Civil and Environmental Engineering Commons^™

Impact Of Traffic On Air Pollution In A Mid-Sized Urban City During Covid-19 Lockdowns, Nathan Hay, Otito Onwuzurike, Somesh Roy, Patrick J. Mcnamara, Margaret L. Mcnamara, Walter M. Mcdonald

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

In this study, we evaluated the changes in air pollutant concentrations around Milwaukee, WI, during and after lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic for a period of 126 days. Measurements of particulate matter (PM₁, PM_2.5, and PM₁₀), NH₃, H₂S, and O₃ + NO₂, were made on a 74-km route of arterial and highway roads from April to August 2020 using a Sniffer 4D sensor mounted to a vehicle. Traffic volume during measurement periods were estimated from smartphone-based traffic data. From lockdown (March 24, 2020–June 11, 2020) to …

Investigation Of Natural Pozzolans: Analyzing The Practicality Of Natural Pozzolans As A Partial Substitute For Cement In Grout Production, Jadyn I. Breien, Andrew J. Baro, Logan T. Marino

Architectural Engineering

This senior project aims to investigate whether natural pozzolans are more sustainable than fly ash and a sufficient substitute for cement in the production of grout. By following the intent of the ASTM (American Society of Testing and Materials) standards, a conclusion will be made to determine if natural pozzolans can contribute comparable strength in compression. The objective is to prove that natural pozzolans should be utilized in the production of grout rather than alternatives such as fly ash because it can provide similar strength while being more economical and more sustainable.

The Center For Centering Dome, Olek Piechaczek, Ryan M. Scharf

Architectural Engineering

The Center for Centering seeks to create a large-scale healing center, conducive to individual centering of the mind and body. This mobile installation provides a relaxing, enclosed space while still maintaining a connection to the outdoors. The clients liked the idea of having a pop-up installation that could be easily set up as a touring display. With a deadline for installation looming in June 2022, a team of students had five months to design and manufacture the structure.

In winter 2022, the students developed custom geometry to minimize the number of individual parts and built a ¼ scale model of …

Filters For Fiji: A Modified Cracker Box Biosand Filter For Rural Fiji, Geneva Newell, Cameron Lowrey, Thomas Burt, Lexie Caterine

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Water quality remains a major issue throughout rural Fiji, as current solutions rely on outside organizations providing money or technology. The goal of Filters for Fiji’s research was to develop a sustainable water filtration method for the people of rural Fiji, through ethnographic and biological research. In order to be sustainable, the filter had to be inexpensive (less than USD$15), simply built and maintained, and suitable for the end-user. The driving question of the research was: can a plastic, modified biosand filter be constructed from materials that could be sourced locally in rural Fijian communities? To answer this question, feedback …

Tandem Crane Lifts Of Long Span Ppcgs Case Study, Giovana Sousa

Construction Management

The goal of this research is to compile the data from tandem crane lifts, specifically of long span girders, to determine the proper configuration for this type of work. There have been numerous failed attempts at lifting long span girders, and these failures are all unique. Much of the findings until recently have tended to be job-specific and never became widely available for public knowledge. In learning about these cases and understanding the reasons for these failures, I hope to provide concise information so that future people can avoid repeating the same mistakes. The objective is to provide insight on …

Pcra-Icra Pre-Construction Risk Assessment/Infection Control Risk Assessment Course, Devin Alan Deiranieh

Construction Management

The Preconstruction Risk Assessment and Infection Control Risk Assessment (PCRA/ICRA) course is a collaboration between Cal Poly San Luis Obispo’s Construction Management Department, Cal Poly’s California Center for Construction Education, Green Advantage, LLC and Thomas Kommer, J.D. The goal is to create a certification course in which industry professionals become certified, signifying their knowledge and understanding of PCRA/ICRA practices associated with construction in the environment of patient care. The project began with the PCRA/ICRA manual authored by Stellar Performance, LLC. Working with Nicholas Schorno, the author developed the learning material for the course. The learning material consists of power point …

Well Pump Enclosure Upgrade & Custom Gate For City Farm Slo, Joey Martin

Construction Management

City Farm SLO sits on seventeen acres of the Calle Joaquin Agricultural Preserve. The non-profit organization aims to enable farmers, educate youth, engage the community, and promote regenerative farming. One of the prevailing issues on the farm was a lack of security for their well pump system on site. The existing fence was loose, flimsy, and wrapped around the pump’s control panels. Additionally, there was no locking gate to secure the enclosure and prevent vandalism. The main goals of this project were to provide an enclosure that was more secure, visually appealing, and would last a long time. To accomplish …

