Architectural Engineering Commons^™

Dr. Eve Hinman, A Pioneer In The Protective Design Industry, Ily Michi Nelson, Ellen Elizabeth Untalan, Lani Ku'ulei Alo

Architectural Engineering

This senior project carries on prior work to develop an educational material on the notable female protective design engineer Dr. Eve Hinman, initiated by Cal Poly Architectural Engineering students Michelle Dennin and Paulina Robles in collaboration with faculty member Dr. Anahid Behrouzi. To gain a deeper understanding of Dr. Eve Hinman’s impact on the industry, the project team conducted extensive research into her career including interviews with former employees of the firm that she founded and led, Hinman Consulting Engineers (HCE), and an analysis of the recently acquired collection of library material gifted by HCE to Cal Poly. After completing …

Increasing Drift Capacity Of Non-Ductile Concrete Shear Walls Through Confinement With Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Application, Andrew Duong, Sophia Maglabe, Sheyna Rongong

Architectural Engineering: Graduate Reports

The seismic response and laboratory testing of pre-1980s reinforced concrete (RC) shear walls commonly exhibit undesirable concrete crushing and rebar buckling in the wall end-zones leading to a flexural compressive failure. The lack of ductility of these walls is attributed to low reinforcement ratios and absence of special boundary elements (SBE) as required by modern design code. Thus, the authors are proposing a fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) retrofit method to provide confinement to the end-zones of pre-1980s walls equivalent to that of an SBE. Current industry applications of FRP have largely been for shear strengthening of RC beams, columns, and …

Restoration Of The Cantilever Deck Structure, Calvin P. Vigeant, Roger G. Biddle, Calvin S. Morgan

Architectural Engineering

The Restoration of the Cantilever Deck Structure is an inter-disciplinary project seeking to provide public safety, the continuity of a historic structure, and contribute to the life of the Poly Canyon Experimental Structures Laboratory. This project brought together architectural engineering students Roger Biddle and Calvin Vigeant and construction management student Calvin Morgan for a year long journey of Learn by Doing. The structure is visually stunning and gives the impression of a ship cresting a wave, featuring two prominent steel masts and large tapered wood beams. The deck is perched on a steep hillside site over a seasonal creek that …

Tanzania Design Build 2024, Elli S. Berger, Samantha M. Maher, Victoria J. Maestas

Architectural Engineering

In 2007 David Lambert, a Cal Poly ARCE alumnus, was inspired to build a school in Tanzania after spending time in Kenya completing his senior project. With the support of multiple Cal Poly faculty members, he assembled a team to launch what would become his master’s program project. Since no existing organizations could support their efforts, the team founded their own initiative, the Mbeses Initiative for Sustainable Design (MISD). The Cal Poly team shared their design ideas with multiple volunteer groups in Tanzania and eventually connected with Fr. Setonga who helped the initiative gain traction. A few years later, the …

Seismic Resilience Of Timber Homes, Melia R. Costa

College of Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Program

The vast majority of residential buildings in California are wood-frame structures. A home is typically a very large investment for families, and damage to the home can be detrimental to a family’s economic success. Thus, reducing the economic impacts of an earthquake on residential timber housing is crucial. A full scale, two-story section of a residential timber house is in construction in the Parson’s Geotechnical and Earthquake Engineering Laboratory on the Cal Poly campus in San Luis Obispo, California. Once built it will be put through earthquake simulation tests on a shake table with various magnitudes of seismic activity. Next, …

Engineering-Enhanced Theatre: How Engineering Involvement Can Aid Regional Theatres, Albert M. Le

Architectural Engineering

Engineering and theatre are disciplines not often associated with each other within regional and small theatre companies in the United States. The distinction between the two fields of study is not simply from the fundamental differences between how each field is taught and practiced, but also the difficulties encountered within a scope of theatre often constrained with limited budget and time for each production. However, when beginning to explore the intersection between engineering and theatre, it is found that the empirical nature of current theatrical practices can be countered, and scenic design and construction can be re-envisioned with engineering involvement …

