Design, assemble and dismantle project

This project is a hands-on educational scheme developed and implemented by Dr Alireza Behnejad to improve student learning at a tertiary level.

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Overview

This scheme is based on the benefits of using physical models to understand structural behaviour and construction requirements.

Students participate in a series of group activities to improve their practical knowledge of the design and construction of different structural systems. The project includes the making of miniature models, as well as working with full-scale physical models of prefabricated light weight structures.

The inaugural DAD project in 2014 arose from Dr Alireza Behnejad’s research project, ‘benefits of full scale physical models in civil engineering education’ which found that engineering students show a greater interest in topics which are demonstrated physically rather than being explained using the ‘chalk and talk’ method.

Funding amount

£20,000

Funders

Project programmes

Outreach

The project provides the ideal educational environment for developing the skills needed in architectural/structural engineering, such as interpreting other people’s ideas, team work, communication and time management. It also involves international collaboration, with students at institutions around the world taking part over the past five years. These have included:

  • Western Institute of Technology and Higher Education in Mexico
  • Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in Iran
  • University of Sao Paulo in Brazil
  • Southwest Jiaotong University in China
  • Universiti Malaysia Pahang in Malaysia
  • Sadjad University of Technology in Iran.

Team

Alireza Behnejad

Dr Alireza Behnejad

Principal Investigator

Outputs

Activity
Publications

Take part in the project

The DAD project can be organised for participants from other educational establishments, as well as participants from industry (CPD course or away day activities). If you are interested in finding out more, please get in touch with the principal investigator, Alireza Behnejad.

    Civil Engineering - Design, Assemble, Dismantle 2017 | University of Surrey

    Recognition from distinguished academics

    I am the current chair of the Joint Board of Moderators which accredits civil engineering degrees in the UK and their franchised courses overseas. As a person who has devoted a career to engineering consultancy, I am always on the lookout for initiatives that enable students to learn (as opposed to being taught) about structures, how they actually work and are assembled.

    This initiative really does tick all of the boxes. It enables collaboration not only between students but across disciplines. It is age neutral and can be used by anyone who is old enough to handle the components. It has already engendered interest from a diverse range of groups being cost effective and intuitive. If ever there was a project that has universal appeal across learning disciplines, then this is it and I recommend it to the Academy.     Professor Nick Russell (Director of Perega), 2014 President of the Institution of Structural Engineers
    Professor Nick Russell
    I have seen first hand just how successful the DAD project has been at the University of Surrey. The undergraduates are usually partly supervised by our masters students who also benefit greatly from seeing the positive interactions and sometimes the conflicts which arise within the individual project groups.

    It is evident from all of the students who have participated in the DAD project that they greatly appreciate the experience. They begin to understand that their individual contributions are very important to achieving the overall aim of the project, which is primarily to design and construct safely a stable spatial structure, both on time and within budget.     Professor Gerard Parke, Former Spatial Structures Research Centre Director, Emeritus Professor of Structural Engineering and a former chair of the JBM
    I believe there are a number of extremely valuable aspects to the DAD project for both learners and teachers within different age ranges and with different knowledge and experience. There is value in the holistic nature of the project: From initial conception, through team construction and ultimately the process of dismantling.

    The opportunity for teachers to observe learners engaging in a range of activities collectively and individually that may highlight and involve creativity, problem-solving, adaptability, planning, and active hands-on engagement provides insight into approaches that are used and can be adapted in other learning formats. For learners, it provides an opportunity to actively engage, but also to reflect on challenges and opinions, to experiment by testing ideas out, developing confidence and having fun through creative application with others.     Dr Simon Lygo-Baker, Former Head of the Department of Higher Education, University of Surrey

    Research themes

    Find out more about our research at Surrey.

    Sustainability
    Technology and society
    Urban living