CE notes

Role of a Construction Manager

  • Definition: Construction management involves planning, managing, and executing construction projects, focusing on optimizing materials, finances, and human resources.

  • Key Areas of Focus:

    • Estimating: Assessing costs and resources.

    • Sustainability: Implementing eco-friendly practices.

    • Safety: Ensuring a safe work environment.

    • Business: Understanding contract management and legal issues.

    • Scheduling: Timely project execution.

  • Education: Construction students often minor in business, taking courses in accounting and other business-related subjects.

  • Infrastructure Failure:

    • Characteristics: Often invisible when functioning properly.

    • Causes of Failure:

      • Inadequate design

      • Improper construction

      • Lack of critical maintenance

      • Unforeseen changes affecting performance

      • Inter-component complications

      • Natural disasters, accidents, acts of terrorism, vandalism, war.

  • ASCE Report Card: The U.S. received a C- rating, highlighting the need for infrastructure improvements (e.g., I-35 bridge collapse in 2007).

Civil Engineering Licensure

  • Exams Required:

    • FE Exam: Essential for obtaining Engineer-in-Training (E.I.T) status after graduation.

    • PE Exam: Necessary for becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE).

  • Allowed Tools:

    • Scientific calculator

    • 500-page handbook available for reference during the exam.

Responsibilities and Recruitment of a PE License

General Overview

  • ASCE Code of Ethics: Framework guiding professional conduct.

FE Exam Details

  • Standardization: Nationally standardized exam.

  • Timeline: Suggested to take the FE exam within 6 months post-graduation.

PE Licensing Process

  • Purpose of Licensure:

    • Demonstrates competence and commitment.

    • Expands legal duties that can be performed.

    • Offers personal career benefits.

  • Process to Obtain PE:

    1. Acquire an ABET-accredited bachelor's degree in engineering.

    2. Pass the FE exam.

    3. Complete 4 years of supervised engineering experience.

    4. Pass the PE exam.

Legal Requirements

  • Maintaining the PE license may require a master’s degree (MSCE program).

    • Coursework: 30 credit hours beyond a bachelor’s and options for thesis/non-thesis.

    • Research Opportunities: May require graduate research assistantships.

    • Tuition Reimbursement: Some employers may cover tuition costs.

Erosion Control and Environmental Regulations

  • Erosion Control: Important in construction to prevent soil degradation.

  • EPA Regulations: Compliance with the Clean Water Act is mandatory.

Sewer Systems Overview

  • Combined Sewer: Designed to manage both storm and sanitary sewage.

  • Storm Sewer: Carries rainwater and melted snow.

  • Sanitary Sewer: Transports wastewater from toilets.

Stormwater Prevention Plan (SWPP)

  • Requires comprehensive documentation, often hundreds of pages.

  • Focus Areas: Strategies for erosion prevention and stormwater management.