The Benefits And Intricacies Of Self-Performing Work For General Contractors, David Steven Economos

Construction Management

In the construction industry, the trend regarding self-performing services ebbs and flows as a result of the ever-evolving market and new patterns that influence the industry. Recent studies have indicated that contractors plan to increase the amount of work they self-perform in the future, however research on the analysis of benefits, intangible and tangible, and intricacies self-perform services provide for a company is scarce and minimal. This case study analyzed the perception, experience, and knowledge of three various contractors of different sizes who procure different sectors of work in different geographical locations of the United States. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, …

Mep Comparison Of 3d Printed Homes And Stick Framed Homes, Carsen Quick

Construction Management

New construction technology is one of the most intriguing subjects in the construction industry, and new technologies are constantly being developed and improved on. In recent years, 3D printing has been developed and introduced into the residential construction industry. The content of this report aims to showcase the promising new technology of 3D printing in residential construction. In order to create new knowledge on this subject, an MEP comparison between 3D printed homes and traditional stick framed homes will be analyzed. This project was done in collaboration with a Northern Californian construction company, Emergent 3D. A site visit with Emergent …

Comparative Analysis Of Construction Scheduling: Consultant-Led Vs. Project Team-Led Approaches, Elijah J. Stennett

Construction Management

Efficient and accurate construction scheduling plays a pivotal role in the successful completion of construction projects. Most construction companies understand this importance, and they heavily rely on their schedulers. This research paper investigates the advantages and drawbacks of employing a consultant-led scheduling approach compared to a scheduling process managed solely by the project team. To assess the effectiveness of the two scheduling approaches, two companies and their scheduling practices were analyzed, and project management individuals were interviewed from each company. The findings reveal that a consultant-led approach brings specialized expertise in scheduling software, provides advantages in court litigation, and provides …

The Torii Project: Installation Manual, Jorge Armando Lara-Gonzalez

Construction Management

Serving as a symbolic gateway that establishes the entrance to a sacred space, is known as a Torii. The Torii is a traditional Japanese gate that holds great significance in Japanese culture. Our team is inspired to create a respectable and culturally appropriate Japanese torii in hopes of honoring the Japanese, Japanese-American community within the campus and the central coast. This Torii is meant to serve as a token of diversity, equity and inclusion in the Cal Poly community. The scope of manual for the Torii project explores what it takes for the installation process of the Torii after manufacturing …

Dg Pathway For City Farm Slo, Kieran Barker

Construction Management

City Farm SLO is a local 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to empower the next generation to live healthier, more prosperous lives through sustainable agriculture and farm-based education. Located in San Luis Obispo on the outskirts of San Luis Ranch, City Farm SLO’s latest project known as “A Garden for All” aims to create a fully accessible garden that can serve all the students in the community they serve. A key part of this project is the pathway connecting the various garden elements which were previously not accessible to wheelchairs and susceptible to water damage and flooding during rain …

Optimal Concrete Mix Design And Finish For Skateboarding Performance, Lohgan Christoper Spencer

Construction Management

While concrete has been used in construction for hundreds of years, the introduction of concrete to skateboarding is a relatively new development. Concrete and concrete finishes are very well studied in the context of buildings and building design. Shotcrete is also very well understood as it has been in use for over 100 years. Because it is a relatively new sector of the industry, concrete skatepark construction is an area that has plenty of room for research and development. This research paper will describe the finish methods and mix designs used for concrete skatepark construction by leading skatepark construction companies …

Exploring The Potential Of Pavegen’S Kinetic Energy Generating Floor For Sustainable Energy Solutions: A Proposal For Cal Poly Slo, Brandon J. Cuneo

Construction Management

This paper proposes the installation of Pavegen's kinetic energy generating floors at Cal Poly’s campus as a sustainable energy solution. Pavegen has developed a pioneering technology that converts footsteps into clean and renewable energy. The versatility of these floors is demonstrated through successful implementations in various settings, such as transportation hubs and public spaces, generating power from foot traffic. Collaborations with Schneider Electric, installation at Dupont Circle, and integration at Heathrow Airport showcase the potential for sustainable urban infrastructure. This paper outlines research conducted on Pavegen and similar solutions, including communication with company representatives and examining proposed installation locations at …

