Construction Engineering and Management Commons^™

Developing Infrastructure Adaptation Pathways To Combat Hurricane Intensification: A Coupled Storm Simulation And Economic Modeling Framework For Coastal Installations, Alexander J. Baldwin

Theses and Dissertations

Climate change projections suggest intensification of extreme weather events, including hurricanes, is expected throughout the 21st century. This will lead to increased destruction for coastal military bases unless infrastructure resiliency and adaptation measures are implemented. This research focuses on examining the simulation of probabilistic, climate-intensified hurricane events at Eglin Air Force Base. FEMA Hazus models are combined with climate projections for wind Intensity, tide, and sea-level rise to produce an assessment of losses to the installation. Damage estimates and hurricane intensity outputs are downscaled to the facility-level so that climate adaptation signals can be identified. The facility losses and climate …

An Empirical Analysis Of Dod Construction Task Order Performance, Adam B. Teston, Tyler S. Stout

Theses and Dissertations

Cost and schedule overrun plague over 50 of all construction projects, engendering diminished available funding that leads to deferred maintenance and impaired award ability for needed projects. Though existing research attempts to identify overruns sources, the results are inconclusive and frequently differ. Accordingly, this research reviews DoD construction contract data from the past ten years to identify the contract attributes of 79,894 projects that correlate with superior performance for use in future project execution. This research starts with creating a database that houses the largest single source of construction contract information. The research then evaluates the data to determine if …

Decision Model For Additive Versus Conventional Construction In Remote Locations, Matthew R. Nicholson

Theses and Dissertations

Additive construction is a potential game changing innovative alternative to conventional methods with regards to structural integrity, timeliness, and waste reduction, especially in remote locations. While there have been numerous studies into the material science, additive construction will not be a viable alternative until a cost analysis is performed. This paper details the cost elements for both methods. Breaking down the key variables of material, logistics and transportation, and labor costs garner a better understanding of the cost difference between the two construction methods.

Multi-Skilled Labor Optimization With Partial Allocation Of Resources, Amira Saleh

Theses and Dissertations

The current practice of labor allocation in construction schedules assumes single-skilled workforce; meaning that each worker is assumed to be skilled in only one trade. In such practice, at any instance in the project lifecycle, some of the workforce become idle waiting for other labor types to complete their work. Traditionally, companies may relocate idle workers to other projects and return them back to their original project when needed again. This complicates the resource management process and is not often performed successfully, leading to schedule and cost overruns. Alternatively, project managers may keep the idle workforce at their projects because …

A Web-Based Change Control Management Toolkit For Lump-Sum Turnkey Contractors: Transformation To Third Generation, Ahmed Omran

Theses and Dissertations

Project deviations and changes are one of the key common particulars encountered in the Construction industry. Project changes can occur in different forms, may impact different pillars of the project, and can be caused due to the existence of various underlying factors. Mismanaging or lack of controlling these changes is one of the key contributing factors leading to project hardships. Contractors incur profit erosion, scope creep, and time slippages mainly by failing to have an effective project change management system enforced within its project execution philosophy. Such adversity is amplified for contractors engaging in lump-sum turnkey “LSTK” projects. Contractors encounter …

Using System Dynamics To Study The Effect Of Change Orders On Labor Productivity, Shrouk Gharib

Theses and Dissertations

Change orders in construction projects lead to numerous negative impacts, including loss of labor productivity, delays, and cost overruns. Owners and contractors are usually in disagreement when it comes to allocating the extent of responsibilities with respect to the resulting overruns. Each party tries to hold the other party fully responsible for such overruns through a series of claims and disputes. Several delay analysis techniques have been developed to aid in settling such disputes, however, they do not fully grasp the rippled impacts of change orders and do not assist parties in reaching consensus when it comes to finding the …

Evaluation Of Impact Of Fiber Type And Dosage Rate On Volumetrics And Laboratory Performance Of Asphalt Mixtures, Ahmad G. M. Alfalah

