Visual experience is a powerful pedagogic tool. Extensive use of experimental studies prior to design and construction has made conceptualization of complex structures possible. Experiments on reduced-scale structures and specimens are also vital tools for teaching structural mechanics. As such, the Department of Civil Engineering at Virginia Tech has acquired a new apparatus for use as an educational demonstration tool in the area of structural mechanics. This work presents the results of a detailed study on the performance of this device as related to its accuracy and operation.

To fulfill such objectives, two structural models (a continuous beam and a portal frame) were extensively tested under several loading and support configurations. The models were analysed using STRUDL as well as a computer program developed by the author. The comparison of the results (deformations) obtained in the two phases of the study have indicated that the apparatus is reasonably accurate to meet the requirements of a structural teaching model and adapting to a variety of structural models.