Running Head: FINALREPORT
Final Report
Johnathon Blake Essex
Southeastern Louisiana University
FINAL REPORT
Abstract
This paper will discuss in detail the activities that I have done on a weekly basis during the fall semester. The activities described here are true and accurate accounts of my weekly goals, tasks, and achievements. This paper will also discuss the scope of my learning experience and how I feel this project is benefiting me in myprofessional development for my future career as a construction engineer.
FINAL REPORT
This semester I have been able to build off of last semester’s accomplishments to sharpen and refine this project. I have also learned many new skills during the course of this project as well as nurturing and improving upon some old skills. I have broadened my abilities which will help me in the professional world of construction design and engineering. I have also gained a much better understanding of the terminology used in a professional setting due to this project.
The first thing I did this semester was to get a site survey done of the property. I was able to get a detailed account of the site layout with a total station and story pole. I used a 10x10 grid pattern and I used that data to develop a 3-D site survey image (Fig. 4). Also, when the fall semester began, I started further detailing my preliminary construction drawings which led me to discover some errors I didn’t see last semester. After refining the drawings further, I was able to develop a 3D model of the building and the property layout. I believe this was possible due to the refinement of the pre-construction drawings I submitted in the spring semester. I used a program called Google Sketchup to complete my 3D drawings and it is much like Solidworks. This software allowed me to create a concrete foundation which I used to build wall studs and frame the walls of the building in my project. Next, I used this base to frame the ceiling joists and roof trusses (Fig. 1). After I completed the structural components, I added texture and accessories such as brick veneer walls, shingle roof, and windows and doors. Finally, I was able to create a parking lot complete with handicapped parking as required by the IBC.
The next step this semester was to produce an accurate materials take off list so I could create an accurate construction bid. I used the 3D model to help count materials such as wall studs, joists, rafters, and beams. I also was able to get accurate pricing information on flooring, interior accessories, HVAC, plumbing, lighting and all other aspects of the project. Using this
FINAL REPORT
basic structure, I continued to build upon my project and add more detail and develop a real finished site that will comply with the building codes (Fig. 5). This drastically increased the constructability cost schedule. I believe this is probably as close to a real world bid as I could get in this theoretical project.
Using all the data from the bid, I could now put together a realistic construction schedule and coordinate tasks accordingly (Fig. 2). I useprofessional scheduling software to do this and it accurately represents actions and their related start and end times respectively. By using the professional software, I was able to start certain projects simultaneously and watch them play out for months just as one would in a real world setting. This is also another skill that I had not previously had or been exposed to.
Finally, I was able to ament and add some other elements to my project that I had not even known existed. I was able to get a LEED certification with this building design (Fig. 3). I went through the checklist provided and I hit at least the minimum requirements to become LEED certified. I also was able to showcase some energy efficient upgrades that would help contribute towards my LEED certification such as the solar panel set installed on the roof. (Fig. 6) Thanks to this project I will be aware of the value of sustainability and smart design techniques in the future. There have been many adjustments and additions made to my project this semester and I feel as if I have truly made headway in furthering my knowledge of my field. Although I still have many things to learn, this project has opened my eyes to seeing just how far I can go in achieving my goals.
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