Sustainability and circularity in Civil Engineering

Programme: Civil Engineering

Project 2|Blocks 3 & 4

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................................... 3
3.1 PROJECT DELIVERABLES AND WEIGHT................................................................................................................. 3
3.2 RELATIONSHIP WITH THE PROFESSIONAL FIELD.................................................................................................. 4
2. PROJECT RULES AND PLANNING....................................................................................................................... 4
3. ASSESSMNT AND GRADING.............................................................................................................................. 4
APPENDIX 1. PROJECT TASKS PER WEEKS................................................................................................................. 6
APPENDIX 2. LEARNING GOALS AND ACTIVITIES....................................................................................................... 8
APPENDIX 3. RESEARCH COMPETENCES ASSESSMENT RUBRICS..............................................................................12
APPENDIX 4. FORMAT REQUIREMENTS.................................................................................................................. 13

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1. INTRODUCTION
Part 1: Feasibility phase (Block 3)
Concept solutions for the selected study area :

 determine all the stakeholders and their desires;

 write programs of the functional and technical requirements1 for the project area;
 based on the analysis, propose alternative designs 2 for the redevelopment of the project
area and present them as preliminary designs;
 select possible ciricular material(s) and climate adaptation solution for your selected
project area;
 present of the findings in a form of poster and pitch;
 hand in a research proposal and a portfolio3;
Part 2: Design phase (Block 4)
Worked-out details sustainable urban design for the study area:

 compare the preliminary alternative sustainable urban designs for the Feyenoord City
based on coherent and valid criteria (MCA) and select the best alternative to present to the
Municipality of Vlissingen;
 detail the selected variant and draft monitoring and maintenance plans and a rough cost
estimation for the area development;
 report of the design steps and results;
 present of the final project results.
Field visit to The Municipality of Rotterdam:

 perall other relevant parts of the project will be covered during the visit i.e. fieldwork,
labwork and additional relevant portfolio information

3.1 PROJECT DELIVERABLES AND WEIGHT

Block 3:

 Research proposal and presentation: 50% of the final grade

 Portfolio Applied Mechanics 1: 20% of the final grade
 Portfolio Soil Mechanics 1: 25% of the final grade
 Portfolio peer review and personal reflection: 5% of the final grade
Block 4:

