The Use of Excel® as an Educational Tool in Structural Engineering Teaching: Applications in Structural Mechanics and Reinforced Concrete
Keywords:
Excel, Engineering education, Structural mechanics, Reinforced concrete.Abstract
This study proposes the use of Microsoft Excel® as an educational tool in Civil Engineering education, specifically in the courses of Structural Mechanics I, Structural Mechanics II, and Reinforced Concrete Structures I. The motivation for this research stems from the need to overcome common challenges in engineering education, such as the complexity of structural calculations, the abstraction of theoretical concepts, and the gap between theory and practice. Three spreadsheets were developed to automate calculations of internal forces, elastic line analysis, and reinforced concrete beam design, in addition to generating interactive diagrams and graphs that facilitate the visualization and interpretation of structural behaviors. The methodology aligns with the theories of Meaningful Learning (Ausubel) and Problem-Based Learning (PBL), promoting a more contextualized and practical learning experience. The spreadsheets were validated using widely used industry software, such as Ftool®, Robot Structural Analysis®, TQS®, and Cypecad®, demonstrating accuracy and alignment with educational and professional demands. The results indicate that Excel® can be an effective tool for engineering education, contributing to a more dynamic, interactive, and market-aligned training.
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