Engineering Commons^™

Helical Products Parts Display Stand, Binh Nguyen, Emily Yuan Mendyke, Zoe Porter

Mechanical Engineering

Helical Products needs a new product display stand that will demonstrate their custom springs, couplings, and u-joints. Their current display stand, a marble run contraption, is large, loud, and difficult to transport, so they would like the new stand to remedy these issues. The goal of this senior project is to create a display stand that captures the attention of their customers with dynamic product demonstrations while addressing the issues outlined above.

The new display stand is also a marble run contraption, but instead of being almost 4 feet tall and 3 feet long, it is 23” tall, 26.25” long, …

Peerproxy: A Webrtc Proxy For Http, Nathan Li-En Lee

Master's Theses

Advances in networking technologies have empowered individuals to easily self-host digital services such as websites and smart home systems. However, accessing these services externally often requires port forwarding, which requires manual router configuration, technical expertise in networking, and is sometimes restricted by internet service providers. Proxy-based services such as Ngrok and Cloudflare Tunnels simplify external access by using publicly hosted proxy servers, but introduce increased infrastructure costs and privacy concerns due to reliance on third-party servers that can inspect or store traffic.

This thesis presents PeerProxy, a novel framework that simplifies access to self-hosted web services without manual network configuration, …

Assessing Arterial Compliance: Utilizing A Surrogate Arm Bench Top Model For Oscillometric Blood Pressure Monitoring, Krystal Cardenas

Master's Theses

A study was conducted to evaluate the compliance of artificial artery systems utilizing an adaptation of the Yong-Geddes Surrogate Arm model, composed of a blood pressure cuff, artificial artery, pressure transducers, and flow to replicate physiological conditions to validate oscillometric non-invasive blood pressure measurement methods. The experiment phases included tube, blood pressure cuff, and the surrogate arm compliance tests both in static and dynamic conditions. Tube compliance tests showed that larger diameters resulted in increased compliance, with Sample 1 (smaller inner diameter, ID) resulting in an average compliance of 0.0912 mL/mmHg, and Sample 2 (bigger ID) resulting in 0.1597 mL/mmHg. …

Efficacy Of Immersive Virtual Reality Gameplay In Environmental Attitude Change: The Case Of Abandoned Offshore Oil Platforms In Santa Barbara, Arun Prasad Srinivasan Manoharan

Master's Theses

Public perception plays an important role in shaping conservation policies and decisions, especially in contested environmental spaces. Offshore oil platforms, historically viewed as environmental hazards, have been found to serve as marine habitats that support diverse marine life. However, public perception remains largely negative, influenced by concerns over pollution from past oil spill accidents. Traditional environmental education methods, such as lectures and documentaries, often fail to engage audiences effectively or shift entrenched opinions. This study explores the efficacy of immersive Virtual Reality (VR) gameplay in changing environmental attitudes, specifically in the context of abandoned offshore oil platforms in Santa Barbara, …

Performance Of Neural Networks On Fpga For Embedded Devices Using Hls4ml Framework, Alam N. Romo Lopez

Master's Theses

As machine learning models such as neural networks are investigated for their applications across many fields, the demand for models that can be implemented on an embedded device grows. Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) have become an attractive option for implementing these models in hardware. This thesis considers the viability of FPGA implementations for machine learning on low-resourced embedded systems. The hls4ml project is a promising prospect for machine learning on FPGA devices. To test hls4ml, we used a model trained on the MNIST digits dataset, which was then synthesized for the PYNQ-Z2 device. We fine tuned the performance by …

Realistic Bionic Arm Development For Transradial Amputation, Bailey A. Wall, Lilly Noel Curdy, Ruthie Mccall, Courtney Mahoney, Andres Trejo

Biomedical Engineering

The VeraLimb realistic bionic arm is intended for use by individuals with a trans-radial amputation or congenital limb deficiency below the elbow to provide functional hand and arm movements. This advanced prosthetic device is designed to mimic a biological hand's natural motion, dexterity, control, and aesthetic, giving the user a higher sense of restored limb functionality. It offers an experience that closely restores motor function in a way that resembles having a natural hand rather than interacting with a mechanical device. The VeraLimb is suitable for daily activities, allowing users to grasp, manipulate, and interact with objects. It is designed …

Operating Room Forcing Function, Olivia Rankin, Makena Moragne, Sasha Rovinsky

Biomedical Engineering

The Operating Room Forcing Function system aims to address the persistent issue of wrong-site, wrong-procedure, and wrong-patient errors (WSPEs) in surgical settings. WSPEs are largely caused by circumvention of the timeout procedure (a planned pause before incision to stop and confirm crucial details of the procedure to be performed known as ‘The Universal Protocol’). The goal set forth by our sponsor, Dr. Robert Turbow, is to develop a lock-out mechanism that requires a timeout to be performed by all appropriate personnel before an operation can begin.

