Multimedia techniques for construction education and training

Wayne A Bunnell, Purdue University

Abstract

The current profession of civil engineering often focuses education and training on code compliance rather than constructability and construction techniques. Also, it is well accepted that it takes a decade or more for engineers to develop a high-level project construction understanding and many state departments of transportation rely on in-field training for entry-level inspectors, with little or no education provisions for contractors. This research investigated the use of time-lapse photography to develop training and education material that will improve the understanding of project construction and crucial quality control specifications of an entry-level engineer, contractor, or inspector. Overall, the project team has deployed more than 160 time-lapse cameras to capture and document various construction activities since the project inception in May 2015 on over 25 construction sites throughout the state of Indiana. This document uses time-lapse photography and other media forms to monitor construction projects such as roadway construction on US 31 in Carmel and Westfield, construction of mechanically stabilized earth walls, roundabout construction, and bridge demolition in West Lafayette and Cedar Grove in order to develop educational and training materials for engineering students, construction inspectors, and contractors. This is accomplished in this document through construction case studies, time-lapse images, YouTube videos, and references to relevant INDOT Standard Specifications. Additionally, the project team has acquired quantitative data on the effectiveness of utilizing time-lapse photography to better educate in a classroom setting. The project team discovered that time-lapse photography did indeed enhance the lecture and following its use, students showed improvement.

Degree

M.S.C.E.

Advisors

Bullock, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Civil engineering

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