@inproceedings{dbd1683bb8d94e32afd973160789e591,
title = "Teaching the Equivalent Rectangular Stress Block",
abstract = "The equivalent rectangular stress block is the basis for determining the flexural strength of reinforced concrete members. Instructors commonly present the concept in two dimensions, contrary to its three-dimensional nature. Unfortunately, this can be particularly difficult for students to understand and visualize, especially for students with visual learning style preferences. This paper presents an overview of the equivalent rectangular stress block, select active learning methods, and four specific examples used by the authors to introduce the equivalent rectangular stress block in an undergraduate reinforced concrete design course. The first method focuses on understanding the terms associated with the equivalent rectangular stress block using a visual, hands-on learning activity; the second focuses on visualizing the internal forces and couple moment within a beam; the third uses a virtual three-dimensional model to derive the depth of the equivalent rectangular stress block; and the fourth illustrates the various stress blocks used in reinforced concrete flexure theory via physical three-dimensional models. Each description includes detailed instructions to create the resources and how to facilitate the related activities within a course. The overall goal is to provide educators with several examples that will help students better visualize the three-dimensional concept.",
keywords = "active learning, equivalent rectangular stress block, inquiry learning, physical artifacts, reinforced concrete, skeleton-style notes, visual learning",
author = "Carroll, {J. Chris} and Dymond, {Benjamin Z.} and Behrouzi, {Anahid A.}",
note = "Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2023 American Concrete Institute. All rights reserved.; Best Practices and Lessons Learned for Teaching Concrete Materials and Reinforced Concrete 2021 ; Conference date: 17-10-2021 Through 21-10-2021",
year = "2023",
doi = "10.14359/51740293",
language = "English (US)",
series = "American Concrete Institute, ACI Special Publication",
publisher = "American Concrete Institute",
pages = "109--126",
editor = "Benjamin Dymond and Carroll, {J. Chris}",
booktitle = "Best Practices and Lessons Learned for Teaching Concrete Materials and Reinforced Concrete 2021",
address = "United States",
}