Civil Engineering Students Research Articles

Correlation between Civil Engineering Student’s Performance in Mathematics and Academic Success

This research aims to examine the widely accepted paradigm that proficiency in mathematics significantly influences the academic success of Civil Engineering students. Using data from 119 students of the 2018 and 2019 cohorts at Universitas Mercu Buana, the study analyzes the correlation between their performance in Mathematics courses (Mathematics 1, 2, and 3) and their academic success, as measured by timely graduation and GPA. The data were processed using the Spearman correlation method, given its non-normal distribution as determined by Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests. The results indicate a significant positive correlation (r = 0.313, p = 0.001) between mathematical performance and academic success, with students achieving higher mathematics scores more likely to graduate on time. These findings suggest that while mathematical ability is a critical factor in academic success, other elements such as motivation, teaching methods, and external support should also be considered in improving student outcomes.

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.

Awareness of Green Architecture Importance Among Post and Undergraduate Syrian Students of Architecture and Civil Engineering

Awareness of Green Architecture Importance Among Post and Undergraduate Syrian Students of Architecture and Civil Engineering

The Correlation Between Academic Performance in CELE-Related Subjects and CELE Performance Among Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Students at Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology

This study investigated the relationship between academic performance in CELE-related subjects and CELE performance among Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE) students at Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST). A quantitative research design employing correlation analysis was utilized. The sample consisted of 322 random BSCE students who had taken CELE in the last five exam dates. The results revealed a significant positive correlation between students' performance in their Mathematics, Surveying, and Transportation Engineering (MSTE) and Structural Engineering and Construction (SEC) subjects during their BSCE program and their corresponding achievements on the PRC board exam. However, no significant correlation emerged between students' performance in their Hydraulics and Geotechnical Engineering (HGE) subjects during their BSCE program and their performance on the corresponding section of the PRC board exam. Additionally, the results indicated a significant positive correlation between students' weighted GPAs during their BSCE program and their performance on the PRC board exam.These findings suggest that strong academic performance in CELE-related subjects is associated with success on the CELE, highlighting the importance of a well-aligned curriculum and educational strategies. However, further research is needed to explore causative factors and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the dynamics influencing CELE performance.

Bridge to Professional Practice: Evaluating Internship Effectiveness and Coordination for Civil and Hydropower Engineering Graduates, A Study of Mid-West University of Nepal using ANN

The transition from academia to professional engineering practice is a pivotal and formidable challenge for graduating engineers. This research explores the effectiveness of internship programs for final semester undergraduates’ students in Civil and Hydropower Engineering of Mid-West University, based on data collected from 77 intern students by evaluating the acquired knowledge and skills during internships, while also exploring the associated benefits and the level of co-ordination between university and the internship organizations. Questionnaires assessed self-evaluated knowledge and skills gained, perceived benefits of the internship, co-ordination by the university and the department, and challenges encountered. Data analysis utilized descriptive statistics and an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model to identify factors influencing internship effectiveness. Results indicated that the effective coordination between universities and industry significantly enhances internship outcomes, impacting students’ practical skill development. The study underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in fostering industry-relevant competencies among future construction engineers. These findings suggest practical implications for universities in refining internship initiatives, improving curricula, and establishing robust internship guidelines to better prepare students for professional careers in engineering disciplines.

Community engagement enhances undergraduate civil engineering capstone design projects

Abstract Over the past several decades numerous studies have shown the value of community engagement in global water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs. Engaging and collaborating with communities through the design process enables wider community acceptance and ownership of WASH interventions, ensures a more functional and impactful design, and opens the door for co-benefits of these systems. Accounting for a range of dimensions within a community is critical to creating WASH designs that provide the most benefits. Undergraduate engineering curriculums focus on design, but often do not explicitly account for the social, environmental, and economic elements that affect the success, efficacy, and sustainability of a design. There is increasing emphasis on educating engineers on sustainability and systems thinking so they are equipped to solve complex, multidisciplinary problems. To understand how social, environmental, and economic elements fit into engineering design and how to create sustainable WASH interventions, undergraduate engineering students benefit from participating in WASH design projects that engage and collaborate with communities. This perspective highlights the value of community engagement with partners in Uganda in teaching water resources and environmental engineering design to undergraduate civil engineering students.

