Catalog Description: Introduction to construction engineering and field operations. The construction industry, construction methods and practice, productivity improvement, equipment selection, site layout formwork, erection of steel and concrete structures. Labs demonstrate the concepts covered. Field trips to local construction projects.

Objective: In addition to knowledge about construction materials, management methods and tools, and communication and negotiation skills, successful construction professionals - and civil and environmental engineers - need a thorough understanding of construction equipment, methods and techniques. This course is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of construction engineering methods, techniques and equipment. While primary emphasis is on the construction phase, the techniques and perspectives apply to the operation and maintenance, and the end-of-life stage of projects as well. After taking this course, students should be able to apply construction engineering methods to the construction, operation, maintenance and decommissioning of civil engineering facilities.

Text and Readings: The required textbook is

• Nunnally, S. W., Construction Methods and Management, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ, 7th edition, 2007, ISBN 0-13-171685-9

Recommended reading:

• Peurifoy, R. L., and C. J. Schexnayder, Construction Planning, Equipment, and Methods, McGraw-Hill, 6th Edition, 2002, ISBN 0-07-232176-8.
• Harris, F., Modern Construction and Ground Engineering Equipment and Methods, Longman Group Ltd., 2nd Edition, 1994, ISBN 0-582-23657-6.

• ENR. (Engineering News-Record). ENR is the most widely read trade magazine for the architecture/engineering/construction industry. In recent years, it has become more "journalistic" and less technical. Copies can be found in the engineering library. Published weekly. The ENR web site (www.enr.com) is a good source of construction information. For example, the various annual lists of the largest engineering and construction firms are useful for job hunting!
• ASCE J. of Construction Engineering and Management (http://ojps.aip.org/coo/). This is a professional journal published bimonthly. Copies are available in the Engineering Library.

Assignments, Examinations and Grading: Contributions to the course grade are:

• Project 1
• Project 2
• Problem Sets (6)
• Assignments on Campus Construction Projects
• Exams (2)
• Final Examination

All exams are closed book, but you are permitted to bring in one 8½ × 11" note page for the first exam, two for the second, and three for the final exam. No make-up examination will be allowed except in emergency when prior notice is given to the instructor. Assignments are due at the beginning of class on the date assigned, or in Professor Horvath's mailbox in 215 McLaughlin. Late submissions will be penalized at a rate of 10% per working day.

Final Grade:

• ≥ 90% - A
• ≥ 80% - B
• ≥ 70% - C
• ≥ 60% - D
• < 60% - F