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of fiber types, binder content, and dosage rates on the volumetric properties and laboratory performance of asphalt mixtures. One asphalt mixture (control) and four fiber types (Fiberglass, Basalt, Carbon, and Polyolefin/Aramid) were used to evaluate the impact of fiber types and dosage rates. Two mixing procedures for introducing fibers into asphalt mixtures were also evaluated: dry and proportional dispersion methods. To evaluate the impact of fiber types, 0.16% by total mix weight was used. Rutting, cracking, and durability performance tests were evaluated. Furthermore, using 0.15% and 0.3% fiber dosage rates, …

Evaluating Cracking Performance Of Polymer Enhanced And Fiber Reinforced Microsurface Mixtures Using Asphalt Laboratory Testing, George Joseph Shackil

Theses and Dissertations

This study presents a method to improve and evaluate the cracking resistance of microsurfacing mixtures using common asphalt laboratory testing. A preliminary optimal timing study and a study to evaluate improvements to cracking performance were conducted. The control mixture was based on NJDOT standard mix design specifications. Three mixtures were tested in this study: a fiber reinforced mixture using one-quarter inch glass fibers, an emulsion with increased SBR (polymer) contents, and a mixture using the one-quarter inch glass fibers combined with the increased polymer contents. Three laboratory tests were used to evaluate three different cracking resistance parameters: crack initiation (Semi-Circular …

Enhancing Facility Management For Existing Facilities With Building Information Modeling, Ryan Loeh

Theses and Dissertations

Building information modeling (BIM) refers to the process of creating a comprehensive three-dimensional (3D) model that allows for a seamless transition from design and construction to operation & maintenance during a building's lifecycle. While a majority of past research for building information modelling was focused on design and construction, research has shifted to operation, maintenance and renovation. This study investigates the feasibility of integrating BIM (Autodesk Revit) and facility management (BUILDER SMS). BUILDER SMS is currently used at the sponsor's facilities to encourage proactive maintenance and provide updated condition assessments. While both datasets have their own benefits, this study investigates …

An Analysis Of The Viability Of 3d-Printed Construction As An Alternative To Conventional Construction Methods In The Expeditionary Environment, Jeneé A. Jagoda

Theses and Dissertations

Conventional construction is believed by some to have reached its technological limit of performance, making it increasingly difficult for conventional construction methods to meet the U.S. military’s core standards of quality, cost, and timeliness in the expeditionary environment. While still in its infancy, 3D-printed construction has the potential to revolutionize the way the military performs construction in deployed environments. This research conducts a systematic review of the viability of 3D-printed construction to investigate whether or not it is now or could be a viable replacement for conventional construction methods, specifically in remote environments where conventional construction capability may be limited. …

A Life-Cycle Analysis Of The Thermal Energy Transfer In Prototypical Air Force Office Building Construction Using Best Value Insulation Standards, Michael E. Canfield

Theses and Dissertations

The United States Department of Defense (DoD) possesses over 560,000 buildings and structures around the world which require electricity to maintain and operate. The energy costs associated with the operations of these building is approximately $4 billion per year. Sustainable infrastructure management is a crucial opportunity to improve and establish a prudent, manageable, and successful DoD budget. This research identified, modeled, and simulated thermal energy-efficient standards in building construction in order to recognize the best value standards as opportunities for potential cost savings. EnergyPlus and OpenStudio Building Performance Simulation (BPS) software was used to model the energy flow into and …

Analysis Of Construction Management At Risk Projects For Unites States Air Force Applicability, Danielle K. Tabb

Theses and Dissertations

Construction management at risk is a project delivery method that sees widespread use in the private and public non-federal construction sectors. There is interest in the federal government of using a project delivery method such as construction management at risk. However, guiding regulations prohibit the federal government from using it as it is utilized in the private sector. This research analyzes private sector use of construction management at risk through a literature review and Delphi Panel, in order to determine its effects on project performance. The Delphi Panel consisted of two rounds of questions; the experts were selected through a …

