Construction Engineering and Management Commons^™

Novel Eco-Friendly, Recycled Composites For Improved Ca Road Surfaces, Daniel Whisler, Rafael Gomez Consarnau, Ryan Coy

Mineta Transportation Institute

The continued use of structural plastics in consumer products, industry, and transportation represents a potential source for durable, long lasting, and recyclable roadways. Costs to dispose of reinforced plastics can be similar to procuring new asphalt with mechanical performance exceeding that of the traditional road surface.

This project examines improved material development times by leveraging advanced computational material models based on validated experimental data. By testing traditional asphalt and select carbon and glass reinforced composites, both new and recycled, it is possible to develop a finite element simulation that can predict the material characteristics under a number of loads virtually, …

Properties Of Concrete Containing Crushed Limestone As Total Replacement Of Natural Sand And Recycled Engine Oil, Mohammad El Bast M. El Bast, Jamal Khatib, Oussama Baalbaki, Adel Elkordi

BAU Journal - Science and Technology

The rapid growth in the construction industry at the global level has made concrete the most widely used construction material throughout the world. Accordingly, the consumption of natural sand which is one the main raw material constituent of concrete is continuously growing. The demand for river sand is highly increasing due to its scarcity in the market. Manufactured sand produced by crushed rock is being considered as an appropriate alternative to replace river sand in concrete. In recent years, there is a growing interest in the use of crushed sand obtained from limestone quarries in some countries where river sand …

Enhancing A Building Information Model For An Existing Building With Data From A Sustainable Facility Management Database, Ryan Loeh, Jess Everett, William Riddell, Douglas Cleary

Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering Departmental Research

This study investigates the feasibility and benefits of transferring data between Autodesk Revit (used for building information modeling (BIM)) and BUILDER SMS (used for sustainable facility management (SFM)). Two data transfer methods were evaluated using a case study; one involved entirely manual data transfer, the other a combination of manual and automatic. Of the data transfer methods evaluated, the manual/automated hybrid was determined to be the best option, especially when regular updates are envisioned. The case study produced an enhanced BIM model that can be used to support sustainable facility management, called here an SFM-enhanced BIM model. An integration workflow …

Assessment Of Carbon Dioxide Emission And Its Impact On High-Rise Mixed-Use Buildings In Egypt, Ahmed Salah Hamza

Theses and Dissertations

With Egypt's vision of 2030 focusing on sustainable development with a true emphasis on Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) emission reduction in the newly built cities and high-rise buildings, efforts are exerted on various levels towards accomplishing the vision’s goals. This is achieved through multiple tools and models associated with aiding the reduction of carbon emissions, yet not a clear one was introduced for the mixed-use buildings in Egypt.

Through this work, a significant gap was identified with respect to high-rise buildings carbon emission assessment in Egypt. This was a main driving force for this work in an attempt to …

Interactive Expert System For Budgeting World Bank Consultancy Projects, Yosra Rafat

Theses and Dissertations

Cost estimating and forecasting are key components of the budgeting of any construction project. However, conventional approaches may result in uncertainty and usually do not utilize the organizational knowledge of past projects. Ideally, performing a cost estimation under the best predictions of the relevant future conditions, is the best approach of economic analysis to evaluate the optimum value for money. With the rise of Artificial Intelligence techniques, there are now several Machine Learning (ML) methods that are being studied to capitalize on accuracy gains with regards to cost estimating techniques to increase reliability during the tendering phase. This research aims …

Torsional Behaviours And Crack Localization In Palm Oil Clinker Concrete, Safdar Khan

Student Works (2020-2029)

The utilization of a Palm oil clinker for the production of sustainable lightweight concrete has environmental, economic, and social benefits. This study presents the investigation of the torsional behavior and localization of cracks in concrete at different substitution levels of POC coarse aggregate with granite. The DOE method was used for the design of the control mix, and all other mixes were prepared with the substitution of granite with the increasing amounts of POC at replacement levels of 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%. The maximum reduction in the hard density, compression strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength was …

