Engineering Commons^™

A Study Of Cal Poly Students' Preferred Career Path: A Focus On Alumni, Jesse D. Longchamps

Construction Management

The construction industry is a fragile system with an intricate mix of field and office – labor and management. Theses two branches are critical to keeping any project running smoothly. However, the industry is noticeably changing and this fragile structure is deteriorating. Field positions are getting tougher and tougher to fill for most companies in the construction industry. Without skilled field employees, the companies are losing one of the two most important aspects of construction. Without field employees, office employees may be tasked with picking up additional duties beyond their expertise – further advancing their stress levels and sacrificing quality …

Building A Handicap Accessible Entrance And Gabion Wall, David C. Marter

Construction Management

As people age, their bodies naturally deteriorate and often times people are confined to wheelchairs in order to get around. Uneven and unstable ground is a large obstacle for people who live confined to a wheelchair. This project was derived and designed in order to help a family with multiple family members bound to wheelchairs to allow them an easier point of access into the home. The project itself consists of the construction of a concrete walkway and a gabion wall to provide some additional aesthetics. The concrete pathway ranges from the driveway to a paver pathway that curves around …

Unexpected Setbacks When Excavating - Using Gpr For Mitigating Risk: A Case Study, Sam Marcum

Construction Management

Whether constructing on undeveloped land or on an existing developed site, there is a risk of encountering unexpected objects when excavating. With today’s technology in Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), this risk can generally be mitigated. Using Whiting-Turner’s construction of Stanford University’s new ChEM-H & SNI Building as an example, this case study discusses the use of GPR for underground mapping, as well as various ways to implement GPR technology. The ChEM-H & SNI site had many underground utilities that required precise pot-holing to verify locations. Although pot-holing is widely used, it is a destructive method, it is time and labor …

Unexpected Setbacks When Excavating – Using Gpr For Mitigating Risk: A Case Study, Samuel L. Marcum

Construction Management

Whether constructing on undeveloped land or on an existing developed site, there is a risk of encountering unexpected objects when excavating. With today’s technology in Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), this risk can generally be mitigated. Using Whiting-Turner’s construction of Stanford University’s new ChEM-H & SNI Building as an example, this case study discusses the use of GPR for underground mapping, as well as various ways to implement GPR technology. The ChEM-H & SNI site had many underground utilities that required precise pot-holing to verify locations. Although pot-holing is widely used, it is a destructive method, it is time and labor …

Growing Grounds Nursery - Outdoor Plaza And Education Space, Keenan Brekke

Construction Management

This paper describes the planning, both design and financing, as well as the construction of an 800 square foot outdoor plaza area and education space. After six months of Planning and Fundraising, the scope of work included clearing and grubbing, relocation of irrigation lines, site grading and footing excavation, forming and pouring four architectural board form concrete benches and a planter, installing a perimeter French drain for site drainage, and installation of serpentine rock retaining walls, steel planters, a sail shade structure, outdoor string lights, a koi pond, and all significant landscaping. The author, over 100 volunteers, and various industry …

Hard Hat Safety By California Contractors, Jonathan G. Hernandez

Construction Management

The hard hat is the quintessential item of PPE, and yet it often gets overlooked when ensuring safety standards are being met. We all expect our hard hat to protect us, but many never inspect it to ensure that it is properly fulfilling its purpose. This disregard to inspection and maintenance can lead to serious injury or death in the event of an accident. While organizations such as OSHA and the hard hat manufacturers themselves post information on this topic, it is unclear if this information is actually being received by the people involved in a construction project. This research …

Sensor-Based Safety Performance Assessment Of Individual Construction Workers, Jeewoong Park, Yong K. Cho, Ali Khodabandelu

Civil and Environmental Engineering and Construction Faculty Research

Over the last decade, researchers have explored various technologies and methodologies to enhance worker safety at construction sites. The use of advanced sensing technologies mainly has focused on detecting and warning about safety issues by directly relying on the detection capabilities of these technologies. Until now, very little research has explored methods to quantitatively assess individual workers’ safety performance. For this, this study uses a tracking system to collect and use individuals’ location data in the proposed safety framework. A computational and analytical procedure/model was developed to quantify the safety performance of individual workers beyond detection and warning. The framework …

