The Use of Parametric Modeling to Enhance the Understanding of Concrete Formwork Structures

Abstract Teaching construction management (CM) courses are often challenging due to students' different learning styles. Students may be required to develop three-dimensional (3D) models by mentally visualizing other project components. Students with little or no practical experience often seem to find such exercises challenging, spending unnecessary amounts of time developing 3D digital models. One example is temporary structures for concrete slab formwork, comprised of four parts: sheathing, joists, stringers, and shores. It indicates the relationship between these parts and the concrete slab, their sizes, and quantity takeoffs. This research introduces an automated parametric tool to foster and encourage learning, allowing students to develop digital models at their own pace through provided, interactive, and easy-to-understand 3D models of a temporary structure. In this study, parametric modeling tools represent a temporary structure for concrete slab placement applications. The approach helps students to visualize the design of loads and formwork in different configurations through 3D models. Beyond this course exercise, such models could be used to analyze material quantity takeoffs, assess alternative designs, study constructability, and automate shop drawing production. The parametric tools used in this study were Revit and Dynamo. This study aims to determine if and how parametric tools can aid students enrolled in the CM program to better understand 3D models, specifically for representing temporary structures in concrete applications. To evaluate this study's results, an online survey was designed and distributed among CM students, capturing student learning experience during parametric modeling, and assessing time-efficiency and student engagement. The survey results are analyzed, and data is presented to compare challenges faced with or without using parametric modeling on teaching and learning activities. Results show how this approach increased students' motivation and ability to learn structures with satisfactory results for both instructors and students. Keywords: parametric modeling, concrete slab formwork, construction management curriculum, building information modeling (BIM), 3D model, Revit, Dynamo.