For centuries the architect was the master builder; the one who was responsible for both the design and the construction of a project with sufficient construction expertise to oversee the project from inception to completion. Eventually, complexity of projects required a higher level of specialization leading to the separation of the designer and the builder. Since that separation, the role of the designer, or architect, has continued to shift and evolve. In recent history, the architect has been the one selected by a building owner, at the inception of the project, as the professional who is able to assist and represent the owner throughout the duration of the project. Today however, the role of the architect is once again shifting and leading the architect in a different direction. Building owners are beginning to approach the builder through a design-build or construction manager delivery method first and relying upon them for the overall project and construction expertise instead of the architect. The architect will continue to carry the responsibility of creating the building's design and producing the construction documents. It is very unlikely that this role will change. Any of its other construction related roles, however, are being assumed by the build team. If the architect remains on its current path, it will continue to become more specialized with design and production and carry less responsibility. While the exact role of the architect of today is unclear and heading in a negative direction, the entire construction process continues to evolve and provide new opportunities. The successful architect to come is going to be the one who looks at ways to reclaim its lost responsibilities, explore new alternative services, and promote a higher level of collaboration with the build team.

This study was conducted to find out how payback analysis would affect consumer decision making with regards to home energy efficient upgrade packages. Three different home plans were obtained from a local builder and seven different energy efficient packages were created. Using Hot2000 the heating and cooling loads were calculated for each building, with each energy efficient package, in each of the four major cardinal directions. The averages were taken and the payback information was calculated. The payback information included the increased cost of the package, the increase in the mortgage payment, the annual savings from heating and cooling bills, the monthly savings, the positive or negative monthly cash flow, the amount of time and interest saved if the monthly savings were added to the mortgage principle, the number of years required to pay back the original investment, the rate of return and the increased home value. A survey was taken to see how the subjects would react to viewing the payback information. The subjects were individuals looking to buy a home in the next 12 months somewhere along the Wasatch Front area in Utah. Depending on the size of the home the subjects were looking for, the subjects were shown the different packages with their accompanying cost increase and how that would affect the subjects monthly mortgage payment. The subjects then chose the package they would want for their home, based on their knowledge of construction materials, the additional cost, and how it would affect their mortgage. They were then shown the payback information for the home that was chosen and asked if they would change their mind concerning the previous decision. They were then asked what parts of the payback information they found to be most useful. This study shows that payback information is indeed useful and would help builders to attract new customers, increase profits, and provide customers with powerful information that will empower them to make better decisions about home energy efficiency.

The primary purposes of this research were to identify construction factors most correlated to specific mechanical properties of cement-treated base (CTB) layers and to determine which construction factors exhibit comparatively high variability within individual construction sections of the two pavement reconstruction projects included in this study. In addition, differences between construction sections tested in this research were evaluated. The research focused on the construction of CTB layers in two pavement reconstruction projects in northern Utah, one along Interstate 84 (I-84) near Morgan and one along U.S. Highway 91 (US-91) near Richmond. The significant predictor variables associated with California bearing ratio (CBR), Clegg impact value (CIV), 7-day unconfined compressive strength (UCS), and 28-day UCS at the I-84 sites include reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) content; cement content; amounts of aggregate particles finer than the No. 8, No. 50, and No. 200 sieves; 7-day moisture content, and 28-day moisture content. The significant predictors of the same response variables on US-91 were in-situ moisture content, cement content, amount of aggregate particles finer than the No. 50 sieve, time between mixing and compaction in the field, dry density in the field, 7-day dry density, 7-day moisture content, 28-day dry density, and 28-day moisture content. The factors that were found to be the most variable on both I-84 and US-91 were CBR, cement content, time between mixing and compaction in the field, and time between mixing and compaction for each of the manually compacted specimens. On I-84, 16 of 27 factors were found to be significantly different between the sites, while 17 of 26 factors were found to be significantly different between the sites on US-91. The results of this research suggest that tighter specifications are warranted with respect to RAP content, cement content, and time between mixing and compaction. Concerning full depth recycling (FDR) projects, milling plans should be utilized to achieve improved uniformity in RAP content, and inspection protocols for encouraging improved control of cement content should be implemented during construction to ensure high-quality work. Compaction should be performed as soon as possible after mixing to minimize the adverse effects of cement hydration on the ability to achieve maximum dry density in the field.

