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Full-Text Articles in Civil and Environmental Engineering

Second Language Advantages To The Construction Industry, Heilam Wu Jun 2021

Second Language Advantages To The Construction Industry, Heilam Wu

Construction Management

The university is well known for its prowess in construction management. It is essential for construction management students to learn additional skills. The current trend in construction management predicts its expansion across international borders. A construction manager will have an added advantage working abroad if they can communicate using different languages. Knowledge of foreign languages is advantageous as it increases the chance of securing job opportunities and sharing effectively with others. However, this can only be attained by encouraging more students to learn to integrate their skills with at least one or two foreign languages. It is, therefore, essential to …

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Analysis Of Phasing Seismic Retrofits: A Case Study, Sydney I. Lee Jun 2021

Analysis Of Phasing Seismic Retrofits: A Case Study, Sydney I. Lee

Construction Management

Building performance and safety have always been a high concern in seismic areas, especially as certain building configurations and designs have proven inadequate and dangerous in large earthquakes. Building failures due to earthquake forces are combated by local seismic ordinances, which describe the types of buildings at risk and mandate when they are required to be seismically retrofitted. This paper investigates the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry and the necessity of seismically retrofitting buildings, particularly soft story wood frame, non-ductile concrete, and welded steel moment frame structures. This case study focuses on the voluntary seismic retrofit of a high-rise …

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Construction Communication - A New Technical Elective Course At Cal Poly, Alex Trujillo Jun 2021

Construction Communication - A New Technical Elective Course At Cal Poly, Alex Trujillo

Construction Management

A new course, Construction Communication, was developed to be included in course offerings at California Polytechnic University San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) as a technical elective for Construction Management (CM) undergraduate students. The goal of this course is to prepare Junior and Senior level students for real life scenarios they will face in the industry upon graduation and to develop their soft skills. Effective communication is a skillset that is learned through years of experience. However, in this course that process will be jumpstarted, aiming to build a strong foundation of soft skills. Construction is a people business, and one’s …

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Pouring Concrete Benches For The Amphitheater At Slo Botanical Garden, Makenna Paige Gitchell Jun 2021

Pouring Concrete Benches For The Amphitheater At Slo Botanical Garden, Makenna Paige Gitchell

Construction Management

This paper will outline the logistics and construction processes for the construction of ten concrete benches for a new amphitheater area at the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden. These benches will provide stadium-style seating for around forty guests that the botanical garden staff can utilize for special events, tours and outdoor classes. The overall project team was composed of 6 students broken out into a preconstruction (Anthony Masarweh, Sydnee Greer and Devon Barthmaier) and a construction team (Makenna Gitchell, Brandon Keefer, and Kyler Cruz). As part of the construction team, we were responsible for coordinating material deliveries, building the formwork, …

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Analyzing The Impact Of The Women In Construction Club, Reagan Milligan Jun 2021

Analyzing The Impact Of The Women In Construction Club, Reagan Milligan

Construction Management

The Women in Construction (WIC) club at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo provides a support network for all students, but specifically serves women pursuing an undergraduate degree in construction management. The club’s mission statement is to ‘recognize and empower all students in construction through change, collaboration, and leadership development by leveraging connections.’ This study was conducted to determine the types and levels of impact the Women in Construction club has had on undergraduate students at the professional, academic, and personal levels. The study evaluates the different types of events held by the club, networking opportunities provided for both …

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Refurbishment Of Exterior Wooden Panels Of Simpson Strong Tie Building, Isidoro A. Amalfitano Jun 2021

Refurbishment Of Exterior Wooden Panels Of Simpson Strong Tie Building, Isidoro A. Amalfitano

Construction Management

This paper outlines the refurbishment of the exterior wood panels located on the Simpson Strong Tie Building on the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo campus. This project focuses on the two large 50 square foot wooden panels that act as an exterior skin for the Simpson Strong Tie Building. This project is an individual project that was broken up into 4 phases. This paper will cover all 4 phases of the refurbishment process. These phases include the removal, sanding, staining and reapplication of wood panels onto the Simpson Strong Tie Building. Furthermore, this paper will go in depth about the …

