepts of masonry design. Furthermore, they are better equipped to troubleshoot and work with existing masonry because they are familiar with current field test methods. This paper covers the development of classroom activities for masonry construction, masonry testing and state-of-the art masonry field evaluation. The primary objective was to provide materials for masonry laboratory activities that can be easily incorporated into the curriculum at other institutions. This work developed a series of two masonry modules focusing on masonry construction and masonry testing. These modules include six masonry laboratories presented to introduce real world construction and field testing into classrooms. One unique feature of each laboratory is a demonstration of the experiment with sample data that students can use to create a "virtual" laboratory experience. Masonry instructors may enhance a curriculum through physically replicating the laboratory experiments if facilities and time permit, or through using the virtual aspect of the laboratory modules to model laboratory activities.

A secondary objective reviewed existing nondestructive test and evaluation methods (NDT and NDE). These nondestructive testing techniques are a viable alternative used to evaluate the condition and strength of existing structures instead of limiting use or causing destruction of the buildings. A case study was carried out where an array of nondestructive techniques were implemented in a forensic analysis of a set of concrete masonry structures. Along with the case study, independent research on a number of techniques was performed. These state-of-the art techniques were incorporated into the primary objective in the form of a new masonry laboratory.