Engineering Commons^™

Building Information Modelling In Ireland 2017, Barry Mcauley, Alan Hore, Roger West

Reports

BIM is perhaps the most topical issue in construction throughout the world at present, as it is associated with solving so many of the present concerns in our industry.

Our lack of housing, shortage of skilled workers, poor document management, overrunning project budgets and sustainability challenges are just a few of the challenges that BIM promises to assist in solving.

The increasing importance of “digitisation” to modern construction and engineering businesses is becoming more apparent as more and more clients are explicitly asking for BIM in the design and delivery of new facilities and infrastructure.

This report provides a snapshot …

Shrinkage Cracking In Concrete Tilt-Up Construction, Stewart Hooks, Jack Robinson

Architectural Engineering

The purpose of this project is to investigate a particular, undesirable cracking pattern in concrete tilt-up panels that, until now, did not have a known definite cause. The cause of this cracking pattern is hypothesized to be due to shrinkage restraint of the concrete panels. The cracking under investigation occurs at the bottom corners of the Tilt-Up panels, suggesting that the base of the panel is restrained from shrinkage. This project models various components of Tilt-Up Construction that have potential for restraining the panels from shrinking. This project consists of the following main components.

The first aspect of this project …

Case Study On Virtual Reality In Construction, Kyle Eugene Haggard

Construction Management

Virtual reality has evolved into a practical technology that has recently been introduced across many different industries. In the construction industry alone, the innovative tool has started to show its worth by limiting rework, time savings, and identifying design flaws. This case study outlines the goals, benefits, and challenges for virtual reality in construction as it relates to BNBuilder’s Spectrum/Vertex project. Due to the infancy of the technology, suggestions were collected from the interviewees and discussed in the subsequent paragraphs. The information for this case study was collected from: phone call interviews from BNBuilders’ field and office employees, the vice …

The Uk Bim Revolution, Wilbert R. Thompson

Construction Management

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a relatively new technology many organizations are trying to efficiently implement in their workflows, as it can provide cost savings, reduce schedules, improve overall quality, as well as reduce conflicts and issues that arise throughout the construction process. In 2011 the UK government released a plan to mandate the use of BIM and collaborative procurement methods on all publicly funded projects with aims to reduce waste and costs, while also improving industry relations by becoming a more knowledgeable client. This paper highlights the challenges of transitioning from traditional construction workflows to collaborative methods, something essential …

Whiting-Turner Plangrid Implementation On Oakland Global Logistics Center: A Case Study, Alex J. Cain

Construction Management

As construction project complexity continues to rise, there will be an increasing importance placed on a company’s ability to manage project information. This management is aided by the use of project management information systems (PMIS). These systems are made up of applications that help managers track project progress from start to finish. Whiting-Turner uses the application Plangrid within their PMIS. This paper will explore how Whiting-Turner implements Plangrid on the currently being constructed Oakland Global Logistics Center. In addition, this paper will review the fundamental concepts behind a PMIS, the framework of mobile computing applications, and the features of leading …

Introducing Concentrations Into The Cal Poly Cm Program, Kevin L. Barry

Construction Management

This paper explores the introduction and integration of industry related concentrations into the Construction Management program at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Specialization has been an integral part of not only the construction industry, but also throughout the industrialization of America. With these concentrations, students will be able to select either an industry sector or job function they are interested in pursuing and take additional classes that dive deeper into that specific facet of industry rather than only brushing the surface with general construction education classes. This program will better prepare students for industry and give those who have a …

Creating A Mentoring Program For Members Of The Cal Poly Women In Construction Club, Savannnah Monique Gauna

Construction Management

The construction industry remains one of the most male dominate industries in the workforce. With universities like California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly, SLO) is placing significance on construction related career paths by offering coursework and graduate studies in construction management. That means a more diverse group of people, including women, are getting exposed to the construction industry and pursuing a college degree so they can obtain a good job. At Cal Poly, a new club was created to empowering women in construction through mentorship, youth outreach, industry support, and strengthening department interrelations. The purpose of this …

A Recommendation To Implement "Spanish In Construction" Topics Course, Benjamin W. Dimer

