Civil Engineering Program Research Articles

Assessment Technologies for Enhancing Civil Engineering Education: A Comprehensive Review

This review paper provides a comprehensive analysis of assessment technologies used to enhance civil engineering education. Drawing from a selection of recent research papers published between 2020 and 2024, the paper synthesizes insights into various assessment methods and their impact on student learning outcomes in civil engineering programs. The review covers diverse topics such as project-based learning, virtual laboratories, online assessments, mobile learning, gamification, and augmented reality. Each paper is analysed for its methodology, key findings, and implications for civil engineering education. Through this review, the paper aims to offer educators and policymakers valuable insights into the effectiveness of assessment technologies in fostering student engagement and improving learning experiences in civil engineering programs. Keywords: Assessment technologies, Civil engineering education, Project-based learning, Online assessments, Mobile learning

Climate Change in Canadian Civil Engineering Curricula: Gaps and Best Practices

This study examines the state of curricula, knowledge, and practices in Canada’s civil engineering programs with respect to climate change, identifies best practices, and formulates recommendations on ways to improve climate change knowledge and skills training for Canadian civil engineering programs. A survey based on the Climate Framework was distributed to 856 civil engineering instructors across all 25 accredited engineering schools listed by Engineers Canada and gathered data on 55 civil engineering climate change related courses, with representation from 20 out of the 25 accredited programs across the country. The results of this study provide important benchmarks to help instructors incorporate most relevant climate change topics and resources into their courses for equipping civil engineering students with the necessary skills to tackle emerging challenges related to the mitigation of climate change and adaptation to wildfires, droughts, sea level rise, increased precipitation, storms, heat domes, floods, earthquakes, and biodiversity loss.

Exploring Marzano Higher-Order Thinking Skills: Demographic Disparities Among Technical Students

Higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) encompass the capacity to apply knowledge, skills, and values in comprehending, reflecting, solving problems, making decisions, innovating, and creating new ideas. These skills vary among individuals, especially in learning contexts, problem-solving, and product design. The goal of this study is to evaluate technical students' perceptions of their mastery of Marzano's Higher Order Thinking Skills. A total of 351 students, including those from Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineering programs at Sultan Abdul Halim Muad'zam Shah Polytechnic, were randomly chosen as participants. This research employed a survey design with a quantitative approach, and data were analyzed using SPSS software, with results presented in terms of means, frequencies, and percentages. Findings suggest that overall, students' mastery of Marzano HOTS remains at a generally low level, except for four specific skills—analyzing error, constructing support, abstracting, and analyzing perspectives—which are rated at an intermediate level. On the contrary, nine HOTS areas were identified as being at a low level. An ETA analysis revealed a minimal positive correlation between Marzano HOTS mastery and variables such as gender, age, field of study, and year of study. Furthermore, no statistically significant differences were found in HOTS levels based on gender, age, and year of study. These outcomes suggest that students need further development in HOTS to better tackle learning challenges. The study also offers key insights that could assist TVET practitioners in developing more effective curricula and interventions for improving higher-order thinking skills among technical students.

Analytic Rubrics for the Practical Assessment of Students’ Performances in Engineering Survey Course

The use of analytic rubrics as an assessment tool has been an integral component of education. In Surveying courses, it is essential to evaluate the psychomotor skills under simulated conditions of actual practise. The main objective of this study is to determine the comparative and efficacy of practical assessment conducted at the diploma and degree levels in the Civil Engineering programme. In order to achieve the objective, implementing rubrics in the continuous assessment of the Surveying courses to facilitate a profound comprehension of physics, mathematics, and engineering principles needs to be executed. Previously, a practical assessment has been conducted in a traditional method which gauges the student performance according to the time records during certain practical tasks given resulting in inadequate assessment tools that failed to capture the psychomotor component of practical assessments effectively. As for methodology, a comparative analysis was conducted to examine the consistency and usefulness of analytic rubrics in assessing the course and program outcomes of Surveying courses at both diploma and degree levels. The analysis aimed to determine the impact of these rubrics on student performance. This comparison should be conducted in order to prevent redundant actions, as it pertains to diploma level students who will be integrated into the degree program. This assessment reveals that most students met all performance criteria at an acceptable level. This indicates that the analytical rubric used for the Practical Test in Surveying courses is adequate and effective as a grading instrument. As for the results, the comprehensive analysis indicates that a significant majority, ranging from 75% to 81%, exhibited commendable performance in achieving the criteria for various Programme Outcomes (PO), particularly in PO4, PO5, PO9, and PO10.

