Abstract
My capstone technical endeavor in Civil and Environmental Engineering was a design-build initiative responding to a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the E.A. Fernandez Innovate, Design, and Engineer for America (IDEA) Factory Building at the University of Maryland. This STEM-centric establishment aims to encourage interdisciplinary research and creativity, and our response's scope encompassed not just design methodologies but also construction processes, sustainability strategies, and risk assessment. Our group, functioning as a simulated design-build contractor, was charged with tackling site-specific issues such as a high groundwater level, constrained space on a bustling college campus, and rigorous sustainability requirements.
As the project scheduler, I engaged in organizing and synchronizing various design and construction stages, from ground clearing to envelope finalization and handover. We formulated comprehensive recommendations for excavation support and foundation design, opting for sheet piles and a mat foundation based on evaluation matrices weighing campus impact, cost, buildability, and sustainability. Additionally, we suggested a “belt and suspenders” groundwater management strategy, featuring a pre-applied blindside waterproofing system alongside a subterranean drainage system equipped with sump pumps, French drains, and perforated pipes.
Another crucial aspect of our proposal was designing a phased 3D site logistics plan to secure safety and the smooth transplant of materials in a crowded university environment. Our design sought to reduce disturbances to foot traffic and daily activities while ensuring buildability and timeline adherence. The complete Primavera P6 schedule comprised the procurement of long-lead items like mechanical systems and facade components, aiming for a targeted finish date of January 2027.
This project not only honed my technical capabilities in structural frameworks, construction sequencing, and design assessment but also unveiled the intricate nature of practical engineering dilemmas. Each choice, whether regarding waterproofing substances or foundation selection, was influenced not solely by technical considerations but by stakeholder interests, environmental limitations, and budget restrictions. Our team's endeavor to reconcile these occasionally competing demands illustrated the sociotechnical essence of engineering practice.
The STS research element of my thesis methodically examined the uptake of sustainable concrete innovations, such as 3D Concrete Printing (3DCP), geopolymer concrete, and Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA), through the Social Construction of Technology (SCOT) framework. This sociotechnical viewpoint enabled me to explore how technical advances are adopted or discarded not merely based on engineering efficacy but through the interactions of varied social groups, including developers, regulators, community stakeholders, and financiers.
For instance, RCA presents an eco-friendly solution to both emissions and construction waste but faces pushback due to fears about quality inconsistency and uncertainty regarding structural integrity. Likewise, 3D Concrete Printing holds the potential for revolutionary efficiency and precision in concrete fabrication, but its adoption is hindered by exorbitant costs, ambiguous building codes, and a deficiency of skilled workforce. Geopolymer concrete, while capable of significantly curtailing CO₂ emissions, grapples with low market acceptance and fluctuating standards. Throughout all three innovations, I discovered that perceptions of risk, institutional resistance, and unequal access to resources represent major impediments to deployment.
My STS research introduced the notion of the “green divide,” which refers to the disparity in access to and implementation of sustainable technologies across various communities and regions. Although affluent urban areas may possess the resources and institutional backing to embrace advanced concrete practices, marginalized or rural areas frequently encounter systemic obstacles such as funding scarcity, inadequate technical know-how, and regulatory oversight. This divide bears significant implications, perpetuating cycles of environmental decay and infrastructure disparity.
Notably, my analysis also highlighted the significance of policy structures, standards organizations, and construction education in shaping these dynamics. I concluded that meaningful advancements in sustainable construction must acknowledge the complex interrelations between social entities and technical ecosystems. By scrutinizing case studies and technical literature, I cultivated a deeper understanding of how innovation is woven into networks of power, values, and institutions.
Integration through the Prospectus
My proposal combines technical and STS aspects to explore how sustainable concrete technologies can be effective for the environment and fairly adopted. My interest in these technologies was sparked by the design of post-tensioned and 3D-printed concrete systems in our capstone project, while my STS research revealed the larger factors that affect their practical use. This work shows that engineering is not just about solving technical issues, but also about understanding the societal systems that influence these solutions. Through this experience, I started to consider who benefits from engineering advancements, who is overlooked, and how engineers can help create fairer and more sustainable futures.
My technical work pointed out the real-world challenges of using high-performance concrete systems within site and budget limits, while my STS research highlighted the importance of addressing the institutional, regulatory, and social aspects of innovation. These experiences gave me a broader understanding of engineering practice. In my proposal, I plan to continue this dual approach, examining how policies and engineering practices can work together to close the green divide. I want to explore ways to increase access to sustainable building materials, such as incentive programs, public-private partnerships, and updated building codes. My aim is to promote an engineering field that excels technically while also being ethically and socially responsible.
My capstone project, STS research, and prospectus development have changed my perspective on engineering. I've learned that technical design is connected to social context, and sustainable solutions need to consider both effectiveness and fairness. Engaging with engineering and STS has strengthened my dedication to tackling environmental issues in our built environment, while also promoting equitable access to the benefits of innovation.
