Engineering Commons^™

Construction Software: Use, Selection, And Performance In Low-Bid Contracting, David R. Cazares

Construction Management

The qualitative research included in this study evaluates the use, selection, and perceived gaps of current construction software suits in low-bid contracting. In addition, the data aims to provide merit to the correlation between construction software use and company performance. The intended stakeholders of this study include entrepreneurs in software development and construction, along with researchers looking to gather knowledge pertaining to this niche industry. Through a Google Forms questionnaire distributed via email, participants provide insight on the current status quo. The study’s responses show clear trends in the types of software currently in use and the subsequent reasons for …

Artificial Intelligence Integration In Construction: A Cal Poly Curriculum Assessment, Carter James Hahn

Construction Management

In a rapidly evolving industry where AI enhances efficiency and safety, questions are being raised on whether it should be introduced in the classroom. This research project is with the intention of understanding if and how artificial intelligence should be incorporated into Cal Poly’s construction management curriculum. The research combines a literature review establishing AI's relevance in construction project management with a survey-based methodology to gauge industry perspectives. Today, the global construction market witnesses a surge in AI adoption in its planning, construction, and O&M phases. In turn, the industry has benefited from its application in mitigation of risks, improved …

Electrochromic Smart Glass: Supplier Comparison Return On Investment Analysis, Hayden Stewart Owens

Construction Management

In recent years, sustainability in construction has become the focus of how the industry can progress with minimal environmental impact. As sustainability certifications become more desirable, key companies in the construction industry have started to seek greener alternatives to standard building systems. There are many sustainable products that are released, but these products are typically so complex that members of the industry are not familiar with these new systems. One novel piece of technology introduced to the industry is electrochromic glass, or smart glass. Electrochromic glass windows examine sunlight and heat exposure from the surrounding environment and change their opacity …

Technological Integration To Enhance Jobsite Safety, Luke Barragan

Construction Management

The content derived in this paper portrays the effect that technology has on safety and how it may be enhanced and altered in the built environment. Ensuring safety on the jobsite is the most important aspect of concluding a successful project. Alongside safety on the jobsite is technology, both of which work coherently together to ensure proper construction. Technology has advanced tremendously in the built environment and it is difficult for all aspects of the project to be up to date universally. Safety lacks the technological integration that is found in the design and preconstruction phases of a project. There …

Lumira, Taylor Ann Magon

Liberal Arts and Engineering Studies

As LAES moves into the new Frost Center, we want to showcase the capabilities of its Expressive Technology (ET) Studios space with an interactive experience in hopes to collaborate, innovate, and spark ideas for the future of the program.

An Analysis Of Construction Estimating Software, Guilianna M. Lozano

Construction Management

There are various components that go into building a construction project. And regardless of the size of the project, construction projects have become increasingly expensive with cost escalations on the rise. The cost element of each construction project is critical to the success of the overall project. In today’s current industry, numerous resources are available that strive to assist the built environment with managing construction costs. Currently, construction firms are maintaining a competitive edge by using the technology that has been made available. The basis of this research, conducted using a quantitative survey, was to provide data that indicated which …

Electrochromic Windows: Return On Investment Analysis, Thomas Michael Caprio

Construction Management

In recent years, sustainability in construction has become a topic of undeniable interest. With sustainability certifications becoming more prominent and desirable, members of the construction industry have begun to seek alternatives for standard systems to keep up with market trends. One of the main issues that the construction industry faces is accessibility of technology. While there are new products and technologies being released frequently, members of the construction industry lack knowledge on the specific details and implications of working with newer systems. One piece of technology that was recently introduced is electrochromic glass, or smart glass. Electrochromic windows analyze sunlight …

Home Builders’ Perception Of Virtual Inspections: A Case Study, Kyle J. Morse

Construction Management

The COVID-19 pandemic created a new set of restrictions and safety protocols for the residential construction industry. Many jurisdictions began placing social distancing practices on inspectors, limiting their ability to visit the jobsite. The adjustment required many residential builders and inspectors to adapt to virtual inspections using videos, photographs, and recordings. As this new technology gains traction in the residential industry, questions arise regarding its benefits, drawbacks, and industry acceptance. This case study analyzes the perceptions and experiences of five separate homebuilders in Yolo County, California. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five residential general contractors, transcribed, and thematically analyzed to …

Proposal For Purchase Of In-House Drone For Cal Poly’S Construction Management Department, Angel Sanchez

Construction Management

Over the years, the construction industry has been steadily seeing an influx of new technology and innovation that has potential to improve the industry in many ways. One form of technology that has been introduced into the construction industry is Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). UAS technology includes drones, photogrammetry capabilities, and the software that links field data to analytic tools. In the past decade, drones in construction have seen a considerable amount of growth and the uses for drones in construction, therefore new job opportunities in construction have been created that require knowledge of UAS technology. As the construction industry …

The Feasibility Of Real Time Location Systems In Construction, John O. Brouse Iv

Construction Management

The construction industry is becoming increasingly sophisticated by implementing new computer-based technologies to improve safety, efficiency, accountability, and many other aspects. One new type of technology that is becoming increasingly popular in other labor based industries is real time locating systems. These systems allow for managers to keep accountability of a variety of assets in a manufacturing facility or industrial center. Recent research has shown the benefits and potential uses of these systems on construction jobsites. This paper seeks to analyze the potential for Real Time Location Systems (RTLS) to be used on construction jobsites and compare the different RTLS …

Prefabrication And The Labor Shortage On The Central Coast, Brenden Ryan Napier

Construction Management

The labor shortage has affected every aspect of construction all over California, however the central coast has been hit especially hard. The central coast’s location between the two major developmental hubs presents challenges such as relocating employees and finding skilled craftsman. One potential method that has been shown to increase productivity and cut costs is to prefabricate. Prefabrication can improve working conditions and increase worker safety while streamlining schedule and reducing environmental impact. While these benefits are certainly possible in larger cities that have the manufacturing grunt, this paper aims to understand if prefabrication is a viable way to alleviate …

End Effector For Robotic Strawberry Picker Final Design Review, Marshall Cuffe, Cory Frederickson, Jimmy Jeffery

Mechanical Engineering

In this report, we have outlined the background of the problem and need for a solution to an automated form of strawberry harvesting. The report includes our research findings, defines the scope and objectives for this project, and documents our complete design process. Also included is our final, completed prototype, and a description of the manufacturing, design verification and testing process. Also included is our conclusions and recommendations for further improvement on future iterations.

