Construction Engineering and Management | Open Access Articles

The Business Next Door: Ev Construction: Back To The Future, Steve Vanderveen

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

The genesis of the company dates to 1945 when two young men, Peter Elzinga and John Volkers, formed a partnership to construct homes in Fremont, Michigan. But its story begins before that.

Go to article

Emerging Technologies For Safety Risks Management On Nigerian Road Construction Projects, Ranti Taibat Adebiyi, Mujidat Olubola Babalola, Richard Olushola Olupeka, Ganiyu Amuda Yusuf, Lukman Olarewaju Olorunoje, Amina Damola Amuda

BAU Journal - Science and Technology

High level of safety risk on road construction projects remains a major concern for all industry stakeholders, as safety of workers is paramount to achieving project success. Managing construction safety requires a more comprehensive approach. New technologies have recently emerged to enhance construction safety. This study examines the level of adoption and barriers to the implementation of these technologies in safety risk management on road construction sites in Lagos, Nigeria, with a view to improving the safe delivery of the road projects. A questionnaire was designed and administered to two engineers and one worker randomly selected on each of sixty-one …

Go to article

Tanzania Mbesese Initiative 2026, June Ezzell, Sam Liebman, Noah Beyer, Kate Hamilton, Luke Vollert, Kylee Borgen, Cody Balazs, Meg Mclaughlin

Architectural Engineering

The Tanzania Mbesese Initiative 2026 Senior Project supports a multi-year design-build effort to establish the Same Polytechnic College in Same, Tanzania. This community faces high poverty levels and limited access to higher education, necessitating sustainable infrastructure to support tertiary education. To prepare for the upcoming July phase of construction, an eight-student Architectural Engineering team designed three practical and resilient structures: a Shade Structure, a Water Collection Structure, and a Reusable Scaffolding system. The final design applied structural analysis, modeling, and hand-tool fabrication practice to balance material efficiency with long-term structural durability. The deliverables provide comprehensive construction documentation, complete material takeoffs, …

Go to article

Solar Charging Station For Construction Gang Boxes, Scott J. Burfield

Construction Management

This senior project explores the feasibility of a solar-powered charging system that attaches to the top of a construction gang box or knack box. The purpose of the project is to provide a cleaner and more convenient way to charge tool batteries and small devices on construction sites. Adding on, it will reduce reliance on generators, extension cords, and temporary power setups by being supplemental support. Research included interviews with construction electricians, product selection, cost estimating, energy calculations, and an evaluation of constructability and project risks. The proposed design uses a 100-watt solar panel, a portable power station, and a …

Go to article

Dirt Finder (Drtfndr): A Marketplace Application For Construction Earthwork, Evan A. Reed

Construction Management

The construction industry regularly produces a surplus of earthwork materials: clean fill, topsoil, gravel, and crushed concrete, that are disposed of at considerable cost. All the while, contractors actively seek those same materials, and no dedicated digital platform existed to connect these two groups efficiently. DrtFndr ("Dirt Finder") is a mobile-first web application developed to address this gap, providing a marketplace where contractors can post available or needed earthwork materials, browse geographically filtered listings by material type and proximity, and connect directly with other users. The application was built using Base44, an AI-powered application development platform, and includes real-time mapping, …

Go to article

Risk Management Strategies Used By Project Leaders In Construction Projects On The East Coast, Dylan David Decuffa

Construction Management

Construction projects are often defined by their visible outcomes, structures completed on time, within budget, and built to the required standards. Yet beneath these outcomes lies a less visible force that quietly shapes whether success is achieved or compromised. Uncertainty is present in every phase of construction, influencing decisions, performance, and ultimately the trajectory of the project. The ability to recognize and respond to this uncertainty may separate projects that proceed with stability from those that experience delays, escalating costs, and diminished quality. Project managers, superintendents, project engineers, and other related fields play a central role in navigating this uncertainty …

Go to article

Case Study: The Benefits Implementing Azure 3d Printed Homes Onto Dignitymoves Project In San Luis Obispo, Lucy E. Heimer

Construction Management

California is actively addressing the challenges of housing shortages and climate change. These challenges have shifted the construction industry, steering the market into finding more sustainable means of construction. This case study evaluates the sustainable benefits of modular construction fabricated by Azure Homes. The focused project is a DignityMoves project in San Luis Obispo where modular units are factory built in El Segundo, CA and set on site. DignityMoves is a nonprofit organization that aims to provide housing for unhoused individuals throughout California. Thus far, DignityMoves has opted to use prefabricated modular units as their primary means of construction on …

Go to article

The Future Of Commercialized Bamboo Construction, Katie Hunt

Construction Management

Bamboo construction is a niche area of research and development in the sustainable construction realm. The material has impressive structural properties and minimal carbon emissions relative to the world’s most common building materials (concrete, steel, and timber). It has long been used to build homes in tropical regions around the world. Outside of these regions, bamboo is rarely used for construction despite its abundant benefits as a sustainable building material. This report took an interview-based approach to address why bamboo is not more popular in the American commercial construction market and where it has potential for growth in the global …

Go to article

Enhancing Workforce Development In Construction Management Through Collaborative Teaching (Co-Teaching) Models, John Annor, Francois Jacobs

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a collaborative co-teaching initiative implemented across three educational institutions—the University of State, Community College, and High School—through two key construction courses: Construction Materials and Methods and Construction Safety. Designed to bridge gaps across educational levels, the initiative adopted a mixed-methods research approach to assess student learning outcomes, instructional effectiveness, and stakeholder perceptions. Quantitative data were collected from standardized assessments, including quizzes, a safety plan project, and exams administered across multiple years. Analytical techniques such as Welch's two-sample t-tests and Welch ANOVA were employed to compare student performance between and within institutions, adjusting for unequal …

Go to article

Construction Industry Preparedness For Generation Z And Millennials: Aligning Industry Characteristics With Workforce Job Preferences, Ameenullah Amiri, Dhaval R. Gajjar, Jason D. Lucas

The Professional Constructor

The construction industry in the United States suffers from workforce shortages, partly due to younger generations being hired more slowly than baby boomers retire. Generation Z’s (Gen Z) lack of interest in joining the construction industry, coupled with the retirement of older workers, has amplified the problem. This paper investigates existing literature to identify the work and career preferences of Gen Z and Millennials and determine where the industry may focus efforts to attract these two generations. Through a systematic literature review, this study identified overlaps and gaps between the current construction industry workforce’s perceptions of the industry and the …

Go to article

Heat-Related Injuries And Fatalities In Roofing: Osha Investigations From 2003-2024, Kenneth S. Sands Ii, Benjamin Marshall

The Professional Constructor

This study examines 52 heat-related roofing incidents recorded by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) between 2003-2024 to describe patterns in outcomes and identify trade-specific prevention opportunities. Researchers built a structured dataset from OSHA investigation summaries and analysed frequencies of the incidents and their associations with month, time of day, project type, end use, and age to complement a thematic review of narrative abstracts. Fifty-eight percent of cases were fatalities, with the remainder split between hospitalized and non-hospitalized injuries; these statistics underscore the consequences of heat events that trigger OSHA reporting. There was a clear relationship between number of …

Go to article

A Productivity Rate-Based Comparative Carbon Footprint Cost Analysis Of Small To Large-Sized Open-Cut Pipeline Installation Activities For Sanitary Sewerage Construction: A System Boundary Concept, Amir Reza Zakeri

Civil Engineering Theses

Underground sanitary sewer pipelines are essential components of urban infrastructure; however, open-cut pipeline installation requires excavation, bedding preparation, pipe placement, backfilling, embedment, and compaction activities that rely heavily on construction equipment and fuel consumption. As a result, open-cut installation can generate measurable greenhouse gas emissions during the construction phase. With increasing attention to sustainable infrastructure delivery, there is a need for a consistent approach to quantify construction-phase carbon footprint and convert those emissions into a comparable economic indicator. Accordingly, this thesis aims to create and apply a productivity rate-based calculation framework for estimating and comparing construction-phase CO₂e emissions and carbon …

Go to article

Impact Of Natural Disasters On Construction And Engineering Solutions, Karima Ao Damson

