Engineering Commons^™

Quality Of Life Research For Cal Poly Construction Management Graduates In The Bay Area And Los Angeles County, Trevor Colbert

Construction Management

Construction Management Graduates from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo graduate at an impeccable 97.5% per year. On average over 78% of graduates relocate to the Bay Area or Los Angeles County, but how are graduates basing their decision on where to relocate? Sociology professor, Mark Schneider, developed an accurate way to measure the satisfaction of residents within a given city. Through subjective and objective social indicators, Schneider is able to gauge total life satisfaction. Analyzing data from interviews with recent graduates, economic data from local, state and federal governments, and personal knowledge from living in each area – an immense …

Bs News March/April

Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.

Thermographic Laplacian-Pyramid Filtering To Enhance Delamination Detection In Concrete Structure, Chongsheng Cheng, Ri Na, Zhigang Shen

Department of Construction Engineering and Management: Faculty Publications

Despite decades of efforts using thermography to detect delamination in concrete decks, challenges still exist in removing environmental noise from thermal images. The performance of conventional temperature-contrast approaches can be significantly limited by environment-induced non-uniform temperature distribution across imaging spaces. Time-series based methodologies were found robust to spatial temperature non-uniformity but requires extended period to collect data. A new empirical image filtering method is introduced in this paper to enhance the delamination detection using blob detection method that originated from computer vison. The proposed method employs a Laplacian of Gaussian filter to achieve multi-scale detection of abnormal thermal patterns by …

Implementing Unbiased Decision-Making In Construction: A Lean Approach, Somik Ghosh, Michelle Robinette, Howard Tapia

The Professional Constructor

Construction project-teams are frequently faced with the task of decision-making as part of their responsibility. The positive effects of the decisions made at various stages of the projects lead to improved project performances, while negative effects can hinder the performances. The project teams take up the task of decision-making surrounded by multiple criteria, which can be arduous and clouded with subjectivity. This paper presents an approach based on the Lean principle of providing more autonomy to the project-teams and supporting collaborative and decentralized process in pursuit of unbiased decision-making. This Lean way of decision-making is formalized as Choosing by Advantage …

Attracting And Retaining Future Top Performing Employees: A Student Perspective, Julia Allen

The Professional Constructor

This essay provides insight as to how construction companies can both attract and retain top performing employees. By making the standard interview and recruiting processes more personal, construction companies can evaluate potential hires to see is they are a good fit for the company for years to come. Once employees are hired, companies then need to provide opportunities for both personal and professional growth. From personal experiences, I share the characteristics I find most important in an ideal employer and emphasize the importance of having an in-depth, genuine conversation with potential hires.

Attracting And Retaining Top Employees By Placing Proper Value On Their Contribution To The Company, Joseph Franklin Iii

The Professional Constructor

Due to an optimistic economic future, construction companies want to attract and retain the best employees to ensure company success. Because of a larger job market, employees now look for the optimal work values to be met in long-term employment opportunities. Construction companies have many challenges when attracting and retaining top employees in a growing market. Therefore; it is beneficial for employers to consider the evolving work values of employees and for these values to be promoted throughout company culture. Offering employees good value for their contribution to the company attracts and retains top employees.

Social Resources Of Mechanical Contracting Management Personnel, Blake Wentz, Sarabeth Gandara

The Professional Constructor

The construction industry in the United States is projected to grow faster than average compared to other industries through 2026. The Baby Boomer generation is leaving a significant gap in the labor force as they reach retirement. Retention of high quality management personnel is a priority for all companies in the construction industry, including mechanical contracting companies. Firms that fail to retain these employees will be left with an understaffed and underqualified workforce, which will hinder their ability to be competitive in the marketplace. In order to aid in retention efforts, mechanical contracting firms need to focus their attention on …

Essay Winners, American Institute Of Constructors

The Professional Constructor

No abstract provided.

Attracting And Retaining Future Top Performing Employees, Caleb Bardin

The Professional Constructor

The goal of this essay is to explore the key factors that influence top-performing employees’ decisions to change companies or remain with their current employers. A few of these factors are salary and benefits, work environment, and corporate advancement. This essay will address such factors and propose solutions using my own educational and professional experience. A key theme to note is the constant evaluation of employees and workplace environment by employers. No company can hope to be successful or have the best people if this skill is not enhanced and implemented well.

