Syllabus for Construction Materials

Learning outcomes

After a successfully completed course the student should be able to:

• describe the basic materials' properties of construction materials,
• explain the materials' resistance and degradation mechanisms,
• describe the composition and properties of the most common building materials,
• perform simple calculations of strength and deformations that typically occur in a building,
• proportion and produce concrete as well as evaluate the strength of the manufactured concrete,
• implement simple life cycle and life cycle cost analyses for the most common building materials,
• motivate the choice of materials based on environmental and health aspects,
• account for different types of renewable building materials,
• conduct a literature study and write a technical report.

Content

Structure of building materials, from binding types through to macro-structure, for example. porosity and density. Composition and properties of concrete, steel, wood based materials, plastics, insulation materials, bricks, plaster, masonry and coating materials. Basic mechanics and deformations under load and materials volume resistance with respect to moisture, temperature and aging. Resistance of materials, including chemical, physical and biological as well as radiation exposure. Fabrication and properties of building materials. Sustainability aspects related to building materials. Methodology for life cycle and life cost analysis. Sound and environmentally profiled materials. Blending, manufacturing and strength testing of concrete.

Instruction

Lectures, exercises and laboratory work. Assignments and seminars.

Assessment

Written examination (4 credits), written and oral presentation of assignments (4 credits) as well as active participation in and presentation of laboratory work (2 credits).

Other directives

The course replaces the previous course 1TE433 Building and construction part of 1TE408 Building Technology II and can not be included in a degree together with these.