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This Honors Research Project seeks to research and explain the impact of natural disasters on the construction and reconstruction of infrastructure in countries with the highest risk of natural disasters and compare them to the requirements in the United States in the states most prone to natural disasters. The objectives are to identify the countries most prone to natural disasters, describe the environmental impacts of the natural disasters, describe the impacts on construction and reconstruction requirements, and research whether construction and civil engineering solutions currently applied to the individual countries could be improved or reproduced in other countries exposed to …

Go to article

Assessing The Impact Of Nigerian Seaports’ Operational Performance On The Construction Sector’S Contribution To Gdp, Ismail Gbolahan Dere, Joel Ademola Ojekunle

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

The construction sector in Nigeria relies heavily on imported materials; however, inefficiencies and frequent delays at the seaports have led to increased costs, significantly affecting the sector’s contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This study examines the relationship between the operational performance of Nigerian seaports and the GDP contribution of the construction sector. Secondary data on GDP and port performance indicators were obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), covering the period from 2011 to 2023. The analysis employed descriptive and inferential statistics methods, including regression and Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA). …

Go to article

Investigating The Properties Of Eco-Bricks Composed Of Sawdust, Bamboo, And Varying Composition Of Sugarcane Bagasse Ash And Portland Cement, Wilfred Victor C. Marasigan, Julia Sophia Antonia S. Encarnacion, Czyrus Michael A. Bajeta, Alijah F. Gonzales, Juan Carlo T. Gumangan

Sinaya: A Philippine Journal for Senior High School Teachers and Students

With the construction industry contributing nearly 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions, there is a growing need for innovative and sustainable building materials. This research investigates a new eco-friendly concrete brick incorporating sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA), sawdust, and bamboo fibers. Three eco-brick mixtures, each containing 2% bamboo fiber and 10% sawdust by weight but with varying proportions of Portland cement (PC) and SCBA, were tested against a standard brick for compressive strength, flexural strength, and water absorption. The optimal mixture, with 2% bamboo fiber by weight, 10% sawdust by weight, 85% PC, and 15% SCBA, exhibits compressive and flexural strength …

Go to article

Optimization Of Pile Construction Sequence Using Cfa Machines, Omar Wael Ammar

Theses and Dissertations

In most construction projects with deep foundations, piling activities are critical to the project schedule and often fall on the critical path. The piling construction process requires a diverse range of resources, including equipment, materials, and skilful labour. Without carefully planning the construction process according to installation standards, there is a significant risk of time and cost overruns. These overruns are caused by inefficiencies such as equipment idle or lost time due to required lags between closely spaced piles. Therefore, it is essential to develop an optimized construction sequence to minimize these risks and enhance overall project efficiency. The primary …

Go to article

2025 Annual Hackathon Redesigning Safety Fall Protection, Cole Lewis

Construction Management

The Verifying Everyone’s Safety Together (VEST) Hackathon is an annual event organized by construction management and social science students at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Its purpose is to redesign a specific piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) to improve usability, comfort, and inclusivity, with a focus on providing equitable safety for all workers. This hackathon centered on fall protection, specifically safety harnesses, which are essential for protecting workers at height but often lack comfort and user-friendliness. Students, faculty, and industry guests gathered to examine current harness designs and develop practical, worker-informed improvements. The event space was outfitted …

Go to article

Assessing The Impact Of The Women In Construction Leadership Course And Disc Training On The Construction Industry For Students And Recent Graduates, Amanda E. Mcdowell

Construction Management

This study examined the impact of the Women in Construction Leadership Course, paired with DISC training, on students transitioning into the construction industry. The DISC instrument classifies behaviors into four personality types (i.e., Dominant, Influencer, Steady, Conscientious) and the training helped students identify each personality type to improve their communication skills. Although technical skills are essential for completing daily tasks, effective leadership and communication are crucial to project success. This research explored how DISC training can improve new hires’ perceptions of their abilities to interact and communicate with their project team members. Through a survey of course participants, the study …

Go to article

Assessing The Impact Of The Women In Construction Leadership Course And Disc Training On The Construction Industry For Students And Recent Graduates, Amanda E. Mcdowell

