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Articles 181 - 210 of 242
Full-Text Articles in Construction Engineering and Management
Development Of A Particle Flow Test For Rotational Molding, Russell B. Whatcott
Development Of A Particle Flow Test For Rotational Molding, Russell B. Whatcott
Theses and Dissertations
One of the current testing method (the Dry Flow test) to qualify resin for use in production in the rotomolding process has been shown to have many flaws in both equipment and procedure. Research was done here to investigate a possible alternative that could eliminate some of these testing deficiencies. By reducing equipment and operator errors, the testing of materials becomes more valuable of an exercise. The Angular Flow test developed in this research can increase repeatability. By coming to understand the rotational molding process better, an evaluation that can give more valid information was devised.
The Study Of Superintendent Training And Its Effects On Homebuilding Cycle Time, John Wesley Burk
The Study Of Superintendent Training And Its Effects On Homebuilding Cycle Time, John Wesley Burk
Theses and Dissertations
This study was conducted to determine how much time would be saved in the homebuilding cycle when field superintendents received training. The study took place during the 2007 calendar year with a production homebuilder in southern Nevada. New technologies and techniques were introduced during weekly training meetings that were held at both the corporate office and construction job sites. A scheduling tool was introduced along with new procedures and policies. The superintendents were required to report daily on the tasks that had been completed. This gave the superintendent and upper management the ability to follow the home throughout the building …
Development And Characterization Of Friction Bit Joining: A New Solid State Spot Joining Technology Applied To Dissimilar Al/Steel Joints, Brandon Raymond Siemssen
Development And Characterization Of Friction Bit Joining: A New Solid State Spot Joining Technology Applied To Dissimilar Al/Steel Joints, Brandon Raymond Siemssen
Theses and Dissertations
Friction bit joining (FBJ) is a new solid-state spot joining technology developed in cooperation between Brigham Young University of Provo Utah, and MegaStir Technologies of West Bountiful Utah. Although capable of joining several different material combinations, this research focuses on the application of FBJ to joining 5754 aluminum to DP 980 steel, two alloys commonly used in automotive applications. The thicknesses of the materials used were 0.070 inches (1.78 mm) and 0.065 inches (1.65 mm), respectively. The FBJ process employs a consumable 4140 steel bit and is carried out on a purpose built research machine. In the first stage of …
Selecting The Best Thermal Building Insulation Using A Multi-Attribute Decision Model, Theodore J. Sotoropolis
Selecting The Best Thermal Building Insulation Using A Multi-Attribute Decision Model, Theodore J. Sotoropolis
Theses and Dissertations
Thermal building insulation has traditionally been viewed as a means to reduce thermal conductivity through the building envelope. Builders typically choose the least expensive material which meets the specifications in order to remain competitive. Other factors regarding long term health and environmental consequences are typically dismissed. However, a recent shift toward sustainability requires that architects and engineers take a more responsible approach to building design. This research takes a holistic approach to selecting thermal building insulation through the use of a multi-attribute decision model. Several types of insulating products from a variety of manufacturers were investigated in order to determine …
An Analysis Of Construction Cost And Schedule Performance, Michael J. Beach
An Analysis Of Construction Cost And Schedule Performance, Michael J. Beach
Theses and Dissertations
Cost and schedule performance are widely accepted in the literature and in industry as effective measures of the success of the project management effort expended. Earned Value Analysis (EVA) offers many metrics to objectively measure cost and schedule performance of many different types of projects. The author utilized EVA to objectively measure the cost and schedule performance of completed United States Air Force (AF) Military Construction (MILCON projects from 1990 to 2005. The impact of Major Command (MAJCOM), Construction Agent (CA), and facility type (CATCODE) and the combination of these variables on the EVA metrics of Cost Performance Index (CPI), …
Energy Efficiency In Cold-Weather High-End Custom Homes, Joseph R. Kearl
Energy Efficiency In Cold-Weather High-End Custom Homes, Joseph R. Kearl
Theses and Dissertations
Nationally, there is increasing interest in energy efficient homes due to growing energy costs and increased awareness. However, many builders haven't yet incorporated energy saving products and practices into homes. Many builders don't have the resources to evaluate available options and prefer to rely on the experiences of other builders. The purpose of this study was to create energy efficiency benchmarks for cold-weather, high-end custom homes and evaluate current building practices. A list of energy-efficient products and practices was created through a review of relevant literature. A group of expert builders was formed into a committee to help determine energy …