Evaluation of SPARK C++ usability: modular programming for mechanical and civil engineering students

Evaluation of SPARK C++ usability: modular programming for mechanical and civil engineering students

Overview of Knowledge about Basic Life Support (BLS) for Nature Lovers Students

Basic life support (BLS), comprising cardiovascular resuscitation and automated external defibrillator use, is not exclusively taught to health care workers but also to layman. BLS could save the lives of trauma and/or other emergency patients, particularly where health care facility is unreachable. Students’ mountaineering club members particularly are under constant risks of these conditions. There has been no study regarding BLS knowledge profile in North Maluku, especially among students’ mountaineering club members. Objective: To describe the level of knowledge about BLS among students’ mountaineering club members at Khairun University. Methods: This observational, descriptive, cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on all students’ mountaineering club members at Khairun University in 2022. Analysis was performed using univariate analysis. Results: Among 123 respondents from 14 study programs, most were male (57,7%), were civil engineering students (22,2%), and had previous BLS training (87,8%). Regarding the level of BLS knowledge, 6,5% had good knowledge, 50,4% mediocre, and 43,1%had low level of knowledge. Conclusion: Most students’ mountaineering club members at Khairun University had mediocre level of knowledge regarding BLS. Further study is required to confirm this finding.

AutoCAD Training and Introduction for JTSB Poliban Students

Training and introduction to AutoCAD applications for civil engineering students is an important step in improving students' skills and abilities in using software that is relevant to their field of study. In the implementation of Community Service this time, activities were carried out at the Modeling and Engineering Studio, Civil and Earth Engineering Department, Banjarmasin State Polytechnic on Monday, June 24, 2024. In this training, participants were introduced to the AutoCAD application, tools in the AutoCAD application, and the use and operation of the AutoCAD application in the field of Civil Engineering

Developing a Quantitative Methods Course for Civil and Construction Engineering Students

The ability to apply quantitative methods to gather, review, analyze and draw conclusions from data to support decision making is an important skillset in the engineering profession. We developed a new three-credit hour undergraduate course to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for basic quantitative methods for construction engineering students. The course’s main objective is to provide basic skills in quantitative methods, by familiarizing students with the critical steps in an analytical approach to decision-making. The course applies a hands-on approach to problem solving and decision making using various engineering-themed problems that practicing engineers are likely to face. The specific methods explored include; constructing quantitative models to include break-even analysis, decision trees, linear optimization, PERT/CPM schedule development and crashing, as well as Monte Carlo Simulation and sensitivity analysis to generate and interpret problem solutions. Instruction emphasizes a hands-on approach and practical assignments to develop a logical framework for describing and solving problems. This new course emphasizes Excel software rather than hand calculations and introduces use of Excel Solver and other data analysis tools.

English language needs of Iranian students of civil engineering: Are the courses aligned with workplace needs?

Although Iranian universities offer English for specific purposes (ESP) courses extensively, there are plenty of challenges in the process of teaching the courses. Drawing on multiple methods, this study explored what 5 civil-engineering ESP instructors, 5 company engineers, and 10 students expected to be included in their language courses suitable for workplace-specific requirements. It used multiple sources of data, including semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, field notes, and focus group discussions. Analysis of data showed that in addition to proficiency in general English, civil engineers need to discuss technical issues, attend conferences and seminars, read or write specific genres, and communicate orally, all of which require knowledge of both general and technical English. However, university programs are not specifically designed according to students’ specialized needs. This study contributes to the importance of needs-based curriculum development pertinent to engineering English challenges and highlights the significance of tailor-made language instruction. Furthermore, ESP educators, policy makers, course planners, and other stakeholders can take advantage of needs-based resources to help engineering students solve problems pertinent to their specialization.

Research on Teaching Management Problems and Countermeasures for International Students of Civil Engineering in China

As the number of international students in China continues to increase, higher education has been confronted with a multitude of unprecedented opportunities and challenges. This paper analyses the problems existing in the teaching management mode of international students majoring in civil engineering and proposes improvements to the teaching management mode of international students from three aspects: optimising the quality of international students, improving the management system of international students, and optimising The teaching quality assurance system is applied to the teaching process of international students majoring in civil engineering and other disciplines at Chongqing Jiaotong University, in order to provide a reference for the reform of innovation and entrepreneurship education in colleges and universities.

