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Goal

The goal of this project is to setup a computer network for the construction and manufacturing laboratory (CMnet) so students and faculty at UL Lafayette can study and investigate in the areas of residential construction and manufacturing. The CMnet will be placed at the Construction and Manufacturing (CM) Laboratory at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. This new improved laboratory will establish UL Lafayette as the leader in the dissemination of energy efficient information, techniques, and processes in residential and light commercial construction within the state of Louisiana. The computer network complements the CM laboratory and would allow flow of relevant knowledge on energy and efficient building practices to targeted groups that live and work in Louisiana. Experiments and demonstrations will be selected based on the people's needs/demographics from the state. In addition to serving ITEC and EMGT departments, CMnet would receive beneficial software and data information from ITEC industrial partners such as Acadiana Home Builders Associations (AHBA) and south Louisiana electric companies such as SLEMCO. The Construction and Manufacturing network laboratory web site will be linked to construction sites, building materials manufacturers and suppliers web pages.

The Department of Industrial Technology and the College of Engineering strive for highest standards in teaching, research, and hands on practices. ITEC has been successful in obtaining more than $1,000,000 in economic development, research and equipment enhancement grants in the past two years. Construction and manufacturing are two vital industries in state of Louisiana. Significant technology transfer is accomplished as a result of this project and web casting capability of the CM Laboratory. Students in the College of Engineering will benefit from the research conducted at the CM Laboratory. The PI and the Co-PI listed for this project are active in areas of construction technology, energy & safety engineering research, and project management. The ITEC and EMGT faculty members are dedicated to use the results from this project and vigorously pursue additional funds from government agencies such as Department of Energy and Department of Natural Resources as well as the private sectors in energy and construction industries.