Communicating through the use of Computer Aided Design to improve design skills for Civil Engineering students

Abstract

Professionals in the construction industry use certain methods to communicate. In recent years, the term BIM has become more popular but fundamentally all professions from Architects to Quantity surveyors use drawings to show and demonstrate buildings or structures. The perception of students training to become civil engineers is that they will not have to produce drawings but only calculations. This paper investigates how Civil Engineering students can improve their communication skills by developing 3D modelling, 2D drafting and hand drawing skills. The findings show that student satisfaction and overall module attendance have improved therefore student engagement has improved.