The Development of E-Pocket Book based on iSpring Suite 11 Software

The E-Pocket Book, developed using iSpring Suite 11 software, functions as an innovative learning resource specifically tailored for Civil Engineering students. The primary objective of this research was to create an effective educational tool to enhance the learning experience for these students. This study employed a Research and Development (RD) approach, utilizing the ADDIE Development Model, which comprises five systematic stages: Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation. A sample of 87 students participated in this research, providing valuable feedback and insights. The validation process, conducted by both media and material experts, indicated a positive reception toward the E-Pocket Book, affirming its feasibility as an effective learning medium. Additionally, students' responses were gathered using the System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaire, which reflected a high level of acceptance and usability, yielding an impressive score of 82.5, categorized as grade B (Excellent). The comprehensive research findings demonstrate that the E-Pocket Book created with iSpring Suite 11 is not only suitable but also advantageous for Civil Engineering students in their English language learning journey. By integrating modern technology with educational resources, this project significantly enhances the academic experience and proficiency of students in the field of Civil Engineering.

Perception of the Importance of Professional Communication among Civil Engineering Students

This paper aims to find out the attitudes and perceptions of civil engineering students about the importance of professional communication and their current and future competencies. In addition, this work aims to investigate their interest in courses on communication skills. For this research, a quantitative research method was used - an online survey. The research sample consists of 109 students of all years of undergraduate and graduate studies in Civil Engineering at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture, and Geodesy in Split. The work is based on three hypotheses that were tested with non-parametric statistical tests after the research was carried out. The results of the research rejected the first hypothesis that students of higher years of civil engineering studies consider professional communication skills more important for work in industry compared to students of lower years of studies. Furthermore, this research determined that there is a statistically significant correlation between the ratings of the importance of professional communication among civil engineering students and the ratings of their communication skills and that there is a statistically significant correlation between civil engineering students who show a preference for communication skills and interest in attending courses in the field of communication.

Enhancing Student Active Engagement in Class through Game-Based Learning: A Case of Civil Engineering Education

Students are rapidly losing interest in STEM education due to the minimal incorporation of media into learning and the complexity of teaching methods, which ultimately results in a lack of motivation. However, despite these challenges, incorporating active learning methods in STEM can ultimately reignite students’ interest in STEM education. This paper reports a case study presenting the effects of simulation games on enhancing the learning experiences of civil engineering students through an intervention method. It develops a framework for enhancing learning through game-based learning. Intervention included the following two groups: a control group exposed to conventional teaching methods and an experimental group introduced to the simulation game. Following the learning sessions, a survey was conducted to gauge students’ perceptions about the proposed framework. Results indicated a strong positive response from students toward the game-based learning approach. They expressed satisfaction with its effectiveness in improving their understanding. Independent t-tests found that the mean score (4.13) for entertainment via the game exceeded that of traditional teaching methods (3.72). Furthermore, 85% of students acknowledged the game’s utility in reinforcing civil engineering concepts, compared to 67% for traditional methods. Many students suggested expanding the game to cover a wider range of topics in future versions to enable a more comprehensive learning experience.

Application of Virtual Reality as a Method of First Aid Training – Results of Survey Research Conducted among the Construction Faculty Students

Aim: The survey focused on the assessment of students' knowledge after first aid training carried out using two methods. In order to check the effectiveness and compare both methods, standard training with the use of training phantoms and a BLS and AED course supported by Virtual Reality technology were organized among students. The aim was to test whether virtual reality training would be as effective as standard training with training phantoms. In addition, the study also included collecting students' subjective opinions on the use of VR technology in first aid. During the research, a research hypothesis was put forward, according to which students after standard training with the use of phantoms have more knowledge about cardiopulmonary resuscitation than students after training with the use of virtual reality. Methodology: The method of a survey was used to assess the effectiveness of training. It was attended by 57 students of Civil Engineering, aged 20 to 22. Thanks to the study, the theoretical and practical knowledge of students on first aid was verified and their subjective feelings after training with the use of VR technology were analyzed. Results: The results of the research indicate that the level of knowledge in the field of first aid is higher in students after standard training with the use of training phantoms. In this group, the respondents answered 100% correctly in 7 questions, while the respondents in the group using virtual reality answered only 4 questions correctly in 100%. Students from the first group also showed a greater knowledge of the first aid procedure – they answered correctly in 82%, and the respondents in the second group in 56%. Students from the first group also gave better answers to the questions verifying the knowledge of the principles of proper cardiopulmonary resuscitation – 85% of them answered these questions correctly, while in the second group there were less than half of the correct answers – only 40%. Conclusions: Based on the results of the research and the feelings of the students, it was concluded that training using the VR application without tactile interaction with the dummy is not sufficient. The use of physical phantoms in such training will increase the realism of the simulation and make the virtual environment better perceived by users interacting tactilely with virtual models and experiencing their (physical) properties in a tangible way. Keywords: safety, first aid training, VR, BLS, AED

