Research

Ryan S Pletz - Structural

Edward L Kelly Leadership Center, Manassas, VA

Reflections

Senior Thesis is the final aggregation of the tools and information learned throughout five years in the Architectural Engineering program. While many classes attempt to provide as close to real-world and practical problems to solve, Thesis is the only true representation of a real-world problem because the building has previously been designed. As a student researching the building, it is very worth while to investigate not only the existing methodologies incorporated into the existing design, but also detailing potential changes and enhancements to the building.

During Thesis, I was able to investigate a great deal of alternative structural systems that have been presented over the past several years in multiple materials and methods. The research allowed a greater understanding of the systems that can only be accomplished through various studies outside of a traditional academic course. In addition, computer modeling is a crucially useful tool in the engineering field. While these modeling programs are briefly introduced in traditional courses, Thesis allows a fully in-depth model investigation/study for use during research.

Senior Thesis was the ultimate culmination to a five year program of extensive study of building construction and science. The knowledge gained through the processes of Thesis research is something that can be carried throughout one's career (certainly my own). The faculty, staff, researchers, mentors, and students have been extremely committed to the extreme success of the Penn State Architectural Engineering program. For all of their committments, I am extremely grateful.

For future thesis students... if you can help it, do not procrastinate. Stick to your proposed schedule. Deadlines approach much faster than they appear. And, of course, we all know that something always goes wrong when you don't want it to so plan ahead. Best of luck.

Please take a moment to review my outcome assessment of Thesis (AE 481W/482) as set forth by ABET (the Accredidation Board of Engineering and Technology)

ABET Outcomes for AE 481W/482	Outcome not able to be assessed (Score of 0)	Level of ability demonstrated but below acceptable (Score of 1)	Minimum acceptable level of ability demonstrated (Score of 2)	More than minimum level of ability demonstrated (Score of 3)
a. An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering				■
b. An ability to analyze and interpret data				■
c. An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs				■
e. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems				■
f. An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility			■
g. An ability to communicate effectively				■
h. The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context				■
i. An ability to engage in life-long learning				■
j. A knowledge of contemporary issues				■
k. An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice				■
o. Engineering design capabilities in at least two (2) of the (3) basic curriculum areas of architectural engineering, and that design has been integrated across the breadth of the program				■
p. Communication and interaction with other design professionals in the execution of building projects				■

CPEP Discussion Board

The CPEP Discussion Board was a very vaulable resource for Thesis. The Board answered many questions that only industry professionals have the ability to answer. No textbook can substitute for knowledge of Professional Engineers. Whether it was my own question or not, reading the answers from the Board was tremendously helpful.

Note: While great efforts have been taken to provide accurate and complete information on the pages of CPEP, please be aware that the information contained herewith is considered a work‐in‐progress for this thesis project. Modifications and changes related to the original building designs and construction methodologies for this senior thesis project are solely the interpretation of Ryan Pletz. Changes and discrepancies in no way imply that the original design contained errors or was flawed. Differing assumptions, code references, requirements, and methodologies have been incorporated into this thesis project; therefore, investigation results may vary from the original design.

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