students testing concrete in one of the labs

Civil and Construction Engineering

projects - one accordion panel per semester.

  • Spring 2024

    Presentations will take place at Floyd Hall in room D-115. You can also watch via Webex. 

    WMU Hilltop Village Parking Structure

    8:30 to 8:55 a.m.
     
    Team Members: 
    Katherine King
    Hannah Prince
    Haylee Vallier
    Summer Yeck
     
    Sponsor: 
    Greg Ehmke, P.E., Fishbeck  
     
    Faculty Advisor: 
    Dr. Xiaoyun Shao, P.E.
     
    The WMU Hilltop Village Parking Structure aimed to provide additional parking for both students and visitors. This project involved thorough evaluations of the cost and function of transportation components at different levels of service, considering the varying geometric dimensions of the structure. Furthermore, structural designs for beams, columns, and foundations were completed. A comprehensive construction cost estimate and schedule were developed for the selected design alternative. The project also explored the incorporation of sustainability measures outlined in the ParkSmart certification, aligning with WMU’s commitment to sustainability. This parking structure plays a vital role in supporting the expansion of Hilltop Village on the main campus.
     

    Site Design of a Credit Union on Gull Road

    9 to 9:25 a.m.
     
    Team Members: 
    Carsyn Sleight
    Cole Zagrzebski
    Kyle Cavan
     
    Sponsor: 
    Tyler Cravens, B.S.E.’15, P.E., Mitten State Engineering 
     
    Faculty Advisor: 
    Dr. Hexu Liu
     
    A 3,000-square-foot credit union is to be built on Gull Road in Kalamazoo County, following the deconstruction of an existing gas station on the site. An in-depth environmental assessment was conducted to investigate potential leaking contaminants and assess the viability of the existing materials. Upon confirmation of adequacy, a comprehensive set of civil engineering plans was developed including site layout, stormwater management, and utility design.  Subsequently, a detailed cost estimation was conducted based on the team’s proposed design. This project encompasses the start to finish design process for an existing site, with a strong emphasis on integrating sustainability principles to support future commercial growth. 
     

    Beatrice Drive Multi-Family Development

    9:30 to 9:55 a.m.
     
    Team Members: 
    Stiven Reci 
    Ethan Prescott
    John Perry
     
    Sponsors: 
    Whitney Pizzala, B.S.E.’15, AR Engineering
    Carolyn Kurtz, B.S.E.’20, AR Engineering
     
    Faculty Advisor: 
    Dr. Decker Hains, P.E.
     
    Located near the intersection of 9th St and I-94, Beatrice Dr Multi-Family is a development featuring a mix of residential units housed in two-story buildings. Multiple site layout options were considered to maximize open space, deter cut-through traffic, and maintain frontage along Beatrice Dr. The optimal site layout was selected, leading to the design of comprehensive plans for the overall site, landscape, utilities, and grading. These plans detailed the placement of the buildings, open spaces, stormwater layouts, water mains, sanitary sewer systems, pond elevations, ADA slopes, and finished floors. Through the design phase, value engineering played crucial role in refining these optimized plans and storm water options. 
     

    Portage Car Care Center

    10 to 10:25 a.m.
     
    Team Members: 
    Ali Hassan
    Kiara Warburton
    Diego Fuentes
    Keeton Bigham-Tsai
     
    Sponsors: 
    Whitney Pizzala, B.S.E.’15, AR Engineering
    Carolyn Kurtz, B.S.E.’20, AR Engineering
     
    Faculty Advisor: 
    Dr. Yufeng Hu, P.E.
     
    Set to replace the vacant Rite-Aid facility at the intersection of Old Kilgore and Westnedge, the Portage Car Care Center addresses the pre-existing site and pollution concerns. The design underwent a comprehensive analysis of various factors, resulting in the development of an environmentally friendly and well-planned vehicle servicing facility. Notably, the design converted two-way driveways into exclusive right-out lanes, minimizing earthwork and optimizing traffic flow. An innovative underground stormwater management system was designed to address pollution issues and ensure proper water management. Additionally, the design explored the feasibility of looping the water main from Westnedge Ave to Old Kilgore Rd, showcasing a proactive approach. Through these measures and the integration of other elements such as local infrastructure, modern technology, and user efficiency, the Portage Car Care Center stands as a cutting-edge model of a state-of-the-art car servicing facility.
     