B-ACE Mobile Learning with Outcome-Based Education Approach: Developing ESP Learning Media for Airport Civil Engineering Students

B-ACE Mobile Learning with Outcome-Based Education Approach: Developing ESP Learning Media for Airport Civil Engineering Students

Impact of Physical Model Projects and Multidisciplinary Teams in Fluid Mechanics Education

Fluid mechanics, a required course in many undergraduate engineering disciplines, is often described as a challenging subject as it weaves together advanced mathematics and physics to solve conventional engineering problems. This study examines the effect of incorporating a physical model project via multidisciplinary teams into two theory-based fluid mechanics courses to address two general questions: Does the design and construction of the physical model aid in understanding fluid mechanics concepts? Does working with students of different engineering disciplines improve student experience and comprehension? The study was conducted in Spring 2023 with a cohort of 49 mechanical and civil engineering students; each project team had a mix of both disciplines. At the end of the semester, all projects were presented at a common venue, followed by an anonymous paper-based survey. The results indicate that around 83.7% of students felt the project had an overall positive impact on their learning experience. Despite initial student apprehension about multidisciplinary teams, 72% of students appreciated the opportunity to work with engineers from other disciplines, with qualitative inputs describing the value added from varied skill sets. In conclusion, this project enabled students to apply their in-class training to a real-world model while working in multidisciplinary teams. The results provide insight into the implementation of similar projects and the value of multidisciplinary teams.

Augmented Reality for the Development and Reinforcement of Spatial Skills: A Case Applied to Civil Engineering Students

The architecture, engineering, construction, and operation (AECO) industry has brought transformations within the field. Despite the changes, traditional teaching methods such as analyzing two-dimensional plans and models are still being used in training processes, which do not effectively promote the development of spatial skills. In this context, augmented reality (AR) can be used as a tool to translate two-dimensional information into three-dimensional space. Thus, the present study explores the use of the VT-Platform AR tool to develop and reinforce spatial skills among undergraduate civil engineering students. The study follows a quantitative approach with a descriptive scope and an experimental design. Students in the sanitary engineering subject were divided into two groups: an experimental group and a control group. A short-term teaching-learning methodology was proposed for the experimental group using the VT-Platform AR tool. Both groups took the differential aptitude test (DAT) to measure their spatial skills. The experimental group showed a higher average score compared to the control group, with a difference of 29.8%. Furthermore, the use of the VT-Platform AR tool helped standardize the level of spatial skills within the experimental group. It was concluded that using the VT-Platform AR tool can effectively develop and reinforce spatial skills among students.

A Parametric Analysis of Wind-Loaded High-Rise Constructions in Various Terrain Types with Bracing

Abstract: This study tries to provide a hypothetical structural design for a tall building in a city. It is very important for civil engineering students to think about how structural systems can enhance the architectural expression of a building. Wind is the governing load when building high-rise structures in the city. A building can be structurally improved to resist wind pressure by making changes to the basic design, which gives it a unique architectural expression. In this study, G+10 and G+20 storey structures is designed and compared in two terrain categories and subjected to wind load. The ruggedness of the environment where the fabric structure is located is measured by the Terrain category. Wind speed, wind direction, and exposure to the elements are examples of such variables. Earthquake and wind loads are applied to the ETABS model according to the given National Standards. Finally, it is determined how strong and flexible the structure is under these stresses. The output of the calculation program and additional calculated products are compared to the Indian limit for structural serviceability.