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The Optimization Of Financial Investment In Project Safety Practices, Ryan Stewart Nielsen Jun 2021

The Optimization Of Financial Investment In Project Safety Practices, Ryan Stewart Nielsen

Construction Management

This research paper explains the notable benefits to pursing a comprehensive safety plan complete with the most cost-effective safety practices in the industry. Through communication with environmental health and safety professionals within the construction industry, it was determined that certain safety practices are deemed essential on any active jobsite. Enforcing mandatory jobsite safety training to all individuals entering a jobsite serves as the first line of defense when attempting to protect individuals and mitigate risk. This educational and effective safety practice highlights the potential safety concerns of a jobsite while also mitigating contractor liability if an accident were to occur. …

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Alternative Options To Diesel Fuel In Construction Equipment, Sheldon A. Maag Jun 2021

Alternative Options To Diesel Fuel In Construction Equipment, Sheldon A. Maag

Construction Management

The construction industry is a major contributor to the environmental emissions due to the extensive use of construction equipment, which is responsible for greenhouse gas emissions and harmful substances such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions. The goal of this paper is to analyze the current equipment and fuel used and to compare to the new fuels that are said to be better for the environment. There have been studies in which companies have employed a portable emission measurement system (PEMS) for real time measurement of emissions from construction equipment including carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), …

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An In-Depth Look At Career Paths, Keith J. Hackleman Jun 2021

An In-Depth Look At Career Paths, Keith J. Hackleman

Construction Management

Construction Management students are faced with a decision once they graduate college and start moving up in the work force. They must decide what career path they want to pursue, and they typically have very little information about each position to make their decision. Their information on the career paths typically comes from professor’s experiences, internships, and family experiences. The goal of this Senior Project was to allow for an unbiased look at each different career path, breaking it up into Project Managers, Superintendents, and Estimating/BIM Managers. The survey was focused on work-life balance, hours per week, and time spent …

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Testing Concrete Reinforcing Fibers To Reduce Surface Cracking, Shaina Marie Suanico Jun 2021

Testing Concrete Reinforcing Fibers To Reduce Surface Cracking, Shaina Marie Suanico

Construction Management

Concrete reinforcing fibers are a fairly new technology being used in the construction industry to replace reinforcing bar in various applications. In partnership with Largo Concrete, Master Builders Solutions, and Cal Portland, this action research-based project aimed to test how the MasterFiber 360FF synthetic reinforcing fibers impact plastic shrinkage cracking with various types of aggregate using the ASTM C1579-06 test. The end goal of this project is to provide a baseline for future construction management students to test plastic shrinkage using the C1579-06 apparatus that was built to produce further knowledge on the feasibility of concrete reinforcing fibers. The review …

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Do Development Department Standards Deter Potential Affordable Housing In Los Angeles Areas? A Case Study, Adam Gonzalez Jun 2021

Do Development Department Standards Deter Potential Affordable Housing In Los Angeles Areas? A Case Study, Adam Gonzalez

Construction Management

Development department standards for constructing new buildings are put in place for the general well being of the community and its buildings. Using a case study of a recent Santa Monica Mixed-Use project, the paper can analyze the building standards, programs, and other requirements put in place. The purpose of the case study was to highlight challenges and issues to project start-up created by the city’s standards to gain insight as to how standards may deter construction containing affordable housing units in the Los Angeles Area. Qualitative research was conducted through e-mail correspondence with the VP and development partner of …

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Best Practices For Lean Scheduling And Coordination In Commercial Construction, Josselyn Marie Verutti Jun 2021

Best Practices For Lean Scheduling And Coordination In Commercial Construction, Josselyn Marie Verutti

Construction Management

Efficiency and optimization are the major factors required for success in the construction industry. Lean construction is the all-encompassing path to this success, but while many understand the goal of lean construction, few can implement it in a way where it will be successful in saving time and money. Effective scheduling, coordination, and communication comes down to the quality of information flow within the project team. As a result, interaction effectiveness becomes one of the most crucial factors in determining the outcome of a project. The Last Planner System is one of the tools used to improve lean scheduling and …

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Proposal For Purchase Of In-House Drone For Cal Poly’S Construction Management Department, Angel Sanchez Jun 2021