Hospitals are extremely complex systems with competing values, productivity pressures, fast paced work, tight-coupled …

The Suture Guide, Nicole Schnettler, Ciara Murphy, Jocelyn Corona Cabrera

Biomedical Engineering

In the surgical field and specifically wound closure, there is a growing demand for techniques that allow surgeons to quickly, accurately, and ergonomically close surgical wounds while still optimizing patient recovery and not compromising the cosmetic appearance in wound closure. Currently more advanced and developed products exist for laparoscopic suturing, but not for superficial suturing. This project aims to find a way to close the most superficial layer of the skin in surgical incisions that is faster and more comfortable than current suturing techniques. The design process began with stakeholder interviews and market research, identifying key shortcomings of current manual …

Vanlife Desalination, Emily Rhee, Tomas Franco, Marco Jimenez

Mechanical Engineering

Van life can be defined as the unconventional lifestyle of living in a car, van, or motor vehicle. Living in a motor vehicle allows for you to effectively live in whatever location you deem fit, and with that comes certain standards that need to be met; one being fresh potable water used for drinking, hygiene, and basic living. The scope of this project is to design a system that can effectively remove salt from seawater (desalinate) and can be integrated into a van that can be used for off-grid living.

In this project we worked to create a design that …

Development Of Planetary Drive System For Formula Sae Electric Race Car, Brian Wong, Bradley Maruoka, Joshua Charles Fine, Madison Kai

Mechanical Engineering

Hub motors are compact electric motors mounted directly on each outboard wheel hub. Utilized in Formula SAE and Formula Student vehicles, this configuration offers several advantages over traditional drivetrains, including packaging optimization within the chassis, vehicle traction, and improved efficiency. Although hub motors are not yet common in 4WD vehicles, they are being explored for use in EVs and may become more common in the future. Every year, Cal Poly Racing FSAE designs and builds a formula-style race car. To improve drivetrain performance, the team is investigating the achievability of a hub motor 4WD drivetrain, requiring extensive research, development, and …

Wind Turbine Rotor Test Stand, Ashlen Brooke Sperry, Cayley Mckee, Kristofer Lee Pascua, Francisco Medina

Mechanical Engineering

Dr. Lemieux and the mechanical engineering department at Cal Poly are renowned for the countless projects that allow students to be a part of hands-on learning and the “Learn by Doing” experience. One such experience is the wind energy class that requires students to design, build, and test wind turbine rotors; however, a test stand for these rotors is needed. Dr. Lemieux and the senior project team will design and build a test stand that will enable the simultaneous testing of two student-designed rotors at the existing wind turbine site. In addition to energy measurement, Lemieux emphasizes the importance of …

University Avenue Bike Plan, Emma Meyer

City and Regional Planning

The University Avenue Bike Plan provides recommendations for bicycle infrastructure along the 1.7-mile University Avenue corridor in Palo Alto, California. The plan includes background, existing conditions, community engagement, alternatives of conceptual designs, and implementation tools. The University Avenue Bike Plan builds on Palo Alto's Bike and Pedestrian Transportation Plan and informs the multiple University Avenue related projects and plans that are underway.

Satisfaction And Retention Analysis Of A 4/10 Workweek In Construction, Daniel C. Choy

Construction Management

The traditional 40-hour workweek, structured as five 8-hour days (5/8), has been a long-standing standard in the American workforce since Henry Ford implemented it in 1922. However, in recent years, many industries, including construction, have begun reevaluating this model to determine whether alternative schedules could offer better efficiency and employee satisfaction. One of the most discussed alternatives is the four-day, 10-hour workweek (4/10). This research examines the potential advantages and challenges of adopting the 4/10 schedule, particularly for specialty contractors, through an employee survey conducted at Western Specialty Contractors in Seattle, Washington. The study explores how this schedule affects worker …

Investigating The Viability Of Voucher Payments As A Development Plan, John Stapakis

Construction Management

California currently has a shortage of affordable housing, and Housing Choice Vouchers, also known as Section 8 housing, are one state funded solution to it. However, even once those in need of affordable housing are approved for vouchers they can have trouble finding suitable housing at a fair market price due to stigmas associated with voucher renters. This project investigates whether developers and property managers can actually use the voucher programs to their advantage to make a profit, or if that stigma is warranted. Developers can design their units in a way that appeals to these renters, and then accept …

