C2.01 Affordable Housing Project
Sponsor: Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program (SATOP)
Student Team: Avery Cousins, Rhiannon Moss, Tyler Barr
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Felipe Gutierrez
Our team will be exploring different foundation design options to enhance the structural integrity of our affordable housing development. In the previous term, we researched a suitable plot of land and various housing alternatives for feasibility, effectiveness, sustainability, and affordability while abiding by all relevant design codes and regulations. This semester, we will focus on foundation design and modeling. This project is part of a larger interdisciplinary effort in collaboration with the electrical engineering team for our sponsors Stable Options LLC and SATOP. To aid their efforts, we are creating a foundation model simulation to test their solutions. There will be an emphasis on ensuring testing repeatability, feasibility, usability and quantitative data capture.
C2.02 Affordable Housing Development
Sponsor: Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program (SATOP)
Student Team: Gerardo Ortiz, Jessie Nguyen, Maximus Valles, William Youngdale
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Felipe Gutierrez
To address the shortage of affordable housing due to rapid population growth in Hays County, this project proposes the design of a sustainable residential development capable of accommodating 100 families of four. Through land suitability evaluations and detailed foundation studies, we aim to optimize structural performance, cost efficiency, and long-term viability. Our design emphasizes strict adherence to regulatory standards while integrating sustainability and structural resilience as guiding principles. The proposed solution consists of townhome-style residential buildings, which provide efficient land utilization and construction strategies to support long-term community development. Sponsored by SATOP, this interdisciplinary initiative seeks to generate replicable design approaches that strengthen housing accessibility and resilience within the region.
C2.03 Hotel Land Development
Sponsor: Kimley-Horn
Student Team: Simren Pokhrel, Amaya Nunez, Billy Hernandez, Luis Garza
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Felipe Gutierrez
This project entails developing a 3.04 acre lot with frontage on I-35 for a 120 room hotel. Utilizing the given parameters from the city code and client we will create a site plan satisfying desired requirements while considering life cycle costs and sustainability. Additionally, we will complete the design of engineering elements such as stormwater management and utilities for a comprehensive development plan.
C2.04 Land to Landmark: Hotel Site
Sponsor: Kimley-Horn
Student Team: Brianna Reyes, Alex Espinosa, Alejandro Jr Lopez
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Felipe Gutierrez
Continuing from last semester, we are working on the same hotel site but focusing on different aspects of land development. This time, the focus will be placed on stormwater management and site grading. For stormwater, we will size grate inlets, pipes, and a retention pond. To do this, we will use the City of San Marcos standards and flow-modeling software. With grading, we will create a 3-D surface and try to minimize the total cut/fill of the site. These two components were chosen because they are fundamental elements of land development and are commonly addressed by engineers in practice.
C2.05 Street Pedestrian Connections
Sponsor: WSB Engineering
Student Team: Koket Jimata, Faith Hadley, Cayla Kozik
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Felipe Gutierrez
This project focuses on improving pedestrian safety and traffic flow at an intersection in Buda, TX. The enhancements includes better pedestrian connectivity, providing safer vehicular movement, and driveway access to near by businesses. The design also considers potential challenges such as proximity to the railroad and gas storage tanks.
C2.06 Water Transmission Project
Sponsor: HDR & GBRA
Student Team: Darrell Anderson (PM), Ana Jaimes-Leal, Sam Koester
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Felipe Gutierrez
The project involves designing a water transmission line extending from the southern portion of the City of Austin to the City of Lockhart, with the goal of enhancing regional water distribution and meeting the region’s growing demand. The pipeline will incorporate various engineering design elements, along with a detailed hydraulic analysis, to ensure efficiency, reliability, and long-term sustainability. The project aims to support residential, commercial, and industrial growth while addressing water scarcity and strengthening water security in the region.