2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Civil engineering education is pivotal in preparing the future workforce to tackle the intricate challenges of contemporary infrastructure development. To enhance practical learning and bridge the gap between theory and real-world applications, this research project has innovatively introduced real material scale models into the curriculum. This abstract offers an insight into the integration, advantages, and the impact on students resulting from this pioneering educational approach. The inclusion of real material scaled models in civil engineering courses significantly enriched the learning journey of undergraduate students. These models, fashioned from actual materials like concrete, steel, and wood, offered students a tangible interface with structural concepts, granting them hands-on experience and practical insights into engineering principles.
This pilot study aims to advance the knowledge in construction engineering by proposing a hands-on pedagogy that brings the student closer to a real-life project that incorporates previous knowledge and also new knowledge. The paper shows a case study of the application of this methodology in a Construction Costs course in Spring-22 (n=23 students) and Fall-23 (n=26 students). The professor guided the students throughout the different steps of the scaled construction. The development of these scale models was a collaborative effort involving faculty members and industry experts. This unique approach brings real-world materials and scenarios into the classroom, fostering a deeper understanding of material behavior in practical conditions. Implications for research and practice are provided.