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2019

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Construction Engineering and Management

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Full-Text Articles in Engineering

Process Of Adopting And Implementing Bim Technology: A Case Study, Andy J. Stone Jun 2019

Process Of Adopting And Implementing Bim Technology: A Case Study, Andy J. Stone

Construction Management

On any relatively large construction project, coordination between stakeholders, project managers, superintendents, subcontractors or any other entity becomes vitally important to the project’s success. Building Information Modeling (BIM) creates a virtual design model of a building, which helps construction managers increase efficiency in terms of cost, schedule and overall quality. By connecting 3-D models to coordination and clash detection software’s, construction managers can solve issues quicker or prevent them from happening in the first place. This case study aims to analyze the implementation and use of BIM technology by Shawmut Design and Construction. This study will also focus on the …


Integration Of Digital Forms For Improved Safety And Quality Control: A Case Study, Andrew Cisterman Jun 2019

Integration Of Digital Forms For Improved Safety And Quality Control: A Case Study, Andrew Cisterman

Construction Management

The integration of new technology into the construction industry is commonly practiced in an attempt to improve standards and quality. iAuditor is an inspection checklist app which provides clients with the tools to build custom and dynamic forms to fit the needs of its client base. This paper examines the effectiveness of integrating this new software and observe the difficulties of integrating such new practices into a company’s safety and quality control programs. Additionally, this paper evaluates ways the aforementioned software could be improved to better meet the needs of its users as well as assess ways it could be …


Feasibility Of Utilizing Autonomous, Trenchless Tunneling Technology, Thomas Arthur Fuentez Jun 2019

Feasibility Of Utilizing Autonomous, Trenchless Tunneling Technology, Thomas Arthur Fuentez

Construction Management

The construction industry as a whole has not increased its productivity level as much as other industries in the world. Professionals are constantly trying to think of new ideas and methods to improve the efficiency of construction through new technology. One area in which productivity needs improvement, is in land development. Trenching for underground utilities and services uses a lot of time in a project’s schedule as well as costs which can be reduced with the use of autonomous, trenchless tunneling technology such as the “BADGER”, (RoBot for Autonomous unDerGround trenchless opERations). This technology is being designed to use a …


Utilization Of Data Analytics In The Buyout Process, Andrew William Dowdle Jun 2019

Utilization Of Data Analytics In The Buyout Process, Andrew William Dowdle

Construction Management

This is a qualitative research project designed to analyze the feasibility of using data analytics in the buyout process. The research methodology for the paper is presented. A series of interviews with industry professionals were conducted to gather data for this paper. These interviews targeted various fields relating to the topic, including; data analytics, information systems, and construction management. Themes that emerged in these interviews include industry application, data collection, the buyout process, similar applications, and subcontractor evaluation. Insights into how data analytics in the buyout process would affect the industry are also present in this paper. These preliminary results …


Develop An Mep Based Scheduling Learning Module With Industry Support And Guidance To Understand The Impact On The General Contractor, Andy S. Rios Jun 2019

Develop An Mep Based Scheduling Learning Module With Industry Support And Guidance To Understand The Impact On The General Contractor, Andy S. Rios

Construction Management

The Construction Management (CM) program at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo is recognized as one of the best construction programs in country. The curriculum does an extraordinary job at teaching how to utilize software and technology to create a project schedule. The one thing that the curriculum lacks is learning sequencing of events when it comes to scheduling, and where to look to obtain this information. Although learning sequencing for scheduling is hard to teach because it comes with years of industry experience, it is important to have a basic understanding of how things come together to create a functioning …


Documentation Of Concrete Slabs Prior To Pours, Peter D. Riley Jun 2019

Documentation Of Concrete Slabs Prior To Pours, Peter D. Riley

Construction Management

Concrete slabs in multi-level commercial building projects contain many components that become no longer visible once concrete has been poured. As building designs advance and continue to locate components in concrete, it is important to document what these slabs contain in order to verify accurate craftsmanship and allow for improved future construction workflows and building modernizations. This paper explores current industry needs for proficient documentation as well as practices to achieve this. A case study was conducted, testing four devices that analyzed feasibility factors for realistic implementation by a contractor such as cost, interoperability, and level of skill required for …


