Exploration on Guidance and Teaching Reform of Structural Design Competitions Based on Structural Design Software
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54097/ktzz6s13Keywords:
Structural Design Competition, Finite Element Software, Practical Teaching Reform, Bamboo ModelAbstract
The National College Student Structural Design Competition is a comprehensive core academic event for civil engineering majors, which comprehensively examines students’ comprehensive capabilities in mechanical theory, structural innovation, model fabrication, and engineering analysis. Conventional competition guidance relies on empirical trial and physical iteration, where students commonly suffer weak mechanical analysis, insufficient prediction of loading conditions, low material utilization, and high costs for model iteration. This paper takes four sets of competition models (triple wooden pagoda, impact-resistant concrete core bridge, vibration-resistant KuiRan Tower, and Wupeng Boat "SangSangSanni") from provincial competitions held between 2022 and 2025 as research carriers, and develops an integrated competition guidance teaching system centered on two finite element software packages: YJK and Midas Civil. A three-tier teaching implementation framework consisting of material property calibration, multi-condition numerical simulation, and physical model optimization is constructed. Differentiated simulation teaching priorities are specified for high-rise tower structures, impact-resistant bridge structures, and floating truss structures, and finite element simulation is fully integrated into courses including Structural Mechanics, Structural Experimentation, and Engineering Training. Teaching practices demonstrate that the software-integrated guidance framework cuts physical model iterations by 50% and bamboo material consumption by 40%, while significantly boosting students’ proficiency in strength, stiffness, stability, and dynamic vibration analysis. Meanwhile, competition award rates and average comprehensive course scores rise synchronously. This paper summarizes the challenges encountered in software-assisted competition training and proposes solutions such as tiered software instruction, interdisciplinary joint training, and the development of a competition case repository, thereby providing a reference framework for reforming civil engineering practice courses.
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