    Campus Drive Resurfacing

    10:30 to 10:55 a.m.
     
    Team Members: 
    Tanner Thompson
    Ryan Kulas
    Reece Wackerle 
     
    Sponsor: 
    Tom Palumbo, B.S.E.’16, City of Kalamazoo Public Works Division
     
    Faculty Advisor: 
    Dr. Valerian Kwigizile, P.E.
     
    The deterioration in pavement quality along Campus Drive at WMU’s Parkview campus, resulting from years of public use, is evident in issues such as cracking, potholes, and other common signs of wear as the pavement nears the end of the pavement’s life cycle. This 1.4-mile stretch of roadway is now approaching the end of its life cycle. Before initiating the construction process to revitalize the roadway, careful consideration was given to enhancing safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers through the design of alternative striping layouts. The comprehensive design in this project included pavement design, a maintenance of traffic plan (MoT), ADA ramp improvements, construction estimation, and a construction schedule, all with a primary focus on environmental constraints and ensuring safety for all users. Through the implementation of this design and a long-term preventative maintenance plan, the pavement quality will be significantly improved, thereby ensuring the safety of all uses for an extended period.
  • Fall 2023

    Presentations will take place at Floyd Hall in room D-115. You can also watch via Webex.

    Village of Decatur – Drinking Water System Improvements Project

    9 to 9:25 a.m.

    Team Members:
    Oliver Winter
    Joe Delmotte
    Alex Wheeler
    Ryan Cronin

    Sponsor: 
    Andrew Rudd, B.S.E.’13, Wightman 

    Faculty Advisor: 
    Dr. Decker Hains

    The Village of Decatur has an aging water main and water service line system that is approaching the end of its lifespan. This project aimed to address this issue by designing a new water main and water service line system to replace the existing infrastructure. Furthermore, the project encompassed the redesign of all roadways that would be impacted by the installation of the new water main, with consideration on implementing a new storm sewer system for the area. Additionally, a detailed construction estimate and schedule were provided for the project.  

    Multi-Family Project at W Michigan Ave

    9:30 to 9:55 a.m.

    Team Members: 
    Mike Boles
    Devin Jakey
    Jason Swenson

    Sponsor: 
    Whitney Pizzala, B.S.E.’15, AR Engineering LLC

    Faculty Advisor: 
    Dr. Xiaoyun Shao

    A new multi-family dwelling development, featuring a variety of unit styles and sizes, is to be constructed on W Michigan Ave. Currently, the site is occupied by an abandoned medical facility that will be demolished. The site also falls under Kalamazoo’s Natural Features Protection ordinance, which imposed constraints on modifications to ground grade and the preservation of trees. This project involved a comprehensive site development design, including site plan, utility plan, parking lot design, grading and drainage plans, along with a detailed construction cost estimate and schedule. Throughout the design process, careful consideration was given to exploring alternatives that would minimize impacts to natural features of the site, while meeting client’s needs.

    Site Design of Northwest Cancer Center

    10 to 10:25 a.m.

    Team Members: 
    Alex Gould
    Nolan Miller 
    Hussain Zia Syed

    Sponsor: 
    Daniel Lewis, P.E., Vriesman & Korhorn Civil

    Faculty Advisor: 
    Dr. Yufeng Hu, P.E.

    A three-story cancer center will be built in Lake County, Indiana, with the goal of serving as an administrative center for the medical care and recovery of cancer patients. Notably, the site features a 980 sq. ft. wetland, presenting unique challenges for site development. This project aimed to create an inclusive, sustainable, and easily accessible site design for the cancer center. A comprehensive site plan was developed, including components such as pavement and roadway design, stormwater drainage system design, a detailed cost estimate, project management scheduling, and the development of a photometric plan to ensure the harmonious coexistence of the facility with neighboring businesses. The project is set to generate an enduring positive impact on the lives of individuals affected by cancer.

  • Spring 2023

    Presentations will take place at Floyd Hall in room D-115.

    Veterans Memorial Park in Colon, Michigan

    9 to 9:25 a.m.

    Team members

    • Sarah Johnson
    • Maddy Landry
    • Victoria Powe

    Sponsor

    • Brett Johnson, Colon American Legion Post 454

    Faculty advisor 

    • Decker Hains, Ph.D.

