Frequency And Magnitude Of Cost Growth In Public Works Contracts,
2021
San Diego State University
Frequency And Magnitude Of Cost Growth In Public Works Contracts, George Fulton, Panagiotis Mitropoulos
The Professional Constructor
Cost overruns are a persistent issue in the construction industry. This paper investigates factors that may drive cost growth on public works contracts. The study collected data on 1,043 public works projects completed over a three year period. The analysis examined the impact of four factors on cost overruns: (1) Project type, (2) Contract size, (3) Contract duration, and (4) Construction placement (value per day). The data were analyzed using a combination of basic descriptive statistics along with statistical hypothesis testing of means for various factors affecting cost growth. Cost growth was found to vary significantly by project type, contract …
Case Study Of Real-World Emissions Rates Verus Epaemission Standards For Motor Graders,
2021
Northern Kentucky University
Case Study Of Real-World Emissions Rates Verus Epaemission Standards For Motor Graders, Boshra Karimi, Phil Lewis
The Professional Constructor
Using the Volkswagen emissions scandal as motivation, the purpose of this case study was to investigate whether or not heavy-duty diesel construction equipment exceeds EPA emissions standards for nonroad diesel engines. The equipment analyzed included four separate motor graders with EPA emissions standards Tier 0, Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 engines. The analysis was based on a dataset of real-world emissions rates collected from in-use equipment on actual jobsites. The results showed that mass per time emissions rates for hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter decreased as the EPA emissions standards became more stringent. Furthermore, there …
Understanding Sub-Contractor Selection Factors In Thebuilding Construction Industry For The Southeastern United States,
2021
Clemson University
Understanding Sub-Contractor Selection Factors In Thebuilding Construction Industry For The Southeastern United States, Dhaval Gajjar, Cayla Anderson
The Professional Constructor
The primary entities within building construction industry consists of the owner, the architect / engineer, and the general contractor, that ensure the success of any construction project. On a traditional project, the owner selects and contracts with the general contractor to construct a building designed by the architect. A considerable amount of research has been conducted to understand the owner’s selection factors to hire a qualified general contractor. However, the general contractor selected for the project seldom self-performs the entire construction of a building. The general contractor might self-perform some aspects of the actual building construction, but they will typically …
Case Study: Infection Control On The Arroyo Grande Community Hospital Emergency Room Expansion And Remodel Project,
2021
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Case Study: Infection Control On The Arroyo Grande Community Hospital Emergency Room Expansion And Remodel Project, Daniel E. Romero
Construction Management
California hospital and healthcare projects typically involve California’s Office of Statewide Health Planning and Department (OSHPD) which is governed by the state of California and the Fire Marshal. Along with OHSPD as the governing organization, healthcare and hospital projects often must incorporate infection control practices. The Arroyo Grande Community Hospital Emergency Room Expansions and Remodel project incorporated infectious control practices. Qualitative research was conducted through semi-structured interviews of the project management team along with primary and secondary sources. The tools and practices used on this project included negative air machines, temporary walls with sound barriers, zip walls with fire rated …
The Use Of Virtual Reality In Construction Safety Training,
2021
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
The Use Of Virtual Reality In Construction Safety Training, Matthias S. Guegler
Construction Management
The emergence of virtual reality has seemingly limitless possibilities in the construction industry. One of the most significant applications of this technology in construction, is its use in virtual reality safety training, as it allows for more immersive and retainable training programs. Construction VR training programs have been developed to allow workers to train in a safe working environment and develop the necessary skills in recognizing hazardous jobsite situations. The purpose of this study is to measure the effectiveness and potential of virtual reality construction training as it compares to traditional industry training through attitudinal research. To this end, a …
Bilingual Training Course For Redwood Residential Fence Company,
2021
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Bilingual Training Course For Redwood Residential Fence Company, Adriana Bernabe Martinez
Construction Management
The Hispanic population has been increasing in the US over the past twenty years, and made up 42.9% of the construction workforce in 2018 (Data USA, n.d.). Because of this population increase, it’s expected that 1 in 4 persons will be of Hispanic descent by the year 2050 (Canales, 2009). Due to this increase, many language barriers exist that can create serious issues in construction. Language barriers cause productivity to decrease and increase concerns for the workers’ safety. Although OSHA trainings are available in Spanish, the opportunity to take these courses vary from company to company and it is rare …
Decision Model For Additive Versus Conventional Construction In Remote Locations,
2021
Air Force Institute of Technology
Decision Model For Additive Versus Conventional Construction In Remote Locations, Matthew R. Nicholson
Theses and Dissertations
Additive construction is a potential game changing innovative alternative to conventional methods with regards to structural integrity, timeliness, and waste reduction, especially in remote locations. While there have been numerous studies into the material science, additive construction will not be a viable alternative until a cost analysis is performed. This paper details the cost elements for both methods. Breaking down the key variables of material, logistics and transportation, and labor costs garner a better understanding of the cost difference between the two construction methods.
