Civil Engineering Education through Case Studies of Failures

Abstract

Teaching through failure case studies complements and integrates the traditional civil engineering topics that are introduced with the lecture-based method. This paper describes the development of a course on failures at Worcester Polytechnic Institute with particular reference to the implementation of case study instruction and structuring of the course. The topic of failures is used to assess the decision-making process that underpins the life cycle of a facility, and the variables that affect the performance of this process. The primary objective of the case study method is to enhance learning through students' active participation in case presentation and discussion. The method is effective in blending real world situations and applications of theoretical and scientific principles.