Civil and Environmental Engineering Commons^™

Fence And Gates For The City Farm Slo, Mackenzie E. Ramsey

Construction Management

This paper summarizes the construction of roughly 300 feet of game fence and two metal gates for the City Farm San Luis Obispo (SLO). The City Farm SLO is a nonprofit organization in San Luis Obispo, CA. They are focused on organic and sustainable agriculture. This paper will highlight the process for estimating, funding, scheduling, and constructing the fence and gates. This project aimed to provide a secure perimeter against pedestrians and wildlife. The project site is along the creek, attracting many unwanted guests. There were many obstacles to overcome throughout the project, from preconstruction to construction. Each phase had …

The Site Logistics Design Of The Shabang Slo 2022 Vip Stage, Natalie J. Hodgson

Construction Management

The objective of this project is to take some of the burden off the SHABANG Music Festival organizers and create a detailed plan on how the VIP section of the festival is going to be organized. The SHABANG music festival is an annual, local weekend event for the community of San Luis Obispo. The goal of this project is to create a plan that will be effectively utilized at this year's SHABANG festival. In working toward this goal, every aspect of the Construction Management curriculum that has been taught in our careers thus far will be utilized. For the Construction …

Estimating And Project Management For The Construction Of A Visitor Deck At City Farm Slo, Eric Cederstrom

Construction Management

This paper will outline the process of estimating and the project management of a visitor deck that was built at City Farm of San Luis Obispo, a local non-profit. The deck was built for the purpose of providing an area for visitors to observe the agricultural land where City Farm educates the community on ecology, nutrition, and sustainable farming. The construction of the deck was completed by three fourth-year Construction Management majors: Eric Cederstrom, Lane Lagomarsino, and Brett Jones. Each project team member was responsible for their own aspect of the project planning and all members collaborated throughout the entire …

Determining Student Interest For A Virtual Reality Safety Training Course, Courtney Martin

Construction Management

The purpose of Cal Poly’s Construction Management Department is to provide students with the best education they can get so they can be prepared for the challenges they may encounter in their professional careers. This research paper analyzes students' prior knowledge of virtual reality (VR) and determines the interest in creating a Construction Management (CM) technical elective covering VR and safety training which can help educate and train students about safety, hazardous jobsite situations, and accident prevention measures. This paper also examines the advantages of a VR construction training course taught on campus compared to online training without VR. VR …

An Analysis Of Construction Estimating Software, Guilianna M. Lozano

Construction Management

There are various components that go into building a construction project. And regardless of the size of the project, construction projects have become increasingly expensive with cost escalations on the rise. The cost element of each construction project is critical to the success of the overall project. In today’s current industry, numerous resources are available that strive to assist the built environment with managing construction costs. Currently, construction firms are maintaining a competitive edge by using the technology that has been made available. The basis of this research, conducted using a quantitative survey, was to provide data that indicated which …

Gauging Student Interest In A Leed Ga Exam Preparation Technical Elective Course, Hailey Lancaster

Construction Management

Being a LEED Green Associate (LEED GA) demonstrates a fundamental understanding of sustainable building principles and practices. Since green building is at the forefront of construction, there is no better way for Construction Management students to enter the industry prepared in this area than by taking the LEED General Associate exam. This paper is a case study that obtains students’ perspectives on implementing a new Construction Management technical elective course that will prepare students to successfully take and pass the LEED GA exam. A survey was conducted to gauge student familiarity with sustainability, as well as their interest in earning …

Construction Of Concrete Modular Foundations - Procurement And Quality Control, Jackson M. Runyan

Construction Management

This project details the material procurement and quality control processes throughout the construction of two concrete modular foundations. The project focused on constructing the blocks as they were designed to ensure they meet strength parameters to be used in the High Bay Lab at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) for various testing performed as part of the curriculum for the Architectural Engineering (ARCE) and Construction Management (CM) departments. The complex designs, encompassing one-hundred coupler attachments and a dense rebar cage, required extensive attention and hours of labor and quality control review. This paper will cover …

Landscape Storage Shed For Transitions-Mental Health Association, Jennifer Casey Knickerbocker

