CE 766 Building Construction Systems

Buildings and other structures are constructed using a variety of systems. For both the design process and the construction process it is important to understand the critical purposes to be achieved and the technical criteria that must be met. This course stresses the qualitative analytical aspects of these issues rather than the quantitative analytical procedures and theories. Construction aspects of conventional and industrialized building systems are considered. Emphasis in areas of structural systems utilizing cast-in-place concrete, precast concrete, prestressed concrete, structural steel, cold-formed steel, composite and mixed materials, dome, shell, and cable systems. Mechanisms for resisting and transmitting loads, detailing, fabrication, transportation, erection, stability, quality control and integration of service systems. 3 credit hours.

 
   
   
Prerequisite
  

CE 466 or CE 327 and CE 426 or equivalent

 
Course Objectives  

Achieve an understanding of the following topics:

  1. Systems used for buildings and other structures.
  2. Advantages and disadvantages of various systems.
  3. Details of systems that are critical to performance.
  4. Construction methods and processes that are unique to the example systems.
  5. Factors and methods considered in evaluating and selecting alternatives.
  6. Lessons that can be learned from past failures.

 
Textbook  

Assigned readings from journals, other resources and handouts.


Course Requirements  

Assignments: 50% Individual technical reports on specific systems (about 7 during the semester) to be shared with other class members. Periodic problems.

Mid Term: 25%

Final Exam 25%


 

Computer and Internet Requirements  

NCSU has recommended minimum specifications for computers used for classes. Depending on your computer needs, we recommend your computer meet or exceed the following minimum specifications below.

PCs must have an Intel-compatible 800 MHz processor, 256 MB RAM, 8 GB hard drive with 1 GB free space available, 256 Color Display, CD-ROM drive, 800x600 (min.) video adapter, sound card, and speakers. The operating system should be Windows 2000 or XP. Real One Player Basic (available free online) and high speed Internet connection such as cable, DSL, T1 or LAN will be required for EOL courses.

MAC users must have a G3 processor with firewire and USB factory built-in, 256 MB RAM, 10 GB with 1GB free space available, 256 Color Display, CD-ROM drive, 800x600 (min) video adapter, sound card, and speakers. The operating system must be MacOS 10.3 (minimum) along with the above RealOne and Internet specifications above .

For more detailed information on computer specifications and recommendations, please refer to our website at: http://engineeringonline.ncsu.edu/currentstudents/computeraccess.htm

 

Instructor  

David W. Johnston, PE, PhD
Professor
Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering
202 Mann Hall, Stinson Drive
North Carolina State University
Raleigh , NC 27695-7908

Phone: 919-515-7412
Fax: 919-515-7908
Email: johnston@eos.ncsu.edu