Estimating is a critical aspect of every construction project. The most tedious component of an estimate is the quantity takeoff. Different tools are available to improve an estimator's productivity for a quantity takeoff. Faster quantity takeoffs enable estimator to bid more jobs. This study analyzed the time and accuracy of performing quantity takeoffs when using building information modeling (BIM) through a comparison study using Revit (BIM software) and On-Center's OST. In preparation for the study the researcher conducted a pilot study. Participants of the study were asked to perform a quantity takeoff using both Revit and OST. Their resulting data was then, analyzed comparing both the time and accuracy of each item taken off. The subjects' perspectives on the two different methods of performing takeoff are also included in the findings of this study. This study focused on a conceptual estimate takeoff for a small commercial building. The results of the study showed that, on average, those using BIM were able to perform the overall takeoff faster than those using OST while still maintaining equivalent accuracy. This study includes methods to improve productivity for quantity takeoff through an analysis of the takeoffs of counts, areas, and lengths. Findings of this study include methods, techniques, and cautions for performing a quantity takeoff using BIM.

An important principle in Lean manufacturing, value stream mapping (VSM) can be helpful in understanding how process flow and information flow affect each other. A VSM is a static picture of a process that allows the user to see where value is added into the value stream. Simulation is used to evaluate the behavioral issues of processes. In a manufacturing realm this means simulation shows how each operation affects other operations so determinations can be made about where bottlenecks or other problems exist in the process. Theoretically, the integration of VSM and Simulation can aide in process improvement by showing both the static and behavioral characteristics of a process. Determining the feasibility of such an integration is the basis for this thesis. Using research performed by Jack McClellan at BullFrog Spa, a comparative study was conducted by two test groups. One used the traditional simulation approach and the other the integrated simulation approach. The test groups were formed from nine students taking the Manufacturing Systems course fall semester 2004. The traditional simulation approach used the ProModel simulation software to perform a test using a paper form of a VSM. The integrated simulation approach used Process Simulator simulation software, which created a simulation from a VSM created in Microsoft Visio. After completion of the tests, the students filled out surveys comparing their results with McClellan's results for verification of their simulations. The results from the study indicated that the students were able to create a working simulation using both approaches and there was no significant difference between times that it took to create the simulations. It was also discovered that a VSM helps increase understanding of a process, but cannot be the sole source of information to create a simulation. More behavioral information about the process is needed.

This work is an analysis of solutions to problems derived from inherent timing and signal integrity issues in the use and application of the IEEE 1149.1 Standard at the board level in conjunction with its test system. Setup or hold times violations may occur in a boundary scan chain using IEEE 1149.1 compliant devices. A practical study of the TDI-TDO scan data path has been conducted to show where problems may arise in relationship to a particular board topology and test system. This work points to differences between passing and failing scan path tests for problem characterization. Serial data flow is then analyzed and suitability is discussed. Within certain conditions, a solution is proposed. This work has been shown to work on the test system. Recommendations are made based on this experimental approach.

The purpose of this research was to see how Baccalaureate Construction Management Programs accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) were managing increased enrollments within their programs. The review of literature identified related topics, comparable studies, and relevant issues surrounding over-enrollment. Forty-nine of the 53 accredited ACCE programs responded to the survey instrument. Over two-thirds of the respondents stated that they were either approaching, or were at the limits of enrollment capacities. Most of the respondents listed limited enrollment, the use of adjunct faculty, and funding from industry as leading strategies for managing or obtaining resources. Because CM programs will not be willing to sacrifice quality, more and more CM programs will implement limited enrollment controls. The demand for Construction Management graduates will continue to increase. As more CM programs initiate enrollment controls, it will become increasingly difficult for the construction industry to fill entry level positions with college graduates. Limited enrollment will create a deficit of qualified CM graduates needed by the industry. Because CM programs are having difficulties acquiring resources through the university, it may be necessary to acquire additional resources through industry. According to a number of program directors, one of the best ways to raise funds within industry is through the use of Industry Advisory Boards. Industry Advisory Boards can help in another critical aspect to the future expansion of CM programs; improve university perceptions about Construction Management education