Investigating The Benefits Of Utilizing Mass Timber In Construction, Eden Hitzke

Construction Management

Over the past decade, mass timber—an umbrella term for engineered wood products used as primary structural elements—has gained traction in the USA as a sustainable material for multistory buildings. Mass timber is a compelling alternative to steel and concrete due to its practical construction benefits, which were discovered through interviews with architects, engineers, and contractors. The interviews reveal advantages such as a streamlined construction process, reduced site disruption, and improved structural precision thanks to off-site manufacturing. Mass timber’s biophilic aspect improves indoor occupant satisfaction and market appeal. By documenting real-world experiences, the study highlights mass timber’s benefits due to its …

Examining Construction-Phase Challenges In Mass Timber Projects: Insights From Industry Professionals, Cole Polly

Construction Management

Mass Timber has emerged as an innovative structural alternative in the construction industry, based on its sustainability advantages and comparable level of performance to traditional materials such as steel and concrete. This engineered wood, including Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), Glue-Laminated Timber (glulam), and Nail-Laminated Timber (NLT) is characterized by its ability to scale up for large format projects and lower environmental impacts. However, there are practical challenges that happen during the construction phase of mass timber projects. This research aims to explore specific challenges that contractors, architects, and structural designers have encountered during their past or current experiences working with mass …

Vendor-Managed Inventory: A Case Study, Blake Elijah Hanson

Construction Management

This research project examines the effectiveness of Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) within the context of electrical subcontracting, using a case study based on a recent summer internship at Cupertino Electric Inc (CEI). Employing qualitative research methods, including interviews with industry professionals and personal observations, the study identifies several key factors contributing to the success of VMI and pinpoints areas for improvement. It focuses on material organization, labeling, vendor coordination, and foreman involvement, assessing their impact on job site efficiency and operations. The findings reveal that while VMI helps streamline inventory management and reduce procurement workload, its full potential is often …

Analyzing Steel Supply Chain Factors With Analytic Hierarchy Process, Edilberto Urena Jr

Construction Management

The global steel supply chain is a critical component of construction and manufacturing industries. It is a fundamental pillar supporting infrastructure development, economic growth, and technological innovation. However, disruptions in supply, price volatility, and logistical challenges necessitate an in-depth evaluation of key factors affecting the steel supply chain. These uncertainties can pose significant risks to project timelines, cost efficiency and sustainability. This study employes the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), a multi-criteria decision-making approach to systematically rank and prioritize factors influencing the supply chain. A literature review identified critical variables, which are then structured into a hierarchical model after the opinion …

Early Mechanical Coordination For Gateway Decathlon, Benjamin Nunes-Dyer

Construction Management

This senior project focuses on finding an efficient mechanical system for the Gateway Decathlon prefabricated house unit. As a collective group, students working on the project decided to focus on using mass timber for the construction of the housing unit. Over the past year, the layout and design of the housing unit has been in the planning stage. Once drawings were made, the next step was to focus on the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing system. Research and professional help allowed for a team of students to come together and design these systems. Choosing the equipment for the mechanical system was …

Case Study: Cal Poly Housing Program (Cphp) - Student Housing Project At California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, Aidan Michael Toole

Construction Management

Full volumetric modular construction is a building technique that involves the off-site prefabrication of three-dimensional modular units, which are later transported and assembled on-site. California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo and general contractor, Whiting-Turner, are building new on-campus student housing by utilizing full volumetric modular construction techniques. The buildings will be produced in modules that, when put together, reflect the identical design and intent of a site-built building. This paper will analyze the effectiveness of modular construction on a large-scale project and look at the project cost, schedule, and waste impacts from choosing this approach. The main driver …

Exploration Of Mental Health Stressors And Proposing Interventions Among Heavy-Civil Construction Workers, Enrrique Zarate

Construction Management

The mental health of heavy civil construction workers is an often-overlooked issue. Long hours, job insecurity, physically demanding work, and workplace culture contribute to significant stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges among workers in this industry. This research aimed to assess the mental health conditions of heavy civil construction workers, identify key stressors, and propose effective intervention strategies to improve overall well-being. Using a combination of surveys and interviews, this study gathered both quantitative and qualitative data to gain a comprehensive understanding of workers’ mental health. The surveys provided broad insights into common stressors and overall mental health of …

Cal Poly Gateway Decathlon Workplan: Transportation Development, Jessie A. Santos

Construction Management

This paper outlines a detailed work plan for the transportation logistics of pre-packaged modular home components, developed for Cal Poly San Luis Obispo's participation in the 2026 Gateway Decathlon competition. The project focuses on the safe and efficient transport of mass timber panels and associated modular elements from the university campus in California to the competition site in Missouri, utilizing standard packaging procedures. This document details a comprehensive strategy for loading and securing the pre-packaged components, emphasizing a systematic approach to mitigate potential risks during transit. Key aspects of the work plan include a thorough material checklist, a breakdown of …

Cal Poly Gateway Decathlon: Cost Estimation And Planning For A Sustainable Mass Timber Home, George Stasinos