Construction Management

The purpose of this paper is to outline the process of planning, designing, and constructing a storage shed for the non-profit organization, Transitions-Mental Health Association (T-MHA). This project was developed through a Cal Poly Construction Management course, CM 420, Service and Experiential Learning. The goal of this class is to gain experience through physical construction by building a service project for an organization or person who needs it. For this project, T-MHA asked that a storage chest be built for their landscaper who maintains the on-site garden. Due to multiple change orders by the owner, what was originally going to …

Firstfruits Farm Tractor Shed, Gerardo Martinez, Kiana Dehpanah

Construction Management

Preconstruction lays the foundation for the overall outcome of a construction project. This project phase includes a detailed schedule, outlines the scope of work, and provides an overall estimate for the project. Devoting a sufficient amount of time and effort into the preconstruction phase is crucial. Preconstruction is an important component of what makes the entirety of a construction project successful. Preconstruction work also includes finding funders to cover the costs of material. Preconstruction and the construction for a tractor shed were completed for FirstFruits Farm in San Luis Obispo. The construction portion of this project relied on the successful …

Design And Preconstruction Services For The Construction Of A Visitor Deck At City Farm Slo, Lane Lagomarsino

Construction Management

This paper will outline the process of designing and planning the construction of a visitor deck at City Farm of San Luis Obispo, which is a local non-profit. The deck was built for the purpose of providing an area for visitors to observe the agricultural land where City Farm educates the community on ecology, nutrition, and sustainable farming. The construction of the deck was completed by three fourth-year Construction Management majors: Lane Lagomarsino, Eric Cederstrom, and Brett Jones. Each project team member was responsible for their own aspect of the project planning and all members collaborated throughout the entire building …

Assessing The Effectiveness Of Problem-Based Learning Across Two Concrete Construction Courses, Anthony Torres, Jiong Hu, Vedaraman Sriraman, Araceli Martínez-Ortiz, Jorge Membrillo-Hernández

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Faculty Publications

The goal of this study is to assess the effectiveness of a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) pedagogy that was implemented in two different concrete construction courses. Both courses are a part of an industry focused four-year undergraduate concrete degree program. One of the classes focused on concrete problems, diagnosis, and repair of existing concrete, while the other class focused on handling and management methods of various concrete mixtures. In both courses, a PBL pedagogy was implemented such that students were self-learning and discovering the knowledge through an action-research case study. The action-research case study was specific to the course outcomes relevant …

Sustainability In Construction Practices As Emphasis On Environmental Investing In Esg Model Grows, Maddie Heal

Management Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of this research is to emphasize the importance of growing investment on environmental initiatives in business ESG models in regard to sustainable practices in construction. The ESG acronym is known as the environmental, social, and governance efforts that businesses strive to incorporate in their models to increase the responsibility of operations.

Investors continue to seek out responsible businesses when choosing which ventures to pursue. The analysis of the current construction crisis, current investments in the right direction of Eco-friendly design regarding construction, and the threats and benefits incentivizing those investments elucidates the need to emphasize socially responsible investment …

Estimating System And Traveler Costs Due To Lane Closures During Construction And Maintenance Operations, Ernest Tufuor, Li Zhao, Mm Haque, Laurence Rilett Ph.D., John Anderson, Eric Thompson

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

Lane closures are used to facilitate activities related to road construction and maintenance or operations. However, there are economic costs associated with lane closures and these may accrue to both the traveling public as well as to traffic agencies. The Nebraska Governor’s office has identified maximizing the effectiveness of lane closures as a priority for the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT). The goal of this project is to assist NDOT in effectively managing the operations of work zones to maximize the effectiveness of lane closures under Nebraska conditions. This report summarizes the findings of the current state of the practice …

Estimating System And Traveler Costs Due To Lane Closures During Construction And Maintenance Operations, Ernest Tufuor, Lianlin Zhao, Mm Shakiul Haque, Laurence Rilett, John Anderson, Eric Thompson

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

Lane closures are used to facilitate activities related to road construction and maintenance or operations. However, there are economic costs associated with lane closures and these may accrue to both the traveling public as well as to traffic agencies. The Nebraska Governor’s office has identified maximizing the effectiveness of lane closures as a priority for the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT). The goal of this project is to assist NDOT in effectively managing the operations of work zones to maximize the effectiveness of lane closures under Nebraska conditions. This report summarizes the findings of the current state of the practice …

Paso Robles Police Department Shooting Range Shade Structure, Evan Marshall Cogswell

