ES2G8-15 Materials for Net Zero
Introductory description
Materials for Net Zero
Module aims
The aims of the module are to introduce students to a range of materials (concrete, steel, timber, masonry, asphalt, fibre reinforced polymers and strawbale/rammed earth) in terms of structural behaviour, analysis and design. Primarily focusing on concrete the module will provide knowledge and understanding on its constituent materials, their properties and those of fresh and hardened concrete. Variables that affect these properties in the short and long term will be identified.
Furthemore, this module will focus on the impact of the production and use of materials for civil engineering on global carbon emissions and on how such emissions can be reduced in different ways including reusing/repurposing where possible, contributing to a more sustainable development and reducing waste by saving primary resources.
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
- Introduction to construction materials (with links to durability, sustainability, H&S, construction)
- Portland Cement: Manufacture, Composition and Hydration
- Other Cements: Classification, Modified PC, CRMs, non-Portland cements
- Aggregates and admixtures
- Fresh Concrete and Curing
- Hardened concrete: Strength, testing and variation
- Durability of Concrete
- Sustainability and Concrete
- Structural steel: properties, production and sustainability
- Introduction to Timber, Glass, Masonry, Fibre Reinforced Polymers and strawbale/rammed earth
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Appreciate the sustainability and ethical issues and latest regulatory framework surrounding the production, use, management, disposal and reuse of materials to minimise the impact of carbon emissions. [M4(M), M7(M), M8(D)]
- Critically evaluate the structural behaviour of a range of civil engineering materials including concrete, steel, timber, masonry and fibre reinforced polymers.[M4(M), M7(M)]
- Analyse the effects of material and process variables on the mechanical properties and durability of concrete. [M12(M), M13(M)]
- Cast, de-mould, cure and test concrete samples to assess the property and quality of concrete. [C9-M9(D), M12(M), M13(M)]
Indicative reading list
Domone, P. and Illston J. (Eds.), Construction Materials: Their Nature and Behaviour, 4th Ed., Spon Press, Abingdon, Oxon, New York, 2010. Neville, A. M., Concrete Technology, 2nd Ed., Prentice Hall, 2010. Internet based sites (such as MPA and UK government) for up-to-date sources on sustainable cements and concretes.
Subject specific skills
Knowledge and understanding of the need for a high level of professional and ethical conduct in engineering and the use of technical literature, other information sources including appropriate codes of practice and industry standards Ability to apply relevant practical and laboratory skills
Transferable skills
Communicate (written and oral; to technical and non-technical audiences) and work with others Appreciation of the global dimensions of engineering, commerce and communication Plan self-learning and improve performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 21 sessions of 1 hour (14%) |
| Seminars | 5 sessions of 1 hour (3%) |
| Practical classes | 2 sessions of 3 hours (4%) |
| Private study | 118 hours (79%) |
| Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
118 hours of guided independent learning
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Written Lab Report | 30% | Yes (extension) | |
|
Laboratory report (6 pages length) |
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| Written Reflective Report | 70% | Yes (extension) | |
|
Reflective report on materials for net zero and sustainability (maximum 15 pages length) |
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Feedback on assessment
Laboratory report and reflective report: Individual oral and written comments.
Courses
This module is Core for:
- Year 2 of UESA-H216 BEng Civil Engineering
- Year 2 of UESA-H217 MEng Civil Engineering