Developing Infrastructure Adaptation Pathways To Combat Hurricane Intensification: A Coupled Storm Simulation And Economic Modeling Framework For Coastal Installations,
2021
Air Force Institute of Technology
Developing Infrastructure Adaptation Pathways To Combat Hurricane Intensification: A Coupled Storm Simulation And Economic Modeling Framework For Coastal Installations, Alexander J. Baldwin
Theses and Dissertations
Climate change projections suggest intensification of extreme weather events, including hurricanes, is expected throughout the 21st century. This will lead to increased destruction for coastal military bases unless infrastructure resiliency and adaptation measures are implemented. This research focuses on examining the simulation of probabilistic, climate-intensified hurricane events at Eglin Air Force Base. FEMA Hazus models are combined with climate projections for wind Intensity, tide, and sea-level rise to produce an assessment of losses to the installation. Damage estimates and hurricane intensity outputs are downscaled to the facility-level so that climate adaptation signals can be identified. The facility losses and climate …
An Empirical Analysis Of Dod Construction Task Order Performance,
2021
Air Force Institute of Technology
An Empirical Analysis Of Dod Construction Task Order Performance, Adam B. Teston, Tyler S. Stout
Theses and Dissertations
Cost and schedule overrun plague over 50 of all construction projects, engendering diminished available funding that leads to deferred maintenance and impaired award ability for needed projects. Though existing research attempts to identify overruns sources, the results are inconclusive and frequently differ. Accordingly, this research reviews DoD construction contract data from the past ten years to identify the contract attributes of 79,894 projects that correlate with superior performance for use in future project execution. This research starts with creating a database that houses the largest single source of construction contract information. The research then evaluates the data to determine if …
The Effects Of Covid-19 On A Commercial Construction Company: A Case Study,
2021
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
The Effects Of Covid-19 On A Commercial Construction Company: A Case Study, Dylan Reynolds
Construction Management
The COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 and 2021 resulted in many states issuing stay-at-home orders and closing businesses. In some states, construction was deemed essential and allowed to remain open. Dempsey Construction, Inc. is a Southern California commercial construction company that was permitted to continue operation with the exception of a brief lockdown in March and April of 2020. Despite being permitted to remain open, the company had to face many direct and indirect challenges resulting from the worldwide pandemic. In addition to schedule adjustments, daily cleaning on jobsites and in the office, and increased material prices and lead times, Dempsey …
Best Practices For Bridge Crane Implementation And Installation: A Case Study,
2021
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Best Practices For Bridge Crane Implementation And Installation: A Case Study, Sterling D. Treloar
Construction Management
Overhead Cranes, which are more commonly referred to as bridge cranes, provide a substantial amount of flexibility with respect to the user’s ability to move material and heavy equipment throughout a factory or manufacturing facility. Oftentimes, the client is not aware of the benefits of implementing bridge cranes rather than using mobile gantry cranes. The client may not be aware of the benefits of bridge crane installation occurring at the beginning of a project or in fact, including it in the initial design of the project, rather than considering it in the middle of the project. This case study will …
Los Angeles Homeless Epidemic - An Analysis Of Proposition Hhh,
2021
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Los Angeles Homeless Epidemic - An Analysis Of Proposition Hhh, Howard T. Duong
Construction Management
Passed in 2016, Proposition HHH is a $1.2 billion bill hoping to curb the homelessness epidemic that is rising in the city of Los Angeles with the newly added construction of 10,000 supportive housing units. This study serves to analyze and detail the homelessness epidemic in the Los Angeles Area, familiarizes the reader with how Proposition HHH funding works together with developers, as well as some of its shortcomings to date so far. To garner additional research, a survey was performed with a sample size from both the developers engaged with Proposition HHH and residents of the product in order …
Risk Management In Response To Covid-19: Comparative Case Study,
2021
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Risk Management In Response To Covid-19: Comparative Case Study, Justin Hong
Construction Management
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many aspects of the construction industry. Construction industry members such as owners, developers, subcontractors have experienced varying degrees of impacts because of COVID-19. It is important for companies to adopt risk management strategies to mitigate risk and reduce potential injuries. Due to new rules and regulations mandated by the government, companies had to change the way they operate. This comparative case study focuses on how the pandemic has affected large and small residential companies and compare the risk management strategies set in place by different companies. It was determined that most residential companies were not …
Field Welding Repair Of Heavy Equipment,
2021
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Field Welding Repair Of Heavy Equipment, Phil Akahori
Construction Management
