The Surprising Science of Construction

A message from Vice Chancellor Joel Peterson

Dear Colleagues,

When most people see a construction site, they notice the visible activity: bulldozers moving earth, cranes swinging steel beams, crews at work, and concrete being poured. What they don’t see is the extraordinary amount of science behind every step.

Construction is often thought of as a trade - but it is also deeply rooted in science and engineering. Across our Measure HH projects, testing, data, and analysis inform nearly every decision.

Take concrete, for example. People often use the words “cement” and “concrete” interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. Cement is an ingredient in concrete - much like flour in a dough recipe. Concrete itself is a carefully engineered mixture of cement, water, sand, and aggregate (pebble and marble-sized rock chunks). Like any recipe, every batch must be tested to ensure it performs as intended. And there are many different types of concrete, each suited to a specific function, climate, or environment.

That testing happens constantly. Samples are taken from every batch of concrete delivered to a jobsite. Cylinders are cast and tested to confirm the material will achieve the strength needed to safely support a building for decades.

The same scientific rigor applies before construction even begins. Soil beneath a building site must be studied carefully because every location is unique. Engineers analyze soil samples to understand how the ground will behave, ensuring that foundations are designed to safely support structures over time.

Much of this science happens behind the scenes. The placement of steel reinforcement and the design of structural systems are guided by physics and engineering principles that distribute forces and keep buildings standing strong.

Design also contributes to safety through principles such as Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), which uses lighting, visibility, and layout to help deter crime and create safer spaces.

In many ways, construction has always relied on science. Researchers studying ancient structures like the pyramids have found that even thousands of years ago, builders understood how materials such as limestone and binding agents behaved, creating structures that have endured for millennia. Today’s engineers use far more advanced tools - from soil analysis to materials testing labs. Still, the objective remains the same - understanding materials and forces well enough to build something that lasts.

For SDCCD, this expertise is part of how we ensure that the facilities we’re building today will serve our students, employees, and our community safely for generations to come - protecting both people and the public investment entrusted to us.

In this issue, we take a closer look at the science behind construction - including a visit to a materials testing lab, a conversation with a concrete contractor about some of the remarkable things concrete can do, and insights from our district police team on how thoughtful design can enhance campus safety.

Thank you for your continued engagement and support.

Sincerely,

Joel L. A. Peterson, PhD, MBA, MA

Vice Chancellor & Executive Operations Officer

San Diego Community College District

DESIGNING SAFER CAMPUSES

Shaping environments that are open, welcoming, and secure

Campus safety on doesn’t begin when a building opens - it starts long before construction begins. Through Measure HH, that mindset is embedded into every project, guided by SDCCD’s dedicated police liaison for all bond projects, Lt. J. Stone, and the principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED).

Stone plays a critical role in ensuring that safety is not an afterthought, but a foundational element of campus design. With a seat at the table early in the planning process, college police can help shape environments that are functional, welcoming, and safer for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

CPTED focuses on designing spaces that naturally discourage crime while promoting visibility, accessibility, and a sense of ownership. For Lt. Stone, safety considerations begin in the earliest phases of planning and design. By reviewing plans early on, he helps identify opportunities to incorporate features that enhance safety without making spaces feel restrictive or overly monitored.

One of the most impactful elements of CPTED is visibility. Open layouts, clear sightlines, and strategically placed windows, such as classroom doors with visibility panels, help occupants stay aware of their surroundings and respond quickly when needed. These thoughtful design choices create environments where people feel connected to their surroundings – and each other - rather than isolated.

Equally important is creating a campus where individuals feel a sense of ownership and belonging. Wide, open spaces without obstructive hedges or barriers encourage natural interaction and eliminate hidden areas. The goal, Lt. Stone emphasizes, is to create spaces that feel safe without feeling watched.

Emergency preparedness is another key component. From clearly marked signage and campus maps to strategically placed emergency call boxes that connect directly to police dispatch, every detail is designed with response and accessibility in mind. These call boxes not only provide immediate assistance when needed but also act as a visible deterrent, reinforcing that help is always within reach.

Design considerations also extend to first responders. Walkways, access points, and fire lanes are carefully planned to ensure that emergency personnel can quickly and efficiently reach any area of campus. These proactive measures can make a critical difference in emergency situations.

Throughout his work, Lt. Stone brings both experience and care to the process. His approach is rooted in a genuine commitment to the well-being of the campus community, ensuring that every student, faculty member, and visitor feels safe and supported.

As Measure HH projects continue to evolve, the collaboration between college police and design teams remains essential. By aligning safety with thoughtful design, these efforts are helping create campuses that are modern, welcoming, and built to support safety from day one.

INSIDE THE LAB

Ensuring quality from the ground up

Members of the Measure HH team had the opportunity to go behind-the-scenes and explore the science behind the work that brings district projects to life. Led by Ismaail Ghaaowd, PhD, PE geotechnical laboratory manager and research engineer IV, along with Mark Cepero, staff engineer, and Ali Erbektas, engineering manager, the Kleinfelder laboratory tour showcased the extensive material testing that ensures construction components meet rigorous standards.

From observing a tensile test that pushed rebar to its breaking point to seeing the Hamburg Wheel-Track Test in action which measured the lifespan of asphalt, the team got a firsthand look at how materials are tested for strength, durability, and long-term performance.



Kleinfelder’s work plays a critical role in ensuring that materials used across projects, from major structural elements to site features such as parking lots and fire lanes, meet strict standards for quality, safety, and longevity.

BREAKING DOWN CONCRETE

The details behind the mix

Concrete might seem straightforward, but there’s a lot happening behind the scenes. In this feature, Corey Arnold, project manager and superintendent at Rocky Coast Builders, a Measure HH subcontractor, shares the science, processes, and considerations that go into working with concrete. From understanding the difference between concrete and cement, to the chemical and physical curing process, to construction techniques. In this video, Arnold shares insights into what makes concrete a remarkable and sometimes challenging material.



From early design decisions that shape safer campuses, to the rigorous testing of materials in the lab, to the precision required on the jobsite, each step reflects the surprising science of construction. Together, these efforts ensure that Measure HH projects are not only well-built, but thoughtfully designed, carefully tested, and built to last.

ALPHABET SOUP

Bond program terms explained

From planning and design to construction and oversight, Measure HH involves many moving parts - and plenty of shorthand. This glossary provides simple explanations of terms and acronyms that frequently appear in meetings and written materials.

Design Safari

A site visit to other campuses or facilities to gather ideas and inspiration.

Over-Excavation (Over-Ex)

Removal of unsuitable soil beyond planned excavation depth.

Design-Bid-Build

A traditional project delivery method where design is completed before construction is bid.

Constructability Review Meeting

A session where contractors review design documents to identify potential construction challenges before work begins.

DSA (Division of the State Architect)

California agency responsible for reviewing and approving plans for public school and college facilities.

See more terms and definitions in our Measure HH & Capital Projects Glossary!

ICYMI (In case you missed it)

Did you miss a past issue or want to go back and re-read an article? Here are links to some past issues:

>> January

>> February

CONNECT WITH US

With construction underway and major projects in procurement, Measure HH is transforming facilities that serve nearly 90,000 students annually while demonstrating exemplary fiscal stewardship. Future e-news updates will provide additional details on all bond-related activities.

If you are interested in learning more about Measure HH and would like to schedule a presentation for your departmental team or a community organization, or have ideas for future stories, please email us at SDCCDMeasureHH@sdccd.edu.