Programme And Module Handbook
 
Course Details in 2025/26 Session


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Module Title LH Materials Engineering 2
SchoolSchool of Engineering
Department Civil Engineering
Module Code 04 29647
Module Lead Dexter Hunt
Level Honours Level
Credits 20
Semester Semester 2
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions None
Contact Hours Lecture-44 hours
Tutorial-10 hours
Supervised time in studio/workshop-18 hours
Guided independent study-128 hours
Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description The aim of the module is to widen the knowledge base, and deepen the understanding of construction materials from that taught in Materials Engineering 1 module in Year 2, so as to make the best use of the materials in terms cost effectiveness and environment impact. The use of case studies, including failure of structures are adopted to widen the scope of materials engineering. CEN standards and sustainability issues to be addressed throughout the teaching of this module.

1.Concrete: The basics of breakdown of the material structure. Physical and chemical mechanisms of concrete deterioration, covering shrinkage, thermal expansion, freeze-thaw, abrasion, sulfate attack, alkali-aggregate reactions, acid attack and corrosion of reinforcement (carbonation and chloride induced). Specification and design of durable concrete structures and serviceability. Repair and maintenance of concrete.

2. Timber: Types and their use; production; properties and use of solid timber. Processed timber products (including Glulam and composites strengthened by synthetic materials such as carbon-fibre, GF, etc. and their durability. Explore the design and specification of timber for structural application.

3. Bituminous Mixtures: Binders, type, characteristics and engineering properties. Bitumen-aggregate mixtures, load carrying mechanisms; type of pavements, mix requirements, engineering properties and durability. Design of bitumen-aggregate mixes, type of specifications and principles of design, continuous graded mixes, hot-rolled asphalt and new developments.

4. Group Project/Laboratory Work: Supported by laboratory work, students to undertake a series of coordinated small projects covering various aspects of the taught course.

5. CES EduPack software, use is developed further to provide advanced materials properties and performance, including sustainability.
Learning Outcomes By the end of the module students should be able to:
  • List and discuss the main properties of timber and bituminous materials for civil engineering construction applications and explain how these properties can be modified, both in the short and long term, and how these impact on design and workmanship
  • Describe how different materials are specified and tested in order to ascertain their compliance with the specification, requirements for supervision and the role of quality control and quality assurance.
  • Describe and discