Author_Institution :
Sch. of Technol., Georgia Southern Univ., GA, USA
Abstract :
Typically code-based structural design uses trial-and-error procedure that often requires several iterations, involving tedious, repetitive calculations. Also, only a limited number of examples can be presented in the classroom due to time constraint. To circumvent the situation, a logical option is to capitalize on the computer´s abilities to compute, display graphics, and interface with the user. Some asynchronous Web-based course materials are available in the civil engineering technology area, but to the author´s knowledge, very few exist in structural design. The purpose of this paper is to present a computer-based problem-solving courseware that has been developed to complement traditional lecture-format delivery of the reinforced concrete design course in order to enhance student learning. The courseware consists of interactive, Web-based modules. Commercial symbolic-manipulation software (e.g., Mathcad) is utilized for the calculations performed in different modules. Besides allowing for faster solution of a problem, the tool is useful for experimentation with parameter changes as well as graphical visualization.
Keywords :
civil engineering computing; computer aided instruction; design; educational courses; Web-based module; computer-based problem-solving courseware; graphical visualization; interactive module; reinforced concrete design course; student learning; symbolic-manipulation software; trial-and-error procedure; Building materials; Civil engineering; Computer displays; Computer graphics; Computer interfaces; Concrete; Courseware; Problem-solving; Software performance; Time factors;
