A web-based interactive courseware for the learning of structural framing system design of tall buildings

This paper presents the development of a web-based courseware for facilitating students' learning of structural framing system design for tall buildings. This on-line courseware is designed for students in all construction-related disciplines, including architectural studies, building construction, building surveying and civil/structural engineering. It allows students to design the structural layout of buildings without going into all the detail calculations of checking member sizes, and they can perform redesigns repeatedly by modifying or limiting any design parameter without the need to start all over again. Interactive guidance is also provided so that students can design their own systems according to some basic principles of structures. This is an effective tutorial feature considering the open-ended nature of the design problems. The student can find the answers to a lot of what-if scenarios on a very short period of time, thus building up his or her confidence and experience in the design process. The courseware interface is implemented by Flash MX with Action Script Programming and with linkage to MATLAB via ASP, which carries out all necessary calculations. The program will be demonstrated in the conference.