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Push Me Pull Me

Developing an understanding of how structural systems function is an integral part of the education of civil and structural engineers. Traditionally students are expected to develop this understanding through the application of mathematical equations – an approach which only works for some students.

We have created a series of tactile interactive structural models, with which we are seeking to revolutionise the way structural engineering is taught, allowing students to develop a tacit understanding of the behavior before they even see an equation.

Try the models out for yourself on Expedition Workshed

The Push Me Pull Me models develop the linkage between real structures and their schematic representation by starting with renders of real structures showing encastre or pinned connections for example. The user then clicks a button to reveal the schematic model.

The user then interacts with the structural model by pushing and pulling it with the mouse. A series of buttons allow the user to toggle different qualitative outcomes on or off, namely: deformation, reactions, bending moment and shear and axial forces. All of these outcomes change in real time as the user changes the load.

First launched in 2010, a growing number of universities use the Push Me Pull Me models to help teach structural mechanics. They are also increasingly being used by architectural departments to explain basic structural mechanics to architects.

In November 2011, we published a set of Worksheets to support learning using Push Me Pull Me, developed in collaboration with Stelios Ytrianos at Brunel University.