ASC RESEARCH COMMITTEE PRESENTATION-RESEARCH INVOLVEMENT

The general format of the research committee presentation at the national meeting was as outlined below:

Introduction - Colen J. Boutwell Jr. Format of presentation

Topic Areas

Introduction of moderator

Moderator - Troy McQueen

Position statement (3 to 5 Minutes)

Speaker #1 Steve Easley, Purdue

Speaker #2 Gary Gerhig, Colorado State

Speaker #3 Greg Howell, Univ. of New Mexico

Speaker #4 Al Padula, Texas A & M

Question and Answer session - Troy McQueen Questions from the floor - Troy Mc Queen Communications and dissemination - Colen Boutwell

The submissions for publication from each speaker prior to the meeting are reported below.

SIEVE EASELY - PURDUE UNIVERSITY

An energy efficient cost effective research project

The Department of Building Construction and Contracting, at Purdue University, engaged in a $330,000 research project to design, construct, and evaluate a cost-effective, energy efficient home. The goal of this project was to design and build a home that would be extremely energy-efficient, attractive, and affordable. our objective was to analyze the best and most cost-effective ideas from proven research, and merge those ideas into a practical and marketable design, which builders would build, and consumers would buy.

We developed cost-effective construction techniques using off-the-shelf technology that contractors could adapt in the field to make major changes in their construction schedules. The two-story home has many popular features, such as a cathedral ceiling, walk-in closets, a fireplace, and an open-living concept.

After the home was constructed, a family moved into it, and the home, performance was then monitored for two years as part of our research. Temperature, humidity, indoor air quality, solar insulation, and outside weather conditions were monitored. The 2000-square-foot hone performed very well. The total heating and cooling costs for one year was $250. This four-bedroom home is located in a 6,000 degree-day climate. The home cost about $6,000 more to build than a conventional home. The home cost $93,000 to build, and sold for $122,500.

Four shows were produced for public television to document the design and construction of this home in order to transfer this technology to builders and consumers. These programs have been broadcast by satellite throughout the U. S. This project has also been the subject of 60 articles in newspapers and magazines. To date, over 10,000 requests for information have been answered. This response indicates that consumers are interested in housing research.

I believe that if there is interest by faculty in construction research: we should focus on develop­ing and testing building systems using new materi­als and techniques for the construction industry; we should research the application of construction equipment, tools, and building methods in order to increase productivity and reduce construction costs; and we should analyze the cost-effectiveness of new and existing building techniques, and disseminate this information, so that the construc­tion industry can progress as a result of our research.

GARY GEE RIG - COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY

Concepts and Methods of Schedule Compression, sponsored by the Construction Industry Institute

The research project Produced a catalog of ideas and techniques management might consider when addressing the subject of schedule compression. Schedule compression refers to the shortening of the required time for accomplishing one or more engineering, procurement or construction tasks to:

(1) reduce the overall Project construction time,

(2) accelerate Progress, or (3) recover lost time.

The study used the Delphi research methodology including many interviews with experienced engineering and construction Personnel.

The project has contributed significantly to the visibility and awareness of our program. I have Presented the findings in 15 cities across the country to many different industry associations including owners, designers, constructors and educators. As a spin off of the Project, I presently serve as a member of the CII Cost and Schedule Task Force.

What constitutes research in the construction industry is a difficult question to answer. In general I feel that an effort that generates new knowledge, new applications of existing knowledge. or raises the level of knowledge and application in the industry constitutes research. In the academic arenas, the definition depends on the attitude of the institution as to what is appropriate research and scholarly activity. Our institution accepts funded Projects for developing and delivering training Programs as applied research. Other schools define research as Purely bench research leading to new theoretical knowledge. ASC needs to be sensitive to the differing attitudes.

Questions:

1. I believe a top priority agenda item for ASC is faculty Professional development. Construction higher education is now experiencing a severe shortage of qualified faculty and administrators. Since many institutions are requiring faculty research, ASC must be Pro-active in Promoting Professional development. Seminars in grant Proposal writing and other research subjects conducted at regional and national meetings would help both the member schools and faculty.

In order to develop a Positive attitude towards research in the industry, ASC must demonstrate how research has contributed to the industry. We need a data base of research findings generated by ASC research and then ASC must promote the positive effects this research has had on construction cost effectiveness.

2. ASC can assist member schools by providing information on funding sources and through the identification of research topics. Since ASC has a limited budget, I doubt that significant seed monies exist. However. ASC might be able to persuade industry to provide the seed monies for appropriate projects.

I do not believe that a research consortium is Practical within the Present operational structure of ASC. Consortiums succeed because of dedicated very active folks with common interests and goals. I would support individual schools joining together to seek a Particular Project.