Welding repairs of heavy equipment in the field can vary in levels of success. This can be due to the high strength steels used in the manufacture of heavy equipment implements that require special metallurgical considerations. Repair difficulties can be further compounded by the limitations of tooling typically found on a construction site and schedule commitments. Overloading or excessive impacts can cause damage to the bucket teeth of an excavator or bulldozer rippers. A shop could perform a proper repair but that increases cost and takes precious time. A successful repair of these items done out in the field can …
Indispensable Homes In Third World Countries: Constructing A Home In Tijuana, Mexico,
2021
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Indispensable Homes In Third World Countries: Constructing A Home In Tijuana, Mexico, Myles Hubers
Construction Management
This project was created to explore a way in which poverty around the world could ultimately be reduced. The way in which this project intends to demonstrate a method used to reduce poverty is by building a home for a specific family in Tijuana, Mexico. In doing so, this home will act as a model home for a manual, comprised of steps that should be taken to construct similar homes throughout any third world country. The goal of this project is to highlight the importance of poverty in the world while also creating a buildable solution in order to reduce …
Common Issues Of Compliance With Personal Protective Equipment For Construction Workers,
2021
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Common Issues Of Compliance With Personal Protective Equipment For Construction Workers, Alexandra N. Gattuso
Construction Management
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is an essential component to the safety of workers on construction jobsites. Construction is ranked one of the most dangerous industries to work in, with the highest reports of fatal work injuries. For this reason, it is required that construction employees wear PPE to keep them safe during work. Despite this requirement, many workers neglect to wear PPE, exposing themselves to high risk of injury and death. A survey was conducted on thirty-three (33) construction workers in California to gain a better understanding of issues with PPE and reasons for non-compliance. The survey found that only …
Subcontractor Claim Management And Dispute Resolution Methods In The State Of California Versus The Province Of British Columbia: A Case Study,
2021
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Subcontractor Claim Management And Dispute Resolution Methods In The State Of California Versus The Province Of British Columbia: A Case Study, Harrison A D Grant
Construction Management
In the construction industry, discordance between what is expected versus what is delivered often arises. This disparity is commonly handled using informal negotiation. However, if negotiations fail, then claims and disputes often emerge. Issues involving scope of work, change orders, schedule, and payment can lead to conflicts. Companies try to employ the best alternative dispute resolution method to settle subcontractor claims and disputes without the need for litigation. Speaking with construction professionals in California and British Columbia, a difference in opinion exists as to which method is considered most effective when dealing with subcontractor claims and disputes. In California, the …
The Effects Of Waste Marble Powder On Sustainable Concrete,
2021
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
The Effects Of Waste Marble Powder On Sustainable Concrete, Jeremy S. Tennesen
Construction Management
Sustainability has been growing consistently more popular in construction, with projects introducing innovative ideas to build greener every year. One material that has not experienced many innovations since emerging in building use is concrete. The reason behind this could be the chemical process of curing concrete being unique compared to most materials. While concrete can be broken down into some of its original components, water, cement, and admixtures used are not retainable. This makes it difficult to recycle the material, and the aggregates recovered from recycling also experience a loss in strength. With admixtures being involved in most concrete mixes …
Net-Zero Homes, The Homes Of The Future,
2021
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Net-Zero Homes, The Homes Of The Future, Primo Guseppi Facchini
Construction Management
Net-Zero homes are the homes of the future (Holmes, 2018). What makes Net-zero homes unique is they rely on solar power, opposed to all standard housing that relies on the power grid. These homes use solar instead of other forms of energy generating technology because it is more affordable and better for the environment. California has blazed the trail for the rest of the United States and the world to follow with their Net-Zero housing proposition. Starting January 2020 California will require all residential buildings to be net-zero homes. Net-Zero homes are important because it is no secret that our …
Wood Post And Non-Climb Fencing Construction For Hoofstock Pasture,
2021
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Wood Post And Non-Climb Fencing Construction For Hoofstock Pasture, Jessica Miller
Construction Management
This paper covers the planning, site clearing and construction of a new 7,100 square foot hoofstock pasture for the nonprofit group Conservation Ambassadors at their Northern campus in Weimar, California. The project involved planning the layout of the new pasture based on the owner’s preferences for pasture size, material type and location as well as removing several old pre-existing posts to prepare for the new fence to be built. New two-foot deep post holes were dug and the four-inch diameter, eight-foot long wood posts were leveled and set in concrete. Horizontal H-braces and cross brace tension wire were added to …