Proposal For Purchase Of In-House Drone For Cal Poly’S Construction Management Department, Angel Sanchez

Construction Management

Over the years, the construction industry has been steadily seeing an influx of new technology and innovation that has potential to improve the industry in many ways. One form of technology that has been introduced into the construction industry is Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). UAS technology includes drones, photogrammetry capabilities, and the software that links field data to analytic tools. In the past decade, drones in construction have seen a considerable amount of growth and the uses for drones in construction, therefore new job opportunities in construction have been created that require knowledge of UAS technology. As the construction industry …

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Adapting To California Wildfires: Keys To Rebuilding In High Fire Risk Locations, Sebastian Dante Froman Jun 2021

Adapting To California Wildfires: Keys To Rebuilding In High Fire Risk Locations, Sebastian Dante Froman

Construction Management

A rise in California wildfires has led to a significant increase in the number of acres and structures destroyed annually. The Tubbs Fire, known as one of California’s most destructive fires, affected parts of Northern California in October 2017. In an effort to reduce the damage caused by wildfires, it is vital that houses are constructed so that they are more fire resistant, specifically in areas that are at high risk of wildfires. This paper will look at the reconstruction of Santa Rosa after the Tubbs Fire to see what building methods are being used by contractors. This was investigated …

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Waste Management Relating To Sustainable Practices In Construction Management Today, Danielle Grace Moody Jun 2021

Waste Management Relating To Sustainable Practices In Construction Management Today, Danielle Grace Moody

Construction Management

This study is a combination of research from previous studies as well as interview to evaluate the effects of the various sustainable systems and rating systems, how they are working to improve waste management, and how this has plays into the current and future practices of construction. Construction and demolition (C&D) waste is one of the largest waste flows in the world, reaching 30–40% of the total solid waste because of the large-scale construction and demolition activities resulting from accelerated urbanization and city rebuilding (Islam, 2019). To evaluate the difference between LEED certified construction in comparison to non-LEED certified construction, …

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A Holistic Analysis Of Energy Storage Systems Applied To Single-Family Residences In California, David Anthony Russian Jun 2021

A Holistic Analysis Of Energy Storage Systems Applied To Single-Family Residences In California, David Anthony Russian

Construction Management

The technology this paper focuses on is energy storage systems applied to single-family residences in California. This relatively new technology consists of a stationary battery that is connected to a power source, most notably photovoltaic panels on the roof. The holistic nature of this research paper is meant to incorporate the principle aspects surrounding the current state and affordability of these systems such as the type of batteries used, government incentives, the predominant benefits, and emerging trends that will dictate the future of these systems. The information was gathered by conducting an extensive literature review and interviewing ten energy storage …

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The Zero Waste Concept In The California Commercial Construction Industry: A Case Study, Maureen Moreno Jun 2021

The Zero Waste Concept In The California Commercial Construction Industry: A Case Study, Maureen Moreno

Construction Management

In 2018, the United States generated 600 million tons of Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW) which was more than twice the amount of municipal solid waste produced. Excessive CDW puts a burden on already scarce landfills as well as the environment and the health of its inhabitants. Implementing waste management practices has historically been a challenge. The zero waste concept emerged as an innovative solution to CDW and refers to the elimination of waste throughout construction activity. It is the process of eliminating waste where possible, minimizing waste where feasible, and reusing materials which otherwise might become waste. Fully adopting …

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Design Of Amphitheatre Seating At The Slo Botanical Garden, Sydnee Greer Jun 2021

Design Of Amphitheatre Seating At The Slo Botanical Garden, Sydnee Greer

Construction Management

This senior project was designed to provide a gathering space for the San Luis Obispo community. With the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden providing an outdoor space for nature education, wedding ceremonies, and several other types of gatherings, they wanted amphitheater seating for forty guests. This project required the design and construction of ten concrete benches that span eight feet with wood Trex added on top for comfort. The focus of this paper will be on the design process of this project. When designing the benches, the Botanical Garden wanted seating that could withstand the elements but still be comfortable …

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City Farm Slo - Walk-In Produce Coolbot Cooler, Connor Morinini Jun 2021

