Teaching geometric angles in initial civil engineering training: a literature review

Authors

  • Elkin Andrés Medina-Segura Universidad Espíritu Santo image/svg+xml , Universidad Estatal Península de Santa Elena image/svg+xml , Espíritu Santo University (UEES) , Santa Elena Peninsula State University (UPSE)
  • Helen Giselle Orrala-Domínguez Santa Elena Peninsula State University (UPSE) https://orcid.org/0009-0001-3103-4575
  • Angelo Misael Tigrero-Quiroz
  • Brittany Lizbeth Santistevan-Quirumbay Universidad Estatal Península de Santa Elena image/svg+xml
  • Graciela Celedonia Sosa-Bueno Santa Elena Peninsula State University (UPSE)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51247/pdlc.v7iEspecial1.984

Keywords:

initial training; geometry teaching; civil engineering; graphic representation; educational technologies

Abstract

The teaching of geometry and trigonometry in the early levels of Civil Engineering is often delivered in an abstract way, disconnected from problems specific to the discipline, which makes it difficult for students to recognize its applied value. This article aimed to analyze, from a formative perspective, the importance of geometric angles in the configuration of buildings and structural systems, in order to identify contributions from the academic literature that could strengthen their teaching in early Civil Engineering education. A qualitative, descriptive-analytical, non-systematic literature review was carried out, drawing on recent literature on applied geometry, structural configuration, graphic representation, and educational technologies. The results show that angles organize spatial, constructive, and structural relationships present in roofs, ramps, stairs, trusses, and lattice systems; that triangulation constitutes a useful didactic principle for introducing the notion of structural stability; and that tools such as BIM, GeoGebra, and augmented reality support spatial visualization of these relationships during learning. The article concludes that integrating real constructive examples into the teaching of geometry and trigonometry strengthens spatial understanding among Civil Engineering students and facilitates the transition to subsequent courses in technical drawing, surveying, and structural analysis, representing a relevant pedagogical contribution to civil engineering education

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

  • Elkin Andrés Medina-Segura, Universidad Espíritu Santo, Universidad Estatal Península de Santa Elena, Espíritu Santo University (UEES), Santa Elena Peninsula State University (UPSE)
    Estudiante universitario doble titulación en Ingeniería Civil por la Universidad Estatal Península de Santa Elena y en Administración de Empresas por la Universidad Espíritu Santo. Graduado con altos honores de la Unidad Educativa Particular "Mi Sendero" de la ciudad de Machala, donde me destaqué como Escolta Oficial de la institución gracias a mi excelencia académica. Galardonado con el premio al reconocimiento de la mejor tesis de graduación de bachillerato. A lo largo de mi trayectoria, he demostrado un alto compromiso con el desarrollo integral, destacando como deportista de alto rendimiento en las disciplinas de básquet, atletismo y fútbol. Poseo una sólida formación que combina el pensamiento analítico-técnico con la visión estratégica de gestión, orientado al logro de objetivos y al liderazgo de proyectos.
  • Helen Giselle Orrala-Domínguez, Santa Elena Peninsula State University (UPSE)

    Estudiante de Ingeniería Civil en la Universidad Estatal Península de Santa Elena (UPSE).  Con capacidad para el trabajo en equipo y la resolución de problemas técnicos. Comprometido con el desarrollo de proyectos sostenibles que impulsen el crecimiento de la región peninsular mediante soluciones de ingeniería eficientes y seguras.

  • Angelo Misael Tigrero-Quiroz

    Futuro Ingeniero Civil por la UPSE con un fuerte interés en el diseño estructural. Me enfoco en aplicar la rigurosidad matemática y las nuevas tecnologías. Destaco por mi pensamiento analítico, adaptabilidad al cambio y constante búsqueda de la excelencia académica y tecnológica.

  • Brittany Lizbeth Santistevan-Quirumbay, Universidad Estatal Península de Santa Elena

    Estudiante de Ingeniería Civil en la UPSE con visión estratégica orientada a la gestión. Poseo habilidades de liderazgo y comunicación asertiva con un alto sentido de responsabilidad social.

  • Graciela Celedonia Sosa-Bueno, Santa Elena Peninsula State University (UPSE)