Embedding Building Information Modelling in the Construction Area: A Case within an Undergraduate Civil Engineering Program

Undergraduate programs face the challenge of staying up-to-date by responding to globalization, internationalization, and regionalization processes. Civil engineering programs should meet the requirements of the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operation (AECO) industry. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a methodology that involves shared digital representations of built assets to facilitate design, construction, and operation processes within the construction knowledge field. The present research describes a methodology with six mechanisms to develop and consolidate BIM-related competencies within the construction area from an undergraduate civil engineering program. It also explores students’ perceptions about the subjects within this area and their relationship with the training and reinforcement of the competencies. The study follows a descriptive scope with an action research design. The principal result is the methodology, which has six mechanisms: (1) BIM implementation into topics and syllabi; (2) use of collaborative platforms; (3) professor training programs; (4) establishment of student organizations; (5) development of a BIM application project; and (6) area and subject meetings. The validation process, which included professors, enrollment, employability and research rates, and the curricular proposal and students’ perceptions, revealed that the mechanisms could effectively support the development and reinforcement of BIM-related competencies.

Factors Affecting Students' Learning Motivation In The Process Of Teaching And Learning Islamic Education By Using Group Learning Method (Sumbawa Technological University)

The group learning discussion method is one of the strategies to influence the motivation of students' interest in learning to be high. The existence of high interest in learning makes students study diligently and responsibly, which in the end is manifested in measurable and good student learning outcomes. This study aims to find out an overview of the factors that affect the learning motivation of students of the Civil Engineering, Informatics, and Electrical Engineering Study Program of Sumbawa University of Technology in the Islamic Religious Education Course. The type of research used is quantitative; descriptive with primary data types. Purposive sampling technique. Then the data collection technique in this study uses observation, interview, and documentation study guidelines. Data analysis using data collection; data reduction; data presentation; and conclusions and verification. Based on these results, it is recommended to lecturers in religious education courses to strengthen the factors that motivate students during the educational process in an effort to increase the success of the students themselves

The Contribution of Microteaching Achievements and Teaching Readiness to Teaching Practicum Achievements in The Civil Engineering and Planning Education Study Program Faculty of Engineering Yogyakarta State University

Background: The main purpose of this study was to determine the contribution of micro teaching achievements and teaching readiness to teaching practicum achievements in the Civil Engineering and Planning Education Study Program at Faculty of Engineering, Yogyakarta State University.Methods: This research is an ex-post facto study. The population of this study was 90 students of the Civil Engineering and Planning Education Study Program, class of 2019, with a sample of 73 students. The data collection technique used a questionnaire and documentation methods. Data analysis techniques were carried out using descriptive statistics, prerequisite analysis tests, and multiple regression analysis.Results: The results of the study show that: 1) there is a positive and significant effect of micro teaching achievements to teaching practicum achievements with tcount ttable (2.480 1.993943) at a significance level of 5%, 2) there is a positive and significant effect of teaching readiness to teaching practicum achievements with tcount ttable (25.871 1.993943) at a significance level of 5%, 3) there is a positive and significant effect of micro teaching achievements and teaching readiness together to teaching practicum achievements with R2 = 0.966; Fcount Ftable (1009.222 3.12576424) at a significance level of 5%. The relative contribution of micro teaching achievements is 7.296% and the effective contribution is 7.05%. The relative contribution of teaching readiness is 92.704% and the effective contribution is 89.58%.Conclusion: There is a positive and significant influence of Micro Teaching Achievements and Teaching Readiness on Teaching Practicum Achievements in the Civil Engineering and Planning Education Study Program with a contribution of 96.63%.

