Special Issue on Construction Engineering: Opportunity and Vision for Education, Practice, and Research

Abstract

Engineering is an applied science. In no other engineering specialization is this more relevant than in construction engineering. A challenge among construction engineering academics (both faculty and students) and industry practitioners is to transfer a method, technology, or practice that can be supported in the theoretical sense, whether in a laboratory or classroom setting, and make it applicable to the rarely ideal industry jobsite. This bridge between engineering in the theoretical sense and practice requires intimate collaboration and continuous communication, which has not always occurred between the university and the jobsite. As described by Dr. Michael C. Vorster, professor emeritus at Virginia Tech and conference keynote speaker, the dilemma from the academic perspective is that “we teach too much and our students learn too little.” A primary focus of the Construction Engineering Conference held at Virginia Tech from September 30 to October 2, 2010, was to bring academics and industry leaders together to share experiences, practices, and ideas. This interaction was intended to strengthen the connection between theory and practice for mutual benefit. The Construction Engineering Conference was a unique opportunity in the sharing of knowledge across aisles. The purpose of this special issue is to archive and disseminate the knowledge for current and future generations of construction engineers. Each conference speaker submitted a manuscript that was peer-reviewed by academic and industry reviewers. In many cases, industry speakers coauthored the manuscript with a construction engineering academic. In all, this special issue includes 28 manuscripts that cover a broad range of construction engineering topics. A debt of gratitude is owed to the authors for their thoughts and efforts in this overall body of work, which makes a significant contribution to the overall body of construction engineering knowledge. Furthermore, the editors are especially grateful to the reviewers, who ensured that the manuscripts maintained the rigorous standards for publication in the ASCE Journal of Construction Engineering and Management. Finally, the editors are grateful for the support provided by the Construction Engineering Conference committee and the senior editorial boardmembers of the Journal, especially Dr. JesusM. de la Garza. Without their guidance and advice, this special issue would not have been possible.