Comparing The Feasibility Of Cutting Thin-Walled Sections From Five Commonly Used Metals Utilizing Wire Electric Discharge Machining, Richard C. Stephenson
Comparing The Feasibility Of Cutting Thin-Walled Sections From Five Commonly Used Metals Utilizing Wire Electric Discharge Machining, Richard C. Stephenson
Theses and Dissertations
Wire Electric Discharge Machining (wire-EDM) is a non-traditional machining process. Controlled electric sparks are successively used to vaporize part of a workpiece along a programmed path in order to machine a desired part. Because there is no tool that comes in direct contact with the workpiece, it is possible to machine thin, delicate parts. This thesis was designed to observe and analyze the differences in cutting capabilities for a conventional wire-EDM machine when cutting thin-walled sections from five commonly used metals utilizing a variation of roughing and finishing passes. The five metals that were used in this study are: Aluminum …
Friction Stir Welding Of High-Strength Automotive Steel, Eric Michael Olsen
Friction Stir Welding Of High-Strength Automotive Steel, Eric Michael Olsen
Theses and Dissertations
The following thesis is a study on the ability to create acceptable welds in thin-plate, ultra-high-strength steels (UHSS) by way of friction stir welding (FSW). Steels are welded together to create tailor-welded blanks (TWB) for use in the automotive industry. Dual Phase (DP) 590, 780, and 980 steel as well as Transformation-Induced Plasticity (TRIP) 590 steel with thicknesses ranging from 1.2 mm to 1.8 mm were welded using friction stir welding under a variety of processing conditions, including experiments with dissimilar thicknesses. Samples were tested under tensile loads for initial determination if an acceptable weld had been created. Acceptable welds …
Objective Test Methods For Waveguide Audio Synthesis, Steven Gregory Wood
Objective Test Methods For Waveguide Audio Synthesis, Steven Gregory Wood
Theses and Dissertations
Acoustic Physical Modeling has emerged as a newer musical synthesis technique. The most common form of physical modeling synthesis in both industry and academia is digital waveguide synthesis. Commercially available for the past thirteen years, the top synthesizer manufacturers have chosen to include physical modeling synthesis in their top of the line models. In the area of audio quality testing, the most common tests have traditionally been group listening tests. While these tests are subjective and can be expensive and time-consuming, the results are validated by the groups' proper quality standards. Research has been conducted to evaluate objective testing procedures …
Lifetime Testing Of Wire-Grid Polarizers With Selected Over-Coatings, Steven J. Malone
Lifetime Testing Of Wire-Grid Polarizers With Selected Over-Coatings, Steven J. Malone
Theses and Dissertations
Wire-grid polarizers (WGPs) offer superior extinction, durability, angle of incidence, and heat resistance when compared to traditional organic polarizers. WGPs are found in applications such as high lumen lighting, laser devices, high lumen digital cinema projectors, LED packaging, and other integrated optical applications and are driving the need for over-coatings. Over-coating a WGP has been found to increase lifetime and durability. This research provides lifetime data on coated and uncoated WGPs. WGPs over-coated with 100nm of SiO2, 300nm of MgF2, and with no over-coating were heated to temperatures of 450 ºC, 500 ºC, and 550 ºC and timed until they …
Significant Trade Contractor Performance Characteristics As Evaluated By Big-D Construction, Conrad C. Johnson
Significant Trade Contractor Performance Characteristics As Evaluated By Big-D Construction, Conrad C. Johnson
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this research is to determine which aspects, other than price, of trade contractor performance are the most important to the general contractor, Big-D Construction. The impression a trade contractor leaves on the project manager and superintendent provides an indication of their performance. To determine what tasks trade contractors perform that most greatly impact overall perception of the general contractor's project manager and superintendent, hundreds of trade contractors were evaluated in ten separate categories and were then given an overall rating. The correlation between each category and the overall rating was found. The categories were then sorted from …
Rapid Runway Repair (Rrr): An Optimization For Minimum Operating Strip (Mos) Selection, David J. Duncan
Rapid Runway Repair (Rrr): An Optimization For Minimum Operating Strip (Mos) Selection, David J. Duncan
Theses and Dissertations