Assessing the relevance of an Indian undergraduate civil engineering programme: a fuzzy analytical hierarchy process approach

Assessing the relevance of an Indian undergraduate civil engineering programme: a fuzzy analytical hierarchy process approach

Requirements for Professional Teachers and Professional Teachers as Communicators and Facilitators

The group learning discussion method is one of the strategies to influence the motivation of students' interest in learning to be high. The existence of high interest in learning makes students study diligently and responsibly, which in the end is manifested in measurable and good student learning outcomes. This study aims to find out an overview of the factors that affect the learning motivation of students of the Civil Engineering, Informatics, and Electrical Engineering Study Program of Sumbawa University of Technology in the Islamic Religious Education Course. The type of research used is quantitative; descriptive with primary data types. Purposive sampling technique. Then the data collection technique in this study uses observation, interview, and documentation study guidelines. Data analysis using data collection; data reduction; data presentation; and conclusions and verification. Based on these results, it is recommended to lecturers in religious education courses to strengthen the factors that motivate students during the educational process in an effort to increase the success of the students themselves

Immersive engineering instruction: Using Virtual Reality to enhance students’ experience in the classroom

With the growing complexity of construction projects, the Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector increasingly requires a skilled workforce. This need is magnified by the challenge of less than ideal retention rates in engineering fields, prompting a search for methods to enhance the learning experience. Virtual Reality (VR) has emerged as an effective tool in this context, offering immersive and interactive learning environments that improve the grasp and retention of complex concepts in engineering. This research assesses the benefits of implementing a VR solution for building inspections in an undergraduate civil engineering program. It compares the use of a VR system against traditional desktop-based inspection techniques and considers cognitive load, user experience, and usability aspects of this implementation. Additionally, it examines how students’ spatial abilities affect their performance with both methods. Results demonstrate that VR does not increase cognitive load and is often perceived as requiring less effort by student users. While both the desktop and VR options produced similar usability scores, the VR implementation provided a much more engaging user experience. These results were replicated and echoed in a second study with actual engineering instructors, who likewise held a strong positive attitude towards the VR system, consistent with student attitudes. Taken together, these results highlight the potential for VR to revolutionize educational opportunities, suggesting that its further adoption and exploration should be prioritized as a useful and viable academic tool. Specifically, these results suggest that VR can enhance the learning process in civil engineering and make collaborative virtual building inspections more efficient and engaging.

A Study of Lunar Regolith Obtained during the Apollo and Luna Space Programs Based on Principal Component Analysis

In this study, a modern principal component analysis (PCA) of the chemical properties of lunar soils was conducted. American and Soviet results acquired during the Apollo and Luna missions, respectively, were analyzed and compared. The chemical composition of the lunar soil was the focus of our analysis, the main aim of which was to assess any possible differences between the results provided by the missions in question. The results were visualized in two- and three-dimensional spaces. The use of PCA virtual variables enabled the chemical composition of the lunar soil to be fully visualized—something impossible to achieve using traditional techniques—and key similarities and differences among the properties of the lunar soil samples were determined. The sources of any differences were then conceptualized. The work reported in this paper offers new directions for future studies, especially research into the design of new lunar soil simulants for lunar construction and civil engineering programs.

Overview of Brazilian Higher Education: The Perspective of the Civil Engineering Program

This scientific article proposes an enhanced analysis of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Brazil, focusing on Public HEIs (Federal, State, and Municipal) and Private HEIs (Community-based, Confessional, Philanthropic, and for-profit). The adopted approach stems from a meticulous historical analysis of face-to-face Civil Engineering courses, considering the various intermediary regions in Brazil. The study is based on data from the National Higher Education Assessment System (SINAES), the Higher Education Census, as well as demographic and territorial data provided by IBGE, and information from CONFEA. The theoretical framework of this article is grounded in the essential concepts of Brazilian Higher Education, Higher Education Institutions, the National Higher Education Assessment System, Civil Engineering Courses, and the Civil Construction Industry. A relevant factor incorporated into this analysis is the impact of territory, encompassing not only physical and environmental characteristics but also cultural and infrastructural issues.

