School of Sciences and Engineering

Department of Construction and Architectural Engineering

CENG 423: METHODS AND EQUIPMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION I

(3 CR. HRS)

Coordinator: Dr. Khaled Nassar, Associate Professor of Construction Engineering,

Full Time.
Office: 1139
Phone: 2630
E-mail: knassar@aucegypt.edu
Office Hours: TBA

For Announcements, Updates, Handouts, Presentations and Other Information Check

the Blackboard site for the course regularly

CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION:
Prerequisite CENG 304 and CENG 321. Offered in Fall and Spring.
Site management. Techniques of building construction; methods, materials, tools and
equipment; traditional, mechanized and prefabrication construction systems.
Construction detailing. Selection, sizing, matching and operation of construction
equipment. Two class periods and one three hour field trip period.

PREREQUISITES BY TOPICS:
1. Building components and materials.
2. Factors influencing architectural detailing and material selection.
3. Properties of concrete, reinforced concrete and detailing of reinforcing steel.

REFERENCES:
ƒ Peurifoy R.L., W.B. Ledbetter, C.J. Schexnayder “Construction planning, equipment,
and methods,” McGraw-Hill, New York, 1996
ƒ Barry, R. "The Construction of buildings", Vols. 1-5, English Language Book Society /
Collins, Great Britain, 1986.
ƒ Architectural Graphic Standards, Ramsey & Sleeper, Wiley & Sons.
ƒ Materials & Methods of Architectural Construction, Parker, Gay, & MacGuire, Wiley
& Sons
ƒ Construction Materials & Process, Watson, McGraw-Hill
ƒ Building Construction Handbook, Merrit, McGraw Hill

CLASS HANDOUTS:
Selected materials will be made available on Blackboard.

CENG 423 METHODS AND EQUIPMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION I  1
COURSE OBJECTIVE:
Introduce students to the "nuts" and "bolts" of building construction.

COURSE OUTCOMES:
After completing the course, students should be able to:
1. Identify the range of available methods and equipment used in building
construction
2. Describe the construction methods and techniques of various building
components
3. Identify the quality control aspects required for the successful execution of
construction activities.
4. Select appropriate construction methods for different applications
5. Identify the sources of local and international information about the
materials and equipment of construction
6. Prepare method statements of different construction works
7. Realize the conditions and limitations of actual construction sites
8. Communicate effectively in written and oral presentations
9. Work in a teamwork environment and on real world projects

COMMUNICATION The final project report and oral presentation thereof, as well as
SKILLS: other reports and hand-ins should require students to exercise
oral and written language skills. In addition graphic communication
skills will be required during some class sessions.

TOPICS:

lecture-hrs
Overview of the range of available 1
construction technologies
Construction equipment: earth moving, 2
material handling and concrete production
Mechanized construction systems 3
Prefabrication systems 1
Site management 1
Traditional construction methods: 23
foundations, substructure, super structure,
external walls internal partitions, finishing
Works, & services
Field trips to construction sites 6
Project presentations and discussions 6
Tests 2
Total 45

GRADING POLICY:
Grade 1. Field trip reports: 20%

CENG 423 METHODS AND EQUIPMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION I  2
 After the first three field trips, groups of students are required to submit a
report summarizing the information acquired in the field trip. The reports
represent a database of practical information that is useful for this course
and for later experiences. The reports are evaluated on technical criteria as
well as format.
Grade 2. Project 1: 15%
Survey of available construction materials: Groups of three students are
assigned categories of construction materials. Technical data of
performance, characteristics, cost, and availability in local market are
documented. Selection criteria are identified. Internet search of international
sources of information is required. Project outcomes are orally presented in a
formal presentation in order to disseminate information. Feedback is given on
technical content as well as presentation technique. Peer evaluation of
students’ presentations is counted as part of the project grade.
Grade 3. Project 2: 15%
Construction systems study: Groups of three students are assigned
systems of construction. Technical data of each system is collected.
Activities in an actual construction site -where the system is employed- are
documented. Oral presentation is required to disseminate information to
class. A written report is also submitted.
Grade 4 Midterm tests (two tests) 30%
Grade 5 Final Exam 15%
Grade 6 Class participation, Quizzes and attendance 5%

WORKLOAD:
Students are expected to work 8 hours minimally each week outside of class, on
reports, studies, and projects. Note that more hours might be necessary.

