🏗️ Construction Materials: Properties and Applications

🏗️ Course Title: Construction Materials: Properties and Applications

Course Code: 4033-CIV
Duration: 6 Weeks

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📘 Introduction

This course introduces students to the fundamental properties, behavior, and applications of construction materials used in modern civil engineering projects. Emphasis is placed on understanding performance characteristics, durability, and the suitability of materials for specific structural and environmental conditions.

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📄 Description

Participants will explore key construction materials including concrete, steel, wood, and composite materials. Through theoretical instruction and hands-on analysis, the course prepares learners to test, evaluate, and select appropriate materials for various construction scenarios.

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🎯 Course Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the fundamental behavior of concrete, steel, wood, and composites

2. Perform and analyze key material tests in accordance with standards

3. Assess the suitability of materials for various construction needs

4. Understand environmental and durability issues in materials selection

5. Complete a technical report on a material selection project

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✅ Expected Outcomes

Upon successful completion, learners will:

• Confidently evaluate and select construction materials for engineering projects

• Identify material properties critical for structural safety and service life

• Apply knowledge of material testing and standards in professional practice

• Communicate technical findings effectively through reports and presentations

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📅 Weekly Breakdown

Week 1: Introduction to Construction Materials

• Importance of materials in structural integrity and cost-efficiency

• Classification of construction materials

• Material standards and specifications (ASTM, ACI, BS, EN)

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Week 2: Concrete Properties and Testing

• Composition of concrete and role of admixtures

• Workability, strength, durability, and shrinkage

• Laboratory tests: slump test, compressive strength, curing process

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Week 3: Steel in Construction

• Types of structural steel and applications

• Properties: yield strength, ductility, corrosion resistance

• Tension tests, weld testing, and fire resistance considerations

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Week 4: Wood and Composite Materials

• Natural wood vs. engineered wood products

• Moisture content, grading, and load capacity

• Introduction to composite materials (fiber-reinforced plastics, GFRP)

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Week 5: Environmental Impacts on Materials

• Weathering, corrosion, thermal expansion

• Sustainable material selection

• Life cycle analysis and green rating systems (LEED, BREEAM)

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Week 6: Final Project – Material Selection Report

• Select appropriate materials for a given project scenario

• Justify selection based on strength, cost, sustainability

• Prepare and present a professional report with material comparisons