Challenges Of Real Estate Appraisers In Kosovo, Marjan Ivezaj

UBT International Conference

Kosovo is a new country with a goal to integrate quickly into the large family of EU countries. To achieve this, old work practices are changing, and new practices are also being applied in different fields of human activity. Real estate property plays an important role in the process of economic development and is considered as sacred. To be treated this way, the property must be evaluated correctly. Following the examples of EU countries, the Kosovo institutions have organized training, testing and licensing of the first domestic real estate appraisers. The basic data to perform this profession are scarce, incomplete …

My Catalyst, Gabrielle Gambino Lyon

Celebration of Learning

Over the course of my internship and shadow program with Pepper Lawson Construction and Ziegler Cooper Architects, I was able to explore the various career paths involved in the design, construction, and civil engineering fields. My work on the construction site of a high-rise apartment building located in the heart of Houston, TX allowed me first-hand experience working and learning alongside project engineers, contractors, building developers, and the construction team.

This project was the perfect confluence of my main areas of interest: structural, mechanical, civil, and environmental engineering, as well as architecture. My daily work consisted of on-site walk throughs, …

Spatial Calculation Of The Steel Frame Of A Multi-Storey Building, G. Freedman

Problems of Architecture and Construction

In paper the instance of calculation of the space steel framework of a multistorey building in altitude of 8 floors with use of the personal computer LYRE is observed. A framework - communication has system with an internal kernel of rigidness. All aspects of loadings, including wind and seismic are considered. Selection of cross-sections of elements of a framework in the application of LIRA-STK is executed.

Seismic Resistance Issues In Collapsing Of Khiva Minarets, G. Durdiyeva, A. Zargarov, E. Salayev, T. Fozilov

Problems of Architecture and Construction

To identify the technical state of constructions of the minaret Islam Khodja, located in Ichan-Kala of Khiva, engineering survey was carried out on its load-bearing structures. This article touches upon the issue of seismic stability of Islam Khoja minaret. Full-scale monitoring and researches of architectural monuments of Khorezm have shown that the ancient masters-architects were acquainted with quite various destructive effects of earthquakes.

Strategic Competences For Pricing Quantity Surveying Consultancy Services, Michael Adesi, De-Graft Owusu-Manu, Róisín Murphy

Articles

Professional quantity surveying (QS) services are critical to successful delivery of construction projects within planned budget, quality, and duration. The supply of QS professional services is largely dependent on the price level of services and the willingness of clients to pay. The pricing of professional QS consultancy services has been confronted with a myriad of pricing challenges due to rapid changes in the business environment; the pervasive influence of information technology; and the complexity of clients’ expectation. It isthereforenecessary for QS consultancy firms to develop strategic competence for the pricing of their services. In addition, numerous studies have not given …

High Performance Thermal Insulation: Silica Aerogels In Construction Technology, Matthew Giarrusso

Honors Theses

The United States is a world leader in the production and expenditure of energy, accounting for 18% of the total global energy consumption in 2016, 40% of which was used for the heating, cooling, and lighting of commercial and residential buildings. Currently, traditional air-based insulation products are being used in thicker and more numerous layers in an attempt to keep up with contemporary codes and standards. One promising alternative to traditional insulation is silica aerogel. With a remarkably low density and thermal conductivity, silica aerogel could save energy, space, and weight in new and retrofit structures. Silica aerogels are currently …

Value Analysis Of Cm Professional Certifications For Newly Graduated Cm Students, Christopher J. Coglianese

Construction Management

The construction industry has a staggering amount of professional certifications available to those who want to prove experience and expertise. There is usually a financial reason behind this. The more certifications a person has, the more likely he will be promoted and be paid more. As Cal Poly seniors entering the job market, they share these same incentives, and luckily there are plenty of certifications available to them. However, there are too many to choose from and some are too expensive. The question then lies, which certifications should graduating seniors spend their resources on? To answer this simple question, an …

A Study On Residential Construction Energy Code Compliance In Nebraska, Aaron Thompson

Department of Construction Engineering and Management: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Energy codes are easy to implement, but how effectively are they being followed? To determine energy code compliance of residential construction in Nebraska, a study was conducted in which seven key areas having the most effect on energy savings were analyzed. The study examined both urban and rural areas of the state and compared Nebraska to other states’ energy code compliance studies. The study found an eighty-eight percent average compliance in the key areas. Urban areas tended to be more compliant than rural areas. Nebraska is comparative in energy code compliance to other states. Yet, the state of Nebraska, code …