Study Of Various Construction Job Functions To Address Workforce Challenge, Abraham Bonilla, Dhaval Gajjar, Kenneth Sullivan

The Professional Constructor

Lack of construction workforce is one of the most predominant challenges faced by the construction industry. It is predicted that the industry will have a major shortage of skilled labor in the next decade due to the retirement of baby boomers and the lack of new talent entering the industry to replace these baby boomers. To attract young talent into the construction industry, it is critical to make them aware about the industry regarding various job functions as it relates to job satisfaction, compensation and career fulfilment. The purpose of this study is to gain insight of various construction job …

Consumer Perception And Willingness To Pay For Extended New Home Warranties, C. Todd Usher, Joseph M. Burgett

The Professional Constructor

Construction standards and methods for building new homes has improved over the last two decades resulting in significant improvements in energy efficiency, comfort, indoor air quality, and durability of new homes. Despite these improvements, the most common builder warranty for a new home in the United States ranges from 6 months to two years in duration. During the past two decades, manufacturer warranties on other durable goods such as automobiles has increased significantly. This study measures consumer perceptions of extended 12 year new home warranties with a survey completed by 162 adults in the United States. The results indicate that …

Mechanical Behaviors Of Hydrogel-Impregnated Sand, Kejun Wen, Yang Li, Wei Huang, Catherine Armwood, Farshad Amini, Lin Li

Civil and Architectural Engineering Faculty Research

Hydrogel has been widely used in medical studies due to their unique integration of solid and liquid properties. There is limited studies of using hydrogel in construction materials. The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of hydrogel on mechanical behaviors of sandy materials. The effects of reaction time, sodium alginate content, and curing temperature on mechanical behaviors of hydrogel-impregnated sand were studied through unconfined compression tests, falling head permeability tests, consolidated and undrained triaxial tests, scanning electron microscopy, and durability tests. The unconfined compression strength (UCS) increased with sodium alginate content, but the hydraulic conductivity of hydrogel-impregnated …

Assessing Impact And Blast Resilience Of Polymer Coated Cementitious Materials, Murtaza Nalwala, Gabriel Nsengiyumva, Yong-Rak Kim

UCARE: Research Products

RESEARCH MOTIVATION The bridge piers are highly vulnerable to the impact and blast loads. The position in which they are constructed makes it difficult to install protective devices around them. By the current AASHTO standard, it is possible to under-design bridge piers for commercial vehicle impacts and other events such as blast.

OBJECTIVE To improve impact and blast resilience of bridge piers using polymeric coatings.

CONCLUSION Polymer coating of Portland cement concrete can be achieved with a good bonding. ü The polymeric coating seem to improve impact resilience of Portland cement concrete by increasing absorbed impact energy (i.e., area underneath …

E-Construction Technologies For Efficient Highway Construction Inspections, Dhaivat Patel

Theses and Dissertations--Civil Engineering

Over recent years, organizations such as the Federal Highway Administration and Departments of Transportation across the United States have showed interest in automating highway construction processes. The addition of e-Construction and other advanced technologies can significantly improve the efficiency and safety of highway paving operations, specifically paving inspections. Activities such as collecting load tickets, tracking pavement lay-down temperatures, and monitoring roller movement are antiquated practices that DOT inspectors perform during paving operations. E-Ticketing, Paver Mounted Thermal Profiling, and Intelligent Compaction were proposed to automate paving inspections and were recently tested in two resurfacing pilot projects in the state of Kentucky. …

ผลของปริมาณบอแรกซ์และเถ้าแกลบต่อสมบัติของจีโอโพลิเมอร์มอร์ต้าร์จากเถ้าลอยแคลเซียมสูง, กิตติ์ จันทร์ประสิทธิ์

