Construction Engineering Commons^™

Nahb Production Home Competition As A Learning Tool Towards Incorporating Business Skills In Construction Management Programs, George Berghorn, Chandler Jones, M.G. Matt Syal

The Professional Constructor

There is a growing realization in the construction industry that the traditional focus of Construction Management (CM) education on technical competencies (such as scheduling, estimating, and construction methods) is insufficient in preparing graduates to meet the strategic and leadership demands of the modern construction profession. A successful construction company requires more than project execution; it demands expertise in business development, financial management, marketing, risk management, and organizational leadership. The disparity between the technical and business aspects of CM education has produced graduates who may succeed in project management yet find it challenging to engage with comprehensive business operations.

This study …

Construction Industry Preparedness For Generation Z And Millennials: Aligning Industry Characteristics With Workforce Job Preferences, Ameenullah Amiri, Dhaval R. Gajjar, Jason D. Lucas

The Professional Constructor

The construction industry in the United States suffers from workforce shortages, partly due to younger generations being hired more slowly than baby boomers retire. Generation Z’s (Gen Z) lack of interest in joining the construction industry, coupled with the retirement of older workers, has amplified the problem. This paper investigates existing literature to identify the work and career preferences of Gen Z and Millennials and determine where the industry may focus efforts to attract these two generations. Through a systematic literature review, this study identified overlaps and gaps between the current construction industry workforce’s perceptions of the industry and the …

Heat-Related Injuries And Fatalities In Roofing: Osha Investigations From 2003-2024, Kenneth S. Sands Ii, Benjamin Marshall

The Professional Constructor

This study examines 52 heat-related roofing incidents recorded by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) between 2003-2024 to describe patterns in outcomes and identify trade-specific prevention opportunities. Researchers built a structured dataset from OSHA investigation summaries and analysed frequencies of the incidents and their associations with month, time of day, project type, end use, and age to complement a thematic review of narrative abstracts. Fifty-eight percent of cases were fatalities, with the remainder split between hospitalized and non-hospitalized injuries; these statistics underscore the consequences of heat events that trigger OSHA reporting. There was a clear relationship between number of …

The Development Of A Convenient And Consistent Methodology For Flight Proficiency To Certify Multi-Rotor Uas Pilots For State Departments Of Transportation, Colin H. Dees, Joseph M. Burgett

The Professional Constructor

To fly an unmanned aircraft system (UAS), commonly referred to as a “drone,” the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires pilots to pass a knowledge test. There is no requirement at the state or federal level for drone operators to demonstrate the ability to operate a UAS. The National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) has created an exam for public and private entities to assess basic UAS flight proficiency. It is the only nationally recognized flight proficiency protocol. NIST does not provide a scoring recommendation and leaves it to the user to determine the minimum criteria to pass. There is …

The Professional Constructor, Full Issue

The Professional Constructor

Full Issue, Winter 2026

Volume 50, Number 01

Sustainability Of Apparel Exporting Industry Facilities In South Asia, Sree L. Anilkuma, George H. Berghorn, M.G. Matt Syal

The Professional Constructor

The apparel industry’s contribution to the gross domestic product in South Asian countries is significant and provides livelihoods for millions of people in this region. Although this industry’s contribution towards the economy is substantial, its negative impact on the environment and the working conditions have always been critical issues of concern. The two countries of emphasis in this research, Bangladesh, and India, have experienced numerous garment factory accidents in the form of building collapses, factory fires, and boiler explosions, which have killed and injured thousands of workers. These incidents have brought attention on the need to improve poor facilities and …

Taxonomy Of Trust And Maslow’S Hierarchy Of Needsin The Construction Industry, Ann B. Lyons, Vivek Sharma, Shima Clarke

The Professional Constructor

Trust is vital in every facet of life, enabling collaborative efforts and valuing contributions from various individuals. This is particularly true in the construction industry, where teamwork is essential for success. Prior research has consistently demonstrated that heightened trust levels significantly contribute to better project outcomes and increased client satisfaction. Despite its critical role, the construction industry has yet to adopt a structured hierarchical perspective of trust that aligns with its unique demands. This study aims to fill this gap by validating a comprehensive taxonomy of trust specifically designed for the construction sector. Through literature review, this study identifies key …

The Professional Constructor, Full Issue, Volume 49, Number 01

The Professional Constructor

No abstract provided.

