College of Architecture & Urban Studies

Building Construction

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

University Exemplary Department

Walid Thabet, Department Head
William E. Jamerson Professor
Georgia Anne Snyder-Falkinham Professor of Building Construction:
Y.J. Beliveau
Associate Professors: T. H. Mills; W.Y. Thabet
Assistant Professors: T. Bulbul; A.P. McCoy; A.R. Pearce; 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 Curriculum for Liberal Education 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 (CD) option or the Development, Real Estate, and Construction (DREC) 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.

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
Area 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
CEE 2814: Measurements
4
ESM 2104: Statics
3
MATH 2224: Multivariable Calculus
3
PHYS 2305: Foundations of Physics I + Lab (Area 4) **
4
17
Second Semester
BC 2024: Construction Principles II
3
BC 2064: Construction Principles Lab
1
BC 2044 Building and Materials + Lab
3
ESM 2204: Mechanics of Deformable Bodies
3
ECON 2006: Principles of Economics (Area 3) **
3
PHYS 2306: Foundations of Physics I + Lab (Area 4) **
4
17

Construction and Design Option

THIRD YEAR (32 semester credits)
First Semester
BC 4004: Building Systems Technology I
4
BC 3115: Building Cultures (Area 2) **
3
ENGL 3764: Technical Writing (WI)
3
CEE 3404: Theory of Structures
3
GEOS 2104: Elements of Geology + Lab
3
ISE 2014: Engineering Economy
2
18
Second Semester
BC 4014: Building Systems Technology II
3
BC 3064: Building Systems Technology Lab
1
BC 3116: Building Cultures (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 Geo-technical Engineering
3
COMM 2004: Public Speaking
3
Elective (BC Directed Elective)
3
Elective (Business + Management)
3
18
Second Semester
BC 4444: Construction Practice II
4
BC 4064: Construction Practice (Capstone) Lab
1
Elective (BC Directed Elective)
3
Elective (Business + Management)
3
Elective (Business + Management)
3
Area 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
BC 3115: Building Cultures (Area 2) **
3
ENGL 3764: Technical Writing (WI)
3
AAEC 4754: Real Estate Law
3
GEOS 2104: Elements of Geology + Lab
3
ISE 2014: Engineering Economy
2
18
Second Semester
BC 4014: Building Systems Technology II
3
BC 3064: Building Systems Technology Lab
1
BC 3124: Housing and Land Development
3
BC 3116: Building Cultures (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 Geo-technical Engineering
3
COMM 2004: Public Speaking
3
Elective (BC Directed 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 (BC Directed Elective)
3
Area Requirement (Area 7) **
3
17
**Satisfies Curriculum for Liberal Education requirement

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. Co: 2114. (2H,3L,3C) II.

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. I Pre: 1224. Co: MATH 1205. (2H,3L,3C)

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: 1224, 1214, 2014. Co: 2064. (3H,3C) II.

2044: BUILDINGS & MATERIALS
Introduction to the theory and applications of building materials. Properties, composition, and characteristics of building materials with particular focus on ferrous and non ferrous metals, concrete, bricks and blocks, timber, glass and plastics. Emphasis on physical behavior of materials under load, including thermal loads, compatibility deformations and material behavior requirements, interaction among different materials, non-destructive/destructive methods for evaluation and testing of construction materials, basic analysis and design applications of major structural components. Pre: ESM 2104. Co: ESM 2204. (2H,3L,3C)

2064: CONSTRUCTION PRINCIPLES INTEGRATED LAB
Develop a competency in applying construction means and methods as they relate to quantity take-off, cost management, scheduling and resource management in support of a senior capstone project. Pre: 1214, 1224, 2014. Co: 2024. (1H,2L,2C)

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. Pre: 1214. Co: 1224. (1H,3L,2C) I,II.

2974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

2984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

3004: CONSTRUCTION & SOCIETY
Principles of constuction safety, sustainability, and ethical practice for construction project delivery. Techniques for prioritizing, planning, and managing project execution using safety, sustainability, and ethics best practices. Pre: 2064. (3H,3C)

3064: BUILDING SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY LAB
Develop a competency in the application of Building Environmental Systems, through modeling, scheduling, estimating, and experiments in support of a senior capstone project. Pre: (4004 or CNST 2104), PHYS 2306. Co: 2044, 4014, CEE 3014, CEE 4074. (1H,2L,2C)

3115,3116: BUILDING CULTURE, A HISTORY OF CONSTRUCTION
Comprehensive review of construction and the social, ethical, political, economic and technological forces that drive the development of shelter, building, sanitation, and transportation infrastructure from Neolithic times to the present focused on Europe and America, with significant case examples from Asia and Africa. 3115 will cover shelter to the ideal city during the renaissance. 3116 will focus on the modern condition from the renaissance forward. (3H,3C)

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. Pre: 2024, 2064. (3H,3C)

3954: STUDY ABROAD
Study abroad in Spain. Variable credit course.

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. I Pre: 2024, 2064, 2114. Co: PHYS 2306.(3H,2L,4C)

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. CEE 4074 may be substituted for co-requisite BC 3064. Pre: (4004 or CNST 2104), PHYS 2306. 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. Pre: 2024, 2064. (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
Application of 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 the capstone lab experience. Written and oral work is formally presented and critiqued among construction faculty, students, and industry professionals. Pre: 4434. Co: 4444. (1H,2L,2C)

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: 4004, 4014, 3064. (3H,3C)

4434: CONSTRUCTION PRACTICE I
Business and construction practices related to operation of a construction company are studied. Construction operation is examined as it relates construction, financial and personnel managment. 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. Pre: (4014, 3064), (2044) or (CEE 3014, CEE 4074). (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 operation 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. Co: 4064. (3H,3L,4C)

4754: INTERNSHIP
Variable credit course.

4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY
Variable credit course.

4984: SPECIAL STUDY
Variable credit course.

4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
Variable credit course.


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