Airport Taxiway Traversal And Safety Optimization Using Combinatorics, Thore Groenlund Rasmussen

Theses and Dissertations

The demand for air travel has increased dramatically in the last decade, putting large strain on airports and their limited resources. Expanding the available resources at an airport is not always an option either due to location, budget or time. This forces the administrators of an airport system to use the limited resources as efficiently as possible. This thesis proposes a tool for air traffic controllers and pilots that can be used when planning taxiway systems. Taking inspiration from Dijkstra’s Algorithm, an algorithm is proposed to safely move aircraft from the terminal to the runway. Applying constraints to the algorithm …

Analysis Of Military Construction Cost Growth In Major Defense Acquisition Programs, Emily E. Angell

Theses and Dissertations

This study is an exploratory analysis combining military construction (MILCON) data from the Selected Acquisition Reports (SAR) of Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAP) with the associated Automated Civil Engineer System project actual costs. The analysis uses both descriptive and inferential statistics to identify cost growth of MILCON at the programmatic level as well as to bridge the gap between SAR estimates and actual project costs within those program-level estimates. Overall, programs experience more negative growth (cost savings) in MILCON estimates on SARs, typically less than 0.2% of the total program cost implying minimal impact to program decisions. Estimates got more …

Exploratory Analysis Of Accuracy Monitoring Techniques In Vehicle Detection Systems For Intelligent Transportation Systems Applications And Maintenance, Manasi Sanjay Palod

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of transportation management is to ensure the mobility of people and goods, in a reliable and efficient manner. Operation and maintenance of transportation infrastructure is key to accomplish their objectives. Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) applications rely on massive detection networks that collectively demand significant maintenance resources. Resource constraints force transportation agencies to look for innovative ways to optimize their operational and maintenance costs while serving their users at intended performance levels. The system inputs come from vehicle detection system (VDS), acting as field data collection devices, enabling traffic monitoring and management through response to specific conditions. This research …

Simulation Based Cost-Benefit Analysis For The Inspection Of Highway Bridges Using Small Unmanned Aerial Systems, Rashmi Kadamkulangara Balagopalan

Theses and Dissertations

Visual inspections remain significantly important in surveying the present decay and deterioration status of bridge inspections. These inspections are critical to conduct patch-up remedies and maintenance assignments to guarantee the continued serviceability of structures. Given the high inventory of bridges nationwide (over of 600,000 bridges), increasing costs of bridge inspections are becoming a concern for departments of transportation (DOTs). The conventional inspection method is costly due to various factors. For example, the current approach often requires specialized equipment (e.g., bucket trucks) to conduct underside bridge inspections that significantly affect safety levels on the field and overall costs, and inspectors need …

Evaluating Contingency Construction Methods: A Delphi Study, William E. Bentley

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to evaluate which existing RED HORSE vertical construction system was “best” suited for contingency operations and the relative pros/cons/challenges associated with each. RED HORSE units, having existed for over 50 years, currently have 4 active duty squadrons currently employed overseas in multiple military contingency environments. Based on site visits, it was established that the Ultimate Building Machine (UBM)/K-Span, Professionally Engineered Buildings (PEB), and the FrameCAD system are the three most prevalent vertical construction systems/methods in use by RED HORSE. Fourteen Subject Matter Experts (SME) from across the Air Force participated in a Delphi study …

Mechanical Properties Of Inconel 718 Processed Using Electron Beam Free Form Fabrication (Ebf3), Brent R. Waters

Theses and Dissertations

Electron beam freeform fabrication (EBF³) is a rapid metal deposition process that works efficiently with the wieldable alloy Inconel 718 (IN 718). EBF³ is a developing additive manufacturing (AM) process that can manufacture IN 718 parts directly from computer aided design (CAD) data. EBF³ can produce parts significantly faster and more energy efficient than competing IN 718 AM technologies. The EBF³ process utilizes metal wire feedstock which is induced into a molten pool using a focused electron beam in a vacuum environment. This allows parts to be built layer by layer, creating intricate shapes that …