Value Analysis Of Cm Professional Certifications For Newly Graduated Cm Students, Christopher John Coglianese

Construction Management

The construction industry has a staggering amount of professional certifications available to those who want to prove experience and expertise. There is usually a financial reason behind this. The more certifications a person has, the more likely he will be promoted and be paid more. As Cal Poly seniors entering the job market, they share these same incentives, and luckily there are plenty of certifications available to them. However, there are too many to choose from and some are too expensive. The question then lies, which certifications should graduating seniors spend their resources on? To answer this simple question, an …

Biodegradation Of Phenolic Components In Wastewater By Micro Algae: A Review, Muthanna H. Al-Dahhan, Faris Hammoodi Al-Ani, Adaf Jadaan Obaied Al-Saned

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The biodegradation of phenolic contaminant present in wastewater by micro algae has been investigated in the current research. The study focused on algae growth requirements and factors affecting algae growth in contaminated water leading to the best treatment. Different techniques used to functionalize microalgae in the treatment such as batch and continuous operation modes have been further investigated. Mechanisms for microalgae pollutants degradation and microalgae growth kinetics were also highlighted to present the required knowledge in phenol contaminant biodegradation field by microorganisms.

Students Perception Of Health And Safety Training Practices In The Construction Industry, Adam Will

Construction Management

Since its inception in 1970, the Occupational Safety and Health Act has steadily decreased the rate in which construction injuries, illnesses, and deaths occur in the industry. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) helps enforce these new standards yet some research suggests that safety performance appears to be a response to safety initiatives beyond compliance. Identifying workers’ perceptions of the training they receive is critical to the design and development of effective workplace safety programs. Utilizing a quantitative survey, data was collected from the Cal Poly Construction Management student body to find out how they were taught jobsite safety …

Legal Issues And Feasibility Of Construction Under Railroad Tracks At Cedar Creek Apartments, Brendan Donovan

Construction Management

This paper describes the impediments of initiating construction of a local tunnel underneath the railroad tracks approximately 50 yards South-West of the Foothill Blvd and California Blvd intersection. This tunnel is used by hundreds of students every day and acts as the primary route for these students to get to and from the Cal Poly campus. This tunnel has no lighting, is constantly flooded with water, and has multiple safety hazards. The author discusses the feasibility of starting construction to make this pathway a safe accessible route for all students. Throughout the paper, the author introduces the multiple parties with …

The Future Of Construction As It Applies To The Colonization Of The Moon And Mars, Julian Prestia

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The goals of this research are:

1. To compile a comprehensive list of all the viable known solutions (and early stage potential solutions) to the issues related to constructing permanent, sustainable, and safe structures for human colonies on our moon and Mars,

2. Determine the most effective potential solutions, and

3. Further develop these ideas as to assist in further space endeavors.

This proposed paper will assist space experts in determining the best next steps in the development of deep-space travel and colonization technologies. Preliminary research has identified several key problems associated with establishing space colonies. They are as follows: …

Additional Business Courses In The Cm Curriculum, Jordan A. Thrailkill

Construction Management

With the growing size of the Construction Industry, an increased knowledge and understanding of the business side of the operation is becoming more important. This study attempts to look at construction management student’s interest in adding more business topic courses into the CM curriculum and if adding more business topic courses will better prepare students for industry. Students were asked to answer six questions -five survey and one free response. These questions were designed to provide quantitative and qualitative data that would allow for an increased understanding of student interest in regards to business.

Conclusion: Results indicated that students would …

Discovering The Benefits Of Integrating Bim Workflows Into Residential Construction Estimating, Trey R. Garcia

Construction Management

As Building Information Modeling tools become increasingly more prevalent within the construction industry, primarily the commercial sector, it is important to recognize how it can impact and/or improve other sectors of the industry. This paper will focus primarily on residential construction and the potential cost benefits that could be achieved with the implementation of model-based estimating. Other benefits that the commercial sector currently thrive on will also be noted and explained for potential implementation for residential construction. The project explained in this paper has a dual purpose; which is to discover if both cost and time benefits can be developed …

Spanish Language Topics Course With An Emphasis On Construction Safety, Austin Changras