City Farm Slo - Walk-In Produce Coolbot Cooler, Connor Morinini

Construction Management

This paper describes the planning, financing, and construction of a commercial sized refrigerator for a non-profit urban farm in San Luis Obispo, CA, called City Farm SLO. Construction of the project occurred over a nine-month period from September of 2020 to May of 2021. The project involved building a Tuffshed, site grading, framing a room inside the Tuffshed, hanging a door, installing electricity inside the room, insulating the interior, painting the exterior, installing an air conditioner, and wiring the Coolbot to the air conditioner. The project was built to allow the non-profit organization to begin storing their agricultural crops in …

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Outsourcing Vdc Workflows, Kyle K. Bresnahan Jun 2021

Outsourcing Vdc Workflows, Kyle K. Bresnahan

Construction Management

In an increasingly demanding world for infrastructure, technological methods have been found to assist construction project's. As innovative construction methods are constantly increasing, so is the demand for technological needs within the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. To ensure technological adoption, many countries have started to mandate higher levels of building information modeling (BIM) documentation beyond the 2D construction documents traditionally required throughout construction review and permitting. Some companies have capitalized on this change to the extent of making BIM their primary business. These companies focus solely on virtual design and construction (VDC) and determine whether clients lacking this …

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San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden Concrete Benches, Anthony N. Masarweh Jun 2021

San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden Concrete Benches, Anthony N. Masarweh

Construction Management

The purpose of this project is to build a total of 10, 8-foot-long concrete benches. These benches will be stationed at the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden located at 3450 Dairy Creek Road, San Luis Obispo. The design consists of a large block style bench with composite Trex boards layered on top for comfort upon sitting. The structure consists of a rebar cage made of #3, 12”x18” stirrups at 16” O.C. There is a foam core in the middle of the rebar cage to allow for lighter weight benches and also to minimize the cubic yards of concrete used per …

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Creating A More Diverse And Inclusive Environment In The Cal Poly Construction Management Department, Miriam Robles Jun 2021

Creating A More Diverse And Inclusive Environment In The Cal Poly Construction Management Department, Miriam Robles

Construction Management

This study looks at how to increase diversity and inclusivity in the Cal Poly Construction Management Department. It is becoming increasingly important to promote diversity and inclusivity not just in the classroom, but also in the workforce. It is important for the Cal Poly CM program to put more of an emphasis on trying to create a more a diverse major and acknowledge the importance of having inclusivity and diversity in the major. This project researched ways in which other universities have used different methods to increase diversity and create a more inclusive culture on their campus. This research was …

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Journeyman International: Third Lens Ministries Development In Jonestown, Mississippi, Josh Riley De Mattei Jun 2021

Journeyman International: Third Lens Ministries Development In Jonestown, Mississippi, Josh Riley De Mattei

Construction Management

Jonestown, Mississippi has been known to be a place of poverty and in need of infrastructure. A nonprofit, Third Lens Ministries is developing housing for the people of Jonestown, Mississippi. Over the last 9 months, an architect Margy Maher, an engineer Autumn Wagner, as well as myself, a construction management major, have all collaborated in order to design, engineer and plan the perfect Dwelling for the people of Jonestown, Mississippi. While the scope of the project includes community centers and housing, our team’s scope was to focus on the residential development and site work. As the construction manager, my deliverables …

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Paso Robles Police Department Outdoor Training Facility Improvements, Nicolas A. Petri Jun 2021

Paso Robles Police Department Outdoor Training Facility Improvements, Nicolas A. Petri

Construction Management

This paper will outline the pre-construction and construction processes of the Paso Robles Police Department’s outdoor training facility improvements. The project, located in East Paso Robles, focuses on 12,000 square feet of a 24,300 square foot site owned by the city of Paso Robles. This is a group project done with Gavin Abraham and Zach Stellini that remodeled an existing outdoor training facility, including over 1400 square feet of concrete flatwork, underground utilities, 80 cubic yards of decomposed granite and various site civil improvements. The purpose of this project was to provide the Paso Robles Police Department with a cleaner …