    Dedicated to the support of America’s Veterans, an existing park was transformed into a stunning memorial to honor those who have served in the Armed Forces. The design included a granite memorial with custom statues, a helicopter-themed playground, and a picnic area for families to enjoy. The structural components of the project were completed using RISA-2D, the site layout was modeled with AutoCAD CIVIL 3D, and the construction schedule was assembled using Microsoft Project. This Veterans Memorial Park will bring the community together and honor those who have served.

    Video of Team 1 Promotional Video Civil and Construction Engineering Senior Design Spring 2023

    Emmett Township Booster Station

    9:30 to 9:55 a.m. 

    Team members

    • Peter Lim
    • Lila Rode
    • Ryan Smith

    Sponsor

    • Matt Johnson, P.E., Fleis & Vandenbrink Engineering

    Faculty advisors

    • Yufeng Hu, Ph.D.
    • Decker Hains, Ph.D.

    As Emmett Township continues to expand through new development, pressure within existing water main lines must be increased to meet growing demands. The addition of a Booster Station to current water main configurations provided the required water capacity needed to fuel the area’s economic growth. Pump layouts were selected to provide projected capacity demand at each mile following the station and were modeled using Civil 3D. The layout of the pump housing structure was designed using SAP2000 along with specifications outlined from ACI and ASCE. Site layout of these utilities was designed to provide optimal access to the site for ease of maintenance.

    Video of Team 2 Promotional Video CCE Senior Design Spring 2023

    KL Apartments and Shops

    10 to 10:25 a.m.

    Team Members

    • Carlos Contreras
    • Michel Jose El Hage Khouri
    • Zach Fagerlin
    • Christopher Struck

    Sponsors

    • Whitney Pizzala, B.S.’15, AR Engineering
    • Jason Raleigh, B.S.’08, AR Engineering
    • Spencer O’Dell, B.S.’15, AR Engineering

    Faculty advisor

    • Upul Attanayake, Ph.D.

    KL Apartments & Shops is a crucial development to meet the housing needs of college students in the area. Additionally, the development provides a convenient store on the ground level. Site development, geotechnical design, water resources design, structural design, and construction cost and schedule estimation were conducted in accordance with local regulations and standards. Engineering software such as SAP 2000, Civil 3D, RSMeans, and Microsoft project were utilized. As a result, this development provides a place for students to live and a convenient store to serve the surrounding community.

    Video of Team 3 Promotional Video CCE Senior Design Spring 2023

    WMU Adult Wellness Program Sensory Garden

    10:30 to 10:55 a.m.

    Team members

    • Bobby Kampf 
    • Jake Seling

    Sponsor

    • Dawn Robarge, WMU Adult Wellness Center

    Faculty advisor

    • Yufeng Hu, Ph.D.

    An outdoor area was designed for the Western Michigan University Adult Wellness Center. The site layout, sidewalks, seating areas, elevated garden boxes, covered structures, and greenspace/landscaping were designed using AutoCAD. Research was completed to ensure that the proper criteria, such as ADA and city ordinances, were followed. The structural analysis of the structures was completed in SAP2000. The project construction cost was estimated using RSMeans. Cost is the primary constraint in the project. Different alternatives were provided for the selections of materials and items to meet the desired budget. Upon completion, this outdoor area will be easily accessible and maneuverable to encourage walking, movement, and overall activities, which are essential for seniors, especially those with dementia.

    Video of Team 4 Promotional Video Civil and Construction Engineering Senior Design Spring 2023

    Safety Redesign of West Michigan Avenue

    11 to 11:25 a.m.

    Team members

    • Jacob C. Loebig
    • Samuel B. Hall

    Sponsor

    • Dennis Randolph, M.P.A.’88, City of Kalamazoo–Public Works Division
    • Tom Palumbo, B.S.’16, City of Kalamazoo–Public Works Division 

    Faculty advisor

    • Jun-Seok Oh, Ph.D.

    Due to a high number of fatalities and injuries along the corridor of West Michigan Avenue, it was decided that safety features would be needed to build a safer walking environment. An analysis of West Michigan Avenue was performed to determine the critical areas along the corridor and identify the causes of the crashes. Through investigation of applicable countermeasures, three sets of alternatives were developed and assessed on their effectiveness, the best of which was chosen for development along with a corresponding construction schedule.