 Research report and presentation: 50% of the final grade

1
The schedule of requirements (composed of technical and functional requirements) is an overview of all the demands or specifications that will
have to be fulfilled by the design. The objective is to record all wishes and requirements of the client so that the exact function(s) of the civil object
that is going to be designed are fully clear and established, on the other hand respecting regulations and specifications recognised in the field.
2
Alternatives (or variants) can be defined as comparable and competitive solutions to solve a particular design problem.
3
The portfolio is a document containing a series of professional products and assignments not necessarily connected one to each other, but that
together can give proof of the competencies gained.
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  Portfolio Applied Mechanics 2: 20% of the final grade
 Porfolio practicals: 15% of the final grade
 Portfolio AutoCAD civil 3D: 5% of the final grade
 Portfolio GIS: 5% of the final grade
 Portfolio peer review and personal reflection: 5% of the final grade
3.2 RELATIONSHIP WITH THE PROFESSIONAL FIELD
The civil engineering field is very broad, and the job opportunities that it offers are numerous and
various. These blocks will help you to focus upon two particular professions: the geotechnical
engineer and the structural engineer. For both profession, you will experience the work as junior
consultant and contractor.
2. PROJECT RULES AND PLANNING
Your project leader will guide you through the project and will be the spokesperson for the Civil
Engineering team. Furthermore, each group will select a group representative, the team leader,
who will be responsible for the communication between the project leader and the group.
An overview of the teams will be published on the learn.hz.nl page after the project kick-off
meeting. Your relationship with the members of your group will be regulated by a contract,
drafted and signed by the team. This document is the framework that defines the rights and duties
among your teammates, and the role of the lecturers in regulating your mutual relationships.
A tentative weekly calendar can be found in Appendix 1. Every week you will need to complete a
task and to present your results to different judges e.g. lecturers, clients, professionals.
Furthermore, these progress meetings must be led by the team itself, which must provide an
agenda and define action points. The minutes 4 of these meetings (comprising agendas, decisions
and action points) will be part of the appendices of your research proposal and research report.
The professional products i.e. research proposal, portfolios and final research report should have
the same structure as the professional products of the Project 1: Exploring Civil Engineering.
Requirements for formatting is in appendix 4.
3. ASSESSMNT AND GRADING
The professional products are presented to the lecturers and/or to the clients during the poster
and final presentations sessions in block 3 and 4. Group assessments and individual assessments
will help lecturers in understanding your personal input, and the skills and understanding you have
acquired.
For the Block 3 the research proposal and the portfolio are group products and will be graded
according to the predefined assessment form (see Appendix 3). The final grading is determined in
relation to the tasks and learning goals presented in appendix 2 for block 3 (B3). Further, for the
Block 4, the research report and the portfolio are group products and will be graded according to
the predefined assessment form (see Appendix 3). The final grading is determined in relation to
the tasks and learning goals presented in Appendix 2 for block 4 (B4).
4
Minutes, also known as protocols or, informally, notes, are the instant written record of a meeting or hearing. They typically describe the events of
the meeting and may include a list of attendees, a statement of the issues considered by the participants, and related responses or decisions for the
issues.
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During the presentation, lecturers will ask individual questions to assess your personal knowledge
about the project; hence, this means that you need to know the complete project in details.
Besides the submitted project deliveries (which includes the portfolios), you will also need to
submit a personal reflection about your input and role within the group: this evaluation will show
your critical attitude, professional ethics and your independent thinking. This reflection will
constitute also your benchmark to improve your performance during your student career.
The assessment scale consists of four grades:
F fail: result does not meet the standard
P pass: result does not meet the standard for all parts but in sufficient extent
G good: result meets the standard for all parts
VG very good: result surpasses the standard
Indication for the grade:
One of the dimensions F -> grade under the 5.5
All dimensions P -> grade between 5.5 and 7.0
Dimensions P and G -> grade between 7.0 and 8.0
Dimensions G and VG -> grade between 8.0 and 9.0
All dimensions VG -> grade > 9.0

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APPENDIX 1. PROJECT TASKS PER WEEKS
BLOCK 3

W Topic Tasks
1. You design the logo and name for your company and you
prepare a draft contract, selecting contact person.
Kick off and team set 2. You review the provided material including project and
1
up portfolio assignments and available literature.
3. You make a planning for the block with the division of the
workload and tasks.
1. You research available project literature.
2. You define boundary conditions and determine the
2 Literature review stakeholders and their desires.
3. You draft a program of functional and technical
requirements for your project area.
1. You develop possible alternative solutions for the project
area (3 variants).
2. You draft a preliminary design for the 3 variants
3 Alternative analysis
envisioned
3. You draw sketches and technical drawings of the study
area.
4 Excursion -
1. You integrate the literature and preliminary designs in a
coherent report and story.
5 Integration 2. You evaluate which data about the applied mechanics and
soil mechanics portfolios you want to also include in your
research proposal.
1. You finalize your research proposal.
6
Finalizing 2. You finalize your technical portfolios.

Final poster 1. You deliver a professional and convincing presentation

7
presentation about the data collected.
2. You answer correctly and clearly to questions.

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BLOCK 4

W Topic Tasks
1. You get acquainted with the professional field.
1 Guest lecture
Hydrology 1. You perform field experiments at the study location.
assignment, soil 2. You process collected data.
measurements,
2
Land surveying,
GIS, AutoCAD
civil 3D
1. You select relevant criteria to compare your variants and you
decide which weight factors you want to assign them.
3 MCA
2. You carry out a MCA based on relevant criteria.

1. You detail the design of your selected variant.

4 Final design 2. You draft a final maintenance plan.
3. You draft a final monitoring plan.
4. You draft a general cost estimation
1. You integrate your data and design in a coherent report and
story.
5 Integration 2. You evaluate which data about the applied mechanics and
soil mechanics portfolios you want to also include in your
report.
1. You finalize your research proposal.
2. You finalize your technical portfolios.
6 2. Make technical drawing Integration of land surveying data
Finalizing
with GIS and AutoCAD civil 3D.

