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A Screening Life Cycle Analysis Of One-Way And Reusable Crate Designs – Estimating Environmental Impacts Via LCA Software
Get PDFA comparison analysis conducted via COMPASS life cycle analysis software has indicated that a one-way crate design, rather than a reusable crate design, is in fact the more environmentally friendly packaging system. These results can be interpreted differently, however, as the manufacturer of said crate designs must confirm what impact indicators they would like to reference as environmental goalposts. The conducted analysis provides insight into what the environmental impacts of each packaging system look like as packaging at all three system levels has been identified as a means of reducing environmental impacts globally. As such, the manufacturer of said crate designs would like to establish a baseline understanding of what the environmental impact of their products look like. Version 3.5 of COMPASS LCA software was utilized, which references ecoinvent 3.9.1 LCA databases as well as U.S. Life Cycle Inventory (USLCI) LCA methodologies. These findings are significant as they affirm that all packaging system inputs and product life-cycle phases must be carefully considered as they impact every impact indicator score differently
Evaluating the Impact of SB 684 in San Luis Obispo
Get PDFThis study evaluates the impact of California Senate Bill 684 (SB 684) on housing development in San Luis Obispo. SB 684 aims to streamline the approval process for small-scale residential projects to address the state\u27s housing shortage by promoting affordable housing construction. The aim of this report will be to examine the provisions of SB 684 and evaluate the feasibility of development under it. A general overview of the legislative provisions accompanied by legal context will provide a background to the law. Case studies of small lot development will illustrate design decisions that can be incorporated into new SB 684 ordinances and development. After these preceding chapters, the City of San Luis Obispo, a city of about 48,000 residents, will be used to evaluate the tangible effects of the bill. A geospatial analysis using ArcGIS will calculate the number of new housing units that could realistically be created under SB 684, and identify the areas SB 684 are applicable to the City. Using this analysis as a basis for identifying applicable sites, there will be a simulation of two potential developments based on the provisions of SB 684
Moringa Connect: Design and Fabrication of the Drum for a Moringa Leaf Dryer Prototype
Get PDFMoringa Connect, founded in 2013 by MIT alumnus Kwami Williams, supports over 5,000 African farmers, primarily in Ghana, by providing a direct sales, manufacturing, and shipping platform for nutrient-dense moringa leaves. Despite significant social and economic benefits for the local farmers, the current drying process in Accra, Ghana, is inefficient, requiring extensive human handling. To address this, a team of five Cal Poly students partnered with Moringa Connect to design a prototype rotating hopper to streamline the drying process and reduce production costs. The project faced numerous challenges, including material sourcing constraints in Ghana and the need for extensive fabrication training. The prototype was designed to meet Moringa Connect’s production demands, though frequent design changes and unforeseen delays complicated the process. Despite not achieving the final implementation, the project provided invaluable lessons in engineering, fabrication, and project management. This paper details the prototype\u27s development, the iterative design process, and key insights gained, offering a comprehensive case study for future student-led research and development projects aimed at supporting similar social enterprises
Iron Filings Impact on the Compressive Strength of Concrete
Get PDFIn this study, compression tests were performed on three different mix designs of concrete to evaluate the effects of iron filings as an admixture to concrete. The first mix design served as the control mix, being the variable that the other two mixes will be based off. The second mix design was the same as the first mix design, but with an added 12 ounces of iron filings. The third mix design was, again, the same as the first mix design, but with an added 24 ounces of iron filings doubling that of the second mix design. The objective of testing these mix designs containing iron filings against the control mix was to evaluate a potential increase or decrease in compressive strength. Six (6) 4” x 8” test cylinders were produced for each mix design to allow for multiple compressive strength tests. These tests were performed after a 7-day cure and a 21-day cure, with three cylinders of each mix tested after each cure time period. The results of the tests revealed that there was an overall average of 3% decrease in compressive strength compared to the control mix. It would seem that iron filings are not suitable as an admixture to concrete. However, due to the limited scope and testing, further testing would be necessary to accurately evaluate the effects of iron filings as an admixture to concrete
San Luis Obispo High School FFA Swine Barn Demolition and Enclosure Reconfiguration
