Experimental Research in Construction
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 136, Issue 1
Abstract
Humans’ unique use of tools originated with their capability to observe, to link causes with effects and to conduct trial and error experiments. Experimental research today is still using these same basic elements albeit augmented by sophisticated tools and methods. Researchers conducting scientific experiments in the construction arena, however, face a “harsh” environment to work in. This paper draws from 20 years of experimental work in construction and engineering education. It provides a short historic background before discussing a framework useful to categorize the various ways researchers conducted experiments that provided meaningful results. Many examples are used to underscore the most important points.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 136 • Issue 1 • January 2010
Pages: 26 - 35
Copyright
© 2010 ASCE.
History
Received: Aug 6, 2008
Accepted: Apr 30, 2009
Published online: May 4, 2009
Published in print: Jan 2010
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