Construction Management

This study examined the impact of the Women in Construction Leadership Course, paired with DISC training, on students transitioning into the construction industry. The DISC instrument classifies behaviors into four personality types (i.e., Dominant, Influencer, Steady, Conscientious) and the training helped students identify each personality type to improve their communication skills. Although technical skills are essential for completing daily tasks, effective leadership and communication are crucial to project success. This research explored how DISC training can improve new hires’ perceptions of their abilities to interact and communicate with their project team members. Through a survey of course participants, the study …

Go to article

El Chorro Park Lumber Rack & Trailhead Kiosk Project, Nolan Christopher Gumm, Marvin Michael Garliepp

Construction Management

The EL Chorro Park Lumber Rack and Kiosk project was a collaboration with San Luis Obispo County Parks and Recreation. Located at El Chorro Regional Park in San Luis Obispo, California, the project involved building a 12-foot-long, 6-foot-wide, and 8-foot-tall lumber rack and reconstructing an outdated trailhead kiosk. The lumber rack addressed the need for organized storage of wood and metal pipes, while the kiosk was rebuilt to better serve park visitors. Recycled sheet metal from the client was used for the roof, and local suppliers were selected to support sustainability efforts. Funded entirely by a government entity, there were …

Go to article

Framework For Integrating Industry Knowledge Into A Large Language Model To Assist Construction Cost Estimation, Prashnna Ghimire

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

The construction industry generates a large amount of data across projects produced by digital devices, tools, and methods, and this volume is rapidly increasing. However, the industry lags behind in adopting data-driven technologies. On the other hand, the rapid advancement of generative AI (GenAI) in recent years, especially state-of-the-art large language models (LLMs), shows great potential and has been increasingly adopted in many industries; however, the construction industry is behind in adoption. While academic studies have proposed various machine learning applications for construction, industry implementation has lagged due to a disconnect between these proof-of-concept developments and practical industry needs. Also, …

Go to article

Drilled Displacement Columns As A Method To Mitigate San Francisco 'Bay Mud', Cole Soderman

Construction Management

This case study investigates the process of drilled displacement columns as a substitute for traditional pile foundations. The setting for the project is in California's infamous 'bay mud' which poses in the form of building settlement. The case study begins with a run down of what drilled displacement columns are compared to traditional pile foundations. To gain a diverse perspective several parties were interviewed on the process of drilled displacement columns. The interviewees include members of the general contractor's team, the subcontractor, and the Owner's Representative. The universal positives were time and materials which result in reducing the price for …

Go to article

Investigating The Benefits Of Utilizing Mass Timber In Construction, Eden Hitzke

Construction Management

Over the past decade, mass timber—an umbrella term for engineered wood products used as primary structural elements—has gained traction in the USA as a sustainable material for multistory buildings. Mass timber is a compelling alternative to steel and concrete due to its practical construction benefits, which were discovered through interviews with architects, engineers, and contractors. The interviews reveal advantages such as a streamlined construction process, reduced site disruption, and improved structural precision thanks to off-site manufacturing. Mass timber’s biophilic aspect improves indoor occupant satisfaction and market appeal. By documenting real-world experiences, the study highlights mass timber’s benefits due to its …

Go to article

Cal Poly Construction Spanish Class, Josue E. Basilio

Construction Management

This project develops a Construction Spanish & Communication course for Cal Poly’s Construction Management program to address the growing need for bilingual communication on job sites. The course equips students with essential Spanish language skills for safety meetings, work instructions, and team coordination, improving job site efficiency and inclusivity. Deliverables include a detailed course outline in preparation for the semester conversion, curriculum, course catalog entry, and a first-day lecture presentation. The course blends lecture-based instruction with hands-on activities like role-playing, translation exercises, and real-world simulations. Assessments include scenario-based quizzes, a reflection essay, participation grading, and a final exam to ensure …

Go to article

Software Literacy In Construction, Aidan Cazares

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The construction industry increasingly relies on software like Bluebeam Revu for their quantity takeoff, document management, and collaboration needs. This project will outline pertinent information obtained through their Bluebeam professional training program and reflect it with a detailed estimate of a real life construct project.