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

งานวิจัยนี้มีวัตถุประสงค์หลักในการพัฒนาสมบัติของวัสดุจีโอโพลิเมอร์ที่ผสมบอแรกซ์ที่เรียกว่า “บอโรอลูมิโนซิลิเกต (BASG)” ซึ่งเป็นหนึ่งในวัสดุที่เป็นมิตรต่อสิ่งแวดล้อม ส่วนเชื่อมประสานของจีโอโพลิเมอร์ทำจากเถ้าลอยแคลเซียมสูง โซเดียมไฮดรอกไซด์ (NH) โซเดียมซิลิเกต (NS) และบอแรกซ์ ทุกส่วนผสมใช้สัดส่วนเถ้าลอยต่อทรายคงที่เท่ากับ 1:2.75 โดยน้ำหนัก ใช้อัตราส่วน NS/NH โดยน้ำหนักเท่ากับ 1:1, 0.75:1 และ 0.5:1 ใช้บอแรกซ์แทนที่ NS ในปริมาณ 0%, 10%, 20% และ 30% โดยน้ำหนัก และศึกษาการใช้เถ้าแกลบ (RHA) ในการพัฒนากำลังรับแรงและความทึบน้ำของจีโอโพลิเมอร์มอร์ต้าร์ โดยใช้ RHA ในปริมาณ 0%, 3.6%, 4.8% และ 6.0% โดยน้ำหนักของเถ้าลอย จากการทดสอบพบว่าการแทนที่ NS ด้วยบอแรกซ์ส่งผลให้ความสามารถทำงานได้และความแข็งแรงของมอร์ต้าร์ลดลง เมื่อเปรียบเทียบกับส่วนผสมควบคุมที่ไม่ผสม RHA พบว่า BASG มอร์ต้าร์ที่ผสม RHA มีกำลังอัด กำลังดัด และความทึบน้ำที่ดีกว่า ผลการทดสอบโครงสร้างระดับจุลภาคบ่งชี้ว่าการใส่ RHA ช่วยเพิ่มสัดส่วน Si/Al ของจีโอโพลิเมอร์เจล โดยกำลังรับแรงอัดของ BASG มอร์ต้าร์ที่ผสม RHA มีค่าสูงสุดเท่ากับ 58.6 MPa

พฤติกรรมการรับแรงดัดของคานคอนกรีตผสมเส้นใยเหล็กภายใต้ภาวะการกัดกร่อน, อาณสิทธิ์ การินทอง

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

ตั้งแต่อดีตจนถึงปัจจุบัน โครงสร้างคอนกรีตเสริมเหล็กเป็นโครงสร้างที่นิยมใช้กันอย่างแพร่หลาย แต่เนื่องจากเหล็กเสริมมีความทนทานต่อการกัดกร่อนที่ต่ำ ปัญหาการกัดกร่อนภายในโครงสร้างเป็นปัญหาสำคัญที่ส่งผลกระทบต่อความสามารถในการรับแรงของโครงสร้างที่ลดลงเนื่องจากสูญเสียปริมาณเหล็กเสริมไป ซึ่งอาจทำให้เกิดอันตรายต่อผู้ใช้งานโครงสร้างได้ ดังนั้นจึงจำเป็นต้องมีการพัฒนาโครงสร้างคอนกรีตเสริมเหล็กให้สามารถรับกำลังภายใต้สภาวะการกัดกร่อนได้ดีขึ้น งานวิจัยนี้จึงมีวัตถุประสงค์เพื่อศึกษาพฤติกรรมการดัดของคานคอนกรีตเสริมเหล็กผสมเส้นใยเหล็กภายใต้ภาวะการกัดกร่อน ด้วยการศึกษาอิทธิพลของปริมาณเส้นใยที่ใช้ต่อความเสียหายที่เกิดขึ้นเนื่องจากการกัดกร่อน และอิทธิพลของปริมาณเส้นใยที่ใช้ต่อพฤติกรรมของคานที่สภาวะการกัดกร่อน ตัวแปรที่ใช้ในการศึกษาคือ ระดับการกัดกร่อน (ร้อยละ 0, 2 และ 5) และปริมาณเส้นใยเหล็กที่ใช้ผสม (ร้อยละ 0, 0.5, 1.0 และ 1.5 โดยปริมาตรคอนกรีต) โดยศึกษาจากตัวอย่างคานทั้งหมด 12 ตัวอย่าง ผลการทดสอบพบว่า ปริมาณการใช้เส้นใยที่ในปริมาณที่เหมาะสมทำให้ความกว้างรอยแตกร้าวเนื่องจากการกัดกร่อนลดลงอย่างมีนัยสำคัญ โดยการผสมเส้นใยร้อยละ 1.0 ช่วยลดความกว้างรอยแตกร้าวลงได้ถึงร้อยละ 63.55 ที่การกัดกร่อนร้อยละ 2 และลดลงร้อยละ 27.96 ที่การกัดกร่อนร้อยละ 5 และการผสมเส้นใยช่วยทดแทนกำลังรับแรงดัดที่สูญเสียเนื่องจากการกัดกร่อนได้ โดยการผสมเส้นใยร้อยละ 0.5 สามารถทดแทนกำลังที่สูญเสียไปร้อยละ 101.3 ที่การกัดกร่อนร้อยละ 2 และ การผสมเส้นใยร้อยละ 1.0 สามารถทดแทนกำลังที่สูญเสียไปร้อยละ 101.2 ที่การกัดกร่อนร้อยละ 5 อีกทั้งเส้นใยเหล็กยังช่วยเพิ่มประสิทธิภาพในการถ่ายแรงไปยังเหล็กเสริมรับแรงดึงและช่วยให้พฤติกรรมการรับแรงดัดของคานคอนกรีตเสริมเหล็กไม่เปลี่ยนแปลงไปภายใต้ภาวะการกัดกร่อน

