Construction Engineering Technology

The stability of structures depends on how the supporting elements in a structure work together to sustain the structural loads and safely transfer to the foundation. Topics include familiarization with the basic terms and fundamental concepts that serve as a foundation for structural analysis, and design; calculation of the cross-sectional properties and self-weights of structural members; and vector analysis to determine the effects of force systems on structures, structural components, joints, and supports to maintain equilibrium.

This course introduces building assemblies (from foundations to walls to roofs) and associated links providing an understanding of our built environment. Topics include terminology of building assemblies, National Building Code of Canada Alberta Edition (NBCC-AB), foundations, walls, roofs, stairs, and various construction types. Topics will be presented with an emphasis on small buildings as defined in NBCC-AB. Individual drawing exercise and theory will be used to instruct, guide, and assess the progression of the class.

This course introduces and examines the materials, products, building systems, structural components, building elements, and internal finishing components that are used in the construction of buildings. Topics include the building construction industry, interpretation of construction documents, and identification of building materials.

This course introduces construction documents (including drawings and specifications) and how to interpret them. Topics include scaling, surveying, conventional drawing practices, print reading, calculation of areas and volumes, communication between construction community stakeholders, and the roles of industry participants.

This course provides students with the fundamentals of effective communications skills. The course concentrates on skills in writing, researching and analyzing information, public speaking, and critical thinking, all within the context of technical and business communications in the workplace.

This course introduces the fundamental concepts that serve as the foundation to basic mathematical problem solving using algebra and geometry. Topics include manipulation of equations for geometric and trigonometric problems, systems of linear equations, and an introduction to differential calculus.

This course builds upon the fundamental concepts that serve as the foundation to structural design. Topics include the application of the National Building Code of Canada Alberta Edition to calculate loads on structures; load tracing/load takedowns of structures; calculation of simple stresses and strains; internal forces in beams, and shear and bending moment diagrams; flexural and shear stresses in beams; deflections of beams; introduction to beam design; and column theory.

This course introduces and examines the concepts behind the science of building envelopes and why they are a critical component of the building, along with the services required to make our building functional conditioned spaces. Topics include building envelope principles, sustainable building practices, building envelope assemblies, and mechanical and electrical systems.

This course introduces the concept of project planning within the construction industry to coordinate labour, equipment, and material resources within the time and cost constraints of construction projects. Topics include methods of defining, sequencing, and timing work tasks; assigning resources and costs; preparing graphs and reports for baseline plans, updates, progress reports, and completion forecasts. An introduction to earned value concepts for project control and lean construction techniques for project team collaboration will be included in this course as well.

This course introduces and examines organizational behavior that links individuals, groups, and organizations. The effects of peoples' behaviors on an organization's performance will also be examined. Topics include motivation, leadership, interpersonal communication, organizational structure, attitudes and perceptions, change processes, and conflict. Theory and practical sessions involving group work and engagement will encompass the learning environment.

This course introduces and examines the tools and techniques used in the commercial construction industry to determine quantities of materials for common construction activities. The content will be from the perspective of the General Contractor, and the formatting and reporting structures used in those workplaces. Activities will include quantification for budget scheduling purposes, scope confirmation, and self-performed work. Topics include the quantification of materials/items of work related but not limited to the following classifications: site work/site preparations, foundations, envelope, interior finishes, and building services.

This course builds upon the fundamental concepts that serve as the foundation to technical mathematics. This course presents differential and integral calculus and statistics. Emphasis will be given to the practical use of analytical calculations and graphical methods to solve construction related problems in physics and quantity measurement.

This course examines the structural design aspects of wood and steel structures. Topics include structural analysis, interpretation of structural drawings, Limit States Design, and design of suitable wood and steel structural members according to current Canadian Codes.

This course examines the fundamentals of soil mechanics and concrete foundations. Topics include properties of soil as an engineering material (subsurface stresses, shear strength, and consolidation of soil); interpretation of geotechnical reports; design of concrete mixtures; bearing capacities of shallow and deep foundations; and retaining structures and assessment of soil slope stability.

The use of hoisting (crane) and earthwork equipment is vital to the progress of construction projects. Knowledge of the equipment, and the work that it does, is integral to the planning, scheduling, and costing of such work. This course explores industry expectations surrounding selection of equipment, planning for equipment use, and the regulatory frameworks that are followed in this work. Topics include industry trends and emerging technologies, basic production calculations, and planning/management considerations.

This course examines the tools and techniques used in the estimation of direct costs. Topics include data research, calculations, and organization of detailed direct cost estimates for labour, materials, and equipment that are required for construction projects by manual and computer methods.

This course provides students with the fundamentals of construction contracts, namely specifications and the various CCDC contracts used for a construction contract. Topics include the examination of statute and case law, and rights and responsibilities in relation to construction contracts; alternative dispute resolution; tendering requirements; contract execution; and construction delivery systems including pricing models.

This course examines the process of construction from a management viewpoint, working towards an understanding of the administrative processes for construction projects. Topics include project fundamentals, contract administration for the traditional delivery system of construction, and project risk and quality management plans.

This course examines the structural aspects of reinforced concrete buildings. Topics include basic terms, key concepts, and construction methods commonly used for reinforced concrete structures; structural load calculations; interpretation of structural drawings; determination of design parameters; structural analysis and design of suitable reinforced concrete structural members; and selection of appropriate formwork and falsework systems according to current Canadian Codes.

This course examines the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) within existing delivery system models. Topics include creation and manipulation of models, and extraction of information from models using BIM software. Industry best practices will be examined to create a BIM execution plan. This course will also examine other emerging trends and technologies in the Construction Industry.

This course integrates prior learning from courses within the Construction Engineering Technology Program. Guided by the technical report components required by TAC and ASET, students create a building design proposal based on owner requirements and conforming to the National Building Code of Canada Alberta Edition and local zoning requirements. The culminating project will include academic and practical research, integration of building best practices, structural calculations, and selection of materials and products. Students also build upon the fundamentals of drawing which will be used to graphically represent the design.

This course examines the tools and techniques used in the estimation of indirect costs and compiling conceptual estimates. Topics include preparation methods and formats for estimates of construction overhead costs and fees; conceptual construction cost estimates; analysis of competitive construction tenders; and preparation and submittal of lump sum general contract tenders.

This course introduces financing and cost control of construction projects. Topics include residential and commercial real estate transactions and mortgages; funding of public projects; planning and management of cash flow during construction; holdbacks; change orders; and construction claims. The process and application of cost control will be studied and practiced in detail including methods of progress measurement, earned value calculations, and cost forecast reports used in industry.

This course provides students with the ability to learn and apply various components of the Occupational Health and Safety Management System with a specific focus on construction related hazards, controls and legislated responsibilities. Emphasis is placed on the leadership team’s ability to relate health and safety to the success of a project.