Mixed Reality For In-Field Construction Activities: A Systematic Literature Review To Identify Challenges And Solutions, Sumanth Sai. P., Jason Lucas

The Professional Constructor

With the new industrial revolution, “Industry 4.0,” it is important to understand and incorporate the new standards and technologies evolving in the market. Industry 4.0 relies on the integrated use of big data and analytics coupled with various technologies to help make decisions and manage projects. This revolution has brought Mixed Reality (MR) into the construction field. Mixed reality (MR) offers significant benefits for smart industries, such as enhancing productivity, training, manufacturing, error correction, assembly, and packaging processes. But how feasible are Mixed Reality Technologies (MRTs) considering the high initial investment required for acquiring devices, subscribing to services, planning and …

Computer-Integrated Construction Management With Procore, Vedanth Ashoka, M.G. Matt Syal

The Professional Constructor

The construction industry faces difficulties in managing the enormous amounts of data generated at each stage of a project, impacting project coordination and decision-making. Currently the industry is facing the issue of a lack of interoperability among the multiple software programs being used for different functions. To address this lack of interoperability, there is a need for an integrated environment that allows seamless flow of data between different functions. Among the few software tools that have emerged in recent year, Procore, a cloud-based construction project management software, has emerged as a widely used solution in the industry, enabling collaboration among …

Root And Causes Of Skilled Labor Shortage In Construction Industry: Comprehensive Literature Review, Nicholas Hardy, Carolina Barbosa-Resende, James Kereri, Arash Taghinezhad

The Professional Constructor

The skilled labor shortage is well documented from a historical perspective via studies focusing various construction trades such as carpentry, mechanical, electric and plumbing, and tile setters. Causes of such shortages such as industry image, college as a preferred choice after high school, and construction being a last resort have been investigated extensively. Consequently, possible solutions ranging from amplifying shop classes in high school to intensifying recruiting efforts for union training programs have all been addressed throughout the last 40 years. However, recent studies have focused on identifying the magnitude and reach of the skilled labor gap while limited attention …

The Professional Constructor, Full Issue, Volume 48, Number 01

The Professional Constructor

No abstract provided.

The Professional Constructor, Full Issue, Volume 47, Number 02

The Professional Constructor

No abstract provided.

Best Practices For Reducing Construction Accidents Involving Hispanic Construction Workers, Michael E. Asuquo, Khalid Siddiqi

The Professional Constructor

The objective of this study was to determine best practices for reducing accidents among Hispanic construction workers. It was hypothesized that language barrier between the Hispanics and American workers contributed immensely to high rate of construction accidents on industrial projects. Accident case studies and questionnaire survey were both used. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with Hispanic workers involved in industrial construction projects in Metro Atlanta. Findings from the study concluded that most accidents involving Hispanic workers were caused due to lack of communication from supervisors, ignorance of workers on work procedures, lack of equipment training, and worker negligence. Language …

Construction Management Internship: A Key Opportunity For Assessment And Continuous Curriculum Improvement, James S. Vaux, Bree Dority, Dana E. Vaux

The Professional Constructor

The internship is an integral part of most Construction Management curricula. Studies have noted the importance and reciprocal value of internships for the student, the employer, and the academic program. However, to date, no studies have specifically outlined the value internships provide to the CM program for assessment and evaluation. This paper examines the value of the CM internship as an indirect measure to assess and incorporate change into program curricula. With 10 years of qualitative and quantitative data collected from CM student interns, industry employers, and university internship supervisors, this study supports that CM internships are a valuable tool …

Stick Built Vs. Precut Wall Framing For New Home Construction: A Comparison Of Framing Labor Hours, Waste Hauls, And Purchase Orders, Eric A. Holt, Mark Laliberte, Tristan Grant, Jordan Dentz

