College of Architecture & Urban Studies

Building Construction

Students building projecthttp://www.caus.vt.edu/caus/bc

University Exemplary Department
Yvan J. Beliveau, Head
Georgia Anne Snyder-Falkinham Professor of Building Construction:
Y.J. Beliveau
William E. Jamerson Professor: M. J. O’Brien
Associate Professors: F. L. Auchey; T. H. Mills; W.Y. Thabet
Assistant Professor: G. Reichard


Overview

    The Department of Building Construction's mission is to build leaders for the construction industry and society. This is accomplished by providing undergraduate students with a complete and diversified grasp of the building industry through technical and managerial courses and a core curriculum that emphasizes self-motivation, imagination and social responsibility. The program offers a unique opportunity in education for those interested in a future in the construction/development industry.

    The Building Construction program develops within the student a solid foundation in construction knowledge.

    The first two years of the program are identical and form the core basics for proceeding into one of two options: the Construction and Design option or the Development, Real Estate, and Construction option.

    The course work for both options includes structural, mechanical, and electrical systems, and related subjects. Management subjects such as construction financing, contracts, planning, scheduling, and construction means and methods help familiarize the student with concepts and skills essential in the building industry. Construction materials, equipment, and procedures are also studied in the classroom and. reinforced by visits to on-going construction sites. Students also gain an understanding of construction drawings and specifications, and their importance to the successful execution of building contracts and projects.

    The business and construction management sequences, for all students, are devoted to necessary decision-making skills. Management topics include: organizational, financial, and legal structures for the business and project; estimating and bidding strategies; contracts; and planning and scheduling techniques. The "case study method" is used at various times in order to develop the student's ability to define problems, identify choices, and recognize the most critical elements in a variety of situations

    The Construction and Design option has an added focus of exploring technical and engineering issues supporting construction design and operations. The Development, Real Estate, and Construction option has its focus in the real estate and development arena. Entry into the Development, Real Estate, and Construction option is limited to students who are admitted to the Real Estate Minor in the Pamplin College of Business. The choice of which option to pursue is made in the spring semester of the second year.

    The Building Construction major is accredited by the American Council for Construction Education. Upon successful completion of the four-year program of 134 credit hours of study, a Bachelor of Science in Building Construction is awarded.

Core Requirement: Foreign Language

    The student shall have earned 2 units of a single foreign or classical language in high school, or 6 credit hours of same at the college level, or have passed an equivalency exam (in addition to the total number of credits required for graduation).

Effective: Graduating class of 2006:

Building Construction Foundation (first two years)

FIRST YEAR (31 semester credits)
First Semester Credits
BC 1214: Intro. to Building Construction
3
ENGL 1105: Freshman English (Area 1) **
3
ACIS 2004: Survey of Accounting
3
MATH 1114: Elementary Linear Algebra
2
MATH 1205: Calculus (Area 5) **
3
Core requirement (Area 6) **
1
15
Second Semester
BC 1224: Intro. to Building Construction + Lab
3
BC 2114: Information Technology in Design & Construction
2
ENGL 1106: Freshman English (Area 1) **
3
MATH 1206: Calculus (Area 5) **
3
MATH 1224: Vector Geometry
2
ECON 2005: Principles of Economics (Area 3) **
3
16
SECOND YEAR (36 semester credits)
First Semester
BC 2014: Construction Principles I
3
BC 2004 Principles of Building Structures Lab
1
CEE 2814: CEE Measurements
4
ESM 2104: Statics
3
MATH 2224: Multivariable Calculus
3
PHYS 2305: Foundations of Physics I + Lab (Area 4) **
4
18
Second Semester
BC 2024: Construction Principles II
3
BC 2064: Construction Principles Lab
1
BC 2044 Building and Materials + Lab
2
ESM 2204: Mechanics of Deformable Bodies
3
ISE 2014: Engineering Economy
2
ECON 2006: Principles of Economics (Area 3) **
3
PHYS 2306: Foundations of Physics I + Lab (Area 4) **
4
18

Construction and Design Option

THIRD YEAR (32 semester credits)
First Semester
BC 4004: Building Systems Technology I
4
ARCH 3115: History of Architecture (Area 2) **
3
ENGL 3764: Technical Writing (WI)
3
CEE 3404 : Theory of Structures
3
GEOS 2104: Elements of Geology + Lab
3
16
Second Semester
BC 4014: Building Systems Technology II
3
BC 3064: Building Systems Technology Lab
1
ARCH 3116: History of Architecture (Area 2) **
3
CEE 3424: Reinforced Concrete Structures I
3
CEE 3434: Design of Steel Structures I
3
FIN 3055: Legal Environment of Business
3
16
FOURTH YEAR (35 semester credits)
First Semester
BC 4434: Construction Practice I (WI)
3
BC 4164: Process Planning & Design
3
CEE 3514: Intro. to Geotechnical Engineering
3
COMM 2004: Public Speaking
3
Elective (Directed Elective)
3
Elective (Business + Management)
3
18
Second Semester
BC 4444: Construction Practice II
4
BC 4064: Construction Practice (Capstone) Lab
1
Elective (Directed BC Elective)
3
Elective (Business + Management)
3
Elective (Business + Management)
3
Core requirement. (Area 7) **
3
17