• Self-motivation. When you don't have a teacher telling you every day that this is
what's due tomorrow, it places all the responsibility on you and you have to be
motivated enough to find out what's required, stay on top of it, and study hard on
your own.

• Dedication. This kind of goes along with the motivation because it's easy to get
tired towards the end and sort of give up. It's easier without the personal contact
you get with a teacher who realizes you're slowing down and pulls you aside after
class. It's really up to the students to take on the full responsibility for their
learning.

NOTE: Makeup tests will not be given without Prior notification and approval from
instructor. In case of sickness a written doctor's excuse will be necessary and the
student must notify the instructor before the original test time that they are unable
to take the test.

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY:

Research shows that learning is far more effective if content, application, and
meaning are part of the learning process. In other words, if the material is shown

CENG 423 METHODS AND EQUIPMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION I  3
 to be relevant. Students are motivated to learn if topics are taught in a hands-on
setting and if subject matter is presented in the context of how it is used in the
workplace, home, and the community.

It is the instructor’s intent and mission to make learning of the course content
understandable, achievable, and attractive in an experiential fashion through the
use of class projects, guest speakers, and actual examples from business and
industry, focusing on real world application.

COURSE DESIGN:

Although the instructor can be counted on to make every effort to present all
course material in a relevant manner, you will get out of this course as much as you
are willing to put into it.

INSTRUCTOR AVAILABILITY:

I welcome and encourage every student to visit my office at least once during the
semester. Regular office hours are posted and appointments may be arranged.
"Drop-ins" are welcome, however, please keep in mind that the instructor has
deadlines to meet as well, and that "drop in" visits can not always be
accommodated.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:

Each and every student seated in this class will be viewed as a potential future
leader of the construction industry. As such, each student is expected to behave
in a professional manner. Examples of expected professional behavior are listed
below:

1. On-time Arrival and Participation

You are expected to arrive on time, be prepared for, and participate and contribute
in class each day. Commit early to manage your life in such a way that making it to
class on time is not a problem.

2. Course Attendance & Communication

Treat your course attendance as if it were your job. It is! If you were not going to
be at work or you were running late you would COMMUNICATE with your employer. I
have voice mail. I expect the same courtesy. Your contribution is a valuable asset
to the success of the class. You are missed when not in attendance. It is the
student’s responsibility to communicate any unavoidable absences to the
instructor in advance when possible. When properly communicated, your absence
will be excused. Otherwise, excessive absenteeism will affect your grade.

3. Absolutely No Profanity Will Be Tolerated in the Classroom

Break this bad habit NOW before it cost you or your employer dearly in a law
suit or harassment charge. It is unprofessional and a sign of ignorance. If you
must vent your frustration, find new, inoffensive language to use.

CENG 423 METHODS AND EQUIPMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION I  4
 4. Team / Class Member Support
On occasion you will be asked to work in groups. Professionals automatically
support one another for the good of the project. Support does not mean to
do someone else’s work for them. Support means to stay in communication,
provide encouragement, and most of all to hold team members accountable
for their word.

5. Academic Honesty
You are about to enter a profession that relies and focuses on character,
professionalism, integrity, and a sense of fairness. While all practitioners may not
always demonstrate these traits in business and industry, you will quickly become
known by your reputation – positive or negative. Given the importance of a reputation
for honesty and trustworthiness, an expressed policy on academic honesty for this
class would seem unnecessary.

However, to make this very clear, there will be absolutely no tolerance for any
violation of the intent of university policies on plagiarism, cheating, copying, or in
any way representing the work of any past or current student as your own. Any
evidence of such a violation will result in an immediate failing grade and possible
dismissal from the course. Any student with knowledge of academic dishonesty
who fails to report it will be subject to the same consequences.

CENG 423 METHODS AND EQUIPMENT FOR CONSTRUCTION I  5