CE 536: Construction Failures: Analysis and Lessons

This course develops an understanding of the integration process of technical, human, capital, social and institutional aspects that drive the life cycle of a construction project. The study of failures provides an excellent vehicle to find ways for the improvement of planning, design and construction of facilities. Student groups are required to complete a term project on the investigation of a failure and present their findings and recommendations. This investigation includes not only the technical analysis of the failure but also requires a comprehensive analysis of the organizational, contractual and regulatory aspects of the process that lead to the failure. The course uses case studies to illustrate different types of failure in the planning, design, construction and operation of constructed facilities. Students taking this course are expected to have a sound academic or practical background in the disciplines mentioned above.