Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · BarcelonaTech

Construction Materials (250124) – Course 2022/23 PDF

Syllabus

Learning Objectives

Students will learn to apply knowledge of construction materials in structural systems. They will also develop an understanding of the relationship between the structure of materials and the resultant mechanical properties. Upon completion of the course, students will have acquired the ability to: 1. Relate the materials used in a construction project to their mechanical and physical properties and to the structural needs of each specific case. 2. Organise and plan an analysis of the properties of the materials used in a construction project, by means of either field tests or laboratory tests. 3. Carry out a life-cycle energy analysis of construction materials. Data analysis; Regression models, parameter estimation; Probability and uncertainty; Random variables: definition and interpretation; Operations on random variables; Probability models: Bernoulli, Poisson and other distributions; Asymptotic probabilistic models that start with the normal distribution and end with transformations of the normal distribution; Estimation of return period; Parameter estimation, method of maximum likelihood, interval estimation; Hypothesis testing and goodness-of-fit testing; Bayesian estimation and statistical analysis of regression models

Competencies

Especific

Ability to apply knowledge of construction materials to structural systems. Knowledge of the relation between the structure of materials and the mechanical properties resulting from them.

Understanding of the physico-chemical mechanisms that determine the stages in the lifecycle of construction materials (manufacture, use, elimination and recycling), their durability and their impact on the environment.

Transversal

SUSTAINABILITY AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT - Level 1. Analyzing the world¿s situation critically and systemically, while taking an interdisciplinary approach to sustainability and adhering to the principles of sustainable human development. Recognizing the social and environmental implications of a particular professional activity.

EFFICIENT ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATION - Level 1. Planning oral communication, answering questions properly and writing straightforward texts that are spelt correctly and are grammatically coherent.

EFFECTIVE USE OF INFORMATI0N RESOURCES - Level 2. Designing and executing a good strategy for advanced searches using specialized information resources, once the various parts of an academic document have been identified and bibliographical references provided. Choosing suitable information based on its relevance and quality.

SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING - Level 2: Completing set tasks based on the guidelines set by lecturers. Devoting the time needed to complete each task, including personal contributions and expanding on the recommended information sources.

Total hours of student work

Hours Percentage
Supervised Learning Large group 42h 63.64 %
Medium group 3h 4.55 %
Laboratory classes 15h 22.73 %
Guided Activities 6h 9.09 %
Self Study 84h

Teaching Methodology

The course consists of: 42 hours of theory classes, 4 hours of troubleshooting and 8 hours laboratory (small group), a technical visit and 4 hours of classroom exam. It involved 42 hours of lectures (large group), in wich the teacher explains the concepts and discusses the questions prepared by students at home. 4 hours are dedicated to solving specific problems of fracture mechanics, and mix design of concrete. Practical exercises to consolidate learning objectives. 8-hour practices are held at the Materials Laboratory (B1 basement), divided into four sessions: * 2 hours dedicated to the characterization of aggregates. * 2 hours dedicated to the manufacture of concrete and study their properties in the fresh state. * 2 hours dedicated to the study of the properties of hardened concrete. * 2 hours dedicated to the study of bituminous mixtures. Support materials used in the form of detailed educational plan through the virtual campus ATENEA: content, programming and evaluation activities directed learning and literature. Although most of the sessions will be given in the language indicated, sessions supported by other invited experts may be held in other languages. The language may change due to force majeure.

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 continuous assessment and their corresponding laboratory. Continuous assessment consist in several activities, both individual and group additive and training characteristics, carried out during the course (both in and out of the classroom) The teachings of the laboratory grade is the average in such activities. The evaluation tests consist of a part with questions on concepts associated with the learning objectives of the course with regard to knowledge or understanding, and a part with a set of application exercises. Grade mark: Grade mark=0,75×((E1+E2)/2)+0,25((P1+P2+P3+P4+V)/5) 2 Exam: (E1 and E2) 1 Activity: (V) 4 Laboratory practices: (P1, P2, P3 and P4) Criteria for re-evaluation qualification and eligibility: Students that failed the ordinary evaluation and have regularly attended all evaluation tests will have the opportunity of carrying out a re-evaluation test during the period specified in the academic calendar. Students who have already passed the test 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, in 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

Failure to perform a laboratory or continuous assessment activity in the scheduled period will result in a mark of zero in that activity.

Office Hours

Tuesdays from 16:00 to 18:00

Bibliography

Basic

Complementary

  • Bye, G.C. Portland cement. 3rd ed. London: ICE Publishing, 2011. ISBN 9780727736116.