    Docente coordinadora de investigación en la carrera de Ingeniería Civil de la Universisad Península de Santa Elena-UPSE, Ecuador. Docente Guía UIC 2024-2, 2025-1, Docente de Pregrado de UPSE, tutora de Tesis; asimismo, docente invitada como especialista en Post Grado de la UPSE, especialista en investigación científica, educación, literatura y gestión empresarial. 16 artículos científicos y 3 libros en temas de evaluación en Educación, Pensamiento Crítico, Medio ambiente. Ponente en Congresos diversos con temas de artículos científicos ,Internacional de ciencias Latina Redalac, RedeIPA, Ciencias Latina, etc. Cuenta con estudios en Ingeniería Industrial especialista en Producción y Mantenimiento de Industrias, (Ecuador). Magister en Sistemas Integrados de Gestión, especialista en Calidad, Medio ambiente, Seguridad y Salud Ocupacional, (Ecuador). Doctora en Educación Superior e Investigación, (Perú). Experiencia: Senescyt, Creación de la carrera Bomberil “Tecnología Superior en Control de Incendios y Operaciones de Rescate”, Docente, Gestora Docente, Gestora de Planificación y Acreditación docente del Instituto Tecnológico Guayaquil, Trabajos de titulación, apoyo de Gestoría de Prácticas Pre profesionales, Gestora de Vinculación. Exdocente del Ministerio de Educación. telectual de Artículos, Ha ocupado diversos cargos jerárquicos, Gerente en la empresa BIPOWER S.A., Gerente de la empresa RALPITSA S.A., actualmente Gerente de la compañía Helpservice S. A.

References

Agarwal, S., Charlesworth, M., & Elrakhawy, M. (2023). How to write a narrative review. Anaesthesia, 78(9), 1162–1166. https://doi.org/10.1111/anae.16016

Arias Mercado, E. (2020). ¿Cómo construir prismas en GeoGebra? [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdUT6Ea1m9U

Brütting, J., Senatore, G., & Fivet, C. (2022). MILP-based discrete sizing and topology optimization of truss structures: New formulation and benchmarking. Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization, 65, Article 277. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00158-022-03325-7

Cumino, C., Pavignano, M., Spreafico, M. L., & Zich, U. (2021). Geometry to build models, models to visualize geometry. Digital Experiences in Mathematics Education, 7(1), 149–166. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40751-020-00080-6

Espinoza Freire, E. E. (2020). La búsqueda de información científica en las bases de datos académicas. Revista Metropolitana de Ciencias Aplicadas, 3(1), 31-35.

Del Cerro Velázquez, F., & Morales Méndez, G. (2021). Systematic review of the development of spatial intelligence through augmented reality in STEM knowledge areas. Mathematics, 9(23), 3067. https://doi.org/10.3390/math9233067

Dhollande, S., Taylor, A., Meyer, S., & Scott, M. (2021). Conducting integrative reviews: A guide for novice nursing researchers. Journal of Research in Nursing, 26(5), 427–438. https://doi.org/10.1177/1744987121997907

Faiella, D., Argenziano, M., & Mele, E. (2022). Improving the seismic response of tall buildings: From diagrid to megastructures and mega-subcontrol systems. The Open Construction & Building Technology Journal, 16, e187483682201030. https://doi.org/10.2174/18748368-v16-e2201030

Giovannini, E. C. (2023). An algorithmic approach to Palladio's design of stairs. Nexus Network Journal, 25, 645–666. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00004-023-00668-6

Girardet, A., & Boton, C. (2021). A parametric BIM approach to foster bridge project design and analysis. Automation in Construction, 126, 103679. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2021.103679

Kazemi, P., Ghisi, A., & Mariani, S. (2022). Classification of the structural behavior of tall buildings with a diagrid structure: A machine learning-based approach. Algorithms, 15(10), 349. https://doi.org/10.3390/a15100349

Khoshamadi, N., Banihashemi, S., Poshdar, M., Abbasianjahromi, H., Tabadkani, A., & Hajirasouli, A. (2023). Parametric and generative mechanisms for infrastructure projects. Automation in Construction, 154, 104968. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2023.104968

Koutamanis, A. (2024). Stair design and user interaction. Architecture, 4(3), 692–716. https://doi.org/10.3390/architecture4030036

Kozłowski, G., & Sokół, T. (2022). Enhanced growth method for topology and geometry optimization of truss structures. Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization, 65, 220. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00158-022-03317-7

Lapisa, R., Arwizet, K., Krismadinata, Arafat, A., Saputra, A., & Romani, Z. (2022). Numerical analysis of the roof slope effect on the building thermal comfort and the need for roofing materials in tropical area. International Journal on Advanced Science, Engineering and Information Technology, 12(6), 2556–2562. https://doi.org/10.18517/ijaseit.12.6.16283

Liu, C., Li, G., He, B., Zhou, C., & Ma, Y. (2024). Sustainable seismic performance of diagrid core-tube structure with replaceable steel coupling beam. Sustainability, 16(7), 2690. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16072690

Lozano-Galant, F., Porras, R., Mobaraki, B., Calderón, F., Gonzalez-Arteaga, J., & Lozano-Galant, J. A. (2024). Enhancing civil engineering education through affordable AR tools for visualizing BIM models. Journal of Civil Engineering Education, 150(3), 05024003. https://doi.org/10.1061/JCEECD.EIENG-2007

Ma, W., Wang, X., Wang, J., Xiang, X., & Sun, J. (2021). Generative design in building information modelling (BIM): Approaches and requirements. Sensors, 21(16), 5439. https://doi.org/10.3390/s21165439