Minimum Operating Strip (MOS) selection determines the exact placement of the MOS on the damaged runway, and therefore, the amount of munitions that need to be neutralized and the amount of damage that will need to be repaired. MOS selection, in essence, is the key determinant of the time required to attain an operational takeoff and recovery surface. Since the MOS selection stage determines the events and scope of work for all of the Rapid Runway Repair (RRR) stages that follow, it could be argued that this is the most important stage in the entire RRR process. The primary purpose …
A Qualitative Study Of Selected Quality Knowledge And Practices In Guangdong Province, China, Tyler R. Thomas
A Qualitative Study Of Selected Quality Knowledge And Practices In Guangdong Province, China, Tyler R. Thomas
Theses and Dissertations
The manufacturing industry has become very competitive in today's global market environment. Many US companies are faced with the choice of keeping their manufacturing domestic or looking to low cost off-shore countries to take advantage of the labor costs differences. To gain an understanding of the state of manufacturing in China, a major focus in the manufacturing world today, this thesis was undertaken. This thesis presents the findings of research conducted in Guangdong Province, China in June - July, 2005. This research addressed customer focus, leadership and general manufacturing and quality knowledge and practices of small, medium and large sized …
Decision Analysis With Value Focused Thinking As A Methodology To Select Building For Deconstruction, Erika E. Maiorano
Decision Analysis With Value Focused Thinking As A Methodology To Select Building For Deconstruction, Erika E. Maiorano
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this research was to examine the reuse and recycling of building materials on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. There are a variety of conflicting factors concerning the removal of a building and the model quantitatively evaluates alternatives with respect to the decision maker’s values. The research questions were addressed with both a comprehensive literature review as well as the implementation of the value focused thinking methodology. The model found that the temporary living facilities are the alternatives that achieve the highest value. The result of this research effort was a value model that aids decision makers in identifying …
Spot Friction Welding Of Ultra High-Strength Automotive Sheet Steel, Jack H. Sederstrom
Spot Friction Welding Of Ultra High-Strength Automotive Sheet Steel, Jack H. Sederstrom
Theses and Dissertations
Spot friction welding (SFW) was performed on ultra high strength steel (UHSS) steel sheet commonly used in automobile manufacturing. Alloys studied included DP780, DP780EG, DP980, and DF140T sheet steel of varying thickness from 1.2 mm to 1.4 mm. Welding was accomplished using a PCBN standard tool. Weld strengths were then compared to a proposed AWS standard. Initial hardness readings were taken in cross sectioned samples. Grain structure in a SFW is presented. Resistance spot welds were created in three steels. This study focuses on the strength of SFW joints as compared to traditional resistance spot welding (RSW) in welding like …
A Decision Model For Selecting Energy Efficient Technologies For Low -Sloping Roof Tops Using Value-Focused Thinking, Michael J. Mccourt
A Decision Model For Selecting Energy Efficient Technologies For Low -Sloping Roof Tops Using Value-Focused Thinking, Michael J. Mccourt
Theses and Dissertations
The Air Force has a large inventory of low-sloping built up roofs (BURs) and millions of dollars are spent each year retrofitting these systems. The DOD has been directed to reduce non-renewable energy consumption by using energy-efficient technologies. These two details present a great opportunity to use the open roof space to install energy-efficient roofing technologies. The purpose of this research is to provide Air Force decision makers with a tool to assist them in deciding what roofing technologies should be installed on facilities. Value Focused-Thinking is the methodology used to construct the model, in which values were used, instead …
A Value-Focused Thinking Model For The Selection Of The Best Rigid Pavement, Partial-Depth Spall Repair Material, Benjamin G. Speer
A Value-Focused Thinking Model For The Selection Of The Best Rigid Pavement, Partial-Depth Spall Repair Material, Benjamin G. Speer
Theses and Dissertations
Concrete spalls on airfield pavements generate foreign object debris (FOD) that is damaging to aircraft engines, and may damage landing gear by roughening of the pavement surface. Repairing spalled concrete on aging and deteriorating airfields is essential for its safe operational use. Picking the best repair material from many products on the commercial market is difficult. There is wide variation on material properties, and good performance on certain criteria is critical to constructing long lasting repairs. Since there is currently no procedure for Air Force decision-makers to select the best rigid-pavement repair material, a model was created using Value-Focused Thinking …
An Analysis Of The Accounting Methods Used By Builders Producing Twenty-Five Or Fewer Homes Per Year, David Andrus
An Analysis Of The Accounting Methods Used By Builders Producing Twenty-Five Or Fewer Homes Per Year, David Andrus
