Construction Materials (2500011) – Course 2025/26 PDF
Syllabus
Learning Objectives
Knowledge of the mechanical and technological properties of the most used materials in construction; Construction materials and structural systems. Relationship between the structure of the materials and the mechanical properties derived from them. Relationship between the mechanical properties of the materials and the most adequate structural systems for each of them. Obtaining, manufacturing and placing of the main building materials (concrete, steel, bituminous and ceramic materials). Physical, chemical and mechanical properties of concrete, steel and other metals, bituminous materials, ceramic materials, polymers and composite materials. Regulations for quality control of construction materials. Environmental impact and management of building materials. Study of the energy consumption and of the life cycle of the building materials. 1 Ability to relate the materials used in construction with their mechanical and physical properties and the structural needs existing in each case. 2 Ability to organize and plan analysis of properties of materials involved in civil work, both through on-site and laboratory tests. 3 Ability to carry out an energy and life cycle study of construction materials. Knowledge of the physical and mechanical properties, the process of obtaining, manufacturing and putting into work the materials of the building. Knowledge of rocks, including properties and tests, pathologies and repair. Knowledge of foundries and steels. Knowledge of concrete including fabrication, placing and compacting, curing, durability, mechanical and chemical properties. Knowledge of properties and uses in the construction of metals. Knowledge of ceramic materials, as well as their mechanical, thermal, electrical and acoustic properties. Knowledge of the properties of bituminous materials including their rheological properties, mixing with aggregates, as well as dosing and manufacturing. Knowledge of other materials. Knowledge of the impact and environmental management of construction materials. Knowledge of the mechanical and technological properties of the materials most used in construction; building materials and structural systems. Relationship between the structure of materials and the mechanical properties derived from them. Relationship between the mechanical properties of the materials and the most suitable structural systems for each of them. Obtaining, manufacturing and implementing the main building materials (concrete, steel, bituminous materials and ceramics). Physical, chemical and mechanical properties of concrete, steel and other metals, bituminous materials, ceramic materials, polymers and composite materials. Quality control regulations for construction materials. Environmental impact and management of construction materials.
Competencies
Especific
Ability to apply knowledge of building materials in structural systems. Knowledge of the relationship between the structure of the materials and the mechanical properties that derive from it. (Common module to the Civil branch)
Ability to analyze and understand how the characteristics of structures influence their behavior. Ability to apply knowledge about the resistant operation of structures to size them according to existing regulations and using analytical and numerical calculation methods. (Common module to the Civil branch)
Generic
Scientific-technical training for the exercise of the profession of Technical Engineer of Public Works and knowledge of the functions of advice, analysis, design, calculation, project, construction, maintenance, conservation and exploitation.
Total hours of student work
| Hours | Percentage | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supervised Learning | Large group | 30h | 50.00 % | |
| Medium group | 22h | 36.67 % | ||
| Laboratory classes | 8h | 13.33 % | ||
| Self Study | 90h | |||
Teaching Methodology
The course consists of 2 hours per week of classroom activity (large-size group) and 2 hours weekly with half the students (medium size group). The 3 hours in the large and medium-sized groups are devoted to theoretical lectures, in which the teacher presents the basic concepts and topics of the subject, shows examples and solves exercises. The 0,5 hours in the medium-sized groups are devoted to solving practical problems with greater interaction with the students. The objective of these practical exercises is to consolidate the general and specific learning objectives. The rest of the weekly hours (0,5) are laboratory practice. Although most of the sessions will be given in the language indicated, sessions supported by other occasional guest experts may be held in other languages. To do the laboratory practices, you need the following personal protective equipment (PPE): * Protection gloves - Chemical * Protection gloves - Mechanical
Grading Rules
The evaluation calendar and grading rules will be approved before the start of the course.