    Video of Team 5 Promotional Video Civil and Construction Engineering Senior Design Spring 2023


    Atlantic Avenue Extension

    11:30 to 11:55 a.m.

    Team members

    • Dakota Emerson 
    • Wishy Laurie 
    • Jordan Most

    Sponsor

    • Anna Horner, B.S.’14, Oshtemo Charter Township

    Faculty advisor

    • Valerian Kwigizile, Ph.D.

    With safety concerns at existing intersections and expected growth in the area, Atlantic Avenue is no longer adequately serving the community. To meet new demands, Atlantic Avenue was extended and redesigned following current standards. A new intersection with Parkview Avenue was also designed and compared to other alternatives. A detailed cost estimate for this project was developed using RSMeans alongside a construction schedule using Microsoft Project. This design, cost estimate, and schedule will serve to inform engineers for future decision making while addressing relevant concerns and needs for the community.

    Video of Team 6 Promotional Video Civil and Construction Senior Design Spring 2023
  • Fall 2022

    Cargo apron design

    Student team: Austin Graham, Travis Hoye, Chase Johnston and Andrew Snover

    Sponsor: Alex Dehaan and Aimee VanWalbeck, Reynolds, Smith & Hills Architecture

    Advisor: Decker Hains, Ph.D.

    With the City of Kalamazoo rapidly expanding, AZO has been inclined to enter into the international system of trade by constructing a new cargo apron and connecting taxilane. The software FAARFEILD has been utilized to design the pavement while AviPLAN and AutoCAD were used to layout the geometry of the taxilane and apron. All design parameters were in line with the specifications listed in the Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular (FAAAC). The masterplan was to create an apron that is able to withstand the pressures of a Boeing 737 and three feeder jets being stored overnight.

    Video of Team 1 AZO Cargo Apron Design

    Western Associates Outpatient Care at Seeco Drive and 9th Street

    Student team: Grant Braun, Ryan Hecker, Aaron Lindsay and Alexandria Weinberg

    Sponsor: Curt Aardema, AVB, Inc.

    Advisor: Xiaoyun Shao, Ph.D., P.E.

    Western Associates Outpatient Care in Oshtemo Township was designed to accommodate the rapid expansion and demand for healthcare services in the local communities. Structural design, site layout design, and hydrology computations were utilized to bring this 18,000 square feet 2-story building at 9th and Seeco Dr. to realization. With this development, Western associates and its stakeholders have enabled existing local medical facilities to expand their services to new destinations. Finished construction of this development provides employment opportunities for medical professionals and allows for healthcare services to be more accessible for local communities for years to come. 

    Video of Team 2 Western Associates Outpatient Care at Seeco Dr. & 9th St.

    Greenspire site development

    Student team: Zachary Kustowski, James Owczarzak and Jorie Wachal

    Sponsors: Jeff Paulson and Todd Hurley, Hurley & Stewart              

    Advisor: Upul Attanayake, Ph.D.

    Greenspire Apartments is an existing complex in Portage, MI. Phase 7 consisted of an additional three, five-story buildings comprising 180 multi-family units. This design is best suited to the existing terrain, as well as providing ample housing to combat the lack of housing options. All the design work was completed with Civil 3D while local codes and ordinances were followed. Site, utility, and grading plans were designed based on existing conditions and the building location. Different parking lot layouts were analyzed to choose the most desirable option. This design provided Greenspire with the opportunity to develop further.

    Video of Team 3 Greenspire Site Development

    Emmet Street/North Avenue intersection safety improvement

    Student team: Justin Chua, Dayton Emerson and Cheng Yu Lew

    Sponsors: Jarret Geering, City of Battle Creek

    Advisor: Jun-Seok Oh, Ph.D.

     

     

    Bronson Battle Creek Hospital has raised concerns about traffic safety at the nearby intersection of Emmet Street and North Avenue in Battle Creek, MI. Potential for signal upgrades and ADA ramp compliance were noted in the field. Sidewalk upgrades and pavement marking changes are detailed in AutoCAD, and signal timing adjustments were generated using PTV Vistro. Three potential solutions have been developed to address safety concerns at the intersection while maintaining vehicle level of service.