Theses and Dissertations
Accounting plays a crucial role in the success of any business, but it is particularly vital in the construction industry, a complex field that typically requires the coordination of multiple subcontractors and multiple jobs in any given year. Although small-volume home builders make up 70 percent of the membership of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), a trade association of the home building industry, little is known about the accounting practices of these builders. This thesis undertook to study the accounting practices of small-volume home builders. Small-volume home builders were defined as those producing 25 homes or fewer in …
A New Spectroscopic Method For The Non-Destructive Characterization Of Weathering Damage In Plastics, Andrew Robert George
A New Spectroscopic Method For The Non-Destructive Characterization Of Weathering Damage In Plastics, Andrew Robert George
Theses and Dissertations
The weathering of plastics and composites is a problem because of the loss of both physical and mechanical properties that it causes in these materials. But this weathering effect has been difficult, and in some cases, impossible to characterize without the destruction of the plastic or composite part. Clearly a rapid, reliable, and non-destructive test for the extent of the weathering damage is critically needed. A recent problem that arose at Superyacht Solutions, a boat repair company in Australia, required a solution to just this problem. Such a test was developed for Superyacht Solutions, and is being applied across a …
Determining The Value Of A Master's Degree In Construction Management, Benjamin K. Davis
Determining The Value Of A Master's Degree In Construction Management, Benjamin K. Davis
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this study is to determine the value of a master's degree in construction management in southern Idaho. A telephone and Internet survey was employed to determine the value that members of the construction industry in southern Idaho place on construction management (CM) degrees, both graduate and undergraduate. The survey included 27 self-described general contractors who are members of The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) in regions 3 and 4 in the state of Idaho. Regions three and four include Twin Falls, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Ketchum, Burley and surrounding communities. Following the compilation of surveys, it was …
Contractor Variability In Construction Of Cement Treated Base Layers, Maile Anne Rogers
Contractor Variability In Construction Of Cement Treated Base Layers, Maile Anne Rogers
Theses and Dissertations
The primary purposes of this research were to identify construction factors most correlated to specific mechanical properties of cement-treated base (CTB) layers and to determine which construction factors exhibit comparatively high variability within individual construction sections of the two pavement reconstruction projects included in this study. In addition, differences between construction sections tested in this research were evaluated. The research focused on the construction of CTB layers in two pavement reconstruction projects in northern Utah, one along Interstate 84 (I-84) near Morgan and one along U.S. Highway 91 (US-91) near Richmond. The significant predictor variables associated with California bearing ratio …
Comparing Time And Accuracy Of Building Information Modeling To On-Screen Takeoff For A Quantity Takeoff Of A Conceptual Estimate, Morgan A. Alder
Comparing Time And Accuracy Of Building Information Modeling To On-Screen Takeoff For A Quantity Takeoff Of A Conceptual Estimate, Morgan A. Alder
Theses and Dissertations
Estimating is a critical aspect of every construction project. The most tedious component of an estimate is the quantity takeoff. Different tools are available to improve an estimator's productivity for a quantity takeoff. Faster quantity takeoffs enable estimator to bid more jobs. This study analyzed the time and accuracy of performing quantity takeoffs when using building information modeling (BIM) through a comparison study using Revit (BIM software) and On-Center's OST. In preparation for the study the researcher conducted a pilot study. Participants of the study were asked to perform a quantity takeoff using both Revit and OST. Their resulting data …
Incorporating Wireless Power Transfer In An Led Lighting Application, Jonathan S. Shipley
Incorporating Wireless Power Transfer In An Led Lighting Application, Jonathan S. Shipley
Theses and Dissertations
There are various situations in which electrical energy is desired but cannot by conveniently supplied. Since the days of Hienrich Hertz and Nikola Tesla, scientists have tried to solve this problem using different methods of wireless power transfer. Today, wireless power transfer has only been commercially demonstrated at small distances through use of induction. This thesis demonstrated the transfer of wireless power at relatively large distances through radio frequencies in the development of a prototype for a commercial product - a wireless household lamp.
