This is an archived copy of the 2012-2013 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.iastate.edu.

Construction Engineering

Administered by the Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering

Undergraduate Study

For curriculum in construction engineering leading to the degree bachelor of science. This curriculum is accredited under the General Criteria and Construction Engineering Program Criteria by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org .

Construction engineering is a curriculum administered by the Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering. For details of the curriculum in construction engineering leading to the degree bachelor of science. By three to five years after graduation, graduates of the construction engineering program will have:

Established themselves in successful careers in construction engineering, or a related field.
Collaborated effectively on multi-disciplinary teams to address the needs of society and the environment.
Pursued lifelong learning, professional development, and registration as appropriate for their employers.

Students who successfully complete the curriculum will be prepared for entry into the field or for further study at the graduate level in construction engineering or related fields of study, such as law, business and other engineering disciplines.

Construction engineers need to possess strong fundamental knowledge of engineering design and management principles, including knowledge of business procedures, economics, and human behavior. Graduates of this curriculum may expect to engage in design of temporary structures, coordination of project design, systems design, cost estimating, planning and scheduling, company and project management, materials procurement, equipment selection, and cost control. With the emergence of integrated project delivery methods such as design-build construction, the role of the construction engineer is expanding the need for trained professionals that understand both aspects of the project delivery environment. The curriculum offers opportunities to study emphases concerned with building, heavy, mechanical or electrical construction. The process of construction involves the organization, administration, and coordination of labor resource requirements, temporary and permanent materials, equipment, supplies and utilities, money, technology and methods. These must be integrated in the most efficient manner possible to complete construction projects on schedule, within the budget, and according to the standards of quality and performance specified by the project owner or designer. The curriculum blends engineering, management and business sciences into a study of the processes of construction whereby designer’s plans and specifications are converted into physical structures and facilities.

The curriculum develops the ability of students to be team workers, creative thinkers, and effective communicators. This is achieved by providing students with opportunities to:

interact with practicing professionals.
gain work experience during summer jobs, internship, and cooperative education assignments that emphasize the knowledge required of construction engineers.
develop leadership skills by participating in student organizations.
develop, analyze, and interpret alternative solutions to open-ended problems.
study abroad.

The construction industry is becoming increasingly global. Courses in humanities, social sciences, U.S. diversity, and international perspectives are included in the curriculum to broaden the student’s perspective of the work environment. In addition, the department has several exchange program opportunities for students to participate in study-abroad programs. Interested and qualified students have the opportunity to participate in the cooperative education program or internship program to supplement academic work with work experience.

Construction engineering students are encouraged to participate in life-long learning, continuous professional development, and to achieve professional engineer registration and/or registration as a certified professional constructor. Qualified construction engineering students within 30 credits of completing their degree may apply for concurrent enrollment in the Graduate College. See Civil Engineering Graduate Study for more information.

Graduate Study

An area of specialization in construction engineering and management is offered within the graduate program of the Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering. See Civil Engineering, Courses and Programs.

A graduate certificate is also available which requires 12 credits:

C E 501	Preconstruction Project Engineering and Management	arr †
C E 502	Construction Project Engineering and Management	arr †
C E 503	Construction Management Functions and Processes	arr †
One of the following:		arr †
C E 505	Design of Construction Systems
C E 506	Case Histories in Construction Documents
C E 510	Information Technologies for Construction
C E 594A	Planning and Scheduling
C E 594C	Cost Estimating
C E 594E	Project Controls
C E 594F	Computer Applications for Project Controls
C E 594L	Advanced Building Construction Topics
C E 594M	Design Build Construction
Total Credits		0 †
† Arranged with instructor.

Courses are offered for minor work to students taking major work in other curricula or in interdepartmental programs.

Curriculum in Construction Engineering

Administered by the Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering.

Leading to the degree bachelor of science.

Total credits required: Building Option -125.0, Heavy Option - 124.0, Electrical - 128.0, Mechanical - 127.0 cr.

The Construction Engineering Department requires a grade of a C or better for any transfer credit course that is applied to the degree program.

See also Basic Program and Special Programs.

International Perspectives: 3 cr.¹

U.S. Diversity: 3 cr.¹

Communication Proficiency/Library requirements (minimum grade of C):

ENGL 150	Critical Thinking and Communication	arr †
ENGL 250	Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition	arr †
LIB 160	Information Literacy	arr †
† Arranged with instructor.