Storage Shed Construction For Local Charity, Veda Maisie Guillermo

Construction Management

This paper presents a project of the successful construction of a storage shed for Taproot Charities, a non-profit organization based in Templeton, California that aims to support young women furthering their education in Uganda. The project aimed to provide a storage solution for the organization's supplies and materials. The planning phase considered the available donated materials to determine the shed's dimensions and design features. This paper highlights the methods and materials used to build a storage shed and emphasizes the importance of communication during the construction process. During the construction process there were several weather-related project schedule setbacks which were …

Technology Update Recommendations For Construction Management Classrooms, Julia M. Ralston

Construction Management

This paper outlines the process of creating the design for technology updates to a classroom with outdated and unreliable equipment. Key features of the design include updates to the classroom’s audio and visual display systems, improved connection accessibility for presenters using personal devices, the implementation of modern recording technology to assist with virtual teaching methods, and better support for students using personal technology as their primary note-taking and working mediums. The completed elements of the project include input gathered from students, faculty, and professionals on suggestions for the design, equipment selection and justification, preliminary coordination efforts with project contractors, and …

A Guide To An Effective Cal Poly Construction Management Internship, Vincenzo Lucich

Construction Management

Internships provide a multitude of opportunities for students to learn and apply curriculum concepts. Internships are a window providing students with a glimpse of industry standards and practices. For employers, internships can provide value in the form of assistance with documentation, providing a fresh pair of eyes, and providing potential hires. That being said, currently there is no common set of internship standards, producing varying results for interns. The purpose of this research paper is to provide a professional blueprint for current and future CM companies to integrate in their internships. Student surveys and industry professional interviews were conducted to …

2nd Annual Girls Build Summer Academy: Apprentice I Service Project, Jalene Maryam Gee

Construction Management

At Cal Poly construction management department’s second annual Girls Build Summer Academy for high school-aged girls, first year academy participants completed a service learning project to enhance the well-being of the turtles and tortoises at a turtle and tortoise sanctuary. In this week-long day camp, which exposed girls to various career paths within the architecture, engineering, and construction industry, girls learned all industry aspects from volunteers, construction management alumni, and camp leaders, and were provided the opportunity to safely learn and apply building construction techniques. Throughout the week, they learned about tools, materials, and safety, and applied those skills to …

Attainable And Sustainable Home Building Solutions, Katrina Matthews

Construction Management

Sustainability has fortunately been a recent concern in the construction industry as climate change continues to impose potentially insurmountable threats to the global environment. Although many new methods have been adopted in efforts to lessen the adverse environmental effects of construction-related activities, as a society, we still have much room for growth as the built environment accounts for almost 50% of global emissions. Many changes and standards must be adopted to make these solutions efficiently beneficial. To set industry standards, we must start with the most basic form of construction- residential building. This report covers two attainable framing solutions for …

The Impact Of Employee Position And Company Size On Workplace Stress In The Commercial Construction Industry, Jena Lee

Construction Management

While stress is commonly experienced in the construction field, there is a lack of understanding regarding how employee rank and company size contribute to this phenomenon. This paper investigates the impact of employee rank and company size on stress levels in the construction industry. To address the gap of information, a qualitative survey was conducted among employees of a small commercial company, focusing on stress levels according to employee ranking. This would be part one. The findings shed light on the relationship between employee position and stress. Additionally, an indirect comparative analysis was performed, comparing the results of this study …

City Farm Slo Educational Pizza Oven, Koby J. Ramage

Construction Management

City Farm SLO is a nonprofit that educates the public about growing food, and they donate the produce to food banks and communities in need. Their mission is to promote healthy living through sustainable agriculture and farm-based education. This senior project is to build them an educational pizza oven for them to use in their classes. With it they will give lessons where they cook pizzas using ingredients that they grow on site. To do this, the builder had to make it lightweight and able to move around the property to different meeting places and outdoor classrooms. It is also …

Cutting Board Business Model, Austin W. Dasis

Construction Management

This paper covers a business model and investment proposal for a cutting board business. The cutting board industry is a lucrative sector where there is room to grow as a business while being profitable. There are alot of factors that go into starting a business and making it successful. The student has put this together to be able to give it to a potential investor to demonstrate what he has done and what he plans on doing upon an investment. The student enjoys woodworking and wants to be able to start his own business but has minimal knowledge of what …

