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College of Engineering
Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering

Construction Engineering

From robotics and digital twins to data-driven project delivery—transforming the building process.

Building Better, Safer and More Sustainable Infrastructure

Construction Engineering (CON) research at NC State focuses on improving how infrastructure is planned, delivered and maintained. Through one of the most comprehensive course offerings in the country, the program prepares students for successful careers across the construction industry.

From project management and safety to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and robotics, our work helps ensure that infrastructure is built more efficiently, more safely and with greater long-term value.

What Our Work Enables

CON research spans the full lifecycle of infrastructure, from planning and construction to long-term performance, to improve safety, efficiency and sustainability.

cON FOCUS AREAS

AI-Powered Visual Analytics and Digital Twins

We use artificial intelligence and real-time visual data to create digital representations of construction projects. These tools improve visibility into project performance, helping teams reduce delays, control costs and make more informed decisions.

Autonomous Robotics and Immersive Safety Training

We develop robotics, drones and immersive technologies like virtual and augmented reality to automate tasks and improve safety. Our work helps reduce risk in high-hazard environments while enhancing how workers are trained.

Infrastructure Asset Management and Data Integration

We create systems that help agencies track, assess and manage infrastructure assets over time. By integrating data across platforms, our work supports better maintenance decisions and extends the life of public infrastructure.

Transportation Safety and Quantitative Policy Analysis

We analyze transportation systems using large-scale data to improve safety and inform policy decisions. This research supports more effective investments in infrastructure and safer outcomes for the public.

Cognitive Hazard Recognition and Risk Management

We study how construction workers identify — or miss — hazards on job sites. By understanding human behavior and perception, our work helps reduce injuries and improve safety practices across the industry.

Immersive Safety Training and AI Integration

We advance safety training through immersive simulations and intelligent feedback systems. This approach helps workers build critical skills in realistic, risk-free environments and prepares them for complex job site conditions.

Predictive Performance Analytics and Success Modeling

We develop tools that help predict project outcomes, including cost, schedule and overall performance. These insights allow project teams to proactively manage risk and improve project delivery.

Field-Deployable Intelligence and Remote Site Monitoring

We bring real-time intelligence directly to construction sites through sensors, edge computing and AI. This enables faster response to issues, even in environments with limited connectivity.

Social Sustainability and Global Infrastructure Expansion

We examine how infrastructure impacts communities, particularly underserved populations. Our work helps ensure that infrastructure investments improve quality of life and expand access to essential services.

Infrastructure Resilience and Decarbonization

We explore strategies to reduce the environmental impact of construction and strengthen infrastructure against climate and system disruptions. This includes advancing low-carbon practices and more resilient design approaches.

Why It Matters

Infrastructure projects are complex, resource-intensive and essential to everyday life. CON research helps communities:

  • Deliver projects on time and within budget
  • Improve safety for workers and the public
  • Extend the life of critical infrastructure
  • Reduce environmental impact
  • Make better, data-informed decisions

Our work ensures that the systems we depend on — from transportation networks to public facilities — are built to perform, adapt and endure.

Key Resources

Faculty and Contacts

Courses and Academic Pathways

The Construction Engineering program offers one of the most comprehensive course selections in the country, preparing students for careers across the construction industry.

Based in the rapidly growing Raleigh region, students benefit from strong industry partnerships, an active alumni network and access to major construction markets, creating opportunities for internships, co-ops and full-time roles.

Graduates go on to lead across industry and academia, with former Ph.D. students holding faculty positions at leading institutions in the U.S. and around the world.

CON Courses

CourseCourse NumberCreditsCurrent and Planned Offerings*
Spring 2024Fall 2024Spring 2025Fall 2025Spring 2026
Construction Project ManagementCE 5613L & D
Legal Aspects of ContractingCE 5643L & DL & DL & D
Construction Safety ManagementCE 5653LLL
Risk and Financial ManagementCE 5673L & D
Intro to Facility EngineeringEGR 5173L & DL & D
Environmental Compliance for Facilities EngineersEGR 5183L & DL & DL & D
Building Information Modeling in ConstructionCE 592**3LL
CII Best PracticesCE 592**3L & D
International ConstructionCE 592**3L & D
Materials Management in ConstructionCE 7633L & DL & DL & D
Decarbonizing Engineering Projects and OrganizationsCE 592
D = Distance courses offered through Engineering Online. L= Traditional live in-class courses. *Note: Course offerings are subject to change. **Note: New courses are offered as CE 592 (“Special Topics”) until they become permanent courses, at which point the course number will change. Students may register by selecting the appropriate section of CE 592.

Graduate Programs

The Master of Science (MS) degree requires a minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate study including up to 6 credit hours for a thesis and a final oral examination. The Master of Civil Engineering (MCE) degree requires a minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate study without a thesis. This degree is also available by distance education through Engineering Online.  Both degrees require 18 credit hours in civil engineering, of which 12 hours must be taken from a set of core courses in construction engineering and management.

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree normally includes one academic year of full-time coursework beyond the master’s degree. The major component of the Ph.D. program is the preparation of a dissertation reporting the results of an original investigation that represents a significant contribution to knowledge.