Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya · BarcelonaTech

Advanced Materials in Construction (250721) – Course 2024/25 PDF

Syllabus

Learning Objectives

Subject to know the properties of new materials in construction - Knowledge of building materials associated with certain less standardized building systems . Knowledge of new materials through an integrated approach of the material within the entire construction process (planning, design, execution, operation and reintegration) - Ability to analyze future perspectives in the design of new materials and their possible applications in civil and building construction. Design of materials under the requirements of the application and the construction technique . Hydraulic base materials: conglomerants , additions , additives , granular skeletons ( natural aggregates , artificial , recycled ), different kinds of fibers. Special concretes : high flow , high performance , with metal and plastic fibers , shotcrete, self-compacting , light, heavy , in marine environment, under extreme temperatures, prefabricated, translucent. Organic based materials . Nature of organic matrices. Granular structures. Polymeric concrete. Polymers in construction. Metallic high-performance materials : stainless steel, titanium . The generic objective of the course is to provide students with an overview of different advanced materials used in the civil engineering and construction sector, as well as new materials currently in research and development. The course seeks to provide basic knowledge about different materials, addressing an integral and transversal vision that considers both the design process and the construction process in its entirety, from the point of view of the different properties and characteristics of the materials studied. The course begins with the study of different cementitious-based materials (fiber-reinforced concrete, shotcrete, concrete with industrial by-products, other special concretes) to advance to new additive construction techniques (3D concrete printing) and continue with new materials (intelligent concretes with new functionalities) and end with the application of composite materials and FRP in civil engineering

Competencies

Especific

Designing and building using traditional materials (reinforced concrete, prestressed concrete, structural steel, masonry, wood) and new materials (composites, stainless steel, aluminum, shape memory alloys?).

To apply innovative and sustainable technological aspects in the management and implementation of projects and works.

To analyze the multiple technical and legal conditions arising in the construction of public works, and use proven methods and proven technologies with the aim of achieving greater efficiency in construction while respecting the environment and protecting the safety and health of workers and users of public works.

Generic

To develop, improve and use conventional materials and new construction techniques to ensure the safety requirements, functionality, durability and sustainability.

To define construction processes and methods of organization and management of projects and works.

To design plans for safety, quality and environmental and socioeconomic impacts related to the construction process.

Total hours of student work

Hours Percentage
Supervised Learning Large group 45h 100.00 %
Self Study 80h

Teaching Methodology

The subject consists of 3.0 hours a week of classroom classes (large group). During these classes, the concepts of the subject are explained in a master class format and through case studies. Sessions are complemented on each topic by lectures from industry experts. In a complementary way, laboratory sessions are held so that students can verify specific aspects of the different subjects taught in the laboratory. Support material is used in the format of a detailed teaching plan through the ATENEA virtual campus: contents, programming of evaluation and directed learning activities and biography. 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.

Grading Rules

The evaluation calendar and grading rules will be approved before the start of the course.

The grade for the subject is obtained through continuous evaluation considering the completion of activities at the end of each topic (seminars), the laboratory activities and participation in the classroom, and the completion of an exam at the end of the subject. In relation to the seminars, at the end of each topic a seminar will be posted in Atenea that raises questions related to the topic discussed. Additionally, the student's participation will be valued during classes (questions, comments, etc.), and the laboratory practices, of which the students will deliver a short report containing the state of the art of the topic covered, the planning of the experimental project and the analysis of the results obtained. The final grade for the subject is a weighted average of the different activities indicated.

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

The meetings will be arranged by email with the teacher responsible for the subject. The tutorials will be either face-to-face or online.

Bibliography

Basic