Development Of The New Hasslein Caed Collaborative, Catie Dines

Construction Management

This paper outlines the development and execution of the new Hasslein CAED Collaborative student competition which engages students of all five majors in the College of Architecture and Environmental Design in a Request for Proposal style competition. CAED houses students studying Architecture, Architectural Engineering, City and Regional Planning, Construction Management, and Landscape Architecture. There is little opportunity for interdisciplinary collaboration within the CAED, despite our future career paths being heavily intertwined. This competition followed research by Greta Stout, class of 2022, on the benefits and support of interdisciplinary collaboration at Cal Poly SLO in CAED. The competition is named after …

Tehachapi Mountain Trail Association – Trail Bridge Construction, Michael Bowman

Construction Management

The Tehachapi Mountain Trail Association is a nonprofit organization which operates 32 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails year-round. The 650-acre property is located in the foothills above Tehachapi, CA and offers local residents and enthusiasts from around the area an area to exercise and enjoy nature. TMTA is able to operate through yearly memberships that allow the association to hold insurance as well as continue to maintain and build new trails year-round. After completing a separate project for TMTA in Winter 2022 for CM 420 Construction Service Learning, the President, Brandon Griffiths approached me with the idea of …

Standardizing Hands-On Building Activities In Commercial Construction Management And Recommendations For Semester Conversion Adaptations, Lauren T. Mcclurg

Construction Management

CM 313 Commercial Construction Management at Cal Poly is an integrated lab course and one of the main hands-on learning experiences construction management students participate in. It is currently administered in the quarter system and as the university transitions to the semester calendar, the lab needs to be converted in order to accommodate this change. The main purpose of this project was to document existing practices and improve the process and experience for students, instructional students assistants, Simpson Strong Tie coordinator, and other professors of CM 313. This project included creating a builders guide to help the student assistants by …

Meadow Park Community Gardens Improvements, Ryan D. Preciado

Construction Management

The San Luis Obispo Community Gardens offer space for residents to grow food at a low-cost yearly lease. Among the five Community Gardens in the city, there are over 100 plots available to purchase. These plots can vary from in-ground garden beds, off-ground raised garden beds, and ADA accessible garden beds. The goal with this project is to provide the Community Gardens with infrastructure to allow for a better garden experience and to increase the volume at which San Luis Obispo residents can utilize the gardens. Through communication with the San Luis Obispo Community Gardens, we were able to determine …

City Farm Slo ‘Garden For All’ – Shade Structure, Reed Aitken

Construction Management

Local non-profit, City Farm SLO, recently presented an opportunity for four Cal Poly Construction Management students to complete senior projects to construct their vision of a “Garden for All.” This paper will focus on the design, preconstruction, and construction processes necessary to complete the shade structure. The project will provide much needed shade to an outdoor classroom area where City Farm SLO hosts farm based education programs all year round. The completion of this senior project required thorough design, estimating, coordination, and construction efforts, while keeping safety and sustainable building practices at the forefront of every decision. This was particularly …

Case Study: Uplifting The Interest Of Santa Maria High School Students Into The Construction Industry, Juan Zacarias Jr

Construction Management

The central coast of California, has not been a historically proclaimed region that produces large construction projects. The area is well known for other industries, such as the agriculture industry. It is an area that continues to grow interest and persuade these high school students into. Over the years, construction has been growing in the area and can be perceived through the development projects happening in the Central Coast region. Various general contractors have made a move into the central coast looking into expanding their company. This can potentially generate various employment opportunities. This qualitative case study aims to examine …

Construction Panel Discussion At San Luis Obispo High School, Morgan P. Conway

Construction Management

Jake Ornellas and Morgan Conway conducted a panel discussion during the “tutorial” session on Monday, May 22, 2023, in the San Luis Obispo High School theater with three guest speakers, asking them questions about their respective organizations, then opening the floor for students to ask questions. Jake Ornellas and Morgan Conway also distributed flyers to students which included information about the organizations discussed and a survey to gauge student interest. This project was designed to expose high school students to opportunities they have in the construction industry as well as to create a connection between Cal Poly Construction Management and …

Construction Panel Discussion At San Luis Obispo High School, Jake T. Ornellas

Construction Management

The senior project idea for conducting a panel discussion presentation at San Luis Obispo (SLO) High School during a tutorial period was completed by Jake Ornellas and Morgan Conway. This paper provides details on the entire process of reserving a tutorial session at SLO High School, contacting and coordinating with trade representatives and university faculty, and executing the group panel discussion. The purpose of the project was to share and inform local high school students with the information regarding what careers in the different construction industry branches look like and what opportunities are there. The goal of this project was …