Evaluating the Educational Impact of 3D Modelling in Construction Estimating Course: A Case Study of Washington State University

10 pages•Published: June 2, 2026

Abstract

Construction estimating courses play a vital role in preparing students for professional practice in the construction industry. However, students often face challenges when learning bridge estimating concepts due to the complexity of structural elements and limited opportunities for field exposure. This study evaluates the effectiveness of integrating a 3D bridge model as an instructional tool in a construction estimating course for undergraduate students at Washington State University (WSU). The objective is to assess how a 3D model enhances students’ understanding across four key dimensions: visualization and structural comprehension, conceptual learning, efficiency and productivity, and overall satisfaction. Survey data (45 responses) collected from WSU students between 2020 and 2023 through paper-based surveys distributed in class. The results reveal overwhelmingly positive perceptions of the 3D model’s usefulness; 69 percent of students were satisfied, and 31 percent were very satisfied. Students particularly valued the model’s ability to support visualization of complex bridge elements. Overall, the findings suggest that 3D modeling is a valuable instructional tool for enhancing student engagement and perceived understanding in construction estimating education. Future studies should involve multiple universities, diverse project types, and more advanced analytical methods to strengthen the robustness and generalizability of the findings.

Keyphrases: construction, estimating, teaching, tools

In: Wesley Collins, Anthony Perrenoud and John Posillico (editors). Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 62nd Annual International Conference, vol 7, pages 348-357.

Links:	https://easychair.org/publications/paper/ZJ6K
	https://doi.org/10.29007/jg7s

BibTeX entry

@inproceedings{ASC2026:Evaluating_Educational_Impact_3D,
  author    = {Kishor Shrestha},
  title     = {Evaluating the Educational Impact of 3D Modelling in Construction Estimating Course: A Case Study of Washington State University},
  booktitle = {Proceedings of Associated Schools of Construction 62nd Annual International Conference},
  editor    = {Wesley Collins and Anthony Perrenoud and John Posillico},
  series    = {EPiC Series in Built Environment},
  volume    = {7},
  publisher = {EasyChair},
  bibsource = {EasyChair, https://easychair.org},
  issn      = {2632-881X},
  url       = {/publications/paper/ZJ6K},
  doi       = {10.29007/jg7s},
  pages     = {348-357},
  year      = {2026}}

Download PDF Open PDF in browser