Mahdavinejad, M., Bazazzadeh, H., Mehrvarz, F., Berardi, U., Nasr, T., Pourbagher, S., & Hoseinzadeh, S. (2024). The impact of facade geometry on visual comfort and energy consumption in an office building in different climates. Energy Reports, 11, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.egyr.2023.11.021

Malgıt, B., Işıkdağ, Ü., Bekdaş, G., & Yücel, M. (2022). A generative design-to-BIM workflow for minimum weight plane truss design. Revista de la Construcción, 21(2), 473–492. https://doi.org/10.7764/RDLC.21.2.473

Medina Herrera, L. M., Juárez Ordóñez, S., & Ruiz-Loza, S. (2024). Enhancing mathematical education with spatial visualization tools. Frontiers in Education, 9, 1229126. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2024.1229126

Meterelliyöz, M. Ü., & Özener, O. Ö. (2022). BIM-enabled learning for building systems and technology. Journal of Information Technology in Construction, 27, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.36680/j.itcon.2022.001

Miao, Y., Liu, P., Fu, I. C. S., Lei, Q., Lau, S. S. Y., & Tao, Y. (2022). The study of architectural geometry and shape in the energy balance of glazed roofs. Buildings, 12(10), 1550. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings12101550

Montalbán Turon, C., & Vargas Alzate, Y. F. (2023). Special braced stairs versus typical braced frames: New architectural-structural-seismic approach to stair design. The Structural Design of Tall and Special Buildings, 32(5–6), e1997. https://doi.org/10.1002/tal.1997

Porat, R., & Ceobanu, C. (2024a). Enhancing spatial ability among undergraduate first-year engineering and architecture students. Education Sciences, 14(4), 400. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14040400

Porat, R., & Ceobanu, C. (2024b). The role of spatial ability in academic success: The impact of the integrated hybrid training program in architecture and engineering higher education. Education Sciences, 14(11), 1237. [verificar DOI]

Pulido-Arcas, J. A., Martínez-Rocamora, A., & Folgar-Erades, A. (2021). Influence of BIM-based teaching methodology on the spatial abilities of construction engineering students. Advances in Building Education, 5(3), 9–26. https://doi.org/10.20868/abe.2021.3.4732

Salata, F., Ciardiello, A., Dell'Olmo, J., Ciancio, V., Ferrero, M., & Rosso, F. (2024). Geometry optimization in the schematic design phase of low-energy buildings for all European climates through genetic algorithms. Sustainable Cities and Society, 109, 105639. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2024.105639

Sarkar, S., & Bhatia, G. (2021). Writing and appraising narrative reviews. Journal of Clinical and Scientific Research, 10(3), 169–172. https://doi.org/10.4103/jcsr.jcsr_1_21

Scaramozzino, D., & Lacidogna, G. (2021). Diagrid and hexagrid structures: New perspectives in design of tall buildings. The Open Construction & Building Technology Journal, 15, 221–229. https://doi.org/10.2174/1874836802115010221

Scaramozzino, D., Albitos, B., Lacidogna, G., & Carpinteri, A. (2022). Selection of the optimal diagrid patterns in tall buildings within a multi-response framework: Application of the desirability function. Journal of Building Engineering, 54, 104645. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2022.104645

Sukhera, J. (2022). Narrative reviews: Flexible, rigorous, and practical. Journal of Graduate Medical Education, 14(4), 414–417. https://doi.org/10.4300/JGME-D-22-00480.1

Tiwari, A. S., Bhagat, K. K., & Lampropoulos, G. (2024). Designing and evaluating an augmented reality system for an engineering drawing course. Smart Learning Environments, 11, Article 1. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-023-00289-z

Turnbull, D., Chugh, R., & Luck, J. (2023). Systematic-narrative hybrid literature review: A strategy for integrating a concise methodology into a manuscript. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 7(1), 100381. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2022.100381

Yang, L., Gao, X., Chen, S., Li, Q., & Bai, S. (2024). A 3D parameterized BIM-modeling method for complex engineering structures in building construction projects. Buildings, 14(6), 1752. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14061752

Yavan, F., Maalek, R., & Toğan, V. (2024). Structural optimization of trusses in building information modeling (BIM) projects using visual programming, evolutionary algorithms, and life cycle assessment (LCA) tools. Buildings, 14(6), 1532. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14061532

Zerlenga, O., Cirillo, V., & Cicala, M. (2023). Drawing, shapes and parametric design of rod and node architectural structures. Nexus Network Journal, 25(Suppl. 1), 303–311. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00004-023-00722-3

Ziatdinov, R., & Valles, J. R., Jr. (2022). Synthesis of modeling, visualization, and programming in GeoGebra as an effective approach for teaching and learning STEM topics. Mathematics, 10(3), 398. https://doi.org/10.3390/math10030398

Downloads

Published

2026-08-01

How to Cite

Teaching geometric angles in initial civil engineering training: a literature review. (2026). Science Portal, 7(1), 492-504. https://doi.org/10.51247/pdlc.v7iEspecial1.984

Similar Articles

1-10 of 244

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.