Enhancing HandsOn Structural Analysis Activities through Augmented Reality

Enhancing Hands-On Structural Analysis Activities through Augmented Reality for Deeper, Authentic Learning in CE 461 Jian Li, Elaina J. Sutley and Sdiq Anwar Taher—Civil, Environmental & Architectural Engineering Alexander Crane—Electrical Engineering & Computer Science Course Description CE 461, Structural Analysis, is a required junior-level four-credit hour course for students pursuing a BS degree in civil or architectural engineering. Structural Analysis is a theoretical course introducing students to the fundamental and theoretical concepts of structural engineering, such as the estimation of internal forces within structural members, the estimation of deflections of structural members under given loads, and generally the analysis of beams, trusses, and frames. Task 1: Development of ARESA The first version of the AR tool is focused on a singlestory, single-bay frame structure. The user interface is designed to accommodate a variety of structural geometries and boundary conditions. Specifically, three lengths are selectable for each member and a total of 15 boundary conditions are included. Task 2: Lab assignments using ARESA The original plan was to deploy this tool in classroom activities after Spring Break in the Spring 2020 semester. However, due to COVID-19, all in-person classes were transitioned to be fully online. The team plans to implement this tool in CE 461 in future semesters. CE 461 is taught in fall and spring semesters with typical enrollment between 35 and 60 students. Course Transformation Project Goals The ultimate goal of this course transformation project is to enhance student learning of key structural analysis concepts by further improving student-centered, handson, in-class activities in CE 461. Specifically, we aim to enable students to play with toy structures to not only observe their qualitative deformation, but also see quantitative structural responses such as reaction forces and deformations in real time. Project Tasks 1. Develop an AR-Enhanced Structural Analysis (ARESA) tool by combining AR technology with the Mola Structural Kits. 2. Develop several lab assignments to utilize this integrated tool during classes. Proposed concept AR user interface In action: before loading In action: after loading Instructor Reflections The developed AR-enhanced tool for structural analysis is expected to increase student engagement and learning on key structural analysis concepts. The team already got excited during the development phase when seeing virtual deformation information blended into reality with the physical view of the structure. We look forward to seeing student reactions, carrying out the next phase of the project, and collecting data to assess the effectiveness of this tool. This project was supported by a CTE Course Transformation Grant