Construction Management

The Paso Robles Police Department has been a partner for multiple senior projects working to develop improvements for their shooting range. The shooting range is used extensively by officers year-round, with the climate being hot in the summer and rainy in the winter. We wanted to provide a shade structure located between the two shipping containers used for storage so that the officers would have a sheltered place to provide instruction, clean their weapons, and rest in between rounds on the range. This type of project was new to all three of us in the group – Parker Smith, Kevin …

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

The Professional Constructor

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

Sustainable Building Techniques In Levi’S Stadium: A Case Study, Sean Zweigle

Construction Management

This study aimed to analyze the sustainability of Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California through an analysis of its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design or LEED certification. Levi’s Stadium was the first professional sports stadium to receive LEED Gold certification in 2014, at a time where a focus on green building practices was becoming an industry standard. This analysis aims to determine what avenues the project team employed to ensure certification, including various standout features and strategies. Additionally, the study investigates the scorecard used to award points towards LEED certification, highlighting categories emphasized in design and construction and those …

Instructional Design Framework For Construction Materials Training, Hazem Jadallah, Carol J. Friedland, Isabelina Nahmens, Charles Pecquet, Charles Berryman, Yimin Zhu

Faculty Publications

The construction industry is suffering, in part, from a lack of training programs offered to the construction workforce. Unfortunately, most construction training and education research focuses on university student education. Integrating education science theory into construction workforce training has the potential to improve industry training but there is a dearth of studies that present details of this integration process. To address this gap, a training framework was developed to educate material stakeholders on material properties, selection, and installation. This framework is based on andragogical and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles. An assessment method evaluates training agendas to improve upon …

Understanding The Differences Between Industry Objectives And Institutional Learning, Kristen Schell

Theses and Dissertations--Civil Engineering

To combat understaffing in the construction industry, it is necessary to employ the best candidates possible. By identifying the most desirable skills in a construction employee from an industry perspective, institutional learning can better prepare graduates for the construction workforce. Currently there exists an information gap in the objectives of the construction industry and institutional learning. This gap produces graduates, professors, and employers with expectations that do not align. Reducing this gap will aid in the success of hiring recently graduated construction students who can meet the ever-changing demands of the industry. Construction students who are fresh out of college …

Sustainability In Commercial Office Buildings, Jack Cullen

Construction Management

Sustainability in the construction of commercial structures has been expanding through the recent years, largely in part due to the increasing ambitions to maintain a green and healthy planet. Regulations for including sustainable features in new or renovated commercial buildings have been growing throughout the country. In fact, many prospective buyers and lessees are even adding sustainable features to the list of what they look for in a potential place to buy or rent. This report will explore whether or not a building’s sustainable aspects appeal to buyers and lessees of commercial buildings, and if these sustainable aspects contribute to …

Hybrid: The Future Of Construction Meetings In The Digital Age, Nicholas G. Orozco

Construction Management

Over the last few years, many construction companies have had to upheave traditional methods of construction meetings to adapt to rapidly changing COVID-19 safety and regulation protocols. For many, this has meant taking common in-person meetings (OAC, pre-construction, and design) and shifting them virtual. As companies continue to move forward in a post-pandemic climate, the question of whether they will continue with virtual meetings or revert to in-person meetings still lingers in the air. To get a better read on the future of construction meetings post-pandemic, a survey was sent to determine what most people prefer. A total of 21 …

The Causes Of Electrical Labor Shortages Within Central California, Madeline S. Brogno

Construction Management

Labor shortages within various trades in the construction industry have become a prominent issue throughout the world for decades. The negative effects due to lack of manpower affect construction personnel ranging from general contractors to manufacturers who are finding themselves struggling as many subcontractors are having to turn down work, which in turn affects general contractors timelines in projects- extending durations, and increasing costs. There has been general research done that has provided some insight, suggesting the root cause be attributed to the baby-boomer generation retiring, or a general lack of interest in the industry. This research paper on labor …

Measurement Of Resilience Performance For Infrastructure Construction Project Delivery, Fei Han

Civil Engineering ETDs

In the past decade, infrastructure resilience in the U.S. has become critical due to increasing disruptions to the built environment and the resultant consequences on economic, social, and environmental goals. This attention to resilience research is drawn to investigating the ability of existing structures and facilities to resist and recover from natural and human-caused hazards. From a broader view, resilience also applies to processes, such as infrastructure project delivery processes. During these processes, a project often suffers inevitable threats and disruptions, which can significantly delay or derail the project if the process is not resilient.