This thesis investigates the suitability of thermo-kinetically recycled plastics for use in commercial product applications using finite element analysis and statistics. Different recycled material blends were tested and evaluated for their use in commercial product applications. There are six different blends of thermo-kinetically recycled plastics used for testing and CATIA is used for finite element analysis. The different types of thermo-kinetically recycled plastics blends are: pop bottles made of PolyethyleneTeraphthalate (PET), milk jugs made of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Vinyl seats made of Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) and small amount of Polypropylene (PP) and Urethane, electronic scrap made of engineering resins like Acrylo-Nitrile-Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polystyrene (PS) and Polycarbonate (PC), agriculture waste consisting of Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), industrial waste consisting of Nylon (PA66) and PolyethyleneTeraphthalate (PET), household waste consisting of Polystyrene (PS). The methods employed during the study include three phases for each of six blends available: 1.Density, tensile and impact testing of each blend 2.Correlation of mechanical properties to blend 3.Finite element analysis of the service performance of a product made from each thermo-kinetically recycled plastic blend This thesis shows that some of the recycled plastics materials that were tested are qualified to be used in the pallet. Those materials that qualified were Industrial waste consisting of Nylon and PolyethyleneTeraphthalate, household waste consisting of Polystyrene.

The purpose of this research is to determine which aspects, other than price, of trade contractor performance are the most important to the general contractor, Big-D Construction. The impression a trade contractor leaves on the project manager and superintendent provides an indication of their performance. To determine what tasks trade contractors perform that most greatly impact overall perception of the general contractor's project manager and superintendent, hundreds of trade contractors were evaluated in ten separate categories and were then given an overall rating. The correlation between each category and the overall rating was found. The categories were then sorted from highest correlation to lowest. Of the ten categories, professionalism had the highest correlation. Next to professionalism, schedule adherence was found to be most important. All of the next six categories: Coordination with other subs, quality of work, technical knowledge of drawings & specs, project close out (O&M's, punchlist, as-builts), monthly invoices - timely and accurate, and accuracy/timeliness of change orders, all had similar impact on overall performance. Daily clean-up and safety attitude, had the least impact on performance, with safety falling significantly lower than every other category. Overall, being professional, keeping to the schedule and doing good work are most important to project management teams, while keeping the job clean is noticeably less and safety is much less important.

Acoustic Physical Modeling has emerged as a newer musical synthesis technique. The most common form of physical modeling synthesis in both industry and academia is digital waveguide synthesis. Commercially available for the past thirteen years, the top synthesizer manufacturers have chosen to include physical modeling synthesis in their top of the line models. In the area of audio quality testing, the most common tests have traditionally been group listening tests. While these tests are subjective and can be expensive and time-consuming, the results are validated by the groups' proper quality standards. Research has been conducted to evaluate objective testing procedures in order to find alternative methods for testing audio quality. This research has resulted in various standards approved by the International Telecommunication Union. Tests have proven the reliability of these objective test methods in the areas of telephony as well as various codecs, including MP3. The objective of this research is to determine whether objective test measurements can be used reliably in the area of acoustic physical modeling synthesis, specifically digital waveguide synthesis. Both the Perceptual Audio Quality Measure (PAQM) and Noise-To-Mask Ratio (NMR) objective tests will be performed on the Karplus-Strong algorithm form of Digital Waveguide synthesis. A corresponding listening test based on the Mean Opinion Score (MOS) will also be conducted, and the results from the objective and subjective tests will be compared. The results will show that more research and work needs to be done in this area, as neither the PAQM nor NMR algorithms sufficiently matched the output of the subjective listening tests. Recommendations will be made for future work.