Enhancement Of Asphalt Performance By Graphene-Based Bitumen Nanocomposites, Sara Moghtadernejad, Ehsan Barjasteh, Ren Nagata, Haia Malabeh

Mineta Transportation Institute

As the State of California continues to grow, demand for enhanced infrastructure such as roadways and highways escalates. In view of the current average highway lifespan of 15–20 years, the improvement of asphalt binders leads to material sustainability by decreasing required maintenance and increasing the lifespan of roadways. In the present investigation, enhancement of asphalt binder properties was achieved by different methods of mixing varying compositions of graphene nanoparticles with an SBS polymer and asphalt binder. Additionally, experimental evaluation and comparison of the rheological and mechanical properties of each specimen is presented. Graphene nanoparticles have attracted great curiosity in the …

Tensile Strength Evaluation Of Glulam Connection With Screw Fasteners, Bradley Sharpshair

Civil and Environmental Engineering Master's Project Reports

Multiple knife plate and external steel plate deep-beam glulam connections were investigated in a series of destructive tests within the Infrastructure Testing and Applied Research laboratory at Portland State University. The goal of these tests was to better understand the failure mode and ultimate load capacity of the large-scale glulam moment connections. Two different types of tests were performed on each connection; one with axial loading, and another loaded in flexure. The first, smaller, axial tests were conducted to inform the later, much larger, bending tests. The results of these tests helped to develop future designs as well as provide …

Engineers In Action Bridge Program - Creation Of The Cal Poly Chapter, James Foad

Construction Management

The purpose of this project was to establish a chapter of Engineers in Action at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. Engineers in Action is a non-profit organization which is dedicated to constructing footbridges in underserved countries. Bridges are linked to many benefits for those without reliable access year-round. Chapters of this organization work to design, fund, and build the footbridges in remote locations consisting of West Virginia, eSwatini, and Bolivia. The plan for the chapter was to establish a founding team which can work together to both recruit new members, and complete the tasks needed to successfully …

Journeyman International: Haiti Hac Innovation Center In Croix Des Bouquets, Brent K. Underwood

Construction Management

The purpose of this project was to create and provide the necessary pre-construction documents for a multi-purpose building in Croix des Bouquets, Haiti. This project aims to give occupants a new space to work freely in as it will be equipped with the essential needs. The rooms to be included within this building are offices, meeting rooms, general spaces, a workshop and computer lab – all of which will give the occupants the ability to work in an innovative environment. The project is overseen by three organizations. These groups are Journeyman International (JI), the Haitian American Caucus (HAC), and Third …

Creating A More Diverse And Inclusive Environment In The Cal Poly Construction Management Department, Miriam Robles

Construction Management

This study looks at how to increase diversity and inclusivity in the Cal Poly Construction Management Department. It is becoming increasingly important to promote diversity and inclusivity not just in the classroom, but also in the workforce. It is important for the Cal Poly CM program to put more of an emphasis on trying to create a more a diverse major and acknowledge the importance of having inclusivity and diversity in the major. This project researched ways in which other universities have used different methods to increase diversity and create a more inclusive culture on their campus. This research was …

Design Of Amphitheatre Seating At The Slo Botanical Garden, Sydnee Greer

Construction Management

This senior project was designed to provide a gathering space for the San Luis Obispo community. With the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden providing an outdoor space for nature education, wedding ceremonies, and several other types of gatherings, they wanted amphitheater seating for forty guests. This project required the design and construction of ten concrete benches that span eight feet with wood Trex added on top for comfort. The focus of this paper will be on the design process of this project. When designing the benches, the Botanical Garden wanted seating that could withstand the elements but still be comfortable …

Prioritizing Mental Health Awareness In The Construction Industry, Molly E. Pryde

Construction Management

The construction industry is known as one of the most demanding industries for employees, both physically and mentally. Due to various factors associated with the working conditions and lifestyles of construction workers, the likelihood of mental health challenges amongst this demographic is quite high. Furthermore, industry culture surrounding masculinity poses a barrier to properly addressing the issue. Because of the dynamic and fast-paced work environment, assessing potential risks to protect workers is an integral part of each day on the job site. As a key component in company success and individual well-being, safety has become ingrained in construction culture. However, …