Construction Management

The end goal of this research-based project is to evaluate whether a Spanish course with an emphasis on construction site safety would be beneficial to Cal Poly’s Construction Management (CM) program and how it might also benefit the industry. The research orchestrated will be to decipher whether or not there is even a need for this type of class to be included into the curriculum. Along with data research, two separate surveys have been conducted, one administered to the Construction Management student population and the other to industry professionals. Furthermore, George Healy, a fellow CM student, is working on the …

Community Service Project For Senior Citizen, Adam J. Bloomer

Construction Management

This community service project for a local senior citizen consisted of a complete construction package including: obtaining funding, purchasing necessary materials, schedule planning, design, development and construction of a mid-sized concrete staircase. Using the knowledge and prior practices I acquired while studying Construction Management at California Polytechnic University San Luis Obispo I was able to fulfill every aspect the client had requested. This staircase not only served as an easier walkway into the backyard of the home but also as a stormwater accessway allowing for minimal puddle and mud accumulation outside the clients front door. The projects material cost of …

An Embedded Sensory System For Worker Safety: Prototype Development And Evaluation, Chunhee Cho, Jee Woong Park

Civil and Environmental Engineering and Construction Faculty Research

At a construction site, workers mainly rely on two senses, which are sight and sound, in order to perceive their physical surroundings. However, they are often hindered by the nature of most construction sites, which are usually dynamic, loud, and complicated. To overcome these challenges, this research explored a method using an embedded sensory system that might offer construction workers an artificial sensing ability to better perceive their surroundings. This study identified three parameters (i.e., intensity, signal length, and delay between consecutive pulses) needed for tactile-based signals for the construction workers to communicate quickly. We developed a prototype system based …

The Skilled Framing Carpenter Shortage On The Central Coast Of California: A Focus On Residential Construction, Trevor John Nally

Construction Management

The residential construction industry has many critical components. When one of these components is not operating optimally, it can be detrimental to the system as a whole. A critical component to residential construction is skilled craftspeople. Without them, there can be no significant physical work completed on any residential project. Currently the component of skilled craftspeople in residential construction is in a state of short supply. Throughout the United States, there is an inadequate amount of craftspeople to fill the demand for their skills. The Central Coast of California is experiencing this issue much like the rest of the nation …

Analysis Of Student Understanding Of The Change Order Process, Austin C. Eberle

Construction Management

Effective project management comes from controlling cost, time, and quality on a project. As construction projects become more complex, changes in the original contract documents will arise due to the nature of human error. How a project manager documents and addresses change events can alter the successfulness of a project. This study attempts to look at senior level construction management major student’s understanding of the change order management process. The goal of the study is to ascertain how well the students feel the construction management curriculum prepared them to manage change events in industry. Students were asked to demonstrate their …

Perceptions Of Efficiency In Construction Jobsite Safety, Jay Doyle

Construction Management

This project is to examine the perception of jobsite safety practices of California contractors. Preliminary research found that jobsite safety practices are not a hinderance on a project schedule when managed well. A survey of students and industry professionals was the methodology used to gather this information. This survey consisted of various questions about the perception of safety practices on jobsites the respondent has worked on themselves, as well as their perception about safety in the construction industry as a whole. Significant findings were that half of the surveyed individuals had worked on a job site in which they lost …

Education Institutions Creation Of Partnerships, Iwasan D. Kejawa Ed.D

Department of Educational Administration: Faculty Publications

This issue is embracing the creation of partnerships with establishments worldwide for the provisions of life embodiments to graduates. At moment, there may be lack of friendship or partnership with establishments to create incentives for newly graduates of so many colleges and universities (Hirsh & Weber, 1999). Partnership with external companies will surely bring enormous grants to the colleges and universities and it will also encourage friendly establishments to provide incentives and perks to colleges, universities and alumni. It may be concluded that the advantages of creating rapport with external congruences is the comraderies and also compromises that will be …

Low-Carbon Building Skills Website, Faculty Of Applied Science And Technology Sheridan College

Books and Websites

Low-carbon building involves designing, constructing, operating, maintaining, and removing buildings in ways that conserve natural resources and reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. To move towards a low-carbon economy, we need tradespeople who are educated in the design, construction maintenance and operation of buildings, who understand the industrial and constructions sectors, and are trained in low-carbon building skills.

Sheridan College’s participation in the Low Carbon Building Skills (LCBS) project involved developing and delivering low-carbon building skills curriculum across relevant disciplines and involving the full building cycle, from design to operations and optimization. The learning modules address what can be done to …