A Study on Entrepreneurial Inclination and Characteristics of Students of Civil Engineering in Nepal- A Case Study of Himalayan Institute of Science and Technology (HIST), Nepal

A study conducted at the Himalayan Institute of Science and Technology (HIST) in Nepal explored entrepreneurial inclinations and characteristics among Civil Engineering students, aiming to achieve three objectives. Firstly, the study assessed entrepreneurial inclination among these students. Secondly, it examined demographic factors associated with entrepreneurial tendencies. Lastly, it identified and analyzed perceived entrepreneurial traits among engineering students. The study included students from all years of the Civil Engineering program, with over 80% responding to a questionnaire survey. Demographic analysis revealed a male majority across all age groups, with a significant portion falling within the 18-24 age range. Most fathers were engaged in occupations categorized as "Other," while mothers predominantly fell into the same category. Limited representation was observed in government sectors for both parents. Student engagement in extracurricular activities varied, with a notable increase in entrepreneurial activities among older age groups. T-test results highlighted gender disparities in certain areas, although both male and female students demonstrated entrepreneurial tendencies. These findings underscore the importance of entrepreneurial education and inform future research and policy decisions. T-test analyses further revealed nuanced insights into age groups and entrepreneurial aptitude, suggesting the need for tailored educational approaches. Successful entrepreneurship was associated with higher scores in networking, leadership, time management, and sales/marketing skills. The study emphasized the significance of adaptability, resilience, customer orientation, and efficient time management in entrepreneurship. These insights can inform entrepreneurship education programs, emphasizing key characteristics and addressing diverse perceptions among aspiring entrepreneurs. Further research is recommended to explore the underlying factors contributing to age-related entrepreneurial differences

TEACHING AND APPLYING WATER CONSUMPTION SIMULTANEITY IN RESIDENTIAL: AN ACTIVE LEARNING PROJECT-BASED ENGINEERING APPROACH

In the present project, spanning from April 2020 to August 2022, the study focused on Hydraulic Engineering I within the Civil Engineering program and the Hydrosanitary Installation Project in the Architecture program. The objectives included calculating the simultaneity coefficient and determining the maximum probable flow for each student's residence. To achieve these objectives, active learning methodologies, specifically project-based learning (PBL), were adeptly employed to enrich students' practical knowledge and foster collaboration. The process began with architectural surveys of residential properties, followed by inventories of pipes, sanitary appliances, and wet rooms. Measurements of flow rates at various faucet openings (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) were conducted, along with the recording of operating pressures within home networks. This data served as the foundation for creating calibration curves, a process carried out over 120 days. Using the collected data, each student developed a hydraulic model of their network and compared the software results to practical measurements. The participants calculated the simultaneity coefficient (Ks) and maximum possible flow for their dwellings using hydraulic design concepts and regulatory standards. The results were documented in technical reports, a video tutorial, and infographics. The research highlights the importance of understanding residential water usage patterns and their potential for optimizing water delivery systems. It also underscores the value of experiential learning, which helps students bridge theory and practice, enhancing technical skills and their understanding of hydraulic engineering.

Impact of the implementation of unconventional digital graphic organizers on the generation of meaningful learning

Introduction: in higher education, the integration of graphic organizers in teaching can enhance the understanding and retention of content, thereby contributing to the academic development of students. Objective: analyze the impact of the implementation of unconventional digital graphic organizers on the generation of meaningful learning in first-semester students at the Central University of Ecuador. Methods: 156 first-semester students participated in the "Leadership" course in the Civil Engineering program at Central University of Ecuador. The research was longitudinal and observational with a pre-experimental design. Pre and post-tests were conducted addressing the impact of digital graphic organizers on meaningful learning. Results: an increase in the usage of less common digital graphic organizers is revealed, showing a strong correlation with meaningful learning analyzed through the correlation coefficient. The Chi-square test supports that graphic organizers positively influence meaningful learning. Conclusions: the importance of adapting methodological strategies to university students is emphasized, acknowledging that success depends not only on these strategies but also on the creativity and flexibility of teaching. The inclusion of unconventional digital graphic organizers in teaching significantly benefits the generation of meaningful learning, suggesting that these structured visual tools are valuable for enhancing understanding. This knowledge will drive educators to design interventions that maximize learning

Analysis of Column Compressive and Adhesive Strengths of Laminated Wood From Pine Pallet Wood Waste and Mahogany as Reinforcement

