Civil and Environmental Engineering Commons^™

Condition Factor Calibration For Load And Resistance Factor Rating Of Steel Girder Bridges, Joshua Steelman, Pranav M. Shakya

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

Load and Resistance Factor Rating (LRFR) is a reliability-based rating procedure complementary to Load and Resistance Factor Design (LRFD). The intent of LRFR is to provide consistent reliability for all bridges regardless of in-situ condition. The primary difference between design and rating is the uncertain severity and location of deterioration, including the potential future loss of strength for an element already evidencing deterioration. Ostensibly, these uncertainties are addressed by applying an additional strength reduction factor: the condition factor, ϕc. Currently, condition factors are nominally correlated to the condition of the member, which can be Good, Fair, or Poor. However, definitions …

Influence Of Activated Carbon Surface Oxygen Functionality On Elemental Mercury Adsorption From Aqueous Solution, Emily K. Faulconer, David W. Mazyck

Publications

Mercury (Hg), though naturally occurring, is a toxic element. Exposure to various forms of mercury can be harmful for humans and ecosystems. Mercury-contaminated wastewater can be treated using activated carbon to adsorb the mercury, allowing for safe discharge. Wet chemical oxidation of activated carbon was performed to enhanced surface oxygen functionality, with the objective of enhancing aqueous ionic (Hg(II)) and elemental (Hg(0)) mercury adsorption. Characterization of the modified carbons included nitrogen adsorption-desorption, elemental analysis, point of zero charge, and total acidity titration. The concentration and identity of the modifying reagent influenced the characteristics of the carbons, including the surface oxygen …

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 …

How The Choice Of Bed Material Load Equations And Flow Duration Curves Impacts Estimates Of Effective Discharge, Michael James Cope

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to analyze how estimates of an important geomorphic parameter, effective discharge, are impacted by the choice of bed material load equations and flow duration curves (FDCs). The Yang (1979), Brownlie (1981), and Pagosa equations developed by Rosgen (2006) were compared for predicting bed material load. To calculate the bed material load using the Pagosa equations, the bedload and suspended load are calculated separately and the results are added together. To compare the effectiveness of the equations, measured bed material load data from the USGS Open-File Report 89-67 were used. Following the calculations, the equation …

Concise Handbook For Temporary Traffic Control - Construction, Maintenance, And Utility Operations, Indiana Ltap, Ohio Department Of Transportation

Indiana Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) Publications

This handbook gives the basic principles and provides examples for the design, application, installation, and maintenance of the various types of traffic control devices used in temporary traffic control or for incident management. Traffic control in roundabouts has been included in this version. The guidelines presented are in accordance with the standards provided within the Indiana Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices (IMUTCD). This handbook is based upon one created by the Ohio Department of Transportation, Guidelines for Traffic Control in Work Zones. Indiana LTAP expresses thanks to ODOT for their permission to reprint this material.

Implementing Net Zero Energy Into The Construction Innovations Center, Marlo Arleen Castro

Construction Management

As the environmental status of our planet declines, it is becoming more and more important for the construction industry to adapt. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is becoming an unspoken requirement for all new and tenant improvement construction, and now, with the goal of Net Zero Energy (NZE) for all new commercial buildings by 2030, NZE is becoming the way of the future. As of late, California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) has made grand efforts to retrofit several of the older buildings on its campus in order to achieve LEED certification. One of …

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. …

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 …

Camp Ocean Pines Aviary Extension, Matthew R. Stephens

Construction Management

This paper describes the construction process of an additional 192 SF storage area for an existing Nature Center, along with a new 1000 SF deck around the entire structure. The scope of work included the excavation and pouring of concrete piers and stem walls, framing of the subfloor, shear walls, roof, and deck, electrical rough-in and finish, roofing system, windows, doors, insulation, drywall, and decking. All work on this project was managed by the author, and construction was done by the author, subcontractors, local hires, and volunteers. Construction of the project took place between December 2016 and June 2017, and …

Development Of A Performance-Based Procedure To Predict Liquefaction-Induced Free-Field Settlements For The Cone Penetration Test, Mikayla Son Hatch

Theses and Dissertations

Liquefaction-induced settlements can cause a large economic toll on a region, from severe infrastructural damage, after an earthquake occurs. The ability to predict, and design for, these settlements is crucial to prevent extensive damage. However, the inherent uncertainty involved in predicting seismic events and hazards makes calculating accurate settlement estimations difficult. Currently there are several seismic hazard analysis methods, however, the performance-based earthquake engineering (PBEE) method is becoming the most promising. The PBEE framework was presented by the Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research (PEER) Center. The PEER PBEE framework is a more comprehensive seismic analysis than any past seismic hazard analysis …

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 …

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 …

Gaining Market Share As A Union Specialty Contractor In San Diego: A Case Study, Roy Lee Perrin Jr

Construction Management

San Diego is one of the few major cities in California to have a larger share of non-union labor compared to union labor in the private specialty construction sector. Although union labor is on the rise in large cities due to California’s strict labor wage laws, union specialty contractors are still running into challenges in terms of competitiveness in the San Diego area. Western Specialty Contractors has first hand experience with competing against non-union contractors in San Diego. This paper will outline the methodology Western Specialty Contractors took in order to gain market share in San Diego. This paper will …

Information Communication Improvements In B.I.G., Alexander M. Vlasity

Construction Management

Game based learning is a proven methodology of convening complex ideas and concepts to students. Game based learning creates an environment that is safe, enjoyable, stress free, and competitive. Construction management is no exception. In the classroom, there is only one way to provide real life experiences in creating and operating a business. That is through simulation software. Simulation software allows a user to experience many of the complexities that occur in real life while playing in an educational environment. This senior project will focus on one software package called The Building Industry Game. This simulation package provides its user …

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 …

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 …

Case Study Analysis Of Improving Productivity Rates For Self-Perform Concrete, Johnny Mcdermott

Construction Management

Productivity is one of the most important aspects of a successful construction project, especially if the work is self-performed and not sub-contracted out to another contractor. Usually the success of a project is directly correlated to how well the production has been throughout the course of the job. Often when a project manager notices their job is not doing well and not making their target profits or man-hours, productivity is usually the answer to that problem. This paper will examine the different ways and methods of tracking production that was used by Overaa construction. The focus of this study is …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Journeyman International: Hut2hut, Rwanda, Faith E. Johnson

Construction Management

This report details the project titled Hut2Hut, completed through the nonprofit humanitarian design organization, Journeyman International. Hut2Hut is a housing project designed to provide lodging for tourists backpacking through Rwanda. The structure is designed to house up to eight people. Features include an enclosed bunk space, a kitchen with basic appliances, wood-burning fireplace, collapsible wall-deck system to open up the living space to the outside, and two main outdoor deck spaces. The building will provide an affordable alternative to the more expensive resorts in Rwanda and aims to connect the visitors to the site and local culture. The proceeds will …

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 …