Current Science

Durgesh C. Rai ¹, Sudhir K. Jain ², C. V. R. Murty ³, Dipanshu Bansal ⁴

Affiliations
1 Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur 208 016, IN
2 Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad 382 424, IN
3 Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, Jodhpur 342 011, IN
4 Department of Civil Engineering, State University of New York at Buffalo, US

Abstract

The earthquake simulation on full-scale civil engineering structures in a pseudo-dynamic testing facility provides an affordable and practical means to understand the seismic behaviour of structures as it provides accurate information about their real time response of inelastic behaviour up to failure. One such pseudo dynamic testing facility is nearing completion at IIT Kanpur, which has 15 m × 10 m L-shaped and 10.5 m high reaction wall and 1.2 m thick top slab of the box girder for the strong floor. The anchor points are located in the wall and floor in a square grid of 0.6 m with each point has load capacity of 1.7 MN in tension and 1.0 MN in shear. The 2 m thick posttensioned wall using Freyssinet 12K15 cable system in a novel configuration can resist an overturning moment of 12.7 MNm per metre of the wall. The capacity of the reaction assembly depends upon number of loads applied, combination of loads and interaction between different components of the reaction assembly structure. A methodology based on 'influence coefficients' was developed to estimate the worst load combination for describing load rating of the reaction structure. Finite element analyses in ABAQUS environment were conducted to compute the influence coefficients matrix whose elements can be added linearly to find out the maximum loading effect on the reaction structure which can be used to determine the limiting load for a particular case of load application.

Keywords

Pseudo-Dynamic Testing Facility, Reaction Wall, Seismic Behaviour, Load Rating.

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Srinivas Reddy ¹, Sudhir K. Jain ²

Affiliations
1 Religious Studies, Brown University, US
2 Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar - 382 355, IN

Abstract

The Foundation Programme (FP) of the Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar (IITGN) is a dynamic five-week event that strives to nurture every new batch of undergraduate B Tech students in a holistic and engaging manner. During the first five weeks after joining the institute, students participate in an engaging series of activities designed to address five major themes: (1) values and ethics, (2) creativity, (3) teamwork, (4) social awareness and (5) physical fitness. The intensive programme is thus designed to inspire students to build their sense of self-confidence, explore their creative passions, and develop their minds and bodies as well-rounded global citizens. There are no formal classes during this time and students are expected to immerse themselves in this transformative programme. The IITGN FP began at IITGN in 2011 and has been successfully conducted every year since then. Over the years, student feedback regarding the programme has been tremendous, and many have expressed that it is a powerfully engaging and transformative experience. In addition, FP functions as an active and participatory introduction to the institute’s core belief that students must strive to know themselves and the world around them.

Keywords

Engineering Education, Induction Programme, Orientation Programme, Reenvision, Student Feedback.

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