Timber Buckling Restrained Brace, Finn K. Burke

Architectural Engineering

Buckling Restrained Brace Frames (BRBs) are a lateral force resisting system providing near equal compressive and tensile capacities through the mitigation of compression buckling. BRBs have traditionally existed in the steel building market, with limited use in wood construction. The proposal of a Timber Bucking Restrained Brace Frame (TBRB) presents a BRB option for the low-rise and mid-rise wood framed market, using readily available materials within the low/mid-rise construction cost bracket. Five previous TBRB iterations have been built and tested, with results showing promising results for further TBRB development and exploration. The sixth and current iteration of the TBRB builds …

2023 Kahramanmaras Earthquake Sequence: Geospatial Visualization And Analysis Of Multiple Building Damage Datasets, Alejandra Bravo, Jerry Hue Truong Luong, Anahid Behrouzi

Architectural Engineering

To learn from past earthquake events, a critical task is validating observations with data. After a significant seismic event like the 2023 Kahramanmaras Türkiye earthquake series, various organizations perform reconnaissance efforts to collect building response data. Some reconnaissance missions focus on visiting fewer buildings and recording detailed information (high-resolution, HR), while others aim to visit as many buildings as possible recording basic information (low-resolution, LR). Both dataset types are vital for learning, and the next step is analyzing and visualizing the data to validate in-field observations. This paper has three purposes: 1) examine a HR dataset by Degenkolb with 138 …

Development Of An Undergraduate Course On Women In The Design Of The Built Environment, Anahid Behrouzi, Kira Hope Tolman, Paige Van Rossum

Architectural Engineering

The Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) Architectural Engineering (ARCE) department has seen significant progress in reaching gender equity as evidenced by recent student enrollment numbers. However, ARCE-affiliated technical and history classes still lack discussion of notable female practitioners or the value of input from women as project stakeholders. This educational shortcoming is likely true at many other civil or structural engineering, construction management, and architecture programs. To address this gap, the authors developed a new 1-credit hour course offered in Spring 2024 to Cal Poly Honors and ARCE students to expose them to the contributions and concerns …

Increasing Drift Capacity Of Non-Ductile Concrete Shear Walls Through Confinement With Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Application, Andrew Duong, Sophia Maglabe, Sheyna Rongong, Peter Laursen, Andrew Kline, Anahid Behrouzi

Architectural Engineering

The seismic response and laboratory testing of pre-1980s reinforced concrete (RC) shear walls commonly exhibit undesirable concrete crushing and rebar buckling in the wall end-zones leading to a flexural compressive failure. The lack of ductility of these walls is attributed to low reinforcement ratios and absence of special boundary elements (SBE) as required by modern design code. Thus, the authors are proposing a fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) retrofit method to provide confinement to the end-zones of pre-1980s walls equivalent to that of an SBE.

Current industry applications of FRP have largely been for shear strengthening of RC beams, columns, and …

Reconstruction Of The Neglected: Bringing Life Back To The Old Powerhouse, Zoe A. Macmillan

Architectural Engineering

The Powerhouse is the oldest extant structure on Cal Poly campus and is currently abandoned. Built in 1910, it was in use as a power supply for Cal Poly Campus until the 1940s. Then, the School of Architecture and Environmental Design was granted permission to use it for class purposes. From 1967-1990 it was used as studio, guest lecture, and office space. In 1990 it was deemed structurally unstable and was left empty, slated for demolition. In 1993, a student lead movement placed it on the National Register of Historic Structures. Since then, it has been in a state neglect, …

Masonry Column Analysis Through Python, Ali Sherief Saleh

Architectural Engineering

This project serves as a study of Masonry Column Analysis and Design through the lens of the TMS 402 (22) Code: mimicking in-firm tools without using finite-element analysis. Chapter 9 of the TMS 402 (22) code provides the outline of the process taken to analyze these columns.