The Professional Constructor

Due to many trends in the construction industry (material cost increase, labor shortages, supply chain issues, pandemic, market demand outpacing supply), the homebuilding industry is looking for alternative ways to frame homes. In response to the National Housing Endowment (NHE) Request for Proposal, the researchers reviewed the literature on the housing market’s current state regarding the scale and scope of the skilled construction framers shortage and the current market share of single-family framing method; stick-built vs. precut framing packages. Working with industry partners, the team analyzed time studies for multiple new home builds. It was found that precut wall framing …

Total Cost Of Ownership Of Battery-Powered Vs. Hardwired Sensor Faucets In Commercial And Educational Construction Projects, Marie Patterson, Blake Wentz

The Professional Constructor

Owners who are pursing the construction of a new commercial building are becoming increasingly more interested in the sustainability, energy efficiency and life cycle costs of their proposed project. These owners are asking designers and construction companies to develop innovative strategies to lower their utility use and total cost in their projects. One area of opportunity to meet this owner need is the decision to use sensor lavatory faucets that are either battery-powered or hardwired.Several construction projects of various types and locations were analyzed to determine the total cost of ownership of both types of sensor faucets over a 12-year …

The Professional Constructor, Full Issue, Volume 47, Number 01

The Professional Constructor

No abstract provided.

Using Flight Simulation As A Convenient Method For Uas Flight Assessment For Contractors, Colin Dees, Joseph M. Burgett

The Professional Constructor

Operating an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) for commercial purposes in the United States requires the pilot to pass the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) knowledge exam to earn their UAS license. The exam does not include a practical component where flight proficiency is assessed. This represents a source of risk for contractors if flight proficiency is not evaluated in another way. The National Institute of Standards and Technology is a federal agency and has developed the Basic Maneuvering Test (BMT). It is the only nationally recognized UAS flight proficiency exam. While not required, the construction industry can benefit by using this …

Impact Of Covid-19 On Sense Of Community / Student Engagement, Aaron Sauer, Richard Gebken, Richard Bruce

The Professional Constructor

The spring of 2020 was a time of unprecedented change for higher education institutions. The COVID-19 pandemic forced schools to re-think instructional delivery and the undergraduate experience as they implemented measures to protect students, faculty, and staff. Unraveling the impact of the pandemic on higher education will take many years. This study investigated how the institutional response in the return to campus following the pandemic influenced sense of community, a component of student engagement. A previously developed instrument was delivered at two construction management programs in the U.S. Midwest before and after the pandemic. The two schools were similar in …

Current State Of The Workforce Demographics And Knowledge Transfer Strategies In The Southeast United States, Vivek Sharma, Dhaval Gajjar, Kapil Madathil, David Davis, Shreyas Patel

The Professional Constructor

The construction industry is a very diverse industry due to the unique nature of projects and expertise within various construction companies driven by multiple regional/national factors. The United States Department of Labor reported 44% of the current US employed population will be above 65 in eleven years by 2028, making workforce studies and knowledge transfer a key driver in leading construction business models. This study conducted an in-depth investigation in the southeast region of the US on the current state of workforce demographics and the need for knowledge transfer within the ranks of management coupled with trade personnel. The study …

Perceptions Of Remote Work Within The Construction Industry Resulting From The Covid-19 Pandemic In The South Central United States, Sara B. Overturf, Ben Bigelow, Matthew Reyes

The Professional Constructor

Working remotely became increasingly popular over the previous two years, given organization’s need to rapidly adjust to changing conditions as a result of the Coronavirus. It allowed companies to more easily adapt to stay-at home orders and create a safer environment for their employees. While working remotely can have a positive impact on employees, there are also challenges to overcome for both employees and organizations. This study focused on understanding both the prevalence and implementation of remote work within the commercial Construction industry to face the professional challenges resulting from the Coronavirus. This paper provides insight into companies that have …