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Alternatives To Oil-Based Binders For Asphalt Concrete Paving In Northern California, Parker E. Jenks Jun 2021

Alternatives To Oil-Based Binders For Asphalt Concrete Paving In Northern California, Parker E. Jenks

Construction Management

Every day, millions of Americans travel along highways and roadways during their everyday lives. Many people do not understand the vital impact that this infrastructure has on their day to day activities and what goes into building these roadways. The traditional process of using paving a roadway requires the use of an asphalt binder that is typically an oil-based binder. With the environmental effects of manufacturing and producing these oils, as well as the effects on the environment when the asphalt is placed, there have been a few accounts of producing an alternative asphalt binder that does not use oil. …

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Development Of Bluebeam Curriculum For Construction Management Department In Virtual And In-Class Transmissions, Jacob K. Clark Jun 2021

Development Of Bluebeam Curriculum For Construction Management Department In Virtual And In-Class Transmissions, Jacob K. Clark

Construction Management

This paper discusses the development of two new learning modules for the California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo Construction Management department on Bluebeam practices and usage that reflect industry and technological changes. Adapting to and maintaining practices in distance learning, this curriculum allows for optimal online education and further advancement and clarity in in-person transmissions. With step-by-step videos for optional distance learning, students and faculty can choose to engage in alternative modes of education delivery. Building on traditional roles of construction technology education, teaching instructions are provided for faculty. This project based senior project positively impacts the body of knowledge …

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Workers Head Protection Preferences In Construction, Matthew R. Langbehn Jun 2021

Workers Head Protection Preferences In Construction, Matthew R. Langbehn

Construction Management

Head injuries are one of the most common ways workers are injured on a construction site, but head protection has not evolved over the last few decades. A new style of head protection, a safety helmet is being introduced to better protect workers, but the new style has not been widely adopted. A survey was conducted to determine workers preferences when choosing head protection and 31 responses were collected. 68% of the respondents currently wear a safety helmet, but 60% of the respondents would choose a traditional helmet if given the choice. 73% workers with more than 5 years of …

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Volumetric Modules For Mixed-Use Buildings: Logan At 51st - A Case Study, Abraham J. Ahmed Jun 2021

Volumetric Modules For Mixed-Use Buildings: Logan At 51st - A Case Study, Abraham J. Ahmed

Construction Management

Modular construction has been a building technique since the 16th century and has since been refined into one of today’s leading construction approaches. Modular construction is the process of manufacturing buildings or structures off-site. Modular construction is split into panelized systems which are two-dimensional system or volumetric system which are three-dimensional. This paper will examine the largest volumetric modular project, The Logan at 51st, in the Bay Area which is set to be complete by the end of 2020. This paper will outline the current modular construction trend; the different types of modular construction; the process that …

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Prioritizing Mental Health Awareness In The Construction Industry, Molly E. Pryde Jun 2021

Prioritizing Mental Health Awareness In The Construction Industry, Molly E. Pryde

Construction Management

The construction industry is known as one of the most demanding industries for employees, both physically and mentally. Due to various factors associated with the working conditions and lifestyles of construction workers, the likelihood of mental health challenges amongst this demographic is quite high. Furthermore, industry culture surrounding masculinity poses a barrier to properly addressing the issue. Because of the dynamic and fast-paced work environment, assessing potential risks to protect workers is an integral part of each day on the job site. As a key component in company success and individual well-being, safety has become ingrained in construction culture. However, …

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Home Builders’ Perception Of Virtual Inspections: A Case Study, Kyle J. Morse Jun 2021

Home Builders’ Perception Of Virtual Inspections: A Case Study, Kyle J. Morse

Construction Management

The COVID-19 pandemic created a new set of restrictions and safety protocols for the residential construction industry. Many jurisdictions began placing social distancing practices on inspectors, limiting their ability to visit the jobsite. The adjustment required many residential builders and inspectors to adapt to virtual inspections using videos, photographs, and recordings. As this new technology gains traction in the residential industry, questions arise regarding its benefits, drawbacks, and industry acceptance. This case study analyzes the perceptions and experiences of five separate homebuilders in Yolo County, California. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five residential general contractors, transcribed, and thematically analyzed to …

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