Ciob Global Student Challenge - Integration Into Professional Financial Training, George M. King Jun 2019

Ciob Global Student Challenge - Integration Into Professional Financial Training, George M. King

Construction Management

As anyone in the construction industry knows, a construction business is one of the most risky to start compared to any other industry. This does not mean that it should be avoided by potential entrepreneurs, just viewed with a more cautious eye than other industries. Those considering entering the industry should have experience and confidence in their ability to perform prior to the establishment of a company. One way to gain this experience is through years of work in the respective sector. Another, more experimental method, is through the use of competitive virtual training. The latter requires less training time …


Joy Playground Project, Atascadero California, Nick Vollucci Jun 2019

Joy Playground Project, Atascadero California, Nick Vollucci

Construction Management

Parents for Joy is a group of parents and families of children with special needs in and around the small town of Atascadero, California. The group is working on designing and building a playground that accommodates the needs of their loved ones. This playground will have features that are accessible to people of all degrees of mobility and agility, and that promotes safety and inclusivity.Mission Statement: On their website, Parents for Joy provides the following mission statement: “Parents For Joy is a group of parents, families, and friends living in and around the small town of Atascadero, who have children …


Construction Management Computer Lab Redesign, Matt Williamson Jun 2019

Construction Management Computer Lab Redesign, Matt Williamson

Construction Management

This project looked to take an inventory of the current Construction Management computer lab, communicate with students and other stakeholders about how the computer lab is used, look ahead to how the lab will be used in the future, and create a new design that best suits the Construction Management department.


Cal Poly Engineering East – Building 20, A Critical Analysis Of Mechanical Needs And Distribution Of Mechanical Resources, Rhea Bae Jun 2019

Cal Poly Engineering East – Building 20, A Critical Analysis Of Mechanical Needs And Distribution Of Mechanical Resources, Rhea Bae

Construction Management

Older buildings on the Cal Poly campus need renovation, particularly with the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning (addressed as HVAC) systems in the classrooms. The HVAC units within the old buildings are obsolete, inefficient, and are most likely due for replacement. The Engineering East building, also known as Building 20, is an example of a campus building that requires a quality HVAC system. By upgrading the HVAC, the building conditions can be positively enhanced through better cooling and ventilation, allowing students in the labs and classrooms to have a better experience within the building. This paper details the methodology behind installing a …


Interim Field Guide For Construction And Testing Of Concrete Shear Wall With Added Frp Layer, Carlos Alberto Espitia Jun 2019

Interim Field Guide For Construction And Testing Of Concrete Shear Wall With Added Frp Layer, Carlos Alberto Espitia

Construction Management

In Los Angeles, many of the hospitals are no longer up to code as they were built in the 1970’s. The shear walls that the hospitals were constructed on stand to experience major failures in the event of a seismic event and this is the issue that this student research team was assigned with. This project was to design, procure, and construct all necessary constraints to be able to test a wall that is fundamentally similar to that of the sheer walls in these hospitals. Once this was complete the goal was to test two walls with an added FRP …


Framing Exterior Partitions For The Great Northern Services Housing Project, Patrick Pierre Shami Jun 2019

Framing Exterior Partitions For The Great Northern Services Housing Project, Patrick Pierre Shami

Construction Management

In the wake of a fire in Weed, CA that destroyed 150 homes, Great Northern Services (GNS), a nonprofit organization, reached out to Cal-Poly San Luis Obispo about a service-learning opportunity. This opportunity involved designing a single-family home and prefabricating the exterior partitions in San Luis Obispo. In Fall 2017, interdisciplinary teams of students delivered design proposals in the Integrated Project Delivery studio. The selected design was then finalized into a permitted set of drawings, and planning for the prefabrication began. The extent of the prefabrication was limited to the framing and sheathing of the exterior walls. The length of …


Implementing An “Intro To Sst” Topics Course, Connor M. Cody Jun 2019

Implementing An “Intro To Sst” Topics Course, Connor M. Cody

Construction Management

This study is designed to gauge Cal Poly Construction Management students interest level in a potential new topics course, “Intro to SST”, that will feature small building projects and emphasize construction safety. With this course, students will be more experienced and safe with building in the SST prior to the Residential and Commercial building labs, as well as receiving a brief knowledge of what goes into the trade jobs on a day to day basis. Students were asked to answer ten questions – nine survey and one free response. These questions were designed to provide quantitative and qualitative data that …