Investigation compares columns using the Python program to hand-calculations designs as to show additional capability that is lost due to approximation. PM-interaction for the columns is computed by a stress-strain approach. This report expands on the python design and approach to User Interface and inputs that are needed to analyze multiple datatypes with …

Initiative To Increase Student Engagement In Undergraduate Structural Analysis Course, Danielle Rose Flores, Diego Alberto Tomas

Architectural Engineering

This report documents the design of physical models, software aids, homework supplements, and industry-related activities to support the Learn by Doing philosophy in an undergraduate structural analysis lecture and laboratory course pairing offered at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo in the Architectural Engineering department. The ARCE 302 Structural Analysis and ARCE 352 Structural Computing Analysis courses cover the fundamentals of analyzing indeterminate structures, primarily focusing on theoretical concepts and calculations.

Prior to the development of any new course materials for this project, feedback from students who had previously taken the courses was collected via a survey in the …

Chioma Di Ulivo - Courtyard Canopy, Lilla J. Vigh, Claudia A. Geist

Architectural Engineering

Chioma di Ulivo ("Olive Tree Canopy") is the investigation and design of a canopy structure in the Engineering West (Bldg. 21) Hasslein Courtyard. The canopy will serve as a filtration system for both water and fallen olives from the olive tree on site, while providing a functional collaboration space for faculty and students alike. The goal of this project was to construct a quality diorama built by Lilla Vigh and Claudia Geist under the supervision of Dr. Craig Baltimore.

Polypropylene As Partial Fine Aggregate Substitute In Concrete, Samuel E. Royston, Chrisitan G. Achkar, Nicholas B. Tabarez

Architectural Engineering

The objective of this project is to discover a structurally effective method in repurposing recyclable plastic waste through its partial substitution for traditional fine aggregate in concrete.

Results obtained from analysis indicate a 25 percent compressive strength reduction with polypropylene at a 10 percent partial substitution for total sand content. This material successfully performed as an alternative, presenting a ductile mode of failure.

Three material alternatives - polypropylene, polyethylene, and rubber - were substituted for a percentage of sand. These materials underwent concrete cylinder crushing tests to determine their ultimate crushing strength, with the intent of identifying the most effective …

The Wall Group, Richard Antablin, Sara Engmyr, Michelle Griffith, Jora Leigh, Jesse Rainsdon

Architectural Engineering

This project aimed to design and construct an art wall in Poly Canyon to deter graffiti on existing structures and provide a designated area for student expression. However, after prolonged iterative revisions, it became evident that the project was significantly behind the original timeline.

It was recommended that the wall proposal be submitted for future student implementation. Instead of constructing the wall, an alternative course of action was proposed: restoring an existing structure in Poly Canyon to provide the desired hands-on experience.

After careful consideration, the Techite Bridge was selected for restoration. The proposed plan involves thorough cleaning, repairing chipped …

Smith Property Pre-Engineered Metal Barn, Trent Arjay Olmstead

Architectural Engineering

The Smith Residence Barn is a pre-engineered metal building designed to provide additional storage and workspace. The Architectural design was created by the Nunno Corporation, a San Luis Obispo based steel building general contractor. The soils report was created by Mid-Coast Geotechnical, INC. and the report’s conclusions were used for determining site conditions related to the foundation and lateral force system design. The structural calculations and plans were created by Trent Olmstead and reviewed by Brian Marc-Aurele, SE and Chris Murphy, SE. All calculations were done in accordance with the 2022 CBC, ASCE 7-16, 2023 AISC, ACI 318-19, and AISI …