Final 1. You deliver a professional and convincing presentation about

7
presentation your project results, conclusions and recommendations.
2. You answer correctly and clearly to questions.
Various laboratory and field experiments during the block

Please bear in mind that this is just an indication of the activities and tasks that you will perform
during the project. There could be somewhat changes during the block(s).
The detailed weekly planning of the applied mechanics and soil mechanics portfolios is presented
in their relative assignment sheets.

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APPENDIX 2. LEARNING GOALS AND ACTIVITIES
The learning goals for Module 1 Dutch- Flemish delta Polders all refer to level 1:
Project block 3:

Standard 1 1.1.2 Detect current challenges with relevant stakeholders, by

exploiting system thinking and a wide market orientation (report).
You research the previous situation and the actual need for a
different solution, by gathering available data and conducting
interviews and surveys. You understand and are able to explain the
problem, if any.
1.2.1 Make an overview of the functional requirements by talking to
the client, stakeholders and analyzing regulations / legislation.
(report)
You recognize the stakeholders and discuss with them in order to
identify the necessary improvements with respect to the previous
situation, and whether such improvements are compatible with
municipal regulations and territorial constraints.
1.3.1 Monitor and adjust the process of project initiation by peer-
reviewing your team members and by reflecting on your personal
performance(peer-review).
You provide constructive continuous feedback to your team mates,
and you react on received feedback by adapting your behaviour or
performance. You are able to compare the project to the
requirements and you adjust the process when needed.
Standard 2 2.1.1 Design a general layout by working out several variants, taking
into account the design, building and maintenance aspects selecting
the best option (report).
You propose three different solutions for the project area and
motivate strengths and pitfalls of each. The final choice shall be the
best tradeoff between sustainability, stakeholder desires and
improvement from the previous situation.
Standard 3 3.1.9 Execute a (part of) detailed design of parts of your civil
engineering objects using a systematic approach complying with
environmental regulations: manual calculations, software modelling,
detailed drawings, etc (portfolio).
You work as a geotechnical engineer to solve a design problem
relative to the placement of a new earth fill.
You work as a structural engineer to design a new pedestrian truss
bridge.
Standard 4 4.1.1 Set up and carry out practical experiments and tests
(portfolio).
You perform practical fieldwork activities, excursions, etc.
Standard 7 7.1.1 Formulate a problem statement (which comprises the problem
description, research question and objective) (report).
You describe an existing problem and situation making reference to
actual data and observations.
7.1. 2 Conduct a literature review (report).
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 You find references of comparable cases and analyze
similarities/differences, identifying possible approaches and
methodologies to use in your own design.
7.1.3 Set up a research project and define it in a research proposal
(report).
You define and describe the tasks to be carried out in order to get all
the necessary information for your design. You are able to structure
the order of such tasks in a logical way.
7.4.1 Adapt your behaviour to the norms, professional ethics,
attitude and responsibilities associated with research (report).
You are aware of the principles of scientific integrity and carry out
your investigation free of presumptions and biases. You work with
honesty and respecting laws, regulations and common sense.
Standard 8 8.1.1 Deliver a report, portfolio and presentation based on given
requirements (report).
You deliver your products in a professional way and taking into
account the requirements.
8.1.2 Communicate efficiently and clearly with your team members
and project leader by using written and oral means (report).
8.2.1 Collaborate in your group as a junior civil engineering team
(peer-review).
You divide the work with your teammates in an efficient way. You
keep constant communication and mutual feedback inside the team,
so that everyone is aware of the full picture and results are
optimized.
Standard 9 9.1.1 Act as an independent professional, performing in your group
according to your role (peer-review).
You carry out the specific tasks assigned by the team with little or no
external help. You are able to autonomously seek the
knowledge/information needed for your task.
9.2.1 Propose innovative solutions inspired to the literature review
and on information coming from the professional market/field
(report).
You propose feasible and realistic design for the area, taking into
account stakeholders’ needs, requirements, boundary conditions and
limitations.