The Use Of Evidence-Based Design In Hospital Renovation Projects, David S. Whitaker

Theses and Dissertations

Since the 1960s, researchers have been exploring how the design of the built environment impacts the health and well-being of occupants and users. By the 1980s, further research began to focus on healthcare facilities in particular and how design could influence patient healing and medical staff performance (Alfonsi, 2014). Evidence-Based Design (EBD) is "the process of basing decisions about the built environment on credible research to achieve the best possible outcomes" (CHD, 2016). The desired outcomes of Evidence-Based Design recommendations include improvements in the following: patient healing, patient experience and comfort, medical staff performance, and medical staff job satisfaction (CHD, …

Project Management: Skills, Tools, And Knowledge Construction Professionals Consider Important For Keeping Projects On Schedule, Lyle Scott Davies

Theses and Dissertations

Project managers have a major role in the construction and completion of projects. Much of their work consists of reviewing, clarifying, and coordinating information required by the field management and subcontractors performing the work on the job site. The assistance they give with the transfer of information helps with successfully completing projects. For many people, the largest indicator that a project was successful is that construction activities were completed on schedule. While finishing on schedule may be the primary focus of those involved with construction activities, projects still struggle to finish on time. The purpose of this study is to …

Current State Of Practice Associated With The Use Of Building Information Modeling (Bim) In The Custom Home Building Industry, William Noble Smith

Theses and Dissertations

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has entered the construction industry and has permeated the commercial sector. Research is continually performed to expand the capabilities and applications within the industry. However, research has historically been mostly limited to the commercial sector and has seen little expansion to other sectors of the industry including the residential sector. The potential cause for this may be the limited number of industry professionals who utilize the software to the benefit of their companies. The focus of this study was specifically the custom home building sector of residential construction in the United States because of the unique …

The State Of Bim-Based Quantity Take-Off Implementation Among Commercial General Contractors, Morgan Christian Tagg

Theses and Dissertations

Building Information Modeling (BIM) plays an important role in today's construction industry. Models are tools that help stakeholders communicate, visualize building geometry, perform trade coordination and clash detection among others. A less popular aspect of BIM that shows high potential is the quantity take-off (QTO) feature. Yet, its implementation among commercial general contractors (GC) has not received as much attention. The purpose of this study was to identify how the BIM QTO features were being implemented among commercial general contractors, what challenges they faced and how they worked to overcome those challenges. Through a three-step process including semi structured interviews …

Crack Healing In 304l Stainless Steel Using Additive Manufacturing And Friction Stir Processing (Fsp), Cameron Scott Gygi

Theses and Dissertations

Continuing an investigation on using FSP to heal stress corrosion cracks (SCC) in welds on nuclear reactors, this study seeks to use AM in addition to FSP to aid crack repair. Previous studies address that current repair technology on nuclear reactors involves the use of TIG welding which can allow helium atoms to aggregate and form voids at the grain boundaries. This weakens the material and renders the repair ineffective. Another previous study evaluated the effectiveness of FSP alone in repairing SCC which did have defects depending on the parameters used during FSP. This study evaluated the use of AM …

An Empirical Analysis Of Air Force Military Construction Project Delivery Method Performance In The United States, Erich C. Kramer

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study is to investigate the performance of the design-bid-build and design-build project delivery methods in Air Force military construction (MILCON). Project delivery performance is measured through quantitative cost, schedule, and change order metrics for 264 design-bid-build and 316 design-build MILCON projects from 2003-2014. The average response measures were statistically compared within each delivery method using three independent variables: time, facility type, and major command (MAJCOM). The historical analysis revealed that the current working estimate programmed amount ratios improved over time for design-build projects, and an overall consistency in schedule growth and project duration performance occurred across …

