Seeing Steel Connections Clearly: Learning Steel Structures in 3D
Steel connections are one of the most challenging aspects of steel construction to teach and learn. Traditional drawings and static images often fail to convey how structural elements come together, making it difficult for learners to fully understand joint behaviour, load paths, and real-world applications.
To address this challenge, visual and interactive learning tools are becoming increasingly important in steel education.Being able to explore steel structures in three dimensions helps learners move beyond memorisation and develop a clearer, more intuitive understanding of how steel components connect.
This month, steeluniversity is offering free access to the 3D model of Gerdau Corsa’s Steel Sculpture, an interactive learning resource designed to bring steel framing connections to life.
Used in more than 170 colleges and universities worldwide, steel sculptures have long been a trusted teaching aid for structural engineering and construction courses. This digital 3D version extends that concept, allowing learners to rotate, zoom, and explore steel connections in detail—anytime, anywhere.
What you will learn
- How different types of steel connections are configured and how they function.
- Real-world steel framing applications through a widely used educational model.
- A clearer spatial understanding of steel structures beyond 2D drawings.
Who is this resource for?
- Structural engineering and architecture students
- Educators and trainers teaching steel construction
- Early-career engineers strengthening their fundamentals
- Anyone looking to better visualise steel framing and connections
Take advantage of this opportunity to explore steel connections in a more intuitive way — free access is available throughout this month.
Part of a broader 3D learning approach
The Steel Sculpture is part of a growing collection of interactive 3D models available on steeluniversity, designed to support the teaching and learning of steel structures, components, and applications across different areas of the steel value chain.