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Project block 4:

Standard 1 1.1.11 Understand an explain cartography, geodesy, satellite

geodesy, topography, and draw 3D elements in AutoCAD (portfolio).
You understand geodesy, topography and 3D drawing, and you are
able to apply the knowledge to the study area and project.
1.3.1 Monitor and adjust the process of project initiation by peer-
reviewing your team members and by reflecting on your personal
performance (peer-review).
You provide constructive continuous feedback to your team mates,
and you react on received feedback by adapting your behaviour or
performance. You are able to compare the project to the
requirements and you adjust the process when needed.
Standard 2 2.2.1 Examine the (design) variants and make a deliberate and
validated selection of the most suitable (report).
You make a motivated and rational choice among the solutions you
proposed by opting for the best one in terms of cost-benefits.
Standard 3 3.1.9 Execute a (part of) detailed design of parts of your civil
engineering objects using a systematic approach complying with
environmental regulations: manual calculations, software modelling,
detailed drawings, etc (portfolio).
You work as a geotechnical engineer to solve a design problem
relative to the placement of a new earth fill.
You work as a structural engineer to design a new pedestrian truss
bridge.
Standard 4 4.1.1 Set up and carry out practical experiments and tests
(portfolio).
You perform practical fieldwork activities, excursions, etc.
Standard 5 5.1.1 Draft a global maintenance plan (report).
You draft a global plan for your project area for each version.
Standard 6 6.1.1 Monitor your solution and assess your results based on initial
requirements and preconditions.
You are able to rationally and objectively evaluate your work and
work method based on the given standards and requirements.
6.1.2 Understand and explain cartography, geodesy, satellite
geodesy, topography and draw 3D elements in AutoCAD (portfolio).
You understand geodesy, topography and 3D drawing, and you are
able to apply the knowledge to the study area and project.
Standard 7 7.2.1 Collect the required data and process it accordingly to enable
a meaningful interpretation (report).
You collect and organize project data and you analyze them based
on the project assignment, problem, and goal.
7.2.2 Monitor the progress and quality of the execution and make
adjustments if necessary (report)..
You reflect on feedback received and you modify your work or work
method accordingly.
7.3.1 Ascribe significance to retrieved and processed data(report). .
You analyse and discuss your project results, by comparing them
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 with literature sources.
7.3.2 Report your research results(report). .
You report your final results based on the requirements set by the
project leader.
7.4.1 Adapt your behaviour to the norms, professional ethics,
attitude and responsibilities associated with research(report). .
You are aware of the principles of scientific integrity and carry out
your investigation free of presumptions and biases. You work with
honesty and respecting laws, regulations and common sense.
Standard 8 8.1.1 Deliver a report, portfolio and presentation based on given
requirements (report)..
You deliver your products in a professional way and taking into
account the requirements.
8.1.2 Communicate efficiently and clearly with your team members
and project leader by using written and oral means (report).
8.2.1 Collaborate in your group as a junior civil engineering team
(peer-review).
You divide the work with your teammates in an efficient way. You
keep constant communication and mutual feedback inside the team,
so that everyone is aware of the full picture and results are
optimized.
Standard 9 9.1.1 Act as an independent professional, performing in your group
according to your roleb(peer-review).
You carry out the specific tasks assigned by the team with little or no
external help. You are able to autonomously seek the
knowledge/information needed for your task.
9.2.1 Propose innovative solutions inspired to the literature review
and on information coming from the professional market/field
(report).
You propose feasible and realistic design for the area, taking into
account stakeholders’ needs, requirements, boundary conditions and
limitations.

APPENDIX 3. RESEARCH COMPETENCES ASSESSMENT RUBRICS

Project block 3 (50% of the final grade)
Weight in Mostly Strongly
Disagree Agree
Standards % agree agree Comments
F (<5.5) G (7-8.5)
P (5.5-7) VG (>8.5)

