The 5th International CDIO Conference, Singapore Polytechnic, Singapore, June 7-10, 2009

CDIO Approach for Real-Time Experiential

Learning of Large Structures
By Dr Tao Nengfu, Yoong Yuen Soo, Tan Poh Seng
School of Architecture and the Built Environment

School of Architecture and

the Built Environment

The 5th International CDIO Conference, Singapore Polytechnic, Singapore, June 7-10, 2009

Contents
1. Introduction
2. An Innovative Solution For Real-time
Experiential Learning of Large Structures
3. CDIO Approach For Real-time Experiential
Learning of Large Structure
4. Conclusions
School of Architecture and
the Built Environment

The 5th International CDIO Conference, Singapore Polytechnic, Singapore, June 7-10, 2009

Introduction
Traditional Approach to Teach Structural Analysis &
Design Modules
A series of lectures on physical laws, mathematical
tools and methods for structural analysis and
design
Students are passive recipients
Supplemented by a few laboratory experiments on
scaled-down models in different sessions at
different places
School of Architecture and
the Built Environment

The 5th International CDIO Conference, Singapore Polytechnic, Singapore, June 7-10, 2009

Introduction
Perceptions of Civil Engineering Students on
Structural Analysis & Design Modules

Abstract
Dry
Difficult to visualize and understand
Killer modules
No confidence to pass

School of Architecture and

the Built Environment

The 5th International CDIO Conference, Singapore Polytechnic, Singapore, June 7-10, 2009

Introduction
Tell me, and I will forget. Show me, and I may
remember. Involve me, and I will understand.
Confucius (551-489 B.C.)

School of Architecture and

the Built Environment

The 5th International CDIO Conference, Singapore Polytechnic, Singapore, June 7-10, 2009

An Innovative Solution For Real-Time

Experiential Learning of Large Structures
Conceiving Stage (brain-storming sessions)
Adoptedtwo-prongedapproach
appliedsystemsthinking
consultedrelevantstaffmembers
considerationoffutureimplementationofCDIOasthe
contextforcivilengineeringeducation

School of Architecture and

the Built Environment

The 5th International CDIO Conference, Singapore Polytechnic, Singapore, June 7-10, 2009

An Innovative Solution For Real-Time

Experiential Learning of Large Structures
Solution
Toupgradeanexistinglaboratoryspaceanddesign-buildoperatearealsizestructuralsystemtogivestudents
integratedhands-onlearningexperience

School of Architecture and

the Built Environment

The 5th International CDIO Conference, Singapore Polytechnic, Singapore, June 7-10, 2009

An Innovative Solution For Real-Time

Experiential Learning of Large Structures
Why this solution is Innovative?
a) Motivatingstudentsinunderstandingofstructuralconceptsand
behaviours.
b) Integratingdiscreteanddisconnectedexperimentsacrossdifferent
structuralengineeringmodules.
c) providingaconducivelearningenvironmentwithinexistinglaboratory
thatwasusedforconcretingandbuildingtechnologywork,and
d) providingaplatformforimplementingprinciplesandstandardsofCDIO
inthecontextofcivilengineeringeducation.
School of Architecture and
the Built Environment

The 5th International CDIO Conference, Singapore Polytechnic, Singapore, June 7-10, 2009

An Innovative Solution For Real-Time

Experiential Learning of Large Structures
Designing Stage
Developeddesignspecifications
Carefullyselectedaconsultant
Workedcloselytogetherwiththeexternalconsultant
Issueddrawingstoanexternalcontractorfor
construction

School of Architecture and

the Built Environment

The 5th International CDIO Conference, Singapore Polytechnic, Singapore, June 7-10, 2009

An Innovative Solution For Real-Time

Experiential Learning of Large Structures
Construction Stage
Playedrolesofsitesupervisingengineerandproduct
systemoperator
Workedcloselytogetherwiththeexternalconsultantand
contractor

School of Architecture and

the Built Environment

The 5th International CDIO Conference, Singapore Polytechnic, Singapore, June 7-10, 2009

An Innovative Solution For Real-Time

Experiential Learning of Large Structures

Completion of the Structural Learning Space

School of Architecture and
the Built Environment

The 5th International CDIO Conference, Singapore Polytechnic, Singapore, June 7-10, 2009

An Innovative Solution For Real-Time

Experiential Learning of Large Structures
Installation of structural measurement system
Sixtyhighresolutionstraingauges
Two30-channeldigitaldataloggers
Twodesktopcomputers

LearningSpaceStructure
Computersimulation

School of Architecture and

the Built Environment

The 5th International CDIO Conference, Singapore Polytechnic, Singapore, June 7-10, 2009

An Innovative Solution For Real-Time

Experiential Learning of Large Structures
Unique features of the Structural Learning Space
Typicalsteelmembersofhot-rolledsectionsareused;
Allmainstructuralmembersarenotcoveredbyceilingboards;
Alltypicalconnectiondetailsarepaintedwithdifferentcolours;
Equippedwithadvancedstructuralmeasurementsystem.