3. The transition from a teaching-service environment to a teaching-research-service environment is strenuous. The commitment to research comes through the desire to make something better. Since the normal maturation process requires the faculty member to continue to teach as well as build a research foundation. it is advantageous to start with small funded Projects. Obtaining funded research requires a sound marketing approach with defined strategies such as seeking seed monies, Publishing articles to build a reputation, and Providing a Professional service and end product.

GREG HOWELL - UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO

Project Organization, The Construction Industry Institute.

I am conducting a research project funded by the Construction Industry Institute. It is directed by the Project Organizations Task Force. Our job is to understand how and why projects are organized as they are. The project has had a significant impact on our visibility for several reasons:

1. The money involved is significant. This has an impact within the University administration.

2. The steering committee for the project meets 3 time a year. I have been able to get them to come to UNM for one of those meetings.

3. The research itself involves interviewing senior executives of major corporations. Within the University, it has led me to work with people in other departments.

4. Local groups - AGC, NECA - have asked me to report to their membership on the CII and the research findings.

I believe that research should be aimed at uncover­ing what works when. We have serious language definition problems. Our research should include the following areas:

a. Organizational areas - How do we manage administrative systems.

b. The boundary between organizations and technical subjects - The implementation of computers to support decisions in construction organizations.

c. Innovation in work methods.

Questions:

1. I think we should work on improving the quality of our research products. The awareness of the importance of the subject is growing in the industry. The ASC might provide the forum to get rooky researchers together and help us teach each other.

2. I do not think the ASC should directly sponsor research. I think the ASC should organize a set of industry advisors and hammer out a research agenda that suits us both.

3. Research is one aspect of the University - Industry relationship. We will get funding in so far as we are working on the problems that excite the industry. Unfortunately, these _may not be the deeper or most important issues. We have to learn to listen to the industry and reframe questions so that they interest the industry and leave roam for us to explore the edges. We must play work up within the local community. University pressure is tough but it can be dealt with in contractual terms.

AL PEDUILA - Texas A& M University

Research proiect: School energy audit.

This research involvement developed from a continu­ing education program that was funded by a local utility company. In an effort to make construction trades aware of impacts of their work as related to energy uses, the utility company established training programs for carpenters, plumbers, and steam fitters. these programs dealt with various energy considerations that would contribute to achieving economies at the construction site.

As a result of these programs, we were asked to establish an energy auditing program for public schools that would assist them in reducing the amount of energy used in school buildings. Specific schools were identified to serve as model programs. and an energy auditing procedure was prepared and documented in such a way to permit by other schools by in-house personnel.

This activity led to considerable visibility for the College and the Department of construction Science since it demonstrated expertise in the area. The University subsequently established a Center for Energy and Mineral Resources, part of whose program is to deal with problems related to energy conservation in the public sector. Those seeking advice related to achieving energy conservation can contact the Center and obtain answers at no cost. A number of the faculty who were involved in the original research effort who maintain expertise in appropriate areas. currently participate in the pro@ram by responding to inquiries that are received by the Center. The Center also prepares a monthly publication with widespread circulation that offers advice on various subjects related to energy conservation.

These various efforts have given the College, the Department of Construction Science, and the University a level of exposure that has enhanced its reputation and created a high level of visibil­ity in the public and private sectors. These involvements have also resulted in having students enter our program to pursue an advanced degree with emphasis in an energy related area.

Research in construction concerns investigations into the myriad areas related to activities associate with the construction process. This may involve studies related to materials and methods of construction, construction delivery processes, estimating, scheduling. management of construction, or any peripheral area that impacts the construction process.

Questions:

1. ASC should be instrumental in establishing liaisons to permit cooperative, interdisciplinarian research activities between various member schools.

2. ASC should act as a clearing house for identifying research interests of various faculty in order to foster the associations specified in (a).

3. The construction industry is notorious for not supporting university research. ASC should establish liaison with representatives of industry to apprise them of potential benefits to be derived by the support of such research efforts. ASC should also solicit their financial assistance in supporting some modest level of investigative effort.

4. The answer to all parts of this question is "yes". The obvious questions that must be asked include:

a. What advantage is presented by conducting research through ASC vs. working with faculty within your own university?

b. Where does the seed money come from?

c. What funding sources could ASC identify beyond those identified by our own university?

5. This is a subject that can be discussed ad infinitum. Research involvement is not an activity that is easily achieved. There are myriad ap­proaches including:

a. Establish contacts with those from when funding is desired: find out what areas they are interested in funding; and write a proposal addressing this area.

b. Establish credibility in a specific area of research interest by publishing a significant number of papers in that subject area, attending conferences and soliciting invita­tions to make presentations in the subject area. After establishing a "reputation" as an expert, develop a proposal and solicit funding from appropriate sources.

c. Contact those who have succeeded in obtaining funding in areas of your research interests. Demonstrate evidence of your expertise and express interest in participating in future efforts.

d. Become allied with others having interests/ expertise in canton areas of research. Work together to develop proposals and identity potential funding agencies.