Implementation of a visualization teaching approach for mechanical analysis in civil engineering structures

Abstract The visualization method for mechanics knowledge in civil engineering courses is very important, which can help students learn abstract mechanics. Combined with the structural analysis software, this paper develops a visualization teaching approach for mechanical analysis in civil engineering structures based on the proposed deformation decomposition method, such as elastic mechanics, material mechanics and structural dynamics. Compared with traditional strain analysis method, the proposed method is more intuitive and can identify more macroscopic basic deformations. By aid of a survey for undergraduate students and master students, the teaching effectiveness of the visualization course is higher than that of the blackboard writing course. Besides, Mann–Whitney test results show that there is a significant difference. The proportion of undergraduate students that think the combination of visualization has good effects are greater than those of master students. The proposed visualization teaching approach can be promoted in mechanics courses of civil engineering.