Construction Management

The purpose of this report is to recommend the addition of a Spanish in Construction class to the Construction Management curriculum. Many of Cal Poly’s graduates enter a construction workforce which is composed heavily of Hispanic and Latino members. Historically, Hispanics and Latinos account for not only the most rapidly growing populations of construction, but also the most proportionally at-risk. In an industry as dangerous as construction, it is important that students are well-rounded and well-prepared to contribute as safely, efficiently, and flawlessly as possible. Thorough literature review and an interview of part-time Cal Poly lecturer and industry veteran, Eric …

Analysis Of The Construction Management Co-Op Program At California Polytechnic State University, Danile Stanley Leavens

Construction Management

Work integrated learning (WIL) programs such as internships or co-operative education programs are a common way of providing practical experience to students while they are completing their degree. This paper will examine the benefits of WIL programs for the students, companies, and universities that actively participate in them. In addition, this analysis researches the findings of other studies on student’s success as a result of WIL programs, how companies are improved with higher quality employees, and the networking connections that universities receive due to students creating great relationships with companies. In an attempt to improve the Construction Management co-op program …

A Case Study On Project Engage, A Step To Solve Alcoholism In The Construction Industry, Tyler Addison Lee

Construction Management

Alcohol is very prevalent in most industries around the globe, but the construction industry has been placed at the top, ranking number two for the most people suffering from alcoholism in the industry according to SAMHSA’s study. Some experts have said this is due to the hard and physical requirements of the job, time requirements of the job, and the stress involved within building a construction project. Common practice in the industry is that when a person is cited for being under the influence while at work, they will be let go, fired, or given a warning depending on the …

Self-Healing Concrete In Commercial Construction, James Anthony Frazier

Construction Management

Crack formation is common among concrete used for all different types of construction. While cracking is inevitable in concrete, it can create instabilities that can compromise an entire building’s structural integrity. New advancements are being made in the biological and engineering fields that are providing a solution to this problem. Certain bacteria and chemicals when mixed provide a reaction that creates limestone material to re-heal cracks in concrete. Using these materials to create this reaction, while incorporating the reactants necessary in concrete mixtures for building, it is possible to eliminate maintenance costs and improve building strength over time. Currently, these …

Advantages Of Integrating Technology Knowledge Into Undergraduate Curriculum, Nicholas Nam

Construction Management

Advancements in technology have made daily construction tasks easier and more efficient and will continue to do so. Cal Poly currently offers a BIM course but it is limited to certain programs and the extent of which these are taught are also limited. This paper will explore the inputs of current Cal Poly construction management students to see how there can be a successful implantation of technology courses and which programs to heavily integrate. The different types of programs available are increasing and are continuing to better themselves, and to have knowledge of these programs can help translate into skills …

Design And Construction Of A Corrugated Metal Roof For Rebuilding Together In San Jose, Ca, Zachary Thomas Pollard

Construction Management

This paper will examine the design development, estimation, and construction of a corrugated metal roof for Rebuilding Together, a nonprofit in San Jose, CA. The contents herein discuss the multitude of steps required to see a construction project from its inception to its completion. Beginning with its schematic design, the project went through many revisions as the conceptual design was modeled in a 3D modeling program called ARCHICAD. Once modeling was complete, the material required to completed the project was taken off using four different material sets – estimates were then complied for each of these material sets and sent …

Recyclable Waste Material As Substitute Aggregate In Concrete, Cannon Michael Lynch

Construction Management

Trash pollution is a serious problem that the world is facing and while there are current efforts to clean up the environment, there still exists the issue of what to do with the trash once collected. Waste material, especially plastic, is littering the ocean and poses a serious threat to wildlife. The construction industry makes a good effort of trying to limit its negative impact on the environment, but it can potentially solve the problem of pollution using one specific material, concrete. The best part about concrete is that its compressive strength can be manipulated by adding or removing certain …

Confidence Analysis Of Superintendents: Trades Vs. School, Paul S. Lavanne

Construction Management

Today, knowledgeable and reliable superintendents are in high demand throughout the construction industry. However, it seems to becoming more and more uncommon for a superintendent to come up through the more traditional route via the trades. It appears that it is becoming more common for superintendents to attend a university and attain a degree relating to construction. This begs the question though, does this new generation have what it takes to match their counterparts that come up through the trades? With this new direction being taken, it makes us wonder if universities are helping set a solid foundation for these …

