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Stephen Kelchaw
Building Statistics
Thesis Abstract
Technical Assignments
Thesis Research
Thesis Proposal
Presentation
Final Report
Reflection
Senior Thesis e-Studio

Reflection


AE 481W & AE 882 Course Reflection

I wasn't really sure what to expect at the beginning of the fall semester last year as to what would be required each semester for thesis. Throughout the fall semester (AE 481W) we completed multiple technical reports to gain a better and more thorough understanding of the building we were studying. We were able to take an in-depth look at the major building components, as well as schedules, costs, etc. that were being used on our building. I felt that I was very lucky with being able to complete these tasks based on the Upper Dublin High School Construction Project. This project was very large and utilized a variety of different sustainable and interesting technologies. It was also very interesting to look into further detail as to the phasing that would be needed for the construction of this project. From a Construction Management point of view, I thought it was very impressive how this schedule was managed. This first semester of thesis was very valuable by allowing me to study all of these topics and will help me in my future. At the end of the fall semester I created my thesis proposal for the spring. Since there was such a large majority of topics to choose from to study on this project, selecting my analysis topics was very difficult.

During the spring semester (AE 882), I spent my time working through my analysis topics. The main focus of my thesis report was on the addition of sustainable practices and LEED on construction projects. Since this topic is becoming more popular every day, I thought that this would be very helpful for me to gain a better understanding of what I will be faced with in my future career. In each of my analysis topics I had the opportunity to research and compare the sustainable technologies used on this project to conventional technologies used in the past.

Overall, I thought that both AE 481W and AE 882 allowed me to utilize all of the knowledge gained throughout my time in the Architectural Engineering Program and apply it to an actual construction project. They showed me many of the different situations and scenarios I will someday be faced with as a construction manager. Finally, I think I have become a much stronger CM student coming out of college because of them.

CPEP & Discussion Board Reflection

I thought the CPEP site was a great way for me to organize and display all of the hard work I have done for my senior thesis project over the past year. It is an excellent way for other people to have full access to this work and a way to look back at this work in the future. The CPEP site also helped to further develop my skills in website development. The internet is a great way for all people to gain access to information. Having this knowledge of website development will help me with projects I would like to display in a similar manner.

The discussion board was an excellent way for students to have easy access to industry members to answer thesis related questions. It is a one stop source to get in touch with a variety of people and gain insight into professional knowledge on the subject manner. This is a very useful source that will continue to be helpful for future AE students.


ABET Assessment

The following document (.pdf) contains the completed ABET assessment form for AE481W and AE882.

ABET Assessment

Note: While great efforts have been taken to provide accurate and complete information on the pages of CPEP, please be aware that the information contained herewith is considered a work-in-progress for this thesis project. Modifications and changes related to the original building designs and construction methodologies for this senior thesis project are solely the interpretation of Stephen Kelchaw. Changes and discrepancies in no way imply that the original design contained errors or was flawed. Differing assumptions, code references, requirements, and methodologies have been incorporated into this thesis project; therefore, investigation results may vary from the original design.