The mark of the course is obtained from the ratings of continuous assessment, including laboratory work. Continuous assessment consists of several activities, both individually and in groups, of additive and training characteristics, carried out during the year (both in and out of the classroom). The laboratory work learning grade is the average in such activities. The evaluation tests consist of a part with questions about concepts associated with the learning objectives of the course with regard to knowledge or understanding and a part with a set of application exercises. The final grade of the subject will be the weighted average of the guided studies (ED), the laboratory practices (P) and the in-person exams (E). Two in-person exams will be carried out, E1 (35%) and E2 (40%). Laboratory practices, including reports (P), are 20% and activities carried out in class (ED) are 5%. Criteria for re-evaluation qualification and eligibility: students who failed the ordinary evaluation and have regularly attended all evaluation tests will have the opportunity to carry out a re-evaluation test during the period specified in the academic calendar. Students who have already passed the test or were qualified as non-attending will not be admitted to the re-evaluation test. The maximum mark for the re-evaluation exam will be five over ten (5.0). The non-attendance of a student to the re-evaluation test on the date specified will not grant access to further re-evaluation tests. Students unable to attend any of the continuous assessment tests due to certifiable force majeure will be ensured extraordinary evaluation periods. These tests must be authorized by the corresponding Head of Studies at the request of the professor responsible for the course and will be carried out within the corresponding academic period.
Test Rules
The final grade of the course will be the weighted average of the directed studies (*ED), the laboratory practices (P) and the exams (E), N = 0.75E + 0.20P + 0.05ED Attendance at the laboratory sessions is mandatory to pass the course
Office Hours
English group: Friday from 12:30 pm to 15:30 p.m. Send an email: miren.etxeberria@upc.edu
Bibliography
Basic
- Soutsos, M.; Domone, P. Construction materials: their nature and behaviour. 5th ed. Boca Raton: CRC Press, 2018. ISBN 9781498741101.
Complementary
- Callister, W.D.; Rethwisch, D.G. Materials science and engineering: an introduction. 10th ed., SI version. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, 2020. ISBN 9781119453918.
- Mehta, P.K.; Monteiro, P.J.M. Concrete: microstructure, properties, and materials. 4th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2014. ISBN 9780071797870.
- Neville, A.M. Properties of concrete. 5th ed. Harlow: Pearson, 2011. ISBN 9780273755807.
- Fernández Cánovas, M. Hormigón: adaptado a la Instrucción de Recepción de Cementos RC-08 y a la Instrucción de Hormigón Estructural EHE-08. 10a ed. Madrid: Colegio de Ingenieros Caminos Canales y Puertos : Ibergarceta, 2013. ISBN 9788415452508.
- Kraemer, C. Ingeniería de carreteras: v. II. Madrid: McGraw-Hill, 2003. ISBN 8448139984.
- Smith, M.R.; Collis, L. Áridos: áridos naturales y de machaqueo para la construcción. 2a ed. Madrid: Colegio Oficial de Geólogos de España, 1994. ISBN 8492009705.
- Joana Roncero. Manual de tecnología de aditivos para hormigón. Madrid: ACHE, Asociación Científico-Técnica del Hormigón Estructural, 2010. ISBN 9788489670709.
Resources
"The course consists of 2 hours per week of classroom activity (large size group) and 2 hours weekly with half the students (medium size group). The 3 hours in the large and medium size groups are devoted to theoretical lectures, in which the teacher presents the basic concepts and topics of the subject, shows examples and solves exercises. The 0,5 hours in the medium size groups is devoted to solving practical problems with greater interaction with the students. The objective of these practical exercises is to consolidate the general and specific learning objectives. The rest of weekly hours (0,5) is laboratory practice. Although most of the sessions will be given in the language indicated, sessions supported by other occasional guest experts may be held in other languages. To do the laboratory practices you need the following personal protective equipment (PPE): * Protection gloves - Chemical * Protection gloves - Mechanical You can buy them at UPC Shop (upc-shop.com) or any specialty store."