Balancing Mass Transit Ridership Through Land Use Development, Achara Limmonthol

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

The utmost utility of the transit system can be supported by the balance of ridership. It is not only gaining more operational benefits but also enhancing the efficiency of the system as a whole. Transit Oriented Development (TOD) is defined as an integration between land use and transportation, which focuses on the station areas. Land use characteristics are the essential factors that affect trip generation and trip attraction. Some types of land use generate trips mainly during peak hours. Meanwhile, some other types generate trips during off-peak hours. This dissertation therefore focuses on the balancing mass transit ridership through land …

A Business Success Evaluation Of Market Entry Mode Types In Myanmar Construction, Naw Ruth Po Gay

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

The optimal entry mode decision and knowing the critical success factors are important for successful international market expansion. However, there are not many studies for developing Asian countries, such as Myanmar. Investors need to know what factors influence entry mode decision and business success. Therefore, the objectives of this study are 1) to identify the factors that influence entry modes decision, 2) to identify the critical success factors of entry modes for business, 3) to identify the significant factors that affect business success. The questionnaire survey using a five-point Likert scale was developed and distributed in Yangon, the commercial city …

Analysis Of Construction Fall Protection Guardrails In A Population With Changing Anthropometrics, Connor S. Klinzing

Masters Theses

The construction trade has commonly been cited as one of the most dangerous industries within the United States, with falls from elevation being the most predominate cause for injuries and deaths. The OSHA standards related guardrails has not changed since its implementation in 1970. These standards originally derive from the 1950s, which expect a 160-pound person with 40 pounds of equipment, tools, etc. However, the anthropometries of the common working age citizen has dramatically changed in respects to their weight. This study examines the relationship of the guardrail system to the changing anthropometries to determine if a reform is necessary …

Adapting The Surveying Curriculum To New Dimensions Of The Profession, Fahria Masum, Reinfried Mansberger, Audrey Martin, Gerhard Navratil, Anthony Mushinge

Articles

Today the surveying profession is very different from what it was twenty years ago. Recent technological innovations, globalization, and global land-related challenges have allowed a wide range of advances in the surveying profession. The vision is to promote surveying practices that can enhance the quality of services in a variety of tracks in the land profession. According to the new adjacent professional areas and the needs of the labor market, academic courses for surveyors have to be adapted to meet the broader scope of the surveying profession and to supply highly qualified land professionals. This paper outlines the new challenges …

Redefining Construction “As-Built” Plans To Meet Current Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Needs, Victoria Lynn Lasley

