Title: A Novel Augmented Reality Tool for Visualization in Structural Concrete Design

Author(s): Jacqueline Chao and Connor Lyons

Publication: Web Session

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Date: 3/28/2022

Abstract:
Introductory courses in structure design for civil engineering undergraduate students, structural design traditionally introduce students to applications of mechanics in the context of materialspecific design approaches of both structural components and systems. Research reveals, however, that students struggle with understanding structural behavior in the three-dimensional context because of the shortcomings of representations used for visualization in traditional textbook and lecture-oriented instruction. Conventional approaches fail to provide effective representations of the interconnected analyses of structural behavior and the physical relation in the real world. Conceptually, it is also difficult for students to translate their learnings from static, two-dimensional representations of structural objects to their three-dimensional analogs in the real-world. This research project aims to leverage mobile augmented reality (AR) as a tool to aid students with visualization of structural components and systems subjected to varying loading and boundary constraints. The AR tool, STRUCT-AR, was developed and refined by a team of undergraduate researchers and allows users to integrated models simulated using finite element or structural analysis software into their local environment. The integrated models can then be explored in an immersive environment using a variety of interfaces including mobile devices, AR headsets, or even virtual reality headsets. This study leverages mobile devices (i.e. smart phones and tablets) as the implementation platform with a goal of providing an accessible alternative teaching methods targeted towards filling or supplementing student knowledge or comprehension gaps and ultimately improving student learning outcomes. This presentation will give an overview of the STRUCT-AR design and demonstrated relevant examples for reinforced concrete that are pertinent to introductory design courses.