Building Construction (BCN)

Sources, properties and uses of construction materials.

Students will learn the graphic skills necessary to effectively communicate in the construction industry and to acquire a basic understanding of construction drawings and details.

Overview of Construction Management including preparation, terminology, career options and case studies.

Introduces the evaluation of structural behavior as it relates to buildings, the properties of structural materials and the structural behavior of load-resisting members. Primarily for building construction majors.

To understand the sources, manufacturers, properties, and uses of materials in construction projects. Introduce building codes, construction documents, and environmental and legal constraints.

Basic understanding of construction equipment and methods employed in different sectors: building; heavy; industrial; and utility construction. Factors affecting the selection of equipment, determination of ownership and operating costs, estimating earthwork quantities, calculation of equipment and fleet production, equipment and quality control in paving operations, and information resources pertinent to equipment management.

Construction communication tools, including the use of computer-aided drafting (applications of 4-D modeling in construction), blueprint reading, free hand sketching, model building, piece-based simulations and the Internet.

Examines the material properties, code requirements, analysis and construction procedures for steel and reinforced concrete structures.

Principles and practices of electrical and lighting systems used in residential, commercial and industrial applications. Emphasis is placed on coordination of the National Electrical Code (NEC), design, and installation of various systems in the building process.

Provides an overview of sustainable construction, the basic philosophical premises and concepts, the cutting edge in design and construction, methods of assessment, project delivery, economics, and green building evaluation systems. Students will learn the importance of sustainable construction and the emergence of green building concepts in the construction industry.

Classification of work, quantity survey techniques and basic estimating principles applied to simple construction projects.

Study and analysis of various building roof systems, including design, materials, estimating, safety, installation, inspection and maintenance.

Learn current Building Information Modeling (BIM) software to identify design errors and improve the construction process.

This course explores the applications of virtual design and construction software and technology in construction scheduling and planning.

Studies the temporary structures that contractors have to build in order to construct the primary structure. This includes formwork, scaffolding and equipment for hoisting materials, personnel and erecting structures. Apply basic surveying techniques for construction layout and control.

Principles and practices of building piping systems, hydraulics and pumps, comfort conditioning systems for building, heating and refrigeration equipment, building code considerations, plan reading and cost estimation.

As energy becomes a more precious commodity, it’s crucial to design and operate high performance buildings. A solid foundation of energy engineering and sustainability principles is essential to achieving these higher performance standards.

Analysis and determination of cost of construction operations including applicable indirect and overhead costs and the preparation of bid proposals for commercial construction projects. A cost-control system is introduced and implemented with sample field-generated problems.

Introduction to project delivery methods and the underlying principles for choosing the appropriate system. Recognizing the complexity of the preconstruction process including conceptual estimating and scheduling, life cycle costing, constructability reviews, value engineering, risk management, and special contract requirements. Understanding management and administration of a construction project. Topics to be discussed include project initiation, planning, control and closeout; scope/quality, budget and schedule definition; team organization, and other issues throughout the project life cycle.

Computer application of cost and manpower estimates as construction scheduling and management techniques.

Construction safety issues, concerns, requirements, and procedures. The analysis includes costs, planning, administration, inspection, prevention, loss control and drug-free place. Understanding of the major health and environmental issues encountered on construction sites.

Basic construction contracts, specifications, and law. Discussion of the application of contract principles to construction contracts, together with a detail summary of specifications and other documents which form an essential part of construction contracts. Legal issues arising from design and construction services, focusing on risk management and liability awareness.

Basic principles and applications of project financing and construction finance with an emphasis on the acquisition and management of construction loans, mortgages, bonds and construction accounting. Understand the contractor’s balance sheet.

A construction project is simulated with each student being responsible for designing, developing, estimating, scheduling, contracting and administering the work for the completion of a small commercial, residential or light industrial project.

Special areas of study in construction management.

Employment in construction management. Requires advanced approval. Internship work reports and presentation required.

An in-depth study of advanced technologies for construction management.

As energy becomes a more precious commodity, it’s crucial to design and operate high performance buildings. A solid foundation of energy engineering and sustainability principles is essential to achieving these higher performance standards.

Classification of work and quantity survey techniques. Analysis and determination of costs of construction operations including direct and overhead costs, cost analysis, and preparation of bid proposals.

Existing and emerging systems for designing, planning, and construction of projects. Changing roles, relationships, and responsibilities of the parties involved.

Time-cost relationships for various construction operations.

Formation of a company, licensing, bid process, contracts, plans and specifications, mechanics liens, insurance bonds, and remedies as they relate to the building constructor and construction manager. Case studies.

Financial management of a construction company using and analyzing income statements and balance sheets, budgeting, cash flow, and cost reporting systems.

Methods of analyzing and evaluating construction techniques to improve project performance. An in-depth study of productivity concepts, data collection, analysis of productivity data and factors affecting productivity, and means for improving production.

Theory and practice of heavy construction planning, methods, project management. Project control from conception through construction phase. This includes procurement of all parties to the contract. Heavy /civil plans reading; nuances of planning, estimating and bidding a unit-price contract; procurement of materials and equipment, with emphasis on supply chain integrity by avoiding counterfeit construction items.