Theses and Dissertations--Civil Engineering

As-built drawings are the traditional method used by the construction industry to record changes made during construction. As-builts provide valuable information for new design projects as well as rehabilitation and remediation projects. The completeness and accuracy of these plans are essential for transportation industries and their success. While the importance of as-builts is widely recognized, the process of creating them has proven to be difficult. It is a time consuming process and entities often lack the resources necessary to complete accurate and detailed as-builts. After an investigation of current as-built operations within State Transportation Agencies, recommendations have been made to …

Improving Safety Performance Of Highway Maintenance Crews Through Pre-Task Safety Toolbox Talks, Zamaan Al-Shabbani

Theses and Dissertations--Civil Engineering

The dangerous work environment in the construction industry and the inherent high risks associated with construction work make it the focus of safety training and regulations. Highway construction and maintenance has unique hazards but seemingly less directly applicable safety standards, regulations, and programs. Department of Transportation (DOT) employees working in highway maintenance are exposed to a variety of unique hazards specifically associated with their work and not relating to the adjacent traffic. Yet, highway construction and maintenance work has not received sufficient attention in terms of safety research and programs. The lack of safety training and education in highway construction …

Hazard Recognition And Risk Perception Among Union Electricians, Elyas Jazayeri

Theses and Dissertations--Civil Engineering

Hazard recognition and risk perception are two important factors that are a focus of most safety training programs. According to previous research, unrecognized hazards could lead to underestimation of risks, which ultimately could lead to injuries and fatalities. The primary objective of this research was to assess hazard recognition and safety risk perception skills in the electrician trade among electricians in unions. Another goal of this study was to find possible correlation between level of engagement in safety training and hazard recognition and risk perception skills. The research objectives were accomplished by gathering data from sixty-seven apprentices and journeymen across …

Development Of A Readiness Model For The Application Of Precast Concrete In Housing Construction: A Case Study In Myanmar, Aung Phone Myint

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

Precast concrete construction has been verified that it is one of the solutions for the growth of urbanization and housing development. In addition, it helps to reduce the labor requirement and material wastage in construction. However, the use of precast concrete technology is not still popular and not widely used within the Myanmar housing construction industry. Moreover, there is no readiness assessment model encompassed the readiness of construction industry including major stakeholders who are representatives of the construction industry for accepting the new technology. Therefore, the aim of this study is to develop a readiness model that can assess the …

แบบจำลองพฤติกรรมการเลือกใช้ยานพาหนะร่วมกัน: กรณีศึกษาผู้ใช้รถจักรยานยนต์รับจ้างในกรุงเทพมหานคร, วีรชัย โสธนนันทน์

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

การบริการมอเตอร์ไซค์แชริ่งจะเป็นทางเลือกในเดินทางที่จะช่วยยกระดับคุณภาพชีวิตและเป็นทางเลือกการเดินทางของประชาชนในกรุงเทพมหานคร งานวิจัยนี้จึงมุ่งเน้นวิเคราะห์หาปัจจัยที่ส่งผลต่อการตัดสินใจเปลี่ยนรูปแบบการเดินทางของผู้โดยสารที่ใช้รถจักรยานยนต์รับจ้างมาเป็นการใช้บริการมอเตอร์ไซค์แชริ่ง โดยเจาะจงกลุ่มตัวอย่างเป็นผู้โดยสารที่ใช้บริการรถจักรยานยนต์รับจ้างเพื่อเชื่อมต่อกับระบบรถไฟฟ้าขนส่งมวลชนในพื้นที่ย่านศูนย์กลางทางธุรกิจของกรุงเทพมหานครจำนวน 349 ตัวอย่าง โดยใช้วิธีเก็บรวบรวมข้อมูลเชิงกล่าวอ้างด้วยการจำลองสถานการณ์สมมติ 6 สถานการณ์และสร้างแบบจำลองโลจิสติคทวินามบนพื้นฐานของทฤษฎีอรรถประโยชน์ นำข้อมูลมาวิเคราะห์ทางสถิติด้วยโปรแกรม Rstudio จากผลของการศึกษาพบว่าตัวแปรที่มีอิทธิพลเชิงบวกต่อการเลือกใช้บริการมอเตอร์ไซค์แชริ่งอย่างมีนัยสำคัญ ได้แก่ เวลาและค่าใช้จ่ายของรถจักรยานยนต์รับจ้าง ความเต็มใจจ่ายในการใช้บริการ ระยะเวลาเดินที่ยอมรับได้ ความถี่ในการใช้บริการรถจักรยานยนต์รับจ้างต่อสัปดาห์ การมีใบอนุญาตขับขี่รถจักรยานยนต์ สำหรับตัวแปรระยะทางในการเดินทาง สถานะภาพการสมรส จำนวนรถจักรยานยนต์และจำนวนรถยนต์ในครอบครองครอบครองส่งผลเชิงลบต่อการเลือกใช้บริการมอเตอร์ไซค์แชริ่ง โดยมูลค่าเวลาในการเดินทางของผู้โดยสารรถจักรยานยนต์รับจ้างของกลุ่มตัวอย่างมีค่าเท่ากับ 5.63 บาทต่อนาที