Educating The Construction Client: Training Strategy For Buyers Of Commercial Design And Construction Services, Michael J. Emmer

The Professional Constructor

Business owners can face a myriad of challenges when venturing into a new construction project. Most of the design and construction process is unfamiliar territory as compared to their customary business operations and owners face a wide assortment of issues when making the decision to build a new facility. Consequently, the majority of owners are entirely out of their business element when deciding to enter into the undertaking of a new building project. Since most of the risk with any given project rests with the Owner, better training and strategies for owners will lead to a higher likelihood of project …

The Professional Constructor, Full Issue, Volume 46, Number 02

The Professional Constructor

No abstract provided.

Prefabrication In Buildings With Focus On Emerging Mep Rack Systems, Mark Daniels, M.G. Matt Syal

The Professional Constructor

The growth in technology and automation has influenced the construction industry to explore prefabrication alternatives in building design and construction. In addition, the shortage of skilled labor is accelerating the push for the adoption of prefabrication in building industry. This paper provides an overview of the present construction market and labor trends and summarizes various levels and categories of prefabrication. It then provides detailed information on an emerging MEP prefabricated solution known as the MEP rack systems. The implementation of the MEP rack systems is discussed with the help of a hospital case study project. It concludes with the discussion …

Case Study Of Using Unmanned Aircraft Systems To Support Bridge Inspections, Joseph M. Burgett, Gurcan Comert

The Professional Constructor

This paper presents the results of a case study conducted to evaluate the potential benefit of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones, as a tool to improve the bridge inspection workflow. The study conducted two experiments to determine how well deficiencies could be detected using a UAS. Both experiments were conducted using the same test bridge. The first experiment was carried out by the bridge inspection engineers (BIEs), who had previously inspected the bridge using traditional methods. They used the drone to search for inspection points identified in the inspection report. The second experiment was conducted by …

Stick Built Vs. Panelize Wall/Truss Framing For New Home Construction: A Time Study Labor Comparison., Eric A. Holt, Jim Anzlovar, Alexander Welsh

The Professional Constructor

Due to many trends in the construction industry (material cost increase, labor shortages, supply chain issues, pandemic, market demand outpacing supply), the homebuilding industry is looking for alternative ways to frame homes. In response to the National Housing Endowment (NHE) Request for Proposal, the researchers reviewed the literature on the housing market’s current state regarding the scale and scope of the skilled construction framers shortage and the current market share of single-family framing method; stick-built vs. panelization. Working with industry part ners, the team analyzed time studies for multiple new home builds. It was found that panelized wall framing systems …

Minority And Female Participation In Construction Industry Apprenticeship Programs, Richard Bruce, Aaron Sauer, Patrick Sells, Curtis Bradford

The Professional Constructor

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic’s Current Population Survey, nearly 90 percent of the 10.7 million people employed in the construction industry are white males (2021). This statistic will remain unchanged unless more minorities and females are recruited into the industry. For craft workers, a primary recruitment mechanism is the registered apprenticeship program. This study analyzes the U.S. Department of Labor’s Registered Apprenticeship Database (RAPIDs) from 2000 to 2019 to identify trends for new apprentices. The study found that there was no change in the proportion of new female apprentices in the previous 20 years and no change …

Evaluation Of In-Cab Air Quality For Nonroad Diesel Construction Equipment, Phil Lewis, Sherif El Khouly, Adam Mayer, Jeremy Johnson

The Professional Constructor

Previous research indicates that air quality near the cabs of nonroad diesel equipment may exceed recommended exposure limits for certain pollutants. The objective of this case study was to collect and analyze air pollutant data near the cabs of nonroad diesel equipment while performing real world activities. Using state-of-the-art instrumentation, the research team conducted 24 tests on nine different items of nonroad equipment. The team collected data related to pollutant concentrations of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, and black carbon. Average concentrations of carbon monoxide and nitric oxide did not exceed published exposure limits on …

The Professional Constructor, Full Issue, Volume 46, Number 01

The Professional Constructor

No abstract provided.