University of Technology SydneyHandbook 2007

48352 Construction Materials

6cp

Requisite(s): 60101 Chemistry and Materials Science
Fields of practice: Civil Engineering program
Undergraduate
Subject coordinator: Ravi Ravindrarajah

Civil engineering embodies professionals who design, construct, maintain, inspect and manage public work projects. The common materials used in civil engineering applications or in construction are timber, concrete, bitumen, masonry, and reinforcing and structural steel. It is essential for civil engineers to have a basic understanding of these construction materials, in relation to their production, properties, testing and application. The main objectives of this subject are to help students acquire fundamental knowledge on the production, physical and engineering properties of construction materials; understand the effects of environments on the properties and performance of these materials; familiarise themselves with the relevant Australian and other specifications and standards, in relation to the requirements and testing methods and interpretation of test results; improve analytical and communication skills by presenting test reports; select material in relation to specified requirements; and develop awareness of the use of waste materials in construction.

Topics include: requirements, selection and standards of construction materials; steel – production, forms, grades, mechanical properties and testing; road making materials – production, properties and testing; cement and other binders – production, types, composition, properties and testing; waste materials for construction – fly ash, recycled concrete, slag, and others; aggregate – classification, properties and testing; admixtures – types and effects on concrete properties; concrete – uses, mix design, properties and testing of fresh and hardened concrete; masonry units, mortar, grout and plaster; and environmental degradation of construction materials including fire attack.

Assessment: Typically assessment in this subject involves laboratory reports, mid-semester examination and final examination.

Typical availability

Autumn semester, City campus
Spring semester, City campus
Autumn semester, Hong Kong
Spring semester, Hong Kong
Summer session, Hong Kong
Winter session, Hong Kong

Fee information

2007 contribution for post-2004 Commonwealth-supported students: $889.75
2007 amount for undergraduate domestic fee-paying students: $2,460.00
Subject EFTSL: 0.125
Note: The above fees are applicable in 2007 for Commonwealth-supported students who commenced after 2004 and domestic fee-paying undergraduate students only. Pre-2005 Commonwealth-supported students should consult the Student contribution charges for Commonwealth supported students webpage.
Not all students are eligible for Commonwealth supported places, and not all subjects are available to Commonwealth supported students. Domestic fee-paying students and international students should refer to the Fees webpage.

Access conditions

Note: The requisite information presented in this subject description covers only academic requisites. Full details of all enforced rules, covering both academic and admission requisites, are available at Access conditions and My Student Admin.