How can you teach structural engineering with real-world projects?

Trabalhar com projetos reais é uma grande escola. As condi??es às quais os problemas reais est?o submetidos agu?am a aplica??o do conhecimento técnico e da criatividade do engenheiro. Muitas solu??es geralmente consideradas antiecon?micas ou esteticamente desfavoráveis podem acabar sendo aplicadas, dependendo da situa??o. Nada melhor do que a resolu??o de problemas reais para aumentar o repertório de um engenheiro. Expor essa experiência de forma didática é uma excelente forma de ensino.

I agree that there will be benefits if real-world projects will be included in the curriculum of academe (even bachelor's). Its benefits, in my opinion: - It will give idea on the most common parameters in designing different structures especially the loading for diff kind of buildings and usage - It will familiarize engineers with the governing criteria say.. failure due to wind is likely in slender structures likes posts, facade.. gravity will likely govern on low-rise buildings.. lateral must be ensured in high-rise towers.. etc - I think it is best to know the rules of thumb early. In my case, school only taught the "hows" of design like how to design beams, columns, etc but knowing the typical sizes, spans.. etc is really an advantage

One thing that was a surprise to me when starting out early in my career was how little I knew about design code. Schooling teaches you all the necessary tools for engineering theory like shear, bending moments, deflection, material specifics, etc. But most of the homework and tests have the demand loads already derived. A big portion of structural engineering is interpreting the code (ASCE 7, IBC, etc.) in order to get the demand loads needed. Yet there isn't a lot of emphasis on learning this, at least in my experience during undergrad and graduate school. Using real-world projects as examples is a great way to apply everything learned in school AND during engineer practice when understanding design code.

As I read long ago, in the autobiography of Sir Richard Brandson, he mentioned that he learned to learn maths with real numbers ($) when he started his magazine. This is a fascinating thought is it not? I too can relate, and I’m sure many Engineers are likeminded, that we retain knowledge better from real life projects. There is perhaps a deeper level of responsibility knowing we need to get an A+ for a “real” project where lives and real $ may be at risk. Unlike a theoretical bridge or motor or circuit etc. One of my most memorable subjects at University was where a Senior Engineer from ADG came in for a few weeks to give lectures on Post-Tension slabs. With the class tutors being his co-workers… We need more of that in Universities.

Real-world projects are vital in teaching structural engineering. Having extensive experience, I've seen their impact. They provide a tangible context for applying theory, reinforcing concepts like loads and sustainability. They ignite curiosity, exposing students to diverse challenges. They foster critical thinking and problem-solving, preparing for professional practice. Collaborative projects mirror industry dynamics, enhancing teamwork and communication. This approach significantly enhances students' preparedness for real-world engineering.

Be aware that all collegues, engineers and bosses are human. Humans make mistakes. I once got a spreadsheet from a collegue. It was a spreadsheet for hoisting beams. It was used for several years, with success. However, upon checking it for a bigger apparatus, i found there was no proper buckling check inside. I informed the guy and together we changed the spreadsheet.

Real-world projects can instill the very important dynamics of the users' community on the teaching process; Unless we have the perspective on the incentive of the direct stake-holders, the sustainability of the project will remain ultimately questionable.

To me, the greatest challenge in using real-life project as an educational resource, is that these projects involve plenty of open-end solutions. It means that there is no single answer or generic solution for all similar situations. Students can be overwhelmed by the level of complexity and variety of factors involved in finding the optimal solution.

The primary challenge in real-world projects lies in simplifying complex designs, as many of them can be intricate and time-intensive. Teaching these concepts in an accessible manner demands not just a structural engineering perspective, but also draws upon other disciplines like physics, mathematics, and surveying.

A complexidade dos projetos reais exige que os alunos desenvolvam habilidades além do conhecimento técnico. A colabora??o com profissionais de outras áreas, como arquitetos e engenheiros geotécnicos, ensina a importancia da comunica??o eficaz e do trabalho em equipe. A necessidade de lidar com imprevistos, como mudan?as climáticas ou restri??es de materiais, estimula a criatividade e a capacidade de adapta??o, preparando os alunos para os desafios da vida profissional.

I had a few significant concerns when I was teaching structural engineering. Here are two: 1. We teach HOW to solve a problem, but we don't teach WHAT problem to solve. That portal frame that is presented with column moments of inertial I and a girder moment of inertial 3I, and pinned supports at the bottom, includes a lot of decisions that must be made by the same engineer that solves the problem. HOW were these decisions made? 2. It is easy for a young engineering student to be immersed in the mathematics of structural engineering and forget that Engineering is mostly about common sense. I always asked my students to look at the answer that they produced with their advanced math and ask themselves: Does this answer make sense?

