Design and implementation of an experiential learning exercise for a mechanical piping systems to enhance construction engineering and management education

Abstract

Over the past several years, the building codes that govern commercial building construction have become increasingly prescriptive in nature, specifying detailed information related to the design and installation of the systems, while offering no reasoning behind their prescriptive measures. For example, mechanical piping systems commonly found in commercial and industrial facilities are used for a variety of building systems. Students now read and study construction details about piping system and installation methods in textbooks, and using published productivity rates, they perform in-class exercises estimating quantities and scheduling their installation, but they lack the experience working with the material and understanding the challenges trade workers face in the field during installation. This paper describes the design and implementation of experiential learning exercises that allows construction management students to perform "hands-on" fit-up exercises of mechanical piping systems.