Development, Real Estate, and Construction Option

THIRD YEAR (33 semester credits)
First Semester
BC 4004: Building Systems Technology I
4
ARCH 3115: History of Architecture (Area 2) **
3
ENGL 3764: Technical Writing (WI)
3
AAEC 4754 : Real Estate Law
3
GEOS 2104: Elements of Geology + Lab
3
16
Second Semester
BC 4014: Building Systems Technology II
3
BC 3064: Building Systems Technology Lab
1
BC 3124: Housing and Land Development
3
ARCH 3116: History of Architecture (Area 2) **
3
FIN 3055: Legal Environment of Business
3
UAP 4744: Principles of Real Estate
4
17
FOURTH YEAR (34 semester credits)
First Semester
BC 4434: Construction Practice I (WI)
3
BC 4164: Process Planning & Design
3
CEE 3514: Intro. to Geotechnical Engineering
3
COMM 2004: Public Speaking
3
Elective (Directed BC Elective)
3
Elective
2
17
Second Semester
BC 4444: Construction Practice II
4
BC 4064: Construction Practice (Capstone) Lab
1
AAEC 4764 : Real Estate Appraisal
3
MKTG 4734 : Real Estate Marketing
3
Elective (Directed BC Elective)
3
Core requirement. (Area 7) **
3
17
**Satisfies University Core Curriculum requirement

Minor in Building Construction

    Students from related professional concentration departments may pursue a minor in Building Construction. The concentration requires the completion of 18 credits as follows:

Credits
BC 1214 Intro to Building Construction
3
or
CEE 3014 Construction Management
BC 2014 Construction Principles - I
3
BC 2024 Construction Principles - II
3
BC 2064 Construction Principles Lab
1
BC 4434 Construction Practice - I
3
BC 4444 Construction Practice - II
4
BC 4064 Construction Practice Lab
1

    Students who wish further information or advice about minoring in Building Construction should consult a faculty member in the Department of Building Construction.

Undergraduate Courses (BC)

1214: INTRODUCTION TO BUILDING CONSTRUCTION I
This is an introduction to the world of construction with an overview of the important areas of contracting and the inter-workings of the construction industry. Emphasis is placed on the theory and terminology of the construction industry supplemented with the graphical representation of construction documents and laboratory building experiments. (2H,3L,3C)

1224: INTRODUCTION TO BUILDING CONSTRUCTION II
Continuation of introduction to the world of construction with an overview of the important areas of contracting and the workings of the construction industry. Emphasis is placed on the application of theory, processes and vocabulary of the construction industry supplemented with computer aided graphical representation of construction documents. Pre: 1214. (2H,3L,3C) II.

2004: PRINCIPLES OF BUILDING STRUCTURES LAB
This course is designed to provide the Building Construction student with a physical understanding of the theoretical concepts being taught in the Engineering Science and Mechanics Statics course ESM 2104. These concepts will be demonstrated through the use of lab experiments designed and presented by both the instructor and also student teams. The sequence of the labs will follow the sequence of the theoretical material being delivered in ESM 2104. Pre: 1214, MATH 1114. Co: ESM 2104, MATH 2224. (3L,1C)

2014: CONSTRUCTION PRINCIPLES I
This course covers the fundamentals of construction technology and processes emphasizing materials, methods, techniques and sequences for the construction of buildings (CSI Divisions 1-6). Planning, scheduling and quantity surveying for the management of construction resources are among the topics studied. Pre: 1224. (2H,3L,3C) I.

2024: CONSTRUCTION PRINCIPLES II
This is a continuation of the fundamentals of construction technology and processes emphasizing materials, methods, techniques and sequences for the construction of buildings in CSI divisions 7-16. Planning, scheduling, quantity surveying and control systems for the management of these construction resources are among the topics studied. Pre: 2014. Co: 2064. (3H,3C) II.

2044: BUILDING AND MATERIALS
This course introduces the theory and applications of construction materials. Topics covered include the properties, composition, and characteristics of construction materials with focus given to cement, aggregate, concrete, and steel. Topics include physical behavior of materials under load, including equilibrium, compatibility deformations and material behavior requirements, non-destructive/destructive methods for the evaluation and testing of construction materials, and basic analysis and design applications of major structural components and assemblies encountered in building construction projects. A lab component allows for applying some of the concepts studied into hands-on experiments. Pre: ESM 2104. Co: ESM 2204. (1H,3L,2C)

2064: CONSTRUCTION PRINCIPLES INTEGRATED LAB
This is an integrated fundamentals of construction laboratory. In this lab, the student, working as a team member with other building construction Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors, will develop a competency in applying the construction means and methods learned in BC 2014 and BC 2024 as they relate to quantity takeoff, cost management, scheduling and resource management in the senior's capstone project. Pre: 2014. Co: 2024. (3L,1C) II.

