Enhancing Student Learning in Structures Courses with Building Information Modeling

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of a study conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of Building Information Modeling (BIM) in enhancing student learning in structural concrete design courses. In reinforced concrete design, three dimensional (3D) visualization of concrete members can advance students understanding of reinforcement details and rebar-placement. BIM facilitates the usage of 3D views in teaching such courses and provides opportunities to address the challenges faced by the students during the visualization process. A study involving the use of BIM 3D views were conducted in two courses over a one-semester period. In the study, improvements in student performance were observed in several of the problems presented when 3D models were used. BIM has the potential to provide faculty with a tool that can improve teaching of structural design courses in a more visual and interactive way and greatly enhance the educational experience of the students.