Get PDFThe San Luis Obispo High School (SLOHS) FFA program required an upgrade to its deteriorating swine barn. This project came in three unique scopes of work: demolition of the existing barn, proper disposal of materials, and reconfiguration of the enclosure and water lines. This paper will cover specifically the reconfiguration of the enclosures and the redesign of the watering system. This phase of the project required skills in framing and plumbing, which our team had absorbed during specific construction management courses at Cal Poly. The reconfiguration included framing and securing a long span of fencing along the northern side of the project area, as well as tying together existing elements of the barn with newly added structures. Watering systems needed to be completely rerouted with newly added PVC to bring fresh water from the main water supply to each swine enclosure. Some challenges the team had to overcome include ensuring structural integrity and timely resolving water system leaks. The paper incorporates a lesson-learned section that highlights the importance of thorough planning, structural integrity, and adaptability in construction. Ultimately, the collaborative effort improved the safety and functionality of the enclosures, which met the needs of SLOHS\u27s FFA program
Optimizing 3D Printed Concrete Effificeny: A Case Study of Emergent 3D\u27s Iterative Process Improvement
Get PDFThis case study looks into the advancement of 3D printed concrete (3DPC) technology and its application by Emergent 3D, a company dedicated to addressing California\u27s housing crisis through low-cost, sustainable construction. Emergent 3D, which was formed in response to the 2018 Carr Fire, uses 3DPC to quickly and economically design energy-efficient homes. Unlike traditional construction processes, 3DPC constructs buildings or walls layer by layer using computer-generated designs, reducing material and labor expenses. This case study focuses on Emergent 3D\u27s first project, Enterprise Park, which gave them significant insights on improving the 3DPC process. This case study identifies crucial improvements in labor efficiency, printing operations, and climate adaptability, demonstrating how Emergent 3D reduced on-site personnel from 10 to 4 workers over the course of five homes while attaining smoother finishes with no additional plastering to the walls. Emergent 3D\u27s iterative approach resulted in significant cost savings and efficiency gains. The future for 3DPC includes technological advancements under the upcoming new venture, Emergent Technology, aimed at enhancing 3DPC hardware, software, and materials
Evaluating Value Engineering Techniques of California Contractors
Get PDFValue engineering plays a critical role in delivering the best possible project to an ownership team. Preconstruction teams across firms of all sizes perform value engineering studies to determine how project scopes can be changed to advance the construction schedule, reduce costs, and ensure the end user is satisfied with their building. To determine how California general contractors employ value engineering, I used a series of interview questions in a structured format to interview four professionals from different California general construction firms. The analysis and findings of my study provide insight into how familiar construction teams are with value engineering and the different processes that go into a successful value engineering study. My study recommends that construction firms begin to include construction teams in the preconstruction process to ensure that they have a greater understanding of the project and the value engineering that has taken place for their project
Heavy Civil Estimating Utilizing HCSS HeavyBid
Get PDFThe estimate process is an essential aspect of the construction industry. Understanding how bids are formed and being able to create one for yourself is critical in being able to really understand cost breakdown of a construction process. This paper will focus around the process in creating a presentation for Cal Poly students, breaking down HCSS HeavyBid and its functions. This project was created to address this idea of attempting to teach HeavyBid to Cal Poly future young engineers. This was particularly important because young students learn how to be a great young engineer in the construction field, however not many of them know how budgets work. Therefore, knowing these things make students more prepared and well rounded when graduating. This project was made possible through a sponsor of Granite Construction, providing the access codes used to access HeavyBid. No other further funding was necessary. This project consisted of a breakdown of HeavyBid functions, as well as a step by step guide in order to execute a bid and create different labor groups within the program. Coordination was made with the Cal Poly Granite Heavy Civil Minor in order to then execute the presentation to the students
Unraveling Communication Failure: Room for Revision
Get PDFUnraveling Communication Failure: Room for Revision delves into the intricacies of communication breakdowns, both at macro and micro levels, within the context of a general education public speaking course. Rooted in feminist pedagogy, the assignment encourages students to critically reflect on their least successful speech performance of the semester, analyzing societal and hegemonic influences impacting their communication dynamics. Through reflective analysis, students explore power dynamics shaping academic standards and their own positions within these norms. The assignment fosters an inclusive learning environment, empowering students to challenge hegemonic knowledge production and engage in self-directed learning. This paper outlines the rationale behind the assignment, its implementation, and its impact on student learning. By embracing revision as a tool for empowerment and critical inquiry, this pedagogical approach cultivates students\u27 agency, resilience, and critical consciousness in communication