Earning Engagement As A Graduate Student Instructor, Matthew Sloss

Architectural Engineering

One of the key benefits of a Cal Poly education is access to experienced instructors in a small classroom setting. In my final quarter at Cal Poly, I had the opportunity to glance behind the curtain and fill the significant shoes of an instructor of an introductory structural statics class. What initially was a chance to lend a hand to the department by sharing my limited experience turned into a thorough exploration of what it means to be productively engaging and of how to utilize the underrealized power of asking questions in the classroom setting. This report documents my experiences …

Cardboard Concrete Column Formwork, Danny Shrestha, Joelle Schalesky

Architectural Engineering

This project is an exploration of cardboard as a potential material for construction formwork for concrete columns. Multiple material tests were conducted to explore the behavior of cardboard and concrete. Multiple specimens of cardboard were tested for modulus of elasticity, moment of inertia, and tensile strength. Concrete was tested for its apparent lateral fluid pressure under vibration. Cardboard formwork was then designed and constructed based on these tested behaviors. The final design of the formwork consisted of folding cardboard sheets lined with hardboard, supported by wood studs, and tied by plastic banding straps.

Ultimately, two concrete columns―8' and 10' in …

Ace Mentor Program - Central Coast Chapter, Brayden Samuel Groshart

Construction Management

For my senior project, I established a chapter of the ACE (Architecture, Construction, and Engineering) Mentor Program in San Luis Obispo, California. This program provides high school students with hands-on experience and exposure to careers in the architecture, construction, and engineering industries. The program spanned eight weeks, balancing theoretical knowledge and practical application. The curriculum began with sessions on the fundamentals of architecture, engineering, and construction. In order to expose the students to real world practices, we organized tours of an architecture firm, an engineering firm, and an active construction site. These visits allowed students to engage with professionals, observe …

Construction Of Lightly Reinforced Concrete Shear Wall And Footings, Luke Jackson Method

Construction Management

This paper details the construction of two cast in place foundations as well as a lightly reinforced cast in place wall. The project, located inside the high bay, provides the Architectural Engineering (ARCE) department with an opportunity to test Fiber Reinforced Polymer wrap as a retrofitting option for walls dating back to pre-1980s. Due to site conditions, and project design, this project required extensive planning and communication within our team, faculty advisors, and shop technicians. This paper will discuss the phasing of construction and procurement of material that was required for the completion of this project. It also aims to …

Son Care Foundation – Lean To Shade Structure Design And Construction, Ryan Joseph Mccann

Construction Management

This paper discusses the design and construction of a lean-to-shade structure built for the Son Care Foundation in San Luis Obispo. The Son Care Foundation is a nonprofit organization that raises guide dogs for veterans and first responders with PTSD. This shade structure is 16 feet long and 6 feet wide, its height slopes from 9 feet in the front down to 8 feet in the back creating a roof pitch of 2:12. The sheet metal roof also has an overhang of approximately 1 foot. As requested by the client, the shade structure was designed to fit the aesthetic of …

Restoration Of The Cantilever Deck In Poly Canyon, Calvin S. Morgan, Calvin P. Vigeant, Roger G. Biddle

Construction Management

This interdisciplinary project aims to restore the Cantilever Deck in the Experimental Structures Laboratory back to an operational condition. As of Spring 2023, the deck has fallen into a state of disrepair and has been deemed structurally unsound by the university. The structural disrepair is concentrated around the wooden beams underneath the deck, but the handrails and overall color of the assembly have also fallen to levels deemed undesirable. The Restoration will remedy all these issues as well as guarantee that our repairs will last long into the future. This project is an interdisciplinary effort, the team consists of ARCE …

For Students, By Students: A Python Programming Manual For Structural Engineering Courses, Anahid Behrouzi, Kennedy Gomez, Aaron Dewey, Meileen Yee

Architectural Engineering

Learning to program is challenging enough for structural engineering students without the complexity of using a textbook with examples from unfamiliar engineering and scientific fields. Moreover, the open-source nature of Python means each library has a separate documentation website to navigate, discern what functions are useful, and how to implement them.