The Impacts Of Climate Change And Anthropogenic Processes On Permafrost Soils And Usaf Infrastructure Within Northern Tier Bases, Alexander J. Graboski

Theses and Dissertations

The Department of Defense is planning over $552M in military construction on Eielson Air Force Base within the next three fiscal years. Although many studies have been conducted on permafrost and climate change, the future of our climate as well as any impacts on permafrost soils, remains unclear. This research focused on future climate predictions to determine likely scenarios for the United States Air Force’s Strategic Planners to consider. The most recent 2013 International Panel on Climate Change report predicts a 2.2ºC to 7.8ºC temperature rise in Arctic regions by the end of the 21st Century in the Representative Concentration …

United States Air Force Unaccompanied Housing Divestiture: An Economic Analysis, Dustin L. Gooden

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this research is to determine potential cost savings associated with Air Force unaccompanied housing divestiture. This research uses Air Education and Training Command (AETC) installations as the data sample for the analysis, and will analyze the status quo, privatization, and identical FSRM options. With 16% of Air Force unaccompanied housing currently rated at various levels of inadequacy and the PRV for the inadequate housing at $2,315,773,149.00, the costs associated with renovating the inadequate unaccompanied housing is substantial. Moreover, the inadequacy of unaccompanied housing is part of the Air Force’s acceptance of risk in facilities and infrastructure to …

High-Level Multi-Objective Model For Microgrid Design, Siamak Talebi

Theses and Dissertations

Recently, there is vast inclination toward using renewable energy in rural areas away from the main electricity generation plants. Small airports located in rural areas are good candidates to apply sustainable energy for electrical power needs. Because of the intermittency of the renewable sources, it is important to have energy storage to guarantee an uninterrupted and stable power supply for end users. In this work, a high-level micro grid model is proposed considering making decisions about different factors such as different renewable sources capacity, storage and system capacity. A multi-objective model of a microgrid high-level design is used to formulate …

Modeling Atypical Building Use With Commercially Available Building Simulation Software, Sarah E. Schanck

Theses and Dissertations

National Guard armories are audited to provide recommendations for future energy reduction measures. The annual energy consumption of a New Jersey National Guard Armories cannot be modeled directly with commercially available building simulation software, due to discrepancies between the modeling capabilities of the software and the reality of the armory. A building simulation software, eQUEST, was chosen for use in this project. Discrepancies between eQUEST inputs and reality were identified and correction factors developed to minimize the effect of each discrepancy on predicted energy consumption, with the end goal of accuracy between predicted and actual energy consumption. In addition, an …

Engineered Earthen Masonry Structures For Extreme Wind Loads, Mabel Cristina Cuellar-Azcarate

Theses and Dissertations

Stabilized earthen masonry (SEM), which is built with compressed stabilized earthen blocks (CSEB) and mortar, is emerging as a construction system for affordable, sustainable and high-quality dwellings. Compelling features of earthen masonry are local availability of suitable soils, thermal insulation properties, humidity control within healthy ranges, and relatively low carbon footprint. SEM is also appealing for the construction of affordable houses in rural areas and farmlands, where underrepresented and underprivileged groups often live. In fact, the lack of affordable housing is an issue across the United States where low-income families are most affected, often committing more than half of their …

An Investigation In Construction Cost Estimation Using A Monte Carlo Simulation, Jeffrey D. Buchholtz

Theses and Dissertations

The Air Force estimates military construction (MILCON) costs early in a project’s development as a part of the funding approval process. However, many of the initial cost estimates deviate significantly more than expected from the actual project costs, hindering funding allocation efforts. There is a need for improved estimation techniques. This research examines a cost estimation model for the initial programming stages of a project when only general scope information is available.

This study develops a Monte Carlo simulation based on historical construction cost data to predict project costs base on facility type. For a given facility type, the research …