A Case Study On The Use Of Drones On Heavy Civil Construction Projects, William Devers Jun 2019

A Case Study On The Use Of Drones On Heavy Civil Construction Projects, William Devers

Construction Management

Even though the construction industry is known for being behind the curve in adopting new technologies for change, construction professionals are constantly striving for ways to save money and improve efficiency. The emergence of drone technology in recent years has sparked new interest among these professionals for those exact reasons. These flying machines offer numerous benefits to construction companies such as bypassing traditional surveying methods, using photogrammetry to create 3D models used for estimating quantities, improving team communication, ensuring worker safety, increasing owner satisfaction, among other benefits. In this case study, personal interviews will be conducted on a single construction …


Ghana Clean Water Initiative – Risk Management, Mason Nolan Jun 2019

Ghana Clean Water Initiative – Risk Management, Mason Nolan

Construction Management

In August of 2019 several Cal Poly Students will be traveling to a remote fishing village located off of Lake Volta in Ghana. This project is being completed by Cal Poly's MCAA chapter alongside the NECA chapter. These students will be constructing a community center, a water filtration system, and ice making and refrigeration facilities. The project will rely heavily on solar power as there is no grid in the village the project is taking place in. This project inherently has many risks associated with it and needs a risk management plan to combat these risks. The three ways these …


Poly Canyon Observation Deck, Harrison James Woods, Anthony Joseph Pellegrini Jun 2019

Poly Canyon Observation Deck, Harrison James Woods, Anthony Joseph Pellegrini

Construction Management

This senior project paper will delve into the background, setbacks and triumphs that where undergone during the course of this project based senior project- The first permanent structure in Poly Canyon in 15 years. Built in true “Learn By Doing Fashion” in the experimental, hands-on lab that some may better know as “Architecture Graveyard.” The project was one of extreme adversity, from fundraising difficulties and a condensed schedule, to unique site conditions and lack of manpower. The students involved in this project showed a strong sense of purpose and determination to see this structure through to completion.


A Comparative Study Of Insertion Loss Of Traffic Noise Barriers In Georgia, Pablo Giraldo, Jidong Yang May 2019

A Comparative Study Of Insertion Loss Of Traffic Noise Barriers In Georgia, Pablo Giraldo, Jidong Yang

Master of Science in Civil Engineering Theses

In this paper, three types of traffic noise barriers, interlocking steel panels, precast concrete panels, and Paragon panel 23-T, were evaluated in terms of insertion loss. Field test was conducted for the noise barriers recently installed as part of the Northwest Express Project in Georgia. The noise insertion loss was measured as noise difference in A-weighted decibels (dBA) immediately before and after the barriers. The insertion loss was then evaluated by correlating with noise barrier types and other influential variables, including the separation distance of barriers from traffic, the level of traffic, wind speed, and pavement types. The results showed …


Auto-Calibration Of Wim Using Traffic Stream Characteristics, Johnson Baker May 2019

Auto-Calibration Of Wim Using Traffic Stream Characteristics, Johnson Baker

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This project evaluates the performance of Weigh-in-Motion (WIM) auto-calibration methods used by the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT). Typical auto-calibration algorithms compare the WIM measured weights of vehicles from the traffic stream to reference values, using five-axle tractor-trailer configured trucks for comparisons, e.g. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Class 9. Parameters of the existing algorithms including the Front Axle Weight (FAW) reference value, the sampling frequency required to update the calibration factor, and thresholds for Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) bins were evaluated. The primary metric used to estimate algorithm performance was Mean Absolute Percent Error (MAPE) between the WIM and static …


Airport Taxiway Traversal And Safety Optimization Using Combinatorics, Thore Groenlund Rasmussen May 2019

Airport Taxiway Traversal And Safety Optimization Using Combinatorics, Thore Groenlund Rasmussen

Theses and Dissertations

The demand for air travel has increased dramatically in the last decade, putting large strain on airports and their limited resources. Expanding the available resources at an airport is not always an option either due to location, budget or time. This forces the administrators of an airport system to use the limited resources as efficiently as possible. This thesis proposes a tool for air traffic controllers and pilots that can be used when planning taxiway systems. Taking inspiration from Dijkstra’s Algorithm, an algorithm is proposed to safely move aircraft from the terminal to the runway. Applying constraints to the algorithm …


Turbulent Effects On Building Pressure Using A Two-Dimensional Finite Element Program, Jonese Woods May 2019

Turbulent Effects On Building Pressure Using A Two-Dimensional Finite Element Program, Jonese Woods

Civil Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Much of the knowledge about building aerodynamics today was obtained from physical testing like wind tunnel testing. Physical testing is time-consuming and very expensive. As a result, computational methods like the finite element method are being explored for use in building aerodynamics. Despite several years of research, there is still not a clear understanding of the peak pressure on buildings due to turbulence. Many of the research thus far has focused on comparing different computational methods. However, much work is needed in understanding the capability of the individual methods. In this work, a two-dimensional finite element program is used to …


Analysis Of Military Construction Cost Growth In Major Defense Acquisition Programs, Emily E. Angell Mar 2019

Analysis Of Military Construction Cost Growth In Major Defense Acquisition Programs, Emily E. Angell

Theses and Dissertations

This study is an exploratory analysis combining military construction (MILCON) data from the Selected Acquisition Reports (SAR) of Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAP) with the associated Automated Civil Engineer System project actual costs. The analysis uses both descriptive and inferential statistics to identify cost growth of MILCON at the programmatic level as well as to bridge the gap between SAR estimates and actual project costs within those program-level estimates. Overall, programs experience more negative growth (cost savings) in MILCON estimates on SARs, typically less than 0.2% of the total program cost implying minimal impact to program decisions. Estimates got more …


Diagnóstico De La Infraestructura De Los Sistemas De Abastecimiento De Agua Potable En Zonas Rurales De Cinco Municipios Del Departamento De Cundinamarca, Julio César Torres Morales Mar 2019

Diagnóstico De La Infraestructura De Los Sistemas De Abastecimiento De Agua Potable En Zonas Rurales De Cinco Municipios Del Departamento De Cundinamarca, Julio César Torres Morales

Ingeniería Civil

Colombia es un país que se encuentra en vía de desarrollo, está compuesto por 32 departamentos con una gran variedad de zonas y con distintos relieves tales como: valles, llanura y dos sistemas montañosos, la infraestructura para el abastecimiento de agua y manejo de aguas residuales son parte importante en el desarrollo. El objetivo principal de este trabajo de grado es obtener un diagnóstico que permita identificar las condiciones de abastecimiento de agua en las zonas rurales del departamento de Cundinamarca en Colombia. Para lograr lo anterior se medirá, evaluará y caracterizará: la forma mediante las que se abastecen de …


Aei Student Design Competition: Value Engineering & Design Build, Vincenzo Paolo Guidi Mar 2019

Aei Student Design Competition: Value Engineering & Design Build, Vincenzo Paolo Guidi

Construction Management

The Architectural Engineering Institute puts on a yearly student design competition that features interdisciplinary teams from colleges across the country. The project for the competition was the Jack H. Miller Center for Musical and Performing Arts on the Hope College campus in Holland Michigan. The main challenges in the problem statement address acoustics, using mass timber, and add alternative roof top space. Through a collaborative process, our team created a proposal that addressed the challenges and why we were the best fit for the job. I worked with a fellow construction management student, Shannon Wheeler, to produce our portion of …


A Continuation Of The Women In Construction Club’S Industry Mentorship Program And A Measure Of Its Effectiveness, Alexa S. Heien Mar 2019

A Continuation Of The Women In Construction Club’S Industry Mentorship Program And A Measure Of Its Effectiveness, Alexa S. Heien

Construction Management

The Women in Construction Club’s Industry Mentorship program at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) is nearly a year old, yet the only data collected on the program was taken directly after it was created. The creation of the Industry Mentorship program, and subsequent data collection, were a previous senior project. But there were no measurements on how effective the mentorship program was, or if there was a benefit for the students involved. Because this program has the potential of creating long-lasting relationships and connecting women in a men-dominated field, knowing if the mentorship program needs to …