This research aimed to conceptualize …

Study Of Performance Of Vertical Drainage Well Construction From Polymer Materials, I.A. Akhmedov, Z.K. Mirkhasilova

Irrigation and Melioration

The article is devoted to the reconstruction and construction of vertical drainage wells. The use of vertical drainage wells is characterized by a decrease in the level of groundwater. The article presents data and typical regions of the use of vertical drainage wells.Also presented are mechanical, physical and chemical methods of well cleaning in practice. The information on the design and construction of vertical drainage wells is described. The analysis of corrosion resistance of vertical drainage well materials and their service life has been carried out. It is known that polymeric materials are resistant to corrosive environments. Using filters made …

Introduction To Prefabrication And Automation In Construction, Luciana Debs, Jiansong Zhang, Yunfeng Chen

Bowen School of Construction Open Educational Resources

New developments and recent advances in construction methods have the potential to change the future of the architecture, engineering and construction industry. Prefabrication, along with modular construction, provides a safe and controlled environment for the production of building construction elements and raises the need for improved collaboration and coordination from design to manufacturing and from transportation to final assembly. Prefabrication also provides relief from the skilled construction labor shortage while opening up new opportunities for mass customization within the building industry. Prefabrication and modular construction automation are emerging expansion routes for the construction industry. In addition, integral to developing the …

Assessment Of Key Imperatives For Enhancing Precast Adoptability In Egypt, Mostafa Sameh

Theses and Dissertations

Precast Concrete’s modular application concept is a major construction method that has been used historically seen in various shapes, forms, and with a wide range of constituents. Examples include Ancient Egypt and China among several impressive structures in old civilizations. The major advantages of precast concrete lie in its adaptability, resilience, and versatility which makes precast concrete one of the most agile building materials. Precast concrete as we know it today has been introduced to our markets over the past several decades. Having similar advantages to that of old precast building methods, the road has been paved for wider use …

A Case Study On The Ucsf Transplant Center Renovation: Mitigating Covid-19 Risks And Tracking Cost Impact, Alec Steven Woodyatt

Construction Management

At the beginning of 2020, the world was turned upside down at the hands of the global coronavirus pandemic. Today, economies and business are counting the costs and wondering what recovery will look like – how to navigate and adapt to a new style of life after returning from government-mandated lockdowns. The question on everyone’s minds is, “how do we continue to work while keeping people safe?” This question is extremely relevant in the construction industry where, for most people, working from home is not an option. This case study will delve into how Dome Construction, along with their client, …

The Benefits And Challenges Of Automation In The Modular Construction Industry, Allen Le

Construction Management

Modular construction combined with automation technology such as robotics presents benefits and challenges associated with it. Modular construction takes on the traditional building methods and has streamlined the production of modules making it safer, efficient, and productive. Along with innovation and cutting-edge technology such as automation, it offers an alternative building method to the modular construction industry that enhances productivity, worker safety, and efficiency. This research presents an investigation on factors that may be benefited from the adoption of automation but also addresses the challenges in modular construction. Qualitative interviews with designers and consultants in the modular industry were conducted …

Addressing Mep Labor Shortages And Methods To Attract Young Adults Into The Trades, Hernan Garcia Alonso

Construction Management

The mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) fields require a large skilled workforce. In recent years, companies have experienced shortages of skilled employees. These shortages arise from many causes, a root cause identified is the decrease of young adults pursuing MEP careers. This project focuses on the reasons young adults are reluctant to enter these careers, such as misconceptions or lack of knowledge on MEP careers. A pool of twelve MEP companies was surveyed regarding their experiences with the causes of labor shortages and the short-term mitigation methods used. They were also asked about their perspective on the lack of young …

The Utilization Of Industrial Hemp As A Structural Material, Matthew C. Wirick

Construction Management

The need for alternative materials within the construction industry is increasing as more projects are undertaken. Many of the natural resources currently used are being depleted. Various alternatives, such as using recycled concrete as a replacement for aggregate, are being researched and applied to projects with the purpose of reducing construction waste. However, substitutes are needed especially when it comes to structural materials. Industrial hemp is a fast-growing fibrous plant that can be made into a variety of goods and has properties that give it a high enough strength to be fabricated into products that can handle loads such as …