Basic Research Needs in Construction Engineering

The National Science Foundation and the Construction Research Council of the American Society of Civil Engineers sponsored a workshop for leading academic researchers to discuss basic research needs in the construction industry. The workshop, held at The University of Michigan, dealt with issues within five primary categories: (1) Definition of basic research in construction engineering and management; (2) basic research needs in construction engineering management; (3) construction engineering analysis and design; (4) construction engineering uncertainty; and (5) construction engineering human resource management. The participants identified a list of items of a basic nature that require research to develop the theoretical underpinnings of construction practice. A summary of the list of research needs is reported in the paper.