Business Communication Elective: one course of the following with a minimum grade of C.

ENGL 302	Business Communication	arr †
ENGL 309	Report and Proposal Writing	arr †
ENGL 314	Technical Communication	arr †
† Arranged with instructor.

Social Sciences and Humanities: 12 cr.

One of the follwing		arr †
PSYCH 101	Introduction to Psychology
PSYCH 230	Developmental Psychology
PSYCH 250	Psychology of the Workplace
PSYCH 280	Social Psychology
SOC 134	Introduction to Sociology
ECON 101	Principles of Microeconomics	arr †
or ECON 102	Principles of Macroeconomics
International Perspectives		arr †
U.S. Diversity approved list		arr †
Total Credits		0 †
† Arranged with instructor.

Basic Program: 27 cr.³

Complete with 2.00 GPA including transfer courses (see above for grade requirements):

CHEM 167	General Chemistry for Engineering Students	arr †
or CHEM 177	General Chemistry I
ENGL 150	Critical Thinking and Communication	arr †
ENGL 250	Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition	arr †
ENGR 101	Engineering Orientation	R
C E 160	Engineering Problems with Computational Laboratory ⁴	arr †
LIB 160	Information Literacy	arr †
MATH 165	Calculus I	arr †
MATH 166	Calculus II	arr †
PHYS 221	Introduction to Classical Physics I (See Basic Prgram rule)	arr †
Total Credits		0 †
† Arranged with instructor.

Math and Physical Science: 11 cr. (B, H); 12 cr. (E, M)³.

STAT 105	Introduction to Statistics for Engineers	arr †
MATH 266	Elementary Differential Equations ( B, H)	arr †
MATH 267	Elementary Differential Equations and Laplace Transforms ( E, M)	arr †
PHYS 222	Introduction to Classical Physics II	arr †
† Arranged with instructor.

Construction Engineering Core: 27 cr. (B, H, E); 28 cr. (M)³.

E M 274	Statics of Engineering	arr †
E M 324	Mechanics of Materials	arr †
CON E 421	Construction Estimating	arr †
CON E 441	Construction Planning, Scheduling, and Control	arr †
E M 378	Mechanics of Fluids	arr †
C E 332	Structural Analysis I	arr †
See options for remaining option core courses		arr †
Total Credits		0 †
† Arranged with instructor.

Additional Required Courses: 32 cr. (B, H), 33 cr. (E, M)

CON E 121	Cornerstone Learning Community: Orientation to Academic Life	arr †
CON E 122	Cornerstone Learning Community: Orientation to Professional Life	arr †
C E 170	Graphics for Civil Engineering	arr †
C E 111	Fundamentals of Surveying I	arr †
CON E 222	Contractor Organization and Management of Construction	arr †
I E 305	Engineering Economic Analysis	arr †
CON E 241	Construction Materials and Methods	arr †
CON E 251	Mechanical/Electrical Materials and Methods	arr †
Law Elective		arr †
CON E 487	Construction Engineering Design I	arr †
CON E 488	Construction Engineering Design II	arr †
Business Communication Elective		arr †
ENGL 302	Business Communication
ENGL 309	Report and Proposal Writing
ENGL 314	Technical Communication
Complete one course from Math or Stat Elective, 3 cr. (B, H); 4 cr. (E, M)2		arr †
Total Credits		0 †
† Arranged with instructor.

Select remaining courses from one of the following options:

Building Option: Remaining Core courses (9 cr.)³

C E 360	Geotechnical Engineering	arr †
CON E 322	Construction Equipment and Heavy Construction Methods	arr †
CON E 340	Concrete and Steel Construction	arr †
Total Credits		0 †
† Arranged with instructor.

Remaining option courses 16 cr.

C E 333	Structural Steel Design I	arr †
C E 334	Reinforced Concrete Design I	arr †
C E 383	Design of Portland Cement Concrete	arr †
CON E 352	Mechanical Systems in Buildings	arr †
CON E 353	Electrical Systems in Buildings	arr †
E M 327	Mechanics of Materials Laboratory	arr †
Engineering Topics Elective		arr †
Total Credits		0 †
† Arranged with instructor.

Heavy Option: Remaining Core courses (9 cr.)³

C E 360	Geotechnical Engineering	arr †
CON E 322	Construction Equipment and Heavy Construction Methods	arr †
CON E 340	Concrete and Steel Construction	arr †
Total Credits		0 †
† Arranged with instructor.

