Abstract:
Dr. Grau's line of inquiry proactively explores mechanisms supporting decisions with accurate and timely information on behalf of the project, portfolio of projects, and organizations. His initial work focused on monitoring onsite entities with sensing devices and epistemic models. Third-party vendors commercialized the technology, which is currently adopted by 60% of Engineering-Procurement-Construction (EPC) projects worldwide. In recent years, his research has encompassed systems engineering, decision-making, and life-cycle performance to provide a sound rationale for designing information flows among project functions and stakeholders so that data is trustworthy and available when needed. A novel line of research is exploring mechanisms of controls from a production systems perspective, coining the term advanced project controls, which combines strong control processes and procedures with advanced sensing and information technologies —for example, devising the role of AI in project controls or the concept of predictability as “the team’s ability to forecast accurate project outcomes early in the project delivery process.” Thousands of engineers and practitioners have been trained with the generated resources and products.
Short bio
Dr. David Grau (“au” pronounced like “ow” in allow) is the Sundt Construction Professor in the School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment at Arizona State University. He graduated with both master’s and doctorate degrees in civil, architectural, and environmental engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and with an industrial engineering degree from the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya in Barcelona. Prior to his affiliation with ASU, he taught at the University of Alabama. During his academic career, he has received numerous national teaching and research awards, including the Distinguished Professor Award and Outstanding Researcher Award by the Construction Industry Institute and the Celebration of Engineering & Technology Innovation (CETI) award by FIATECH. Complementing his academic career, he has worked in the private industry for nearly 10 years, including positions such as program manager for heavy industrial projects and director of a large engineering design department. He has led large interdisciplinary and multicultural teams to deliver numerous capital projects in South America, Africa, and Europe. He is a member of ASCE and ASEE professional societies and holds a professional license as an Industrial Engineer in Barcelona.
Team
Ph.D., Construction Management, Arizona State University, 2024
M.S., Construction Management, Arizona State University, expected 2025
David Grau, Ph.D., PE
Sundt Construction Professor in Alternative Delivery and Sustainable Development
Del E. Webb School of Construction, School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment
Senior Sustainability Scientist, Julie Ann Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability
Honors Professor, Barret, the Honors College
Arizona State University