Schedule of Classes

Introduction to the construction profession. Computer applications, problem solving concepts, design concepts and visualization, industry ethics, professional societies, and university services.

Symbols, conventions, details of construction drawings, and blueprint reading. Emphasis on interpretation and communication of requirements of contract drawings.

Full-time cooperative education assignment for construction students who alternate periods of full-time school with periods of full-time academic or career-related work in industry. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.

Characteristics and use of basic construction materials including concrete, metals, wood, masonry, and asphalt. Introduction to materials specifications, excavation, foundation systems, roofing, exterior and interior framing, doors and windows, glass and glazing, and finishes.

Introduction to soil mechanics and foundation construction. Soil index properties, classification, stress analysis, soil compaction, settlement, seepage, dewatering, excavations, and foundation construction.

Feasibility estimates, design estimates, quantity takeoff, direct and overhead costing, and cost control. Material, equipment, and labor estimates of construction projects, bidding strategy, and basic concepts in management and business. Includes laboratory.

Survey of large scale integrated building component systems related to human health and comfort. Topics include lighting, electrical design and layout, vertical transportation, alarm and security systems, fire protection, total space conditioning, water treatment and sewage treatment, industrial piping design.

Principles and methods for productivity improvement; uses and limitations; personnel management; labor and equipment productivity and productivity modeling.

Review of contractual agreements. Regulations and types of potential claims and change orders. Documentation, presentation, risk analysis, partnering, CM, CM at risk, Cost-Plus, Design-Build, and dispute resolution.

Introduction to structural analysis and design of steel and reinforced concrete members; application to construction problems.

Topics of special interest which may vary each time course is offered. Topics are stated in the current Schedule of Classes.

First of a two-semester course design project sequence. Discussions of the relationship between the owner, architect, consultant, superintendent, construction manager, general contractor, and subcontractors. Methods of project delivery, project concept through construction, design phases and project challenges. Leadership, ethics, public policy issues, LEED, and basic business management practices. Oral and written report of preliminary plan.

Business ethics in construction; responsibilities and professionalism; construction business practices.

Application of state-of-the-art technology in projects during various phases from inception to completion including planning, design, procurement, construction, handing over, and operation and maintenance. Investigation of different available tools and technologies in recording, storing, and sharing project information.

Project scheduling methods with emphasis on network scheduling techniques, work breakdown structure (WBS), resource and cost loading, scheduling under uncertainties, project time compression, resource leveling, scheduling for linear projects (LOB), time-cost trade-offs, project status, reporting and updating, schedules as tools for claims documentation. Case studies. Computer based.

Unique issues of company and project management in the construction industry not traditionally found in construction programs, such as fraud, regulatory issues, and international construction. Presentations on project and company management by renowned experts will give the student knowledge and insights on new trends, innovative procedures, practical case studies, and exposure to innovation in construction. The course will give the student knowledge of the business aspects of running a wide range of construction companies and a variety of projects.