College - Author 1
College of Architecture and Environmental Design
Department - Author 1
Architectural Engineering Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Architectural Engineering
College - Author 2
College of Architecture and Environmental Design
Department - Author 2
Architectural Engineering Department
Degree - Author 2
BS in Architectural Engineering
Date
6-2026
Primary Advisor
Kristin Potterton, College of Architecture and Environmental Design, Architectural Engineering Department
Abstract/Summary
Hispanic workers make up a large and growing portion of the construction workforce in the United States; particularly in California, the percentage of construction workers who are Hispanic is estimated to be about 55% as of 2021 (Elkins). Many of these workers are Spanish-speaking, yet there is still a gap between technical engineering design and what is understood and applied in the field. One major reason for this gap is the lack of clear bilingual resources. To bridge the gap, a 48-page bilingual booklet titled Reinforced Concrete Design Fundamentals (Fundamentos del Diseño de Concreto Reforzado in Spanish) was created. This resource translates key structural engineering concepts and terminology into clear, practical language that is comprehensible to field workers. By providing a guide in both Spanish and English, the authors aim to improve communication and understanding among construction workers. The overall goal of this project is to support job productivity, a safe work environment, and improved communication between engineers and Spanish-speaking construction workers.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/arcesp/255