John A. Gambatese 

Academic Background

PhD (1996), Department of Civil Engineering, University of Washington Transportation, Surveying, and Construction Engineering Program

MS (1987), Department of Civil Engineering, University of California at Berkeley Structural Engineering, Mechanics, and Materials Program

BS (1986), Department of Civil Engineering, University of California at Berkeley

Expertise and Interests

Dr. Gambatese's academic and industry background and experience are in the fields of construction engineering, construction management, and structural engineering. His technical expertise and interests are in the following areas: construction safety, work zone design, constructability, sustainability, lean design/construction, construction risk and reward, temporary construction structures, construction site operations, and systems engineering. He has conducted research and published on a variety of topics including: construction worker safety and health, work zone design, prevention through design (PtD), construction safety risk, constructability, innovation in the construction industry, construction automation, alternative contracting methods, risk and reliability of temporary structures, and sustainability.

Teaching

Dr. Gambatese currently teaches the following courses in the School of Civil and Construction Engineering at OSU:

CE 420/520 – Engineering Planning
The application of systems analysis to structuring, analyzing, and planning for civil engineering projects. Concept of the system and its environment; setting goals, objectives, and standards; evaluation criteria; solution generation and analysis; evaluation and optimization. Project management using precedence node diagramming; resource allocation and leveling; time-cost trade-off; and PERT. 4 credits.

CE 427/527 – Temporary Construction Structures
Design and construction of temporary structures including formwork, shoring, and earth retaining structures. 4 credits.

CCE 525 – Construction Site Systems Engineering
Design and planning of construction site field operations and engineered systems. Systems analysis and design as it applies to civil engineering projects. Design of construction systems: blasting; rock crushing and conveying; dewatering; cranes, pile driving, and rigging; and concrete pumping and placement. Construction site design and process design. Prerequisites: Graduate standing or consent of instructor. 3 credits.

CCE 526 – Design for Safety
Theoretical concepts and industry practices used to model, evaluate, and improve construction worker safety through the design of the project features, construction operations, and site safety program elements. Causes of construction site accidents, hazard recognition and comprehension, safety risk valuation and mitigation, and the true costs of injuries and fatalities. Prerequisites: Graduate standing or consent of instructor. 3 credits.

CCE 599 – Research Methods
Introduction to research methods commonly used in CCE-related research studies. Both quantitative (i.e., using numerical data and statistical analyses) and qualitative (i.e., focused on non-numerical data like opinions and experiences) methods are discussed, as well as the concepts of validity and reliability, different types of variables, and the importance of controls. Prerequisites: MS or PhD student. 2 credits.

CCE 699 – Critical Thinking in Research
Academic development of PhD students to enhance their critical thinking skills through learning about logic concepts, developing and analyzing logical arguments, and effectively critiquing and responding to academic arguments. Prerequisites: PhD student in the second year of their PhD program or later. 2 credits.

Honors and Awards

2023 John Smallwood Best Paper Award (W123): Alotaibi, A., Gambatese, J., and Lee, W.-H. (2023). “Evaluation of Task Characteristics Affecting Worker Mental Workload Using Mixed Methods.” Digital Transformation of Health and Safety in Construction, CIB W099 & W123 Conference, Porto, Portugal, June 21-22, 2023.

Elected to the National Academy of Construction (NAC), May 2022, https://www.naocon.org/

2021 Top 25 Newsmaker, Engineering News-Record (ENR), Jan. 13, 2022, https://www.enr.com/articles/53422-enrs-top-25-newsmakers-2021

Robert C. Wilson Faculty Scholar, School of Civil and Construction Engineering, Oregon State University, 2021-2023

Certificate of Nomination, Oregon State University Family Friendly Faculty Award, March 2018

Jimmie W. Hinze Best Paper Award (Honorable Mention): Tymvios, N. and Gambatese, J. (2014). “Owner Views on Designer Participation in Construction Safety.” International Conference on Achieving Sustainable Construction Health and Safety, W099 – Safety and Health in Construction, International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB), Lund, Sweden, June 2-3, 2014.

Oregon Electric Group Faculty Fellow, School of Civil and Construction Engineering, Oregon State University, 2013-2018.

CE Excellence Faculty Fellow, School of Civil and Construction Engineering, Oregon State University, 2010.

2009-2010, 2002-2003, and 2000-2001 Dennis Marker Teacher of the Year Award for faculty teaching in the OSU CEM program. Presented by the Oregon State University AGC Student Chapter.

2003 Loyd Carter Award for outstanding and inspirational teaching. Presented by the Oregon State University College of Engineering.

Professional Registrations

Professional Engineer – Civil, State of California (License No. 44727)

Professional Society Memberships

Fellow, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)

Professional Member, American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP)