Bs News March/April,
2020
Technological University Dublin
Identifying And Positively Addressing Real And Perceived Barriers To Inclusion In Construction,
2020
Minnesota State University -
Moorhead
Identifying And Positively Addressing Real And Perceived Barriers To Inclusion In Construction, Lisa Breitenfield
The Professional Constructor
The construction industry is facing difficulties in recruiting and training new skilled workers. My essay will identify some methods companies and the AGC can use to attract new employees. Some potential solutions involve encouraging schools to expose students to the construction industry, recognizing and assisting working parents with childcare issues, companies offering employees personalized career advancement schedules, and recruiting students focused on the arts and history for detail oriented roles in the industry. The Associated General Contractors can help by advising individual companies on attracting employees and facilitate greater mentorship programs between companies and educational institutions.
Current State Of The Employee Assessment Process In The Construction Industry For Southeast United States,
2020
Clemson University
Current State Of The Employee Assessment Process In The Construction Industry For Southeast United States, Dhaval Gajjar, Shima Clarke, Cayla Anderson
The Professional Constructor
The employee assessment process (EAP) is a formal evaluation system used by an employer to evaluate employee’s performance and behavior within a company. The objective of this paper is to determine the current state of the most common used practices for EAP in the construction industry; specifically in Southeast United States. Existing literature was reviewed to understand the historical context and the current documentation of existing EAP processes in other industries and within the construction industry. Literature revealed that there is no formal standardized process documented for EAP practice within the United States construction industry. Based on the literature findings …
State Department Of Transportation Suas Program Development And Operational Deployment,
2020
Clemson University
State Department Of Transportation Suas Program Development And Operational Deployment, Dennis Bausman, Joseph Burgett, Ajay Jadhav, Scott Shaffer, Eric Stuckey
The Professional Constructor
Over the past several years small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) have gained popularity in the private sector. Recent studies have shown an increasing interest from state DOTs in the U.S. for the use of drone technology. However, most of the studies did not fully investigate the depth of program integration or application. This study combines the findings of recent studies to identify state DOTs with the most extensive sUAS operational experience. The drone champions for the six states identified, were interviewed to gain substantive insight regarding program initiation and organization, the spectrum of agency use, perceived benefits, and the DOT’s …
Increasing Diversity And Inclusion Through Mentoring Underrepresented Groups,
2020
Clemson University
Increasing Diversity And Inclusion Through Mentoring Underrepresented Groups, Corban Williams
The Professional Constructor
The Construction Industry historically has struggled to gain traction with underrepresented groups, such as women, African-Americans, and the Hispanic/ Latinx community. To combat this, industry-wide action is necessary to increase diversity and inclusion. Underrepresented communities have misconceptions about the construction industry including a lack of knowledge about the wide range of possible careers. By the AGC establishing a mentoring program with career goals and psychological attributes for grades 6-12 and college students, a positive dialog about the industry would be established. Visibility and promotion of the program would encourage students of underrepresented communities to consider a career in the construction …
Perspectives On Diversity And Inclusion In Construction,
2020
Eastern Michigan University
Perspectives On Diversity And Inclusion In Construction, Anna A. Pasha
The Professional Constructor
The construction industry is rapidly growing and contractors are optimistic about the immediate and long-term growth of the industry. As demand increases, the construction industry faces a projected labor shortage crisis. As the construction industry grows, it must rise to meet the challenge of solving this labor shortage by diversifying and widening its labor pool and strategically attracting new talent. This essay offers a detailed solution that includes a redefinition of approaches to diversity, ideas for short-term policies and creative long-term policies, and a lasting vision for the industry that will guide us to continue growing progressively and avoiding crises …
Examining The Pre-Construction Professional: Career Evolution, Responsibilities And Skilles,
2020
Missouri State University
Examining The Pre-Construction Professional: Career Evolution, Responsibilities And Skilles, Aaron D. Sauer, Hariharan Naganathan, Kevin M. Hubbard
The Professional Constructor
The construction industry is constantly evolving to meet the needs of clients in light of significant technological and regulatory change. The Pre-Construction Professional is one example of a new career path that has emerged in response to changing market conditions. This study investigated the Pre-Construction Professional in an effort to define when the career path emerged and why it was needed. The researchers also sought to describe the role of the Pre-Construction Professional and document their requisite knowledge and skills. The research design was based on extensive interviews with working Pre-Construction Professionals and supported by available literature. The findings of …
Assessing The Equity Gap In Construction Education,
2020
Colorado State University
Assessing The Equity Gap In Construction Education, Jared M. Burgoon, John Killingsworth, Jonathan W. Elliott, Molly M. Weisshaar
The Professional Constructor
There is a documented demand for an educated construction management workforce. To help meet this demand, construction education programs at numerous post-secondary institutions have established objectives and goals to recruit, train, and graduate high-quality students; and, many of these programs are charged with providing educational opportunities to students who have been traditionally underserved in higher education (e.g., female, minority, first generation students, etc.). This study compared the enrollment and retention rates, interdepartmental migration patterns, and student satisfaction and graduation success outcomes of undergraduate students enrolled in a CM program at a public university as a means of identifying trends and …
Why Are Residential Property Developers In Ireland Not Using Bim?,
2020
Technological University Dublin
Why Are Residential Property Developers In Ireland Not Using Bim?, Bim Tudublin, Simon Burke
Capstone Reports
The aim of this paper is to establish the level of BIM adoption by larger-scale residential property developers in Ireland and investigate the benefits and challenges of implementing BIM for residential housing. While BIM is a relatively new concept in Ireland for housing, developers and investors in larger scale developments are beginning to recognize areas where BIM can add value to their projects. The research also indicates that while there is evidence of successful BIM implementation for housing resulting in savings in cost and time, widespread adoption is hindered by a lack of knowledge and skills, costs of implementation, lack …
A Comparative Study Of Cadworx Plant 2018 And Revit 2020 With Ez-Iso Add-In, For The Production Of Piping Isometrics,
2020
Technological University Dublin
A Comparative Study Of Cadworx Plant 2018 And Revit 2020 With Ez-Iso Add-In, For The Production Of Piping Isometrics, Bim Tudublin, Killian Lynch
Capstone Reports
BIM software evaluation and selection is a complex process. In this paper, a comparative study of Revit 2020 with Ez-ISO add-in, and CADWorx Plant 2018, was carried out. The aim of this study was to determine if a MEP contractor could consolidate software usage into one package, thereby reducing costs for pipework modelling and isometric production. A comprehensive evaluation was developed based on a literature review. A multicriteria decision-making method was used in conjunction with the software evaluation to ensure sound choices were made. An online survey of senior BIM professionals was conducted to validate the analysis and findings. The …
A Critical Appraisal Of Findings And Solutions To Overcome Erroneous Bim Model Production And Information Delivery Workflows,
2020
Technological University Dublin
A Critical Appraisal Of Findings And Solutions To Overcome Erroneous Bim Model Production And Information Delivery Workflows, Bim Tudublin, Ryan Forde
Capstone Reports
There are many varying definitions of Building Information Modelling, all of which reflect its transformative capabilities and impact on the construction sector. BIM is an emerging technological and procedural shift within the AEC industry (Succar, 2009). BIM is not just a technological change, but also a procedural and workflow change (Charles Eastman, 2018). Despite the growth of BIM adoption and increasing levels of maturity regarding BIM standards, numerous issues still arise at a micro level during project execution. BIM invokes the need for workflows, frameworks and processes that imparts knowledge, heightens trust, increases efficiency and consistency while reducing fragmentation and …
A Critical Examination Of The Use Of Business Intelligence (Bi) In The Optioneering Of Generative Design Models: A Case Study.,
2020
Technological University Dublin
A Critical Examination Of The Use Of Business Intelligence (Bi) In The Optioneering Of Generative Design Models: A Case Study., Bim Tudublin, Davitt Lamon
Capstone Reports
This research outlines the development of a generative des ign workflow for the architectural space planning of a 1,200 sq.m office located in Dublin, Ireland, and the application of statistical analysis and data visualisation for the optioneering of gen erated models. First, the paper defines a computational desig n model with the potential to generate a variety of office layouts, including circulation routes and desk locations. It then identifies three unique performance metrics that evaluate each design option. Finally, the study applies a multi objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) to explore the high dimensional design space of all potential options and …
Investigating Multidimensional Characteristics Of Noise Signals With Tones From Building Mechanical Systems And Their Effects On Annoyance,
2020
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Investigating Multidimensional Characteristics Of Noise Signals With Tones From Building Mechanical Systems And Their Effects On Annoyance, Joonhee Lee, Lily M. Wang
Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction: Faculty Publications
This paper investigates multidimensional characteristics of tonal noise from heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems, besides loudness and tonality, to improve prediction of annoyance. Two studies were conducted: multidimensional scaling (MDS) analysis to determine what other perceptual signal characteristics are important and perceptual weight analysis (PWA) to understand the impact of multiple tones in a signal. In the MDS study, paired comparison tasks were conducted to gather similarity and annoyance data. Results show that the latent perceptual dimensions are related to the signal’s tonality, loudness, sharpness, and roughness. Including metrics for these perceptions, except roughness, improves the performance of earlier annoyance …
Lateral Bracing Of Beams Provided By Standing Seam Roof System: Concepts And Case Study,
2020
Virginia Tech
Lateral Bracing Of Beams Provided By Standing Seam Roof System: Concepts And Case Study, Gengrui Wei, Benjamin Schafer, Michael Seek, Matthew Eatherton
Engineering Technology Faculty Publications
The standing seam roof (SSR) system is the most commonly used roof system for metal buildings due to its superior durability, water tightness, and energy efficiency. In this type of system, SSR panels attach to Z-shaped or C-shaped purlins with clips, and the purlins are in turn connected to rafters (i.e. roof beams). For the design of metal building rafters against lateral torsional buckling, bottom flange braces provide torsional bracing to the rafter and the SSR system provides some lateral bracing. However, the degree to which the SSR system can restrain the rafter against lateral movement has not previously been …
A Novel Structural Health Monitoring Method For Reinforced Concrete Bridge Decks Using Ultrasonic Guided Waves,
2020
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
A Novel Structural Health Monitoring Method For Reinforced Concrete Bridge Decks Using Ultrasonic Guided Waves, Ece Erdogmus, Eric Garcia, Ahmad Shoaib Amiri, Michael Schuller
Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction: Faculty Publications
This article presents the latest improvements in a recently developed nondestructive testing (NDT) approach for early detection of various flaws (corrosion, delamination, and concrete cracking) in reinforced concrete (RC) bridge decks. The proposed method involves the use of internal steel reinforcement as a wave guide for transmitting ultrasonic waves through the system and the measurement of leaked energy from the surface of the concrete. This paper builds upon the progress made in the previously published phases of the project and aims to further explore the capabilities and practicality of the proposed NDT method. Specifically, the limits of propagation distance, effect …
Analysis Of The Variability Of Project Cost And Schedule Performance In The Design-Build Environment,
2020
Georgia Institute of Technology
Analysis Of The Variability Of Project Cost And Schedule Performance In The Design-Build Environment, Yunping Liang, Baabak Ashuri, Wei Sun
Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction: Faculty Publications
Design-build (DB) projects are getting more implementations in the United States. Several studies indicate that the DB project delivery system has advantages in project cost and schedule performance. Despite having comparative advantages, DB projects are found to be far from immune from cost overruns and schedule delay in those studies. It is critical to understand the effects of various factors underpinning the cost and schedule performance of DB projects. The overall objective of this research is to utilize cluster analysis and statistical analysis to identify factors with significant potentials to describe the variability of project cost and schedule performance in …
Option Value Of Contingent Finance Support In Transportation Public-Private Partnership Projects,
2020
Georgia Institute of Technology
Option Value Of Contingent Finance Support In Transportation Public-Private Partnership Projects, Yunping Liang, Baabak Ashuri
Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction: Faculty Publications
Uncertainties about construction cost and operational revenues are two major risks in transportation public-private partnership (P3) projects. These uncertainties put projects at risk of being unable to fulfill annual debt repayment obligations. When a project generates insufficient cash flow to service the debt in a certain year, it normally has to go for short-term financing by borrowing short-term loans. With the help of revenue risk-sharing mechanisms, supported projects may be able to get rid of unexpected interest disbursement. The objectives of this paper are twofold: (1) evaluate the refinancing cost of P3 highway projects caused by cash flow shortage and …
Lateral-Torsional Buckling Strength Of Two-Span Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Beams,
2020
Old Dominion University
Lateral-Torsional Buckling Strength Of Two-Span Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Beams, Mojtaba B. Sirjani, Zia Razzaq
Civil & Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications
This paper presents the outcome of a study of two-span glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) I-section beams susceptible to lateral-torsional buckling when subjected to gradually increasing concentrated vertical load(s) in the presence of two different types of lateral bracing schemes. It is found that loading one span results in a smaller buckling load as compared with the cases with loading in both spans regardless of the type of bracing scheme used. Also, the study shows that the addition of midspan braces for the GFRP beams results in up to 5.5 times increase in the buckling load capacity.
Influence Of Bracing On Buckling Strength Of Pultruded Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Frames,
2020
Old Dominion University
Influence Of Bracing On Buckling Strength Of Pultruded Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Frames, Mojtaba B. Sirjani, Zia Razzaq
Civil & Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications
A numerical study of the influence of structural bracing on the buckling strength of pultruded Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) frames is presented. Although the influence of bracing on frames made from other materials such as steel have been studied in the past, this paper investigates the performance of pultruded GFRP portal frames with pinned or fixed column bases. Each frame is constructed with pultruded GFRP I-section members. The influence of I-section column major and minor axis orientation is also investigated. The results demonstrate the practical significance of bracing pultruded GFRP frames. The results show that the buckling loads for …
Multi-Modal Natural Frequency Response Of Utility Transmission Tapered Wood Poles Under Various Soil Foundation Conditions: Natural Frequency Response Under Various Soil Conditions,
2020
Old Dominion University
Multi-Modal Natural Frequency Response Of Utility Transmission Tapered Wood Poles Under Various Soil Foundation Conditions: Natural Frequency Response Under Various Soil Conditions, Ramani Ayakannu, Zia Razzaq
Civil & Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications
Studied herein is the multi-modal natural frequency response of utility transmission tapered wood poles under various soil foundation conditions. Strong winds and hurricanes in various parts of the world have resulted in collapse of such utility poles and have resulted in the disruption of electrical distribution systems in addition to creating hazardous conditions for the public. To avoid the development of resonance under such dynamic loading, the multi-modal natural vibration of the utility poles first needs to be understood in the presence of practical soil foundation conditions. To capture the soil-structure interaction effects on the multi-modal frequencies, a SAP2000 dynamic …
