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Project planning, supervision, inspection of architectural and structural operations in major buildings, mobilization, coordination of trades, offsite testing and fabrication.

AE 401 or AE 402

This course explores the main methods and procedures used to construct commercial buildings. It focuses on the civil, structural and envelope elements of buildings. Building services like mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems are investigated in Building Construction Engineering II (Spring). Specifically, the course investigates four main components of building construction engineering: preconstruction, civil systems, structural systems, and architectural systems. Specific topics will be addressed under each of these areas.

The course focuses on the 'what' and 'how to' aspects of construction systems as well as key issues related to managing the construction of these systems. It provides core knowledge about construction processes and methods. Specific objectives are to:

• Given a situation, e.g. reviewing a construction design, students will be able to:
  • Identify the construction method of major building systems used.
  • Describe the method
  • Explain why the method is used
  • Provide alternatives for the design
  • Give the rationale to support or evaluate the choice of alternatives.
• Students will be able to apply their knowledge of construction materials, such as concrete, steel and masonry, to support their decision-making on the related issues in different construction projects.
• Students will be able to describe different construction procedures, and identify the best one for the construction project.
• Students will be able to develop and evaluate a project budget and schedule using the tools for cost estimation and time scheduling.
• Students will be able to work in teams to strengthen communication and interpersonal skills for professional practice.

1. Pre-project planning
2. Mobilization & site utilities
3. Primavera scheduling
4. Managing subcontracts
5. MC2 estimating
6. Site layout
7. Excavation works
8. Excavation equipment & fleet balancing
9. Site retainage, shoring & excavation safety
10. Craneage
11. Hoisting & handling
12. Concrete construction
13. Formwork design & system selection
14. Precast & tilt-up concrete
15. Structural steel construction
16. Structural steel design to fabrication
17. Structural steel erection planning
18. Masonry & curtain wall construction
19. Scaffolding
20. Roofing construction

2 classes/week, 2 hours/class