The idea of a senior project to develop a Python manual tailored to structural engineering students came from the authors’ experiences in three structural analysis/dynamics computing labs in Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo’s architectural engineering (ARCE) curriculum. The team recognized the barriers, lack of confidence, and frustration that …

Reconstruction Of The Neglected: Cal Poly’S Old Powerhouse, Sophie Meier, Morgan Cuthbert, Luke Zamlich

Architectural Engineering

Cal Poly’s Old Powerhouse (BLDG 76) is the only remaining building from the original Polytechnic school left on campus. It was built in 1910 and placed on the national registry in 1993. The Powerhouse used to do exactly what its name implies, provide power to campus. After it retired from its purpose, it was used for many other use cases, particularly as a space for the College of Architecture and Environmental design. Through its time, it was used as a classroom space, pottery/creative space, a workshop, and even once contained a fishpond. The building was then abandoned in 1990, a …

Mechanism Of Seismic Liquefaction For Heterogeneous Soil, Radu Popescu, Pradipta Chakrabortty

Architectural Engineering

In addition to inducing uncertainty in the predicted response, natural spatial variability of soil properties affects the mechanical response of geotechnical structures. When a failure surface is involved in the response, this surface can deviate from its theoretical location to pass through weaker zones of material. For the case of seismically induced soil liquefaction, it has been found that a larger amount of excess pore water pressure is generated in a soil exhibiting small-scale variability of its properties than in the corresponding uniform soil having geomechanical properties equal to the average properties of the heterogeneous soil. An explanation for this …

Python Manual: A Learning Guide For Structural Engineering Students, Aaron Dewey, Kennedy Gomez, Meileen Yee

Architectural Engineering

This Python programming manual is a resource to assist architectural, civil, or structural engineering students as they learn to create scripts to solve various structural analysis and dynamics problems. Beyond providing guidance on Python libraries that enable numerical and symbolic mathematics (NumPy, SciPy, SymPy), the manual also focuses on the creation of tabular and plot outputs useful to communicate results through technical reports (Pandas, Matplotlib).

The content of this document was developed based on detailed review of curriculum for three architectural engineering computing courses typically offered to upper class students at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo as well as surveys …

Evaluation Of Structural Retrofit Of A Hillside Home, Cameron C. R. Cunningham

Architectural Engineering

On November 24, 2021 after months of initial planning, the project owner received approval from the San Luis Obispo Planning and Building Department for initial work on a residential remodeling submission. This approval including a grading permit and other initial site work to begin renovation of the owner’s hillside residential property.

Teaching The Equivalent Rectangular Stress Block, J. Chris Carroll, Ben Dymond, Anahid Behrouzi

Architectural Engineering

The equivalent rectangular stress block is the basis for determining the flexural strength of reinforced concrete members. Instructors commonly present the concept in two dimensions, contrary to its three-dimensional nature. Unfortunately, this can be particularly difficult for students to understand and visualize, especially for students with visual learning style preferences. This paper presents an overview of the equivalent rectangular stress block, select active learning methods, and four specific examples used by the authors to introduce the equivalent rectangular stress block in an undergraduate reinforced concrete design course. The first method focuses on understanding the terms associated with the equivalent rectangular …

Active And Visual Methods For Teaching Nonrectangular Reinforced Concrete Beams, J.Chris Carroll, Anahid Behrouzi, Karl F. Meyer

Architectural Engineering

Nonrectangular cross sections are a common occurrence in reinforced concrete design typically taking the form of flanged beam sections, circular columns, and square or rectangular columns subject to biaxial bending. Instructors typically introduce the theory behind nonrectangular beams using two-dimensional sketches of flanged sections. Students can struggle to visualize the examples when presented in two dimensions; deciphering the multiple resultant compressive forces and their corresponding moment arms are particularly difficult. This paper presents an overview of nonrectangular beam theory and select active learning methods along with three specific examples used by the authors to teach nonrectangular beams in an undergraduate …