This module aims to introduce the factors which influence the selection of materials for engineering purposes, to develop understanding of the properties of these materials, and to lay a foundation for subsequent design work.

(LO1) Knowledge and UnderstandingOn successful completion of the module, students should be able to: be aware of the factors influencing the selection of the most appropriate material for a particular engineering purpose; understanding of key engineering properties of common materials including the influence of microstructure and macrostructure; understand the nature of concrete and the effect of constituents on fresh and hardened properties; understand the procedures for construction with concrete, including quality control tests and procedures; understand the production methods, basic properties and applications of timber in construction; be aware of the different categories of plastics, their basic properties and applications in construction; be aware of the scope for the use of glass in construction, its main types and properties, including engineering, thermal and aesthetic; understand the manufacture and prope rties of masonry, together with its use in construction; design con crete mixes to meet specific requirements, as well as knowing how to cast, cure and test concrete to determine its structural properties; measure mechanical properties of timber and masonary units in the laboratory; be aware of all BS EN standards governing use, properties and applications of construction materials; have a foundation for subsequent design-oriented modules which extend the knowledge and understanding of construction materials.

(LO2) Intellectual Abilities On successful completion of the module, students should be able to demonstrate ability in Selection of appropriate materials; Knowledge of material behaviour under loading conditions resembling real-life situations; Design of normal concrete mixes for construction Measurement of mechanical properties of other construction materials, e.g. timber and masonry.

(LO3) Practical Skills Calculation and numeracy skills. Experimental skills: laboratory work involving concrete mix design & testing, including tests on fresh and hardened concrete; testing and interpretation of mechanical properties of timber and masonry. Observational skills: how concrete behaves in its fresh and hardened states; how other construction materials behave under loading and how their properties compare with those of concrete. Teamwork: laboratory project undertaken in groups of approximately 10 students. 

(LO4) General Transferable SkillsLiteracy skills: Technical note preparation andreading set textbook and handouts. 

(S1) Numeracy

(S2) Teamwork

(S3) Organisational skills

(S4) Communication skills

(S5) IT skills

1 Selection and use of materials based on economic, engineering, performance and constructional criteria.
2 Introduction to Concrete. Constituent materials, Portland cements, chemical admixtures, aggregates; concrete mix design and quality control; fresh and early age properties of concrete including strength gain and temperature effects; mechanical properties of concrete and their measurement; durability performance of structural concrete, including influence of constituent materials.
3 Introduction to Timber, Plastics and Glass. Production including growth, seasoning and sawing, engineering properties, grain, effects of species and moisture; protection and preservation; construction applications of timber. Categories of plastics including chemical composition, basic physical properties and applications in construction including glass fibre-reinforced plastics (GRP). Developments in scope of usage of glass in construction; production and main types, engineering, thermal &am p; aesthetic properties of glass.
4 Introduction to Masonry: definitions and applications. Manufacture and properties of clay and calcium silicate bricks, and hydraulically bound masonry units. Durability aspects. Examples on use in structures.
5 Revision Class
6 7 Laboratory classes involving concrete mix design, tests on fresh and hardened concrete, construction materials testing and characterisation, including masonry and timber. This is undertaken in groups of approx. 10 students, with submission two weeks after completion.

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: PowerPoint slides
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Lecture notes and handouts are provided on VITAL one week in advance. Notes & handouts are not printed.

Teaching Method 2 - Tutorial
Description: Student-based learning tutorial
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Flipped classroom tutorial