Construction Tools, Equipment And Safety Signal Identification Implemented Into Heavy Civil Lab, Brian F. Keane Mar 2019

Construction Tools, Equipment And Safety Signal Identification Implemented Into Heavy Civil Lab, Brian F. Keane

Construction Management

The purpose of this project is to begin the development and implementation of a teaching module for commonly used construction tools, equipment, and safety signals into the Construction Management department’s Heavy Civil lab. Using knowledge gained from former and future employers, past construction management classes, and online research I found the most commonly used tools, equipment, and hand signals used on construction sites and created visual representations and descriptions of them. Many graduates of the Construction Management program will find themselves on construction sites and there is no question that workers in the construction field are subject to life threatening …


Insight To An Asbestos Laborer, Eduardo Delgadillo Mar 2019

Insight To An Asbestos Laborer, Eduardo Delgadillo

Construction Management

Asbestos laborers are often overlooked and not cared for much in construction projects. While they are often forgotten in the construction industry, they play a big role in most remodels or demolition projects. Abatement workers are exposed to the dangers of asbestos on a daily basis. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are the federal agencies that regulate asbestos. The EPA regulates the use, transportation and disposal of asbestos, while OSHA sets the standards for work involving asbestos minerals. OSHA has regulations that demolition and/or abatement contractors must comply with since asbestos is considered …


Building Homes And Hopes In Bangalore, India, Sherry S. Saroufeem Mar 2019

Building Homes And Hopes In Bangalore, India, Sherry S. Saroufeem

Construction Management

Habitat for Humanity Global Village is an organization that continuously sends volunteers to work on construction projects around the world. My team and I were chosen to go to a village in Bangalore, India, where we dug and poured home foundations for three families in need. Given the opportunity to combine my love for construction and my passion for helping those in need, I was certain that this was the senior project for me. I wanted the capstone of my college educational experience to reflect a hands-on approach, where I had the opportunity to make a difference and see an …


The Skills Students Coming Out Of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Lack To Become Effective Superintendents, Armando Pulido-Melendrez Mar 2019

The Skills Students Coming Out Of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Lack To Become Effective Superintendents, Armando Pulido-Melendrez

Construction Management

The construction superintendent plays a very important role throughout the construction process in order to deliver a successful project. This paper analyzes the skills Cal Poly SLO graduates lack to become effective superintendents. It does so by first analyzing quantitative research on papers that state which skills are important. Several interviews were conducted with professionals in the construction industry. These interviews provided input regarding what makes an effective superintendent. From this research, an effective superintendent must have an understanding of scheduling and sequencing of construction processes. Additionally, they must have the strength and stamina for construction supervision in the field …


Quality Of Life Research For Cal Poly Construction Management Graduates In The Bay Area And Los Angeles County, Trevor Colbert Mar 2019

Quality Of Life Research For Cal Poly Construction Management Graduates In The Bay Area And Los Angeles County, Trevor Colbert

Construction Management

Construction Management Graduates from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo graduate at an impeccable 97.5% per year. On average over 78% of graduates relocate to the Bay Area or Los Angeles County, but how are graduates basing their decision on where to relocate? Sociology professor, Mark Schneider, developed an accurate way to measure the satisfaction of residents within a given city. Through subjective and objective social indicators, Schneider is able to gauge total life satisfaction. Analyzing data from interviews with recent graduates, economic data from local, state and federal governments, and personal knowledge from living in each area – an immense …


Hazard Recognition And Risk Perception Among Union Electricians, Elyas Jazayeri Jan 2019

Hazard Recognition And Risk Perception Among Union Electricians, Elyas Jazayeri

Theses and Dissertations--Civil Engineering

Hazard recognition and risk perception are two important factors that are a focus of most safety training programs. According to previous research, unrecognized hazards could lead to underestimation of risks, which ultimately could lead to injuries and fatalities. The primary objective of this research was to assess hazard recognition and safety risk perception skills in the electrician trade among electricians in unions. Another goal of this study was to find possible correlation between level of engagement in safety training and hazard recognition and risk perception skills. The research objectives were accomplished by gathering data from sixty-seven apprentices and journeymen across …