Remodeling Office For Growing Grounds, Kyle R. Fawley

Construction Management

This project was my first real re-condition project for a portion of an office space for Growing Grounds Farm here in San Luis Obispo. The purpose of this essay is to look back onto my experience and see how much I struggled and learned, and how I can benefit from it in the future. Throughout my project, I made sure there was constant communication between myself and Craig Wilson, program manager for Growing Grounds Farm, with clarifications and several updates. I made sure to fit and complete the project within my tight schedule and adjust it throughout the process. Throughout …

A Case Study In The Improvement Of Construction Efficiency Via The Analysis Of Contemporary Sustainable Practices, Pablo J. Anzoategui

Construction Management

Construction firms can sometimes reflect a lack emphasis over environmental concerns in the design and implementation of building projects. This does not have to be the case however. The following report details some current sustainable construction materials, technique, design, and building practices. It then discusses the implementation of such practices on an individual case basis. The site chosen was Hanover Page Mill, a cutting-edge LEED platinum green built office suite in Palo Alto. Research into sustainable practices was then applied to the building and combined with direct consultation and visual inspection to analyze the effectiveness of the project design and …

Concrete Industry Management In Higher Education, Irl Thomas Barajas

Construction Management

This Paper Focuses on the concrete industry and programs that prepare college students for their future in it and to try and implement some sort of concrete program at Cal Poly. The idea to make Concrete Industry Management first came along at Middle Tennessee State University in 1996, but only a few other programs have started at other schools since then. These programs focus on skills for graduates to enter the concrete industry in production, project management, sales, and marketing. They are structured similar to the way Construction Management programs are structured and have similar courses like estimating, sustainability, and …

Women’S Aquaculture Cooperative Program: A Humanitarian Project Through Journeyman International, Dalton Crump

Construction Management

The Women's Aquaculture Cooperative Program (WACP) is a partnership between the humanitarian platform Journeyman International (JI) and the African energy company Afritech Energy, who aims to provide sustainable, affordable energy to the most remote regions of Africa. The WACP is in the Bihongora region of Rwanda, which currently has no electricity or infrastructure. Afritech plans to build the 5,000 kW Bihongora Hydroelectric Power Plant and create Lake Bihongora in order to power and operate the aquaculture. The project will provide women in the region with the education needed to fully run, operate, and profit from the aquaculture "micro-business." The project …

Heavy Equipment As A Topics Course At Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Construction Management Curriculum, Samuel G. Duner

Construction Management

In the construction industry it has been said that no project is the same. That each project awarded to a contractor will have new and unique details that were not faced in the previous projects. However, all the management skills acquired by the project team will be used to complete the current project. One of those skills that seems to be underutilized and does not receive enough emphasis, is the management of heavy equipment. The purpose of this paper will be to highlight details of heavy equipment management that need to be emphasized in the Cal Poly construction management curriculum, …

Journeyman International Construction Services Brazil Elementary School, Kotaro Kiriharo

Construction Management

This project-based senior project is a partnership with Journeyman International (JI), an interdisciplinary, non-profit organization that is based in downtown San Luis Obispo. JI matches students and volunteers with humanitarian projects all over the world. For the purpose of this project, students from the College of Architecture and Environmental design were paired in order to compile both design and construction service documents for an elementary school in Brazil. The Elementary School, which will be called Nossa Escola de Terra, will be built in Cabo de Santo Agostinho, a small town located in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. This paper highlights …

Preconstruction Services For The Modular House, Trevor Daniel Houghton

Construction Management

The "Modular House", originally named for its composition of 8x8x8 foot steel framed modules, has experienced a rich history of tenants, additions, and tourism. This structure was one of the first to be erected in California Polytechnic’s Poly Canyon. After many great years as a residence and iconic structure the house was ultimately abandoned in 2010. Since then, the building and the canyon have seen increased vandalism and weathering backed by minimal maintenance, resulting in unsafe conditions for the general public. Our mission was to allow this structure to be enjoyed by the public while highlighting its initial architectural features. …

Montgomery High School Baseball Clubhouse Expansion, Armando Ramirez

Construction Management

After graduating from Montgomery High School (MOH) in 2013, I knew that I wanted to give back when the opportunity was given. More specifically, I hoped to help the baseball team. Throughout my years playing baseball at MOH, the coaches and players constantly expressed interest in expanding the clubhouse as it was deemed too small and uncomfortable. After the first meeting with the owner, Coach Hermosillo, a budget was established and preliminary design ideas were brought up. It was important for him to implement the feedback given from the current players. After several meetings and different iterations of the expanded …

