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Construction Management

Category: Research

Prevention through Design (PtD) for Solar-Ready Houses

Supported by CPWR–The Center for Construction Research and Training (https://www.cpwr.com/), a UW CM research team recently completed a funded study regarding Prevention through Design (PtD) for Solar.  The team consisted of Prof. Hyun Woo “Chris” Lee (PI), Prof. John Gambatese (Co-PI, Oregon State University), and Yohan Min (UW PhD student researcher).  The study aims to support designers to apply PtD to new solar-ready houses by providing an easy-to-use PtD design checklist and BIM models.
This study was developed based on a 2017 CPWR study (https://www.cpwr.com/sites/default/files/publications/PtD-Solar-Solar-Systems-in-Small-Buildings.pdf), aimed at applying PtD to solar systems on existing houses. Combined together, the results of the two studies are expected to provide:
  1. A proof-of-concept for designer-involved PtD practice that supports the design of green buildings, and
  2. A comprehensive set of guidance documents for worker safety related to solar power in residential construction.

Preview Key Findings Here

Digital Fabrication for Concrete Formwork

Project Funded by:  Turner Construction
CERC Applied Research Fellowship
Faculty Advisor:  Carrie Sturts Dossick
Ph.D. Canddiate:  Sadra Fardhosseini
Turner Partners:  Renzo DiFuria, Sean Beatty

“Digital fabrication is an emerging approach to transforming design to physical products. While a number of studies have been carried out to highlight the use of digital technologies in construction, there is still a dearth of studies focused on design-to-fabrication workflows for concrete formwork in construction projects. In response, the overarching goal of this study is to develop a design-to-fabrication workflow using digital models and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines with a focus on formwork fabrication. The specific objectives are to (1) develop a detailed workflow from the design phase of formwork to the fabrication phase, and (2) develop automated procedures to support the workflow without extensive manual intervention. This workflow integrates Virtual Design and Construction (VDC), trade coordination, parametric modeling, software customization, tool path development, and CNC routing in order to produce precise prefabricated formwork components. To test and validate the workflow, the research team will use a case study for the prefabrication of cast-in-place concrete structural and architectural elements. The case study shows that the use of the workflow for CNC machines supports craftsmanship to improve labor productivity, safety, and fabrication quality. The results demonstrate the advantages of using this workflow over the traditional approach to support project teams’ productivity and enable them to make informed decisions for their implementation of digital fabrication.”

Lean and Safety Manual

On June 6, Professor Chris Lee presented a “Lean and Safety Manual” to AGC (Associated General Contractors) member companies at the AGC-WA Building. Funded by WA State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I), the manual is the final product of his research project, entitled “Develop a Lean Practice Manual for Improving the Safety of Electrical Construction Workers”. This project specifically aimed to identify best practices when implementing lean construction techniques and tools to improve worker safety, as applicable to electrical contractors.

View the manual here