Remaining option courses 15 cr.

C E 333	Structural Steel Design I	arr †
C E 334	Reinforced Concrete Design I	arr †
C E 382	Design of Concretes	arr †
E M 327	Mechanics of Materials Laboratory	arr †
Engineering Topics Electives		arr †
Total Credits		0 †
† Arranged with instructor.

Electrical Option: Remaining Core courses (9 cr.)³

M E 231	Engineering Thermodynamics I	arr †
E E 303	Energy Systems and Power Electronics	arr †
E E 456	Power System Analysis I	arr †
Total Credits		0 †
† Arranged with instructor.

Remaining option courses - 17 cr.

CON E 352	Mechanical Systems in Buildings	arr †
CON E 353	Electrical Systems in Buildings	arr †
E E 201	Electric Circuits	arr †
E E 230	Electronic Circuits and Systems	arr †
E E 457	Power System Analysis II	arr †
Total Credits		0 †
† Arranged with instructor.

Mechanical Option: Remaining Core courses (10 cr.)³

M E 231	Engineering Thermodynamics I	arr †
M E 436	Heat Transfer	arr †
M E 441	Fundamentals of Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning	arr †
Total Credits		0 †
† Arranged with instructor.

Remaining option courses - 15 cr.

CON E 352	Mechanical Systems in Buildings	arr †
CON E 353	Electrical Systems in Buildings	arr †
E E 442	Introduction to Circuits and Instruments	arr †
E E 448	Introduction to AC Circuits and Motors	arr †
M E 442	Heating and Air Conditioning Design	arr †
Engineering Topics Elective		arr †
Total Credits		0 †
† Arranged with instructor.

Co-op/Internships - Optional

These university requirements will add to the minimum credits of the program unless the university-approved courses are also approved by the department to meet other course requirements within the degree program.
U.S. diversity and international perspectives courses may not be taken Pass/Not Pass.
Choose from department approved list.
2.00 required including transfer courses
See Basic Program for Professional Engineering Curricula for accepted substitutions for curriculum designated courses in the Basic Program

Courses

Courses primarily for undergraduates:

CON E 112. Orientation to Learning and Productive Team Membership.

(Cross-listed with AER E, NREM, FS HN, HORT, TSM). (2-0) Cr. 2. F.
Introduction to developing intentional learners and worthy team members. Learning as the foundation of human enterprise; intellectual curiosity; ethics as a personal responsibility; everyday leadership; effective team and community interactions including team learning and the effects on individuals; and growth through understanding self, demonstrating ownership of own learning, and internalizing commitment to helping others. Intentional mental processing as a means of enhancing learning. Interconnectedness of the individual, the community, and the world.

CON E 114. Developing Responsible Learners and Effective Leaders.

(Cross-listed with NREM, FS HN, HORT, TSM). (2-0) Cr. 2. S. Prereq: HORT 112 same as NREM 112
Focus on team and community. Application of fundamentals of human learning; evidence of development as a responsible learner; intentional mental processing as a habit of mind; planning and facilitating learning opportunities for others; responsibility of the individual to the community and the world; leading from within; holding self and others accountable for growth and development as learners and leaders.

CON E 121. Cornerstone Learning Community: Orientation to Academic Life.

(0-2) Cr. 1. F.
Integration of first-year and transfer students into the engineering profession and the Construction Engineering program. Assignments and activities completed both individually and in learning teams involving teamwork, academic preparation, and study skills. Introduction to construction industry professionals. Teamwork topics include interdisciplinary teamwork, skills for academic success, diversity issues and leadership. Introduction to organization of program, department, college, and university. Overview of faculty, staff, policies, procedures and resources.

CON E 122. Cornerstone Learning Community: Orientation to Professional Life.

(0-2) Cr. 1. S.
Continuation of CON E 121. Integration of first-year and transfer students into the engineering profession. Career preparation, professional ethics, construction research, leadership. Introduction to construction industry professionals including how they interact with engineers in other disciplines. Continued introduction to program, department, college, and university organization. Overview of faculty, staff, policies, procedures and resources.

CON E 222. Contractor Organization and Management of Construction.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: Completion of basic program
Entry level course for construction engineering: integration of significant engineering and management issues related to construction company operations. Company organization and operations; construction and project administration; construction contracts; delivery systems; insurance and bonding; construction safety; construction labor relations; contract documents.