Conceptual Proposal For New Student Housing In San Luis Obispo, Jack F. Tunney

Construction Management

This real property development project walked through the steps and procedures that are typical for real property development. The project focused on a conceptual multi-unit student housing project located near Cal Polys campus. The rental market in San Luis Obispo is very competitive and through market and financial analysis, it was determined that there is a demand for projects like the one proposed. The project walked through the processes associated with the financial analysis of a potential construction project in San Luis Obispo. The project identifies a site, creates a budget both for construction, development, and design costs, then analyzes …

Adapting To California Wildfires: Keys To Rebuilding In High Fire Risk Locations, Sebastian Dante Froman

Construction Management

A rise in California wildfires has led to a significant increase in the number of acres and structures destroyed annually. The Tubbs Fire, known as one of California’s most destructive fires, affected parts of Northern California in October 2017. In an effort to reduce the damage caused by wildfires, it is vital that houses are constructed so that they are more fire resistant, specifically in areas that are at high risk of wildfires. This paper will look at the reconstruction of Santa Rosa after the Tubbs Fire to see what building methods are being used by contractors. This was investigated …

City Farm Slo - Walk-In Produce Coolbot Cooler, Connor Morinini

Construction Management

This paper describes the planning, financing, and construction of a commercial sized refrigerator for a non-profit urban farm in San Luis Obispo, CA, called City Farm SLO. Construction of the project occurred over a nine-month period from September of 2020 to May of 2021. The project involved building a Tuffshed, site grading, framing a room inside the Tuffshed, hanging a door, installing electricity inside the room, insulating the interior, painting the exterior, installing an air conditioner, and wiring the Coolbot to the air conditioner. The project was built to allow the non-profit organization to begin storing their agricultural crops in …

The Utilization Of Industrial Hemp As A Structural Material, Matthew C. Wirick

Construction Management

The need for alternative materials within the construction industry is increasing as more projects are undertaken. Many of the natural resources currently used are being depleted. Various alternatives, such as using recycled concrete as a replacement for aggregate, are being researched and applied to projects with the purpose of reducing construction waste. However, substitutes are needed especially when it comes to structural materials. Industrial hemp is a fast-growing fibrous plant that can be made into a variety of goods and has properties that give it a high enough strength to be fabricated into products that can handle loads such as …

San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden Benches, Brandon Keefer

Construction Management

The San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden is an outdoor area where people often gather for events such as weddings or just simply for a casual stroll through nice scenery. There were 6 students, including myself, who teamed up to complete this project where we divided into two sub-teams, one design team and one construction team. Since I was assigned to be the team captain but was placed on the construction team, I will touch a little bit on the design process since I was involved with overseeing this aspect but focus mainly on the actual construction of the benches. This …

Development Plan For A Multi-Family Residential Building In San Luis Obispo, Shelby L. Wineman

Construction Management

Real estate development is often regarded as a daunting effort that requires a large sum of time and money. However, a greater supply of multi-family housing will protect cities from this homelessness, lack of availability to education, along with poor mental and physical health conditions. This paper addresses methods in which any new developer can efficiently approach developing small-scale, multi-family housing in San Luis Obispo and see overall profitability. The initial research set forth provides interested parties with a generalized basis of the analysis of value, design considerations, and methods of savings involved in development. The research is then directly …

The Benefits And Challenges Of Automation In The Modular Construction Industry, Allen Le

Construction Management

Modular construction combined with automation technology such as robotics presents benefits and challenges associated with it. Modular construction takes on the traditional building methods and has streamlined the production of modules making it safer, efficient, and productive. Along with innovation and cutting-edge technology such as automation, it offers an alternative building method to the modular construction industry that enhances productivity, worker safety, and efficiency. This research presents an investigation on factors that may be benefited from the adoption of automation but also addresses the challenges in modular construction. Qualitative interviews with designers and consultants in the modular industry were conducted …