Hands-on Learning Through 3D Models and Demonstrations

Traditional structural engineering design courses such as reinforced concrete, steel design and structural analysis often face a significant hurdle: relying on abstract equations to teach highly physical, real-world applications.

The project centered on developing physical, classroom-sized models to facilitate practical engagement and demonstrate complex engineering concepts. Specifically tailored for Design of Concrete Structures, Prestressed Concrete Design and Bridge Engineering, the curriculum development focused on demonstrating foundational mechanics like deflection in cracked versus uncracked sections, flexural behavior, the necessity of prestressing force and load distribution in bridge girders.

The PI found that introducing visual and kinesthetic learning methods is an incredible tool for promoting learning equity and student success. When students can actually see and physically induce a brittle shear failure or a bond debonding failure, the mathematics of structural design suddenly carry physical weight. It forces students to think critically about why we place reinforcement in specific zones rather than just memorizing code provisions. The impact of the developed aids on the student learning was clearly evident from the student evaluation of teaching. The annual SRTs mentioned it as follows: “...the demonstrations are very helpful for visualizing hard–to–understand concepts” and “more class demos are always appreciated."

The PI found that a variety of tools, including 3D printers but also low-fidelity tools, were incredibly effective. For example, they found that the complex mechanics of reinforced concrete could be beautifully modeled using everyday items such as foam board and paper tape, which perfectly simulated the brittle nature of unreinforced concrete and the life-saving ductility provided by tension and shear reinforcement. Pool noodles served as excellent mediums to demonstrate the difference between short and slender column buckling, as well as rebar development failures.