Quality Assurance In The Buyout Phase Of The Commercial Sector Of San Francisco, Stephen Chase Johnson

Construction Management

The “buyout” phase in terms of construction management is a transitional phase in construction that is integral to the overall success to a construction project. When done properly it can lead to a smooth and efficient construction phase, and if done poorly can lead to major setbacks of all variety. Quality Assurance measures are a great way to ensure that this process is done in a complete way so as to avoid the negative effects of a poorly executed project buyout. As technologies such as BIM (Building Information Modeling) grow the buyout process has become more involved and exact. Technologies …

Building A Solar Farm On A Rolling Landscape: A Case Study, Jakob Riley Schork

Construction Management

The well-being of the environment in the United States is becoming dependent on a change from unreliable and scarce resources such as coal as a means to generate electricity to a more eco-friendly and abundant source. Solar farms provide the opportunity to generate electricity with no effect on global warming, no environmentally hazardous emissions, and are not affected by the fluctuating costs of fuel. One construction company in particular has noticed this as not only a terrific opportunity to improve the nations’ environmental footprint, but also as a tremendous business opportunity; Swinerton. Swinerton recently developed a renewable energy division that …

The Differences Between Cpm And Resource-Loaded Scheduling And How They Applied To The Martinez Tesoro Refinery Flare Header Replacement Project, Connor Steven Carone

Construction Management

A case study was conducted to analyze the scheduling challenges faced on a refinery construction project in Martinez, California. The main issues on the project were complications experienced by the general contractor in fulfilling a requirement to produce a resource-loaded schedule. Unable to create one, a CPM schedule was produced instead. Research on the differences between a CPM and resource-loaded schedule was conducted in order to uncover how they applied to the refinery project. The most significant differences between the two scheduling methodologies is that a CPM assumes infinite capacity, while resource loading recognizes that resources have finite limits in …

A Case Study: Project Scheduling On Quick Serve Tenant Improvement Projects, Robert M. Malone

Construction Management

Scheduling is the basis for nearly all construction planning. For small tenant improvement projects, time is often of the essence. However, often times the project’s schedule is not closely followed, monitored, or updated. Discovering why the project’s schedule has not been followed, monitored, or updated will illuminate potential ways to improve the efficiency of planning and managing a quick serve construction project. This report will provide this information through a series of indepth interviews, as well as, observations from a three McDonald’s tenant improvement projects on the California Central Coast. From these interviews, the interviewee’s perspective of the project’s progress …

Football Stadium To Rodeo Venue: The Process. A Case Study At Cal Poly, Hunter L. Reaume

Construction Management

This paper is a reflection of the construction process concerning Cal Poly’s 77th Poly Royal Rodeo in Alex G. Spanos Stadium. The paper is an overview of how the project came about, the process of planning, new knowledge, deliverables, lessons learned, and how the experience applies to working in the construction industry. April 5-9, 2017 was the execution of a monumental process. 40,000SF of filter fabric, 2 semi loads (1500 sheets) of plywood, and 200 truckloads of dirt were laid on the live grass of Spanos Stadium to set the stage for a rodeo production unlike most people see in …

South Bay Fire Department: Back Deck, Connor Ray Smith

Construction Management

Local fire station, Station 15, in the community of Los Osos, was in need of a deck to be built in the rear of the station. There was public support, funding, and a desire for an upgrade. With the help of the firefighters and administrative staff at South Bay Fire Department, a 285 square foot structure was constructed to operate as a relaxing area for on duty staff to use between emergency calls. The plan creation, estimating, and building of the deck took approximately a year to complete. An estimated 305 man hours were spent collectively on the project, with …

Case Study: Implementation Of Electronic Documentation On Heavy Civil Construction Projects, Andrew William Jenco

Construction Management

This paper identifies perceived benefits of transitioning to an electronic-based documentation program in a heavy civil subcontractor setting. Electronic documentation has shown to reduce costs through organization, review and retrieval methods. This study provides insight of heavy civil construction managers regarding the efficiency of transitioning to a shared document control system. RFI data among projects utilizing electronic documentation and traditional methods were compared. The RFI turnaround times among six projects that utilized traditional document control methods were compared to the RFI turnaround times of a project utilizing electronic documentation. The data collected from this study suggests that electronic documentation benefits …