Go to article

Transmission Main Construction Management - An Assessment Of Project Tracking During Transition To A Cloud Based System, Martin C. Munger

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

A massive $2B settlement between the Federal Government and the City of New Orleans to remediate the damage to municipal infrastructure from Hurricane Katrina and the failed USACE levee system required the repair of roughly 400 of 1600 miles of roadways in New Orleans. The mandated repairs included many subsurface utilities below those roads. Traditional engineering construction project management practices proved inadequate to manage such a massive undertaking on the strict timelines mandated by FEMA funding. Unprecedented volumes of work for the engineering and construction industries and the government agencies tasked with performing the work from design through construction revealed …

Go to article

Building Safely: How Spanish Specific Safety Can Impact Job Sites, Luis D. Aguilar Montano

Construction Management

This project explores how Spanish Specific Safety Training is being approached in the construction industry, with an attempt to identify some possible issues associated with language barriers and accessibility to these trainings. This research involved data collection through thirty analytical surveys, in addition to conducting three semi-structured interviews with construction workers and supervisors. The focus of the data collection was to gain insights into several key areas, including training accessibility, workplace injuries, language barriers, and worker comfort. The survey results indicated strong support for Spanish-language safety training, with respondents recognizing its potential to improve safety and overall worker comfort. Many …

Go to article

Trust: The Inertia Taxonomy Of Trust And Learning Outcomes Of Trust Building Exercises, Ann B. Lyons

All Theses

This study investigates United States construction professionals’ view of trust in the workplace. In particular the focus is on building trust through trust building exercises. In order to accomplish this, a literature review was conducted focusing on trust in the worldwide construction industry. This was followed by interviews with US construction professionals who focus on team building. These interviews informed a survey sent to a wide variety of US construction professionals. The survey had two sections of content questions, 1. view of trust indicators and 2. perception of trust building exercises. Finally, experts in the field of construction team building …

Go to article

Mitigating Uncertainty: Analyzing The Role Of Risk Management In The Construction Industry, Mike Nwafor

Harrisburg University Dissertations and Theses

The construction industry, inherently dynamic and complex, faces a myriad of uncertainties that can significantly impact project outcomes. In this context, effective risk management emerges as a critical component in ensuring project success and sustainability. This abstract explores the role of risk management in the construction industry, highlighting its multifaceted impact on project timelines, costs, and overall quality. Risk management in construction includes detecting, assessing, and managing possible hazards and opportunities throughout the project's life cycle. It includes a proactive approach to anticipating, analyzing, and responding to uncertainties driven by factors such as design modifications, material shortages, labor concerns, weather …

Go to article

Exploring The Impact Of Artificial Intelligence On Project Management Across The Manufacturing, Technology, And Construction Industries, Susie Diaz Ferrera

Harrisburg University Dissertations and Theses

This study explores the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on project management across the manufacturing, technology, and construction industries. The research focuses on understanding the benefits, challenges, and long-term implications of AI utilization in these sectors. Key findings indicate that 46% of participants use AI mainly for task automation and enhancing functions like brainstorming and communication, which significantly boosts efficiency and team productivity. Despite these benefits, the research identifies several obstacles, including high initial costs, inadequate training, technical issues, and unclear regulatory guidelines. The study addresses four main questions, revealing that AI not only enhances project management processes but also …

Go to article

Full-Text Articles in Construction Engineering and Management

The Business Next Door: Ev Construction: Back To The Future, Steve Vanderveen

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

Emerging Technologies For Safety Risks Management On Nigerian Road Construction Projects, Ranti Taibat Adebiyi, Mujidat Olubola Babalola, Richard Olushola Olupeka, Ganiyu Amuda Yusuf, Lukman Olarewaju Olorunoje, Amina Damola Amuda

BAU Journal - Science and Technology

Tanzania Mbesese Initiative 2026, June Ezzell, Sam Liebman, Noah Beyer, Kate Hamilton, Luke Vollert, Kylee Borgen, Cody Balazs, Meg Mclaughlin