The Impact Of Extreme Virtual Elevation Above Grade On Construction Workers' Physiological Responses, Physical Responses, And Task Performance, Mahmoud Habibnezhad

Department of Construction Engineering and Management: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

On average, in every two work hours, one person dies from work-related injuries at construction sites. Most incidents are due to falling from elevated surfaces. Slips, trips, and loss of balance are the main causes. Studies suggest that instigating visual mismatch and physiological changes are among the most important reasons behind falling from narrow elevated surfaces. By using advanced virtual reality models, this dissertation aims to highlight some of the possible effects of a destabilizing environment (i.e., elevation above grade) on workers’ physiological responses and task performance. More specifically, this dissertation strives to find potential effects of elevation above grade …

The Influence Of Of Company Culture On Employee Satisfaction At Holder Construction: A Case Study, Callie Alexander

Construction Management

Since being founded in 1960, Holder Construction has grown to do work all across The United States and internationally as well. Today, repeat clients are what drive Holder’s core markets and provide eighty five percent of the work that Holder performs. The associates at Holder Construction believe their success stems from the company’s culture. The “Holder Way” is a slogan that encompasses all cultural attributes that Holder Construction expects their associates to embody. This case study evaluates Holder Construction’s effectiveness of their company’s cultural training in regards to employee satisfaction and fulfillment. Are these employees truly living out what is …

Osha-30 Interactive Laboratory Course, Matthew Bramlett

Construction Management

This course is aimed to give the students of the Construction Management (CM) department a more in depth knowledge on topics covered in the online OSHA-30 hour safety course. The online focuses on a wider range of topics that are covered in the OSHA-10 hour course that students are required to complete in CM 413: Jobsite Management, such as hazard communication, OSHA inspection procedures, industrial hygiene & bloodborne pathogens, and much more. The course will also include topics outside the scope of the 30-hour class such as: heavy equipment inspections, rigging safety and techniques, challenges of working in the marine …

Implementation Of Blockchain Technology In The Construction Industry, Steven Graham

Construction Management

In general, the construction industry has been pretty resistant to change. While most industries have gained in productivity over the years through implementation of new technologies and other factors, construction industry productivity has been on a steady decline since the 1960s. Even though there are a multitude of reasons for this, including more complex building types and a decline in the workforce, the major problem holding construction back are project management issues and alienation of project stakeholders in the construction process. Some improvements have been made to help with collaboration between parties, like BIM (building information modeling) and project management …

Logistics And Funding Plan For The Simpson Strong-Tie Lab Crane, Arya Ghourchian

Construction Management

In the recent years, there has been interests regarding an overhead crane to be erected inside of Cal Poly Simpson Strong Tie Lab (Building 187). This under running single girder crane system will be used for construction classes, and to lift heavy equipment. The erection of this 2 Ton indoor crane will be crucial to provide modular pieces, for whom that lost their homes due to the California fires. Additionally, there has been previous senior projects researches; reference attached preconstruction services, and a full structural analysis of SST Laboratory. I am in charge of collecting information regarding: Bid Estimate, Advertisement …