Lab Classes
The Carleton Laboratory provides significant support for number of classes, ranging from logistical support of independent study students and simple testing demonstrations to instructing full sections of lab experiments.
Figure 1: A demonstration of
elasto-plastic beam bending with
live data acquisition of midspan
deflection, load, and deflection.
Figure 2: A student mechanically
measuring the elastic deformation
of a tension specimen in the
Baldwin 200k universal tester.
Figure 3: View of the LCD showing
live strain and load data from the
computerized data acquisition system.
A suite of modular data acquisition
system allows students to follow the
mechanics of materials behavior of
various tests graphically, and it
provides rich, well-organized
data for post-processing.
CIVIL ENGINEERING
CIEN E1201 The Art of Structural Design
Basic principles according to which many structures are designed, constructed, and maintained in service. How strength and safety are treated and the role of the computer at this design stage. Performance requirements, such as noise and motion limitations. Classic and new materials of construction, their important features, and laboratory demonstration of properties. Management of both design and construction projects, and followup assessment monitoring and control.
CIEN E3141 Soil Mechanics
Index properties
and classification; compaction; permeability and seepage; effective stress and stress distribution; consolidation; shear strength of soil; consolidation; slope stability.
CIEN E4212 Structural Assessment & Failure
Laboratory and field test methods in assessment of structures for rehabilitation and to determine causes of failure; ASTM and other applicable standards; case histories of failures and rehabilitation in wood, steel, masonry, and concrete structures.
CIEN E6248 Experimental Soil Mechanics
Advanced soil testing, including triaxial and plane strain compression tests; small-strain measurement. Model testing; application (of test results) to design.
ENGINEERING MECHANICS
ENME E3114 Experimental Mechanics of Materials
Material behavior and constitutive relations. Mechanical properties of metals and cement composites. Cement hydration. Modern construction materials. Experimental investigation of material properties and behavior of structural elements, including fracture, fatigue, bending, torsion, and buckling.
ENME E3161 Fluid Mechanics
Fluid statics. Fundamental principles and concepts of flow analysis. Differential and finite control volume approach to flow analysis. Dimensional analysis. Application of flow analysis: flow in pipes, external flow, flow in open channels.
ENGINEERING FUNDAMENTALS
E1102 Design Fundamentals Using Advanced Computer Technology
First-year students are introduced to basic engineering design processes and complementary professional skills required for advancement in their engineering and applied science education and career. Students learn how to apply computer technologies such as advanced three-dimensional graphs and web applications in the service of design, using the state-of-the-art multimedia, interactive facility, the Botwinick Gateway Laboratory. Aligned with the technical components of design, students develop collaboration, communication, problem solving, and project management skills.
The Carleton Laboratory provides a venue for numerous clients of the Gateway engineering fundamentals course to realize their projects. The lab supports these practical engineering design projects that can be swiftly implemented in the real world.
ARCHITECTURE, PLANNING, AND PRESERVATION
ARCH A4124 Structures, Systems & Materials
An introduction into mechanics, statics of structures, and strength of materials sciences. An investigation on common loading conditions found in structures: tension, compression, bending, torsion, and the response of building materials such as steel and concrete to said loading conditions. A focus on the practical aspects of the physics behind architectural forms.
INDEPENDENT STUDY
Faculty in the Department of Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics with research interests in the experimental engineering and science can be approached by students, both in the bachelor and master of science level, to perform independent research for course credit in the Carleton Laboratory. Even though the lab staff may provide significant support, students should approach the faculty directly to inquire about independent research opportunities. Please see the research category on this site or approach your academic advisor for further information.