From Plans to Execution: Concrete Placement of a Berth Modernization
Design and execute a comprehensive plan for the construction and modernization of a berth, while mastering the critical techniques of concrete placement, from interpreting placement plans to ensuring durability and safety on real-world construction sites.

Sara Rodriguez

Description
Concrete placement is one of the most fundamental processes in civil and marine construction, where precision and quality are key. In this Build Project, you'll step into the role of a field engineer, learning to prepare and execute concrete pours with a focus on safety and efficiency. Under the guidance of an experienced professional, you’ll gain hands-on experience tackling challenges such as managing environmental conditions and ensuring material quality. You will also explore the importance of curing methods and quality assurance practices. By working on real-world scenarios, this project equips you with industry-relevant skills critical for success in construction.
Application timeline
What you will learn
- Interpret and analyze concrete placement plans for various construction scenarios.
- Prepare and execute safe and efficient concrete pours while managing site conditions.
- Apply techniques to address challenges such as temperature variations, material consistency, and environmental factors.
- Implement quality control measures to ensure compliance with construction standards.
- Understand the role of curing in concrete durability and long-term performance.
Project workshops
Prerequisites
- Basic knowledge of construction materials, including the composition and properties of concrete.
- Familiarity with construction plans and the ability to interpret structural and placement drawings.
- Problem-solving mindset to address common challenges in placement scenarios.
- Effective communication skills to clearly present and explain plans and findings.
Apply Now!
Ready to start this exciting project? Submit your application today and begin your journey with Build!
About the Fellow

Sara Rodriguez


Sara Rodriguez is a Civil Engineer Build Fellow at Dream Venture Labs, where she works with students leading projects in marine construction, including the construction and modernization of port berths and other critical marine infrastructure. Sara is a Project Engineer at Orion Marine Construction, where she focuses on managing large-scale projects such as berth rehabilitations and bridge replacements. Her responsibilities include cost estimation, project scheduling, structural analysis, and overseeing the installation of key components like combiwalls, fenders, and utilities. Sara has over five years of experience in the Project and Construction Management field, specializing in marine and heavy civil construction. She has worked on high-profile projects such as the Port Canaveral NCB4 Rehabilitation and Modernization and the Berth 268 Rehabilitation at Port Tampa Bay. Her expertise spans from geotechnical analysis and structural engineering to project budgeting and risk assessment. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of South Florida and will complete her Master’s in Project Management from Harrisburg University of Science and Technology in December 2024. Additionally, she holds certifications such as OSHA 30-Hour Construction and Advanced Maintenance of Traffic. A fun fact about Sara Rodriguez is that she loves to exercise and cry as an excellent method to release emotions!