Measuring models in civil engineering: insights into technology and history!

Measuring models in civil engineering: insights into technology and history!

Until the 1970s, measurement models were a central method for investigating the static and dynamic behavior of supporting structures. These models enabled engineers to precisely analyze complex structures such as cable bridges and dams. However, with the introduction of powerful computers, model statics became increasingly less important, meaning that knowledge of the techniques previously used faded into the background. Only a few measurement models have survived time, including a replica of the suspension bridge over the Little Belt in Denmark, which is currently kept in the wind laboratory of the Modeling and Simulation - Construction Professorship at the Bauhaus University Weimar uni-weimar reported.

These historical models are of interest not only to specialists, but also to the general public, as they convey complex technical content in an easy-to-understand form. This has led to increased interest in measurement models in architecture and technology museums and academic collections. Prof. Guido Morgenthal from the Bauhaus University Weimar organized a symposium on the topic of “measurement models” together with the Heritage Center. The event will take place on April 28th and 29th, 2025 in Weimar and is aimed at experts, students and the general public.

The “Measurement Models” Symposium

The symposium will take place on April 28, 2025 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and on April 29, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. A keynote entitled “Frei Otto and model statics” will be given on the first day at 5 p.m. by Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Christiane Weber from the University of Stuttgart. Participation in this lecture is possible independently of the workshop and is free of charge. To take part in the event, you must register by email to heritage[at]uni-weimar.de.

The relevance of measurement models is also underlined by the “The Last Witnesses” project, which is dedicated to the preservation of these valuable artifacts in civil engineering. Measurement models were often tested to the point of failure to analyze and test structures, making them unique repositories of knowledge. However, the lack of awareness of engineering history often results in these models being underrepresented in archives and museums heritage construction determines.

The challenge of conservation

The preservation of measurement models represents a particular challenge because they are both material artifacts and scientific-technical apparatus. Interdisciplinary research groups, such as those in the “Last Witnesses” project led by Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Christiane Weber and other experts are working on recording and researching measurement models in German-speaking countries. The aim of these projects is the long-term preservation and identification of ways to preserve this technical heritage, benefiting the engineering community and the general public, such as uibk reported.