A Solution For Commodity Field Hauling With Self-Unloading Semi-Trailers, Lee Pagens Wilkerson
A Solution For Commodity Field Hauling With Self-Unloading Semi-Trailers, Lee Pagens Wilkerson
Theses and Dissertations
Commodity hauling of bulk goods is a growing enterprise that has expanded from hauling agricultural products to hauling many other bulk products. Commodity trailers are used to haul agricultural products from storage facilities to processing plants. These trailers are designed for highway use but are frequently required to work in field conditions as well. In many cases this environment overstresses these trailers and results in permanent irreparable damage. In addition to the structural problems of these trailers, the current systems for unloading the bulk produce from these trailers have serious inadequacies. While functional, the currently used chain and non-chain driven …
A Study Of Home Builder Advertising For Smart Home Technologies, Jared Don Bingham
A Study Of Home Builder Advertising For Smart Home Technologies, Jared Don Bingham
Theses and Dissertations
The purpose of this research is to discover if home builders along the Wasatch Front in Utah are advertising smart home technologies. Research was conducted by a review of the display advertisements placed in the Saturday and Sunday editions of The Deseret Morning News/Salt Lake Tribune from March 4, 2006 through April 1, 2006. An internet search for smart home terminology was performed on the web sites of home builders advertising in The Deseret Morning News/Salt Lake Tribune. A review of the display advertisements for the Deseret Morning News/Salt Lake Tribune revealed that home builders are not using that medium …
Payback Information: It's Effect On Home Buyers Regarding Energy Efficiency, Steven E. Sparti
Payback Information: It's Effect On Home Buyers Regarding Energy Efficiency, Steven E. Sparti
Theses and Dissertations
This study was conducted to find out how payback analysis would affect consumer decision making with regards to home energy efficient upgrade packages. Three different home plans were obtained from a local builder and seven different energy efficient packages were created. Using Hot2000 the heating and cooling loads were calculated for each building, with each energy efficient package, in each of the four major cardinal directions. The averages were taken and the payback information was calculated. The payback information included the increased cost of the package, the increase in the mortgage payment, the annual savings from heating and cooling bills, …
Encryption Of Computer Peripheral Devices, Kelly Robert Norman
Encryption Of Computer Peripheral Devices, Kelly Robert Norman
Theses and Dissertations
Computer peripherals, such as keyboards, scanners, printers, cameras, and Personal Data Assistants (PDAs) typically communicate with a host PC via an unencrypted protocol, leaving them vulnerable to eavesdropping techniques, such as keyloggers. An encryption system was developed that is simple enough to be used in peripherals that do not have large amounts of processing power and memory. A software driver loaded in the operating system of the host computer communicates with a simple 8-bit microcontroller in the peripheral device. The driver handles key generation, key exchange, and provides decrypted data to the operating system. A key exchange protocol allows the …
The Art And Science Of Discontinuous Innovation: A Case Study In Product Reinvention, Daniel C. Smoot
The Art And Science Of Discontinuous Innovation: A Case Study In Product Reinvention, Daniel C. Smoot
Theses and Dissertations
Divergence of new and old technologies is a source of tremendous innovation potential. As the dizzying pace of technological innovation accelerates indefinitely into tomorrow, not only do new paths diverge exponentially; doors already opened are increasingly abandoned for the allure of things undiscovered. Mature, late-stage life-cycle products left behind in today's fast-paced world open the floodgates to reinvention. This paper tests the hypothesis that innovativeness can be encouraged through the learning and application of universal innovation principles and processes. The implications of this research area are far-reaching. If innovation can be encouraged, then it can likely be taught. If it …
Risk-Based Decision Model For Determining The Applicability Of An Earned Value Management System In Construction, Mark D. Workman
Risk-Based Decision Model For Determining The Applicability Of An Earned Value Management System In Construction, Mark D. Workman
Theses and Dissertations
New policy mandated by the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics has lowered the dollar thresholds of contracts requiring earned value management (EVM). This policy directed that a "risk-based decision" be made to determine if EVM should be used on firm-fixed price contracts under $20 million. Although not previously applicable to Military Construction (MILCON) building projects or other Air Force Civil Engineer (CE) managed contracts, the new threshold requires that CE projects be evaluated for risk. Therefore, the focus of this research was to analyze the risk factors associated with construction contracts in an attempt to build a …
The Role Of The Architect: Changes Of The Past, Practices Of The Present, And Indications Of The Future, Chad B. Jones
The Role Of The Architect: Changes Of The Past, Practices Of The Present, And Indications Of The Future, Chad B. Jones
Theses and Dissertations
For centuries the architect was the master builder; the one who was responsible for both the design and the construction of a project with sufficient construction expertise to oversee the project from inception to completion. Eventually, complexity of projects required a higher level of specialization leading to the separation of the designer and the builder. Since that separation, the role of the designer, or architect, has continued to shift and evolve. In recent history, the architect has been the one selected by a building owner, at the inception of the project, as the professional who is able to assist and …