In Indonesia, the increasing demand for wood as an industrial material and the decline in its production rate, which is usually due to illegal logging, causes the emergence of less efficient wood waste. And one of the methods for efficiently utilizing these waste is through lamination. Accordingly, lamination is a technique that involves the gluing of two or more pieces of wood together. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the value of the adhesive and compressive strength of laminated columns between pine pallet waste and mahogany wood reinforcement. The adhesive strength of 20, 30, 40, and 50 MDGL variations joined together using PVAc glue, as well as the compressive strength with variations of T0 (Pine-Pine-Pine-Pine-Pine), T1 (Mahogany-Pine-Mahogany), T2 (Mahogany-Pine-Mahogany-Pine), and T3 (Mahogany-Pine-Mahogany-Pine-Mahogany) were tested in this study. Furthermore, the adhesive and compressive strength tests were in accordance with the ASTM D905-03 standard and the SNI 03-3958-1995, respectively. The adhesive strength test was carried out at the Building Materials Laboratory, Civil Engineering and Planning Study Program, and Faculty of Engineering at the Yogyakarta State University, while the compressive strength test was performed at the Structural Laboratory, Civil Engineering Department, as well as the Engineering Faculty of Tidar University. Data were then analyzed using the one-way ANOVA test and the results of each variation's adhesive strength test were 1.359 MPa, 564 MPa, 1.699 MPa, and 1.558 MPa for the 20, 30, 40, and 50 MDGL MDGL variations respectively. Furthermore, the results of the compressive strength test with variations T0, T1, T2, and T3 were 6.158 MPa, 7.366 MPa, 7.135 MPa, and 6.923 MPa respectively. It was concluded that the highest adhesive strength was at 40 MDGL and the highest compressive strength was at variation T1 (Mahoni-Pinus-Mahoni).

MODEL-ELECTING ACTIVITY WITH CIVIL ENGINEERING STUDENTS TO SOLVE A PROBLEM INVOLVING BINOMIAL DISTRIBUTION

This research presents the results of the implementation of a model-electing activity called Brickyards, designed to promote the learning of the binomial distribution. The theoretical framework used was the Models and Modeling Perspective, and the participants were undergraduate students enrolled in a probability and statistics course of the Bachelor Civil Engineering Program at the University of Guadalajara, Mexico. The activity was refined during three semesters, and here we report the models generated by the students in the fourth implementation. In the first stage of the activity of this implementation, students proposed wrong solutions, which were based on ideas of proportionality and linear thinking. The activity was designed to inhibit these types of solutions and to encourage students to realize when they are dealing with a random phenomenon, and that they need a probability distribution to solve the activity. The students used RStudio software to calculate probabilities.

Methodological teaching-learning experiments applied to Geotechnical Engineering

The use of problem-based and project-based learning is beneficial. The teaching-learning process requires the development of a critical, objective, and rational mind. This paper analyzes methodological experiments from the teaching-learning process carried out in the geotechnical area of the civil engineering program at three universities in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, for more than 40 years. Three integrated experiments are presented. In the first experiment, undergraduate students in geotechnical engineering courses interacted with companies operating in the area, conducting laboratory and field tests and geotechnical instrumentation. The second experiment integrated students and teachers from different areas of the civil engineering program around a multidisciplinary project, while the third brought together undergraduate and graduate (master and doctoral) student research activities into a single project that extends from the development and construction of geotechnical equipment and applications of new soil improvement techniques to land use planning and occupation. )This study demonstrated the use of positive teaching-learning experiences carried out in the teaching of geotechnical engineering in the development of civil engineers who have technical skills and professional competences. It contributed to the advancement of knowledge in the development of new equipment, soil improvement, testing techniques and in the use, planning and occupation of soils. The interaction between the university, society and government institutions in problem solving also contributed.

Integration of Ideological and Political Education into the Civil Engineering Curriculum: A Case Study of the “Steel Bridge” Course at Southwest Jiaotong University’s Hope College

This research paper explores the successful integration of ideological and political education into the curriculum of the civil engineering program, focusing on the course “Steel Bridge” at Southwest Jiaotong University’s Hope College. The study outlines the course objectives, curriculum design, teaching strategies, and assesses the impact of ideological and political education on students’ comprehensive development. By examining the course’s teaching methods, content, and effectiveness, the paper aims to provide insights into the broader implementation of ideological and political education in engineering education. The findings reveal notable improvements in students’ political awareness, moral character, and overall competence through the infusion of ideological and political elements within the technical curriculum. This case study serves as a model for similar courses and contributes to the ongoing discourse on cultivating well-rounded engineers with a strong sense of social responsibility and ethical values.

Alignment of Civil Engineering Programs with the ASCE Body of Knowledge

Alignment of Civil Engineering Programs with the ASCE Body of Knowledge