Architectural Engineering

Solar Charging Station For Construction Gang Boxes​, Scott J. Burfield

Construction Management

Dirt Finder (Drtfndr): A Marketplace Application For Construction Earthwork, Evan A. Reed

Construction Management

Risk Management Strategies Used By Project Leaders In Construction Projects On The East Coast, Dylan David Decuffa

Construction Management

Case Study: The Benefits Implementing Azure 3d Printed Homes Onto Dignitymoves Project In San Luis Obispo, Lucy E. Heimer

Construction Management

The Future Of Commercialized Bamboo Construction, Katie Hunt

Construction Management

Enhancing Workforce Development In Construction Management Through Collaborative Teaching (Co-Teaching) Models, John Annor, Francois Jacobs

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

Construction Industry Preparedness For Generation Z And Millennials: Aligning Industry Characteristics With Workforce Job Preferences, Ameenullah Amiri, Dhaval R. Gajjar, Jason D. Lucas

The Professional Constructor

Heat-Related Injuries And Fatalities In Roofing: Osha Investigations From 2003-2024, Kenneth S. Sands Ii, Benjamin Marshall

The Professional Constructor

A Productivity Rate-Based Comparative Carbon Footprint Cost Analysis Of Small To Large-Sized Open-Cut Pipeline Installation Activities For Sanitary Sewerage Construction: A System Boundary Concept, Amir Reza Zakeri

Civil Engineering Theses

Impact Of Natural Disasters On Construction And Engineering Solutions, Karima Ao Damson

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Assessing The Impact Of Nigerian Seaports’ Operational Performance On The Construction Sector’S Contribution To Gdp, Ismail Gbolahan Dere, Joel Ademola Ojekunle

CSID Journal of Infrastructure Development

Investigating The Properties Of Eco-Bricks Composed Of Sawdust, Bamboo, And Varying Composition Of Sugarcane Bagasse Ash And Portland Cement, Wilfred Victor C. Marasigan, Julia Sophia Antonia S. Encarnacion, Czyrus Michael A. Bajeta, Alijah F. Gonzales, Juan Carlo T. Gumangan

Sinaya: A Philippine Journal for Senior High School Teachers and Students

Optimization Of Pile Construction Sequence Using Cfa Machines, Omar Wael Ammar

Theses and Dissertations

2025 Annual Hackathon Redesigning Safety Fall Protection, Cole Lewis

Construction Management

Assessing The Impact Of The Women In Construction Leadership Course And Disc Training On The Construction Industry For Students And Recent Graduates, Amanda E. Mcdowell

Construction Management

Assessing The Impact Of The Women In Construction Leadership Course And Disc Training On The Construction Industry For Students And Recent Graduates, Amanda E. Mcdowell

Construction Management

El Chorro Park Lumber Rack & Trailhead Kiosk Project, Nolan Christopher Gumm, Marvin Michael Garliepp

Construction Management

Framework For Integrating Industry Knowledge Into A Large Language Model To Assist Construction Cost Estimation, Prashnna Ghimire

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Drilled Displacement Columns As A Method To Mitigate San Francisco 'Bay Mud', Cole Soderman

Construction Management

Investigating The Benefits Of Utilizing Mass Timber In Construction, Eden Hitzke

Construction Management

Cal Poly Construction Spanish Class, Josue E. Basilio

Construction Management

Software Literacy In Construction, Aidan Cazares

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Transmission Main Construction Management - An Assessment Of Project Tracking During Transition To A Cloud Based System, Martin C. Munger

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

Building Safely: How Spanish Specific Safety Can Impact Job Sites, Luis D. Aguilar Montano

Construction Management

Trust: The Inertia Taxonomy Of Trust And Learning Outcomes Of Trust Building Exercises, Ann B. Lyons

All Theses

Mitigating Uncertainty: Analyzing The Role Of Risk Management In The Construction Industry, Mike Nwafor

Harrisburg University Dissertations and Theses

Exploring The Impact Of Artificial Intelligence On Project Management Across The Manufacturing, Technology, And Construction Industries, Susie Diaz Ferrera

Harrisburg University Dissertations and Theses

Solar Charging Station For Construction Gang Boxes, Scott J. Burfield