2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

ABET Inc. requires the curriculum within an engineering program to include a culminating major engineering design experience that incorporates appropriate engineering standards and multiple constraints, and is based on the knowledge and skills acquired in earlier course work. Many programs use a capstone design project or experience to fulfill this requirement. The paper outlines a case study on how the civil engineering program at the United States Air Force Academy uses a real-world design-build project to serve as the culminating design experience. The study outlines the project description, how students engage with stakeholders, the design process itself which includes examples of standards and constraints, as well as the construction and project management associated with the project. The paper also addresses what type of content is intentionally taught as part of the course, along with the overall impact on student learning and achievement. Ultimately, the design-build capstone provides an authentic and exciting design challenge that motivates students and promotes their learning and development as engineers.