Engineers are wired to chase that one right answer, but real-world uncertainties can trigger stress. Instead of dodging the discomfort of not knowing, we should embrace it as part of learning, as Microsoft's CEO Satya Nadella suggests. Shifting from a "know it all" to a "learn it all" mindset takes the pressure off and helps to solve the problem.

Personal experience has shown me that the most important points and goals in the structural design of a real project are as follows: 1- Reducing costs 2- Optimizing energy consumption 3- High resistance against earthquakes 4- Beauty and visual design

The tip is, "Do not stress yourself while designing structures". Take it as a challenge accepted with open arms. You will get to it eventually, but the stressless thought process can let you think out of the box and design something marvelous. Look at the great structures and do a case study; you will know what this means.

Remind the students: - There's no such thing as perfect in structural design. There will always be construction issues afterwards. - Being overly cautious is better than feeling sorry later on. - Always ask questions. It's beneficial. Even if we've designed several structures or marvel, we can always ask if we encounter any problem. - Quality is the priority.

One of the best project I ever did is the Mosque of Mabela in Oman. 26m span with just normal reinforcement and with 60cm thickness of bidirectional slab made with New Nautilus Evo. This was really challenging as it was near the limit of what calculation can accept for design this type of slabs.

As a first year student I had to build and test a spaghetti bridge, and as a 2nd year student, a cantilever truss made of balsa wood. It was very challenging and motivating to seek answers to problems we never considered in theory for example the bridge span was larger than the length of the spaghetti or we were only allowed to use a certain type of glue etc. It seemed just a fun project at the time but it sure made us think of how to predict problems in construction and overcome restrictions.

I helped my relatives farm during my summers off as a kid. We built several things which helped my problem solving skills and developed an appreciation for the trades. Working 7 days a week also helped the work ethic.

In my experience, I have worked on various real-world projects that highlight the practical application of structural engineering. These include designing high-rise and low-rise reinforced concrete structures, like data centers for Amazon and Microsoft. I prepared analytical models, conducted technical reviews, and coordinated with clients and stakeholders. Additionally, I assessed and rehabilitated existing high-rise residential structures, using NDT reports and structural drawings to ensure the adequacy of structural members. These projects showcase my ability to apply engineering concepts to real-world challenges, ensuring safety, stability, and compliance with codes and standards.

Teaching structural engineering through real-world projects can be highly effective. Use examples like the Burj Khalifa, to illustrate advanced design and materials, or the Millau Viaduct, to demonstrate complex bridge engineering. Projects such as the Tokyo Skytree can showcase seismic design principles. Integrate these examples into lessons to highlight practical applications of theories, fostering deeper understanding and engagement among students.

Always look at the method of failure. Like in plane wings. If one of the main beams fail, the other two will take the load and the plane will be fly-able.

Imagine students venturing into solutions for NGOs working in the underveloped world or needy communities, applying their skills to think about affordable bridges, sustainable housing or water systems. Or picture them participating in contemporary debates that headline the news, engaging in ideas contests or contributing to free and open-source software projects. These experiences transcend traditional education, embedding students in the very fabric of societal evolution.

A reflex?o crítica sobre os projetos do mundo real é fundamental para o aprendizado. Os alunos devem ser incentivados a documentar suas experiências, analisar os resultados e identificar áreas de melhoria. A apresenta??o dos projetos para colegas e profissionais da área permite receber feedback valioso e aprimorar as habilidades de comunica??o e apresenta??o.

Always remember that 'nobody knows everything' and so it's important to ask questions when we're unsure, curious, concerned or whatever it may be. No one knows everything but collectively as a team we engineer the solutions and each time we learn something new from those that we collaborate with, and on it goes.

The technical implementation of the site is only the first step in the planning of a public project. The needs of the users, the architectural requirements set by the environment and the technical-economical affordability are often decisive factors in choosing the method of realization of the construction. The technically best or most innovative solution is usually not the option that is chosen. Thus, the real-world project is a perfect way to learn the restrictions and practicalities involved in every implemented engineering project. After all, structural design and engineering is also customer service. And as we all know by now, the customer is always right.

True, however structural engineering is the most unscientific science in the engineering realm. I have been at it for 43 years.

PARA ENSE?AR INGENIERíA ESTRUCTURAL, SE REQUIERE INTEGRAR A MAS INGENIEROS E INGENIERAS A PROYECTOS DE INGENERIA, FABRICACIóN Y CONSTRUCCIóN, PARA QUE APRENDAN ANáLISIS, INSPECCIóN, CONTROL DE CALIDAD, SUPERVISION Y ADQUIERAN EXPERIENCIA QUE DESPUéS SE CONVIERTA EN CONOCIMIENTOS PRáCTICOS!!!

Staying focused and working in reputable organisations that have a system and process will trigger a good learning and development experience. Do not forget to ask yourself or your manager about what are the lessons learned from each project and keep records for that for future use.