2114: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
A web based computer applications laboratory course related to the introduction, application and utilization of basic informational technologies used in the design and construction profession. Production and project management improvements through the use of computer applications are explored, including Internet based project management, and CADD design and database integration, spreadsheet applications, computer programming, and computer based project management software. (1H,3L,2C) I,II.

2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

3064: BUILDING SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY LAB
Integrated Building Systems Technology Laboratory. In this lab, the student, working as a team member of fellow Building Construction Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors, will develop a competency in the application of the theory of Building Environmental Systems, learned in BC 4004, to models, experiments and the senior capstone project. Pre: 4004. Co: 4014. (3L,1C) II.

3124: HOUSING AND LAND DEVELOPMENT
A comparison of the problems and strategies of delivering single and multi-family housing in urban and suburban contexts. The interdependency of subdivision and zoning ordinances, utility infra-structure, environmental impact, economic feasibility, purchasing versus rental programs, and availability of housing systems are concerns examined. Junior standing required. (3H,3C)

4004: BUILDING SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY I
The student is exposed to the theory and analysis methods relative to the design and integration of Mechanical and Electrical Building Systems. Topics covered include: conceptual design, technical operations and maintenance issues necessary for determining the selection of passive and active environmental control systems within a building including: Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Lighting, Acoustical and Plumbing. Pre: PHYS 2306. (3H,2L,4C) I.

4014: BUILDING SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY II
This course places an emphasis on the physical installation and integration of passive and active environmental control systems including: heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, acoustics and plumbing. Lectures by faculty and seminars by construction industry practitioners address issues that are relevant to illustrating the applications resulting from theory studied in BC 4004. Pre: 4004. Co: 3064. (2H,3L,3C)

4024 (CEE 4014): ESTIMATING, PRODUCTION, AND COST ENGINEERING
Interpretation of plans and specifications, preparation of construction estimates, and cost control. Methods analysis, resource requirements, and resource costs in building systems, including system components, and in large-scale civil engineering works such as highways, bridges, and hydraulic structures. (3H,3C) I,II.

4034 (CEE 4034): CONTRACT SPECIFICATIONS
The course work provides an overview of the basics of the Project Manual (a collection of the contractual provisions of a nontechnical nature together with the technical provisions). Techniques of specification writing, interpretation of intent, and complimentary documents are studied. Senior standing required. (3H,3C)

4054 (CEE 4054): CONSTRUCTION LAW: ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A study of current legal problems associated with the construction industry. Traditional roles of the various industry participants are examined from a management's perspective. The entire building process, from pre-design to owner use, is covered with emphasis on claims avoidance. Pre: 4434 or CEE 3014 or ARCH 4044. (3H,3C)

4064: CONSTRUCTION PRACTICE LAB
This lab applies the business and construction practices related to operation of a construction company to the execution of a senior capstone project. All project management concepts learned in prior courses are applied in this capstone lab experience. This course is formally designated as a writing intensive course. Formal written and oral presentations are presented and critiqued by the BC faculty team, students and industry professionals. Co: 4444. (3L,1C) II.

4164: PRODUCTION PLANNING AND PROCESS DESIGN FOR CONSTRUCTION
The course deals with the planning and design of construction processes. Course topics include production systems, behavior of construction systems and workers, the relationships between subsystems in the construction process, queuing systems, process modeling and simulation. The major emphasis is on production and productivity. Production problems that typically occur in construction systems are discussed. The course also explores recent innovations in construction system design such as lean construction and agile construction. Pre: 2114, 2024, 4004, 4014. (3H,3C)

4434: CONSTRUCTION PRACTICE I
Business and construction practices related to operation of a construction company are studied. Construction law is examined as it relates construction, financial and personnel management. Project management topics studied in this course include permitting, site evaluations, design development and design phase considerations such as preliminary estimates and project constructability. Writing Intensive (WI) course. I Pre: CEE 3424. (3H,3C)

4444: CONSTRUCTION PRACTICE II
This course explores and applies the business and construction practices related to operation of a construction company to a capstone experience. Construction law is examined as it relates to construction, financial and personnel management. Project management topics studied in this course are applied in the corequisite lab. This course is formally designated as a writing intensive course. Formal written and edited and oral presentations are presented and critiqued by the BC faculty team, the writing resource center, students and industry professionals. Pre: 4434, CEE 3424. Co: 4064. (3H,3L,4C) II.

4754: INTERNSHIP
Variable credit course.

4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

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