    Video of Team 4 Emmet St/North Ave Intersection Safety Improvement
  • Spring 2022

    Roundabout Design at Clare Ave and US 127, Clare, MI

    A roundabout design and a park & ride redesign were completed at Clare Avenue and Northbound US-127 in Clare, Michigan to accommodate traffic volumes safely and effectively. Analysis of traffic data, using Synchro and AutoCAD Civil 3D, showed effective speed and flow to simulate traffic maneuvering through the roundabout. Microsoft Project and the RS Means database were used to complete a work breakdown structure (WBS), traffic control plan, construction schedule, and cost estimate including labor materials, and equipment. The completed analysis and design provide a more efficient and sustainable intersection to service high traffic volumes.

    Team Members: Brandon Cotton, Elise Olson, Riley Piper and Annika Udrys

    Sponsor: Shaun Bates, PE, Michigan Department of Transportation, Bay Region

    Faculty Advisor: Dr. Valerian Kwigizile, PE

    Video of Roundabout Design at Clare Ave and US 127, Clare, MI - Senior Design Presentation

    Subdivision Site Design in Antwerp Township 

    A subdivision on an empty plot of land in Antwerp Township near Paw Paw High School has been developed for residential use. The project provides the owner alternatives for the design of the subdivision with respect to the road layout and public versus private water and sewer systems. AutoCAD was used to design the site with other resources including the zoning ordinates for the township, road design manuals, and the 10 state standards for stormwater and sewer. The design included the roadway and parcel layouts, the stormwater and sewer network, as well as the construction cost estimate.

    Team Members: Alec DenBraber, Kaitlyn Rogosch, Peyton Smith and Zachary Turner

    Sponsor: Paul Harvey, PE, Wightman & Associates

    Faculty Advisor: Dr. Decker B. Hains, PhD, PE, PMP, F.ASCE

    Video of Subdivision Site Design in Antwerp Township - Senior Design Presentation

    Townsend Park Revitalization Pathway

    The Townsend Park Revitalization Pathway transforms an unused gravel parking lot into a beautiful route connecting the Town of Cannonsburg to greater Townsend Park.  This revitalization required the structural design of both a bridge and boardwalk spanning protected wetlands and the Bear Creek trout stream. Geotechnical data was collected to determine the viability of excess fill materials for use in restoring the area to a more natural habitat. Site planning and pathway layout was optimized for cost, meeting the requirements articulated by the municipality, connecting the town’s residents and visitors with nature.

    Team Members: Josh Alexander, Phillip Kamp, Andrew Vanhoven and Jordan Veenstra

    Sponsor: Scott Post, Prein & Newhof, Inc.

    Faculty Advisor: Dr. Yufeng Hu, PE

    Video of Townsend Park Revitalization Pathway - Senior Design Presentation

    Air Zoo Discovery Center Observation Lounge Restoration 

    Since its addition to the Air Zoo’s Discovery Center in 1991, the observation lounge has experienced no significant alterations.  An improved design of the observation lounge viewport overlooking the airport runway was generated that addresses both structural and visibility requirements. A two-dimensional floor layout and a three-dimensional model were created to showcase the appearance of the updated room. A construction schedule and cost estimate were developed to incorporate security considerations of job performance near the airport. This project will facilitate the demolition and renovation of the observation lounge and helps make the restoration of the observation lounge a reality.

    Team Members: Sabih Alazmi and Jacob Chamness

    Sponsor: Derek Menchinger, Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum

    Faculty Advisor: Dr. Hexu Liu

    Video of Air Zoo Discovery Center Observation Lounge Restoration - Senior Design Presentation

    WMU Main Campus Parking Structure

    Parking on WMU’s main campus, specifically near the Haworth College of Business, can be overcrowded.  To expand the parking capacity, a multi-level parking structure was designed and installed over one of the current parking lots. The structure was designed following professional engineering practices, adheres to Michigan building codes and specifications, and was analyzed using SAP2000. The structure will provide accessible parking to WMU students.

    Team Members: Brendan P Graham, Andy J Oviedo and Faris F Zayed

    Sponsor: Andrew Kong – Senior Manager of Restoration, Wantman Group, Inc. (WGI)

    Faculty Advisor: Dr. Xiaoyun Shao, PE

    Video of WMU Main Campus Parking Structure