An evaluation of the learning of structural engineering concepts during the first two years of a project-based engineering degree

Abstract

In the modern working environment it is essential for a structural engineer to have an understanding of abstract concepts in structural behaviour and an ability to use them qualitatively. This paper presents the findings of a study on how effectively students acquire such conceptual understanding within a new project/design focused degree course. The new degree programme is described. The first-year students experience a mixture of learning opportunities, including model building/testing, laboratories, workshops/tutorials, and lectures. In the second year there are two design exercises but no formal structural theory course. Specific concepts-based learning material was introduced into the first-year course at mid-semester and the effectiveness of this examined by tests and interviews. The performance of the first-year students is compared to that of the second-year students. The findings show that there is good student engagement and satisfaction with the course and that basic skills are successfully being acquired throughout both years. However, the study highlights areas where concepts are not being adequately developed in the first year and subsequently show little enhancement in the second year.

Keywords:

• Structural analysis
• Conceptual learning
• Project-based learning
• Engineering design
• Engineering education
• Qualitative assessment

Additional information

Notes on contributors

T. Molyneaux

Dr Tom Molyneaux BSc, PhD, CEng, MiMechE, MIEAust, CPEng. Currently senior lecturer at RMIT University (Australia) following relocation in 2003 after 13 years' experience at the University of Liverpool (UK). He has developed and delivered courses in structural analysis and design, stress analysis and computational methods at undergraduate and postgraduate (MSc) level. Besides an interest in teaching and learning, research interests include dynamics and materials—particularly the analysis of masonry structures (static and dynamic) and the non-destructive testing of concrete. Current materials research includes the corrosion of steel reinforcement in concrete and the durability of concrete.

S. Setunge

Associate Professor Sujeeva Setunge BSc (Eng), PhD, SMIEAust, CPEng. Currently an associate professor at RMIT University with over 12 years' prior experience in academia. She has developed and delivered courses in structural design and analysis, civil engineering materials and infrastructure management. Her research interests include high performance concrete, time effects on concrete, wood based composites and infrastructure management.

R. Gravina

Dr Rebecca Gravina BEng, PhD, MIEAust, CPEng. Dr Rebecca Gravina is a senior lecturer in Civil Engineering in the School of Civil, Environmental and Chemical Engineering at RMIT University (Australia). She has a PhD in Structural Engineering from the University of Adelaide (Australia) and Bachelor Degree in Civil Engineering with Honours from Swinburne University (Australia). Dr Gravina has developed and delivered courses in statics, structural analysis and reinforced and prestressed concrete design. Her teaching achievements and innovations have been to adopt project based learning in courses with the goal of developing graduate capabilities. Her research interests also include non-linear analysis and design of Reinforced Concrete (RC) structures, ductility and bond mechanics of Steel RC and Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) RC structural elements, and rehabilitation of concrete structures using FRP.

M. Xie

Professor Mike Xie BEng, PhD, FIE Aust. Currently professor of civil engineering and head of civil and environmental discipline at RMIT University. He has developed and delivered courses in structural analysis and design, finite element analysis, structural dynamics, soil mechanics and long-span and high-rise structures. His research interests include structural optimization, innovative structures and computational mechanics. He is graduate Shanghai Jiao Tong University and obtained his PhD from Swansea University. Previously he worked at the University of Sydney and Victoria University.