School of Architecture and

the Built Environment

The 5th International CDIO Conference, Singapore Polytechnic, Singapore, June 7-10, 2009

CDIO Approach For Real-Time Experiential

Learning of Large Structure
An integrated capstone project (Module: Structural Steel
Design & CADD)

Projectobjectives

a)Integrateandapplyallaspectsofknowledgeinstructuralengineering;
b)Cultivateteamspiritandteamworkthroughworkingwithteammembers;
c)Practisetechnicalskills,qualityconsciousnessandtimemanagement;
d)Developinitiative,creativethinkingandinnovativeideas,and
e)Plan,organizeandwriteagroupprojectreport.

School of Architecture and

the Built Environment

The 5th International CDIO Conference, Singapore Polytechnic, Singapore, June 7-10, 2009

CDIO Approach For Real-Time Experiential

Learning of Large Structure
An integrated capstone project (Module: Structural Steel
Design & CADD)

Maintasks
1)Schemingofstructuralfloorplansbasedonarchitecturaldrawings;
2)Loaddetermination,calculationandtransferring;
3)Sizing,analyzinganddesigningofstructuralmembers;
4)3DmodellingandvirtualconstructionoftheStructuralLearningSpace
5)Reportwritingandcompiling

School of Architecture and

the Built Environment

The 5th International CDIO Conference, Singapore Polytechnic, Singapore, June 7-10, 2009

CDIO Approach For Real-Time Experiential

Learning of Large Structure
Project Schedule
Week in Term 4

Tasks

Week1

Projectbriefingandgettingstartedonproject

Week2

Schemingofstructuralfloorplans

Week3
Week4

Loadcalculations&analysisusingSTAAD.Pro2007/SAP2000
Designcalculations
DesigncalculationsandCAD3DmodelingusingBentleyStructural
XM
CAD3DModelingandAnimationoferectionsequenceusingBentley
StructuralXM
WritingandCompilationofReport

Week5
Week6
Week7
Before5:00pm,
FridayofWeek7

Submissionoftheprojectreport.

School of Architecture and

the Built Environment

The 5th International CDIO Conference, Singapore Polytechnic, Singapore, June 7-10, 2009

CDIO Approach For Real-Time Experiential

Learning of Large Structure
Projectassessment
Item
1

3
4
5

LearningOutcomes

CDIOSkills

Reasonablenessofassumptionsofliveloads, 1.2and2.1.2
membersizesandmodellingforstructural
analysis.
Correctnessofloadcalculation,load
2.1.4,2.4.3,
transferring,structuralanalysisanddesign
4.4.1and4.4.3
calculations.
Correctnessof3DCADmodellingand
3.2.5
animationofconstructionsequence.
Teamworkandcommunication
3.1and3.2.6
Documentationofthereport
3.2.3and3.3.1

School of Architecture and

the Built Environment

Weightage
15%

35%

15%
15%
20%

The 5th International CDIO Conference, Singapore Polytechnic, Singapore, June 7-10, 2009

An Innovative Solution For Real-Time

Experiential Learning of Large Structures
Student-centred experimental activities

E
Verification of stress-strain formula

School of Architecture and

the Built Environment

The 5th International CDIO Conference, Singapore Polytechnic, Singapore, June 7-10, 2009

An Innovative Solution For Real-Time

Experiential Learning of Large Structures
Student-centred experimental activities
Numerical Analysis and Experimental Results of Member BC
AppliedLoad
(kN)

Numerical
Results(1)

ExperimentalResults
(2)

Difference
(|1-2|/1)

14

4.310-6

4.110-6

4.60%

16

4.910-6

4.710-6

4.10%

18

5.510-6

5.310-6

3.60%

School of Architecture and

the Built Environment

The 5th International CDIO Conference, Singapore Polytechnic, Singapore, June 7-10, 2009

Conclusions
1.Providesstudentstheopportunitiesforintegratedlearningofstructural
engineeringmodules.
2.Provideaplatformfortheintegratedcapstoneprojectonthe
StructuralLearningSpace.
3.Provideaspaceandatoolforstudent-centeredreal-timeexperimental
learningactivitiesforstructuralengineeringmodules.
4.StudentfeedbackshowsthatbyoperatingontheStructuralLearning
Space,learningofstructuralanalysisanddesignmodulesisno
longer
boringbutonethatprovidesapleasantlearningexperience.

School of Architecture and

the Built Environment

The 5th International CDIO Conference, Singapore Polytechnic, Singapore, June 7-10, 2009

Q&A?
School of Architecture and
the Built Environment