CON E 241. Construction Materials and Methods.

(2-3) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: CON E 222
Introduction to materials and methods of building construction and to construction drawings. Foundation, structural framing, floor, roof, and wall systems. Blueprint reading and quantity takeoff techniques.

CON E 251. Mechanical/Electrical Materials and Methods.

(0-3) Cr. 1. F.S. Prereq: Credit or enrollment in CON E 241
Introduction to the materials and methods for mechanical and electrical construction systems and drawings. HVAC, water and waste water, power distribution, lighting, and fire protection. Blueprint reading and quantity takeoff.

CON E 298. Cooperative Education.

Cr. R. F.S.SS. Prereq: Permission of department and Engineering Career Services
First professional work period in the cooperative education program. Students must register for this course before commencing work.

CON E 322. Construction Equipment and Heavy Construction Methods.

(2-2) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: CON E 241
Selection and acquisition of construction equipment. Application of engineering fundamentals and economics to performance characteristics and production of equipment. Heavy construction methods and economic applications. Nonmajor graduate credit.

CON E 340. Concrete and Steel Construction.

(2-2) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: E M 324, credit or enrollment in CON E 322
Planning and field engineering for concrete and steel construction. Design and applications of concrete formwork to construction. Erection of structural steel. Emerging industry themes. Nonmajor graduate credit.

CON E 352. Mechanical Systems in Buildings.

(2-2) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: CON E 251, PHYS 222
Comprehensive coverage of mechanical systems, plumbing, fire protection. Analysis techniques and design principles for each system. Required comprehensive design project for a major building project. Nonmajor graduate credit.

CON E 353. Electrical Systems in Buildings.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: PHYS 222 and credit or enrollment in CON E 352
Comprehensive coverage of building electrical systems including power, lighting, fire alarm, security and communications. Analysis techniques and design principles for each system. Required comprehensive design project for a major building project. Nonmajor graduate credit.

CON E 380. Engineering Law.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: Junior classification
Introduction to law and judicial procedure as they relate to the practicing engineer. Contracts, professional liability, professional ethics, licensing, bidding procedures, intellectual property, products liability, risk analysis. Emphasis on development of critical thinking process, abstract problem analysis and evaluation. Nonmajor graduate credit.

CON E 381. Bidding Construction Projects I.

(0-3) Cr. 1. F. Prereq: Permission from the instructor
Team development of construction process designs and cost estimates for transportation construction projects under closely simulated conditions. Examine project sites, consult with construction industry mentors, obtain subcontractor and supplier quotations, and submit bids. Offered in the following specialities:.

CON E 381A. Heavy and Highway.

CON E 381B. Building.

CON E 381C. Mechanical.

CON E 381D. Electrical.

CON E 381E. Mechanical and Electrical.

CON E 381F. Miscellaneous.

CON E 396. Summer Internship.

Cr. R. Repeatable. SS. Prereq: Permission of department and Engineering Career Services
Summer professional work period. Students must register for this course before commencing work.

CON E 397. Engineering Internship.

Cr. R. Repeatable. F.S. Prereq: Permission of department and Engineering Career Services
Professional work period, one semester maximum per academic year. Students must register for this course before commencing work.

CON E 398. Cooperative Education.

Cr. R. F.S.SS. Prereq: CON E 298, permission of department and Engineering Career Services
Second professional work period in the cooperative education program. Students must register for this course before commencing work.

CON E 421. Construction Estimating.

(2-3) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: CON E 241, Junior classification
Conceptual estimating. Bid preparation for buildings, highways, heavy, mechanical trades. Estimating costs for material, labor, equipment, overhead, and profit. Quantity surveys, unit costs, production rates, and pricing methods. Subcontract bid analysis and bid procedure. Cost analysis and cost control. Electronic quantity take off and pricing methods. Nonmajor graduate credit.

CON E 441. Construction Planning, Scheduling, and Control.

(2-2) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: Credit or enrollment in CON E 421
Integration of previous construction coursework into the planning, scheduling, and management of time, costs, and other resources. Emphasis on preparation and analysis of network schedules. Comprehensive planning and scheduling project. Computer project management applications. Nonmajor graduate credit.

CON E 481. Bidding Construction Projects II.