The concept of foundations was introduced to second-grade students using models made of LEGO pieces representing shallow and deep foundations embedded in a synthetic transparent soil made of Aquabeads. Aquabeads was selected over other available transparent soils for this demonstration because it is water based and can be safely used in an elementary classroom without necessitating any precautions. Aquabeads is typically used for flow studies because its permeability models that of natural soils but its strength is suitable for modelling that of weak marine clays only. Nevertheless, considering the light loads applied by LEGO bricks, the weak strength was advantageous for scaling the load-deformation response of deep and shallow foundations. The pile foundation elements were made of coloured LEGO bricks to permit easy visualisation of vertical displacement and to make the activity more attractive. The transparent soil-pile model exposed that foundations support all man-made structures, such as homes, buildings, towers, schools, stores, and bridges. Students were also told that geotechnical engineers must know the properties of soil layers of a specific site to design suitable foundations.
Two models of punching bearing capacity failures made by second-grade students using LEGO bricks and several soils. (a) Model representing sand profile loaded where severe settlement can be seen that makes sand heave and (b) excessive deformation in Aquabeads and play-dough profile as evidenced from the curved (initially horizontal) upper play-dough layer
(Note that placement of the foundation at the centre of the model makes it difficult to visualise the failure planes clearly at the boundaries).
Primary Reference
- Suescun-Florez, E. M. Iskander, V. Kapila and R. Cain (2013). Geotechnical Engineering in US Elementary Schools. European Journal of Engineering Education, Vol. 38, No. 3, pp. 300–315, doi: 10.1080/03043797.2013.800019, Taylor & Francis [link]