Implementation Of Industry Technology Into The Construction Management Department, Kristen D. Forster

Construction Management

With technology being one of the fastest growing items in the construction industry it is important to keep on top of what is utilized most commonly. To fully prepare graduates for the work force, the Construction Management Department at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo needs to focus efforts on supplying students with the most commonly used industry technologies. Utilizing these programs in the current curriculum will ensure that graduates from the Construction Management Department are prepared to take on the work force with the most relevant software under their belts. Students who understand how to use these industry sanctioned technologies …

Implementation Of Industry Technology Into The Construction Management Department, Kristen D. Forster

Construction Management

With technology being one of the fastest growing items in the construction industry it is important to keep on top of what is utilized most commonly. To fully prepare graduates for the work force, the Construction Management Department at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo needs to focus efforts on supplying students with the most commonly used industry technologies. Utilizing these programs in the current curriculum will ensure that graduates from the Construction Management Department are prepared to take on the work force with the most relevant software under their belts. Students who understand how to use these industry sanctioned technologies …

3d Printing Homes Impact On The Residential Construction Industry, Jeffrey Hammond

Construction Management

Construction companies are always looking for ways to reduce costs and shorten schedules and with new technologies there are more and more ways of achieving these goals. One new technology aimed to achieve those goals within the residential construction management industry is the three dimensional (3D) printer. Recently 3D printers have been put to use within the residential construction industry by printing the structures of homes, instead of framing them, at fractions of the cost and time, with greater efficiency, and less labor. 3D printed homes have a tremendous potential to impact impoverished citizens that need the peace and comfort …

Applications Of Virtual Reality In Construction, Erick Baeza

Construction Management

Virtual reality, a technology that has just been recently introduced to the construction industry, has gained popularity for its many practicalities which include but not limited to; cost savings, time savings and detections of design errors. This case study summarizes the applications and benefits that virtual reality brings to the industry, in particular to Lendlease’s Oceanwide Plaza project located in Downtown Los Angeles alongside drywall subcontractor, Martin Bros. The information for this case study was gathered through means of a phone call interview with Martin Bros’ foreman, Gilbert Benavidez and face-to-face interviews with Lendlease’s field superintendent Wade Nevitt and assistant …

Bridging The Gap Between Technology Usage In The Construction Industry And In The Classroom, Marco Maffioli

Construction Management

As construction begins to advance more and more every day, technology is one of the most volatile aspects due to its ever changing nature. Technology, and all the software’s that encompass it, is the future of this industry and if we want to keep improving and growing as an industry we need to better align our future new hires with the most prevalent technology and that starts in the classroom. Specifically, the Construction Management Department at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, one of the most advanced in Nation, still struggles to align with the expectations and reality of the CM …

Greenbin, Jessica Chao

Computer Engineering

Greenbin is an iteration of a larger project to implement a zero-waste container tracking system for use in Cal Poly’s dining facilities. The system utilizes a database system as well as passive RFID technologies to track the checking-in and checking-out of plastic reusable food containers. These plastic food containers can be checked out by campus dining patrons, and returned autonomously to collection bins that contain these scanners, allowing the containers to be recollected, re-accounted for, and reused.

Advantages Of Integrating Technology Knowledge Into Undergraduate Curriculum, Nicholas Nam

Construction Management

Advancements in technology have made daily construction tasks easier and more efficient and will continue to do so. Cal Poly currently offers a BIM course but it is limited to certain programs and the extent of which these are taught are also limited. This paper will explore the inputs of current Cal Poly construction management students to see how there can be a successful implantation of technology courses and which programs to heavily integrate. The different types of programs available are increasing and are continuing to better themselves, and to have knowledge of these programs can help translate into skills …

Technology Adoption By California Central Coast Contractors, Nicholas A. English

Construction Management

Technology is trending in Construction, but it is unclear if smaller contractors have kept up with these trends like larger national companies have. This survey of San Luis Obispo County specialty and general contractors queried technology adoption, specific software use, estimator age, and opinions of various estimating attributes. It found that the majority of contractors use traditional estimating and quantity takeoff methods, the majority of contractors are 31 years old or older, and that local estimators value experience and knowledge as opposed to computer expertise. Local contractors recognize the value technology can provide, but have not adopted it in a …

Studying The Effects Of Serpentine Soil On Adapted And Non-Adapted Species Using Arduino Technology, Kiana Saniee, Edward Himelblau, Brian Paavo

STAR Program Research Presentations

Abstract: Serpentine soils are formed from ultramafic rocks and are represent an extreme environment for plants. Serpentine soils are unique in that they carry high concentrations of heavy metals, are nutrient deficient, particularly in calcium, and have poor water retention capabilities. Although these soils constitute harsh conditions for plant growth, there are a number of species that are adapted and even endemic to serpentine soil. Water retention by commercial potting mix was compared with serpentine soil. Also, serpentine adapted and non-adapted species were grown in both soil treatments and physiological data were collected. We used the Arduino electronic platform to …