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Report (Pt.8) (8.1.1) 10%
- The extent and structure is conform the agreements;
- The writing style is objective, precise, logical, careful and
clear;
- The language used is correct, understandable, attractive
and acceptable;
- Includes a correct literature list and statement of sources
in accordance with international standards.
Introduction (Pt.7)(7.1.1) 10%
- Provides an explanation of the field of knowledge, the
theme, the choices relating to content and the objective;
- Is properly delineated and concerns an as yet unresolved
problem situation in professional practice;
- Contains the main question and main question has been
developed into secondary questions where necessary.
Theoretical framework (Pt.7)(7.1.2) 10%
- Sources come partly from the scholarly literature within
the knowledge domain.
- Describes context, underpins knowledge areas, subject
matter, substantive choices and basic assumptions.
- Explains the most important concepts in the problem
formulation together with the relationships.
Methodology (Pt.7)(7.1.3) 10%
- Describes and underpins the selected research method
- It is sound and the steps lead systematically to the
envisioned answers to the questions
- Brings into operation concepts and describes measuring
tools and methods of analysis.
Code of conduct (Pt. 7)(7.4.1) 10%
- Emerges from knowledge of the research role in the
professional area and own role within
- Their part for reflection concerning their own conduct
(individual/employee), processes and results
- Critical analytical attitude emerging from respectful and
ethical conduct (no plagiarizing!)
Poster presentation (Pt.8)(8.1.2) 10%
- There is no report repetition, nor evidence of subject
control and prior knowledge of the audience.
- It is professional (attitude, aids, speaking techniques and
timing)
- Convincing, well-considered and skilfully defended.
- Communicate efficiently and clearly with your
team members and project leader by using
written and oral means
Professional products (Pt.1,2&9) 40%
(9.2.1,1.2.1,1.1.2,2.1.1)
- The proposal focuses on current challenges with relevant
stakeholders;
- The report contains an overview of functional and
technical requirements, boundaries and limitations;
- Several variants are worked out at a preliminary level
taking into account multiple civil engineering aspects;
- Feasible and realistic design ideas are proposed, taking
into account literature information and analysis of the
current situation.

Explanation of the final grade:

*The final grade is the weighted average of the previous grades.

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Project block 4 (50% of the final grade)
Weight in Mostly Strongly
Disagree Agree
Standards % agree agree Comments
F (<5.5) G (7-8.5)
P (5.5-7) VG (>8.5)
Report (Pt.8) (8.1.1) 9%
- The extent and structure is conform the agreements;
- The writing style is objective, precise, logical, careful and
clear;
- The language used is correct, understandable, attractive
and acceptable;
- Includes a correct literature list and statement of sources
in accordance with international standards.
Results (Pt.7) (7.2.1,7.2.2) 18%
- It is effective, efficient and acceptable.
- Consists of properly implemented information collection
methods.
- It is reproducible. Data is complete, detailed and laid out
in an orderly way.
Conclusions (Pt.6,7) (7.1.3,7.3.2,6.1.1) 27%
- It is correctly implemented using qualitative and/or
quantitative analysis techniques.
- It is valid with respect to the concepts used, explanatory
and generalization rules
- It is free of reasoning errors, irrelevant arguments and
juggling with the meanings.
- Following up logically from the research (regarding
choices and assumptions)
- Being accepted in problem contexts and acceptable in
the practical domain
- Delivering practical solutions that are sustainable and
acceptable
- Can be realized given the environment, implementers,
availability of time and budget
Code of conduct (Pt. 7)(7.4.1) 9%
- Emerges from knowledge of the research role in the
professional area and own role within
- Their part for reflection concerning their own conduct
(individual/employee), processes and results
- Critical analytical attitude emerging from respectful and
ethical conduct (no plagiarizing!)
Final presentation (Pt.8) (8.1.2) 9%
- There is no report repetition, nor evidence of subject
control and prior knowledge of the audience.
- It is professional (attitude, aids, speaking techniques and
timing)
- Convincing, well-considered and skilfully defended.
Professional products (Pt. 2,5,&9) 28%
(2.2.1,5.1.1,9.2.1)
- The proposal focuses on current challenges with relevant
stakeholders;
- The report contains an overview of functional and
technical requirements, boundaries and limitations;
- Several variants are worked out at a preliminary level
taking into account multiple civil engineering aspects;
- Feasible and realistic design ideas are proposed, taking
into account literature information and analysis of the
current situation.
- Global maintenance plan for final version

Explanation of the final grade:

*The final grade is the weighted average of the previous grades.

APPENDIX 4. FORMAT REQUIREMENTS

The proposal and report needs to have following formatting:

1. Have correct title page with names and student numbers.
2. Font size in the text must be maximum 12. A larger font (14) can be used only for headings.
Advisable Arial 12.
3. The line spacing must be Single.
4. The margins must be Normal.
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5. Use page numbering.

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