Construction Management

The Gateway Decathlon is an international collegiate competition that challenges university teams to design, build, estimate, and operate innovative and sustainable housing solutions. Cal Poly SLO’s entry to the competition is a mass timber single family home addressing sustainability, energy efficiency, and climate change issues in California. The research of this paper focuses on cost estimation and project planning concerning equipment and labor specifically. The aim is to create a feasible and accurate construction budget. While previous efforts have been conducted on this project, design changes and new scope additions require a comprehensive reassessment of the material, labor and equipment …

Modular Construction And Integrated Project Delivery: Cal Poly Slo’S Student Housing Expansion, Nikita Taktarov

Construction Management

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is addressing the increasing demand for on-campus housing through an innovative modular dormitory project. This project, which adds approximately 4,000 new beds, marks a shift from traditional construction methods to a more efficient and collaborative approach using the Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) model. Unlike traditional CSU contracts that place most of the risk on contractors, this model promotes shared responsibility between the university, architects, and builders, leading to better cost control and project efficiency. A key feature of this program is the use of prefabricated construction, where building components are assembled off-site and then transported …

Augmented Reality In Construction, Brendan Trinh

Construction Management

This research focuses on how augmented reality (AR) technology could assist construction projects by increasing quality control, efficiency, and collaboration. AR tools, such as Revizto, overlay 3D models into real-world construction sites, allowing the project teams to test installations and discover issues before they occur. This study aims to determine how AR affects project costs, the construction schedule, and quality. To further understand this, interviews were conducted with McCarthy Builders' Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) employees. They discussed their experiences with AR on active job sites, including its benefits, limitations, and potential improvements. Studies from an internship with McCarthy Builders …

An Analysis Of Factors Affecting Retention Of Skilled Trades Workers At Construction Companies, James R. Walsh

Construction Management

Construction trades are going through a difficult time in recruiting right now and have been for the past 5 to 10 years. More tradesmen and women from the baby boomer generation are retiring and the rate of replacement by younger people is not enough to keep the workforce at the numbers that would be ideal for a healthy construction industry. This paper delves into what companies can do to make work a place that employees want to be and aims to provide strategies companies can use to retain a quality workforce.

Cal Poly Construction Spanish Class, Josue E. Basilio

Construction Management

This project develops a Construction Spanish & Communication course for Cal Poly’s Construction Management program to address the growing need for bilingual communication on job sites. The course equips students with essential Spanish language skills for safety meetings, work instructions, and team coordination, improving job site efficiency and inclusivity. Deliverables include a detailed course outline in preparation for the semester conversion, curriculum, course catalog entry, and a first-day lecture presentation. The course blends lecture-based instruction with hands-on activities like role-playing, translation exercises, and real-world simulations. Assessments include scenario-based quizzes, a reflection essay, participation grading, and a final exam to ensure …

Bike Lane Improvement Proposal On Foothill Boulevard, Victor Wan

Construction Management

This project focuses on improving bike lane safety on Foothill Boulevard, a critical commuter route in San Luis Obispo. Outdated and unprotected lanes pose serious risks to cyclists due to high vehicle speeds, faded markings, and a lack of physical separation. This proposal introduces safety improvements, including steel bollards and armadillo humps for protection, high-visibility thermoplastic lane markings, and concrete refuge islands at key intersections. The study evaluates engineering challenges, material selection, installation methods, and cost implications to enhance cyclist safety and promote sustainable transportation.

Effect Of Wall Assemblies On Wi-Fi 6e Signal Strength, Connor C. Borges

Construction Management

This project investigates the signal strength of Wi-Fi signals through different wall assemblies under the new Wi-Fi 6E standard. The project focuses on measuring the signal strength (-dBm) at three distinct frequencies, 6 GHz, 5 GHz, and 2.4 GHz. The 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies serve as a baseline for comparison with the emerging 6E standard. Wi-Fi 6E offers much higher speeds at the cost of high signal attenuation. The primary objective is to analyze how different construction materials impact Wi-Fi signal strength and to provide comprehensive data on wall assembly attenuation. Wi-Fi 6E signals experience significantly greater attenuation …

Drilled Displacement Columns As A Method To Mitigate San Francisco 'Bay Mud', Cole Soderman

Construction Management

This case study investigates the process of drilled displacement columns as a substitute for traditional pile foundations. The setting for the project is in California's infamous 'bay mud' which poses in the form of building settlement. The case study begins with a run down of what drilled displacement columns are compared to traditional pile foundations. To gain a diverse perspective several parties were interviewed on the process of drilled displacement columns. The interviewees include members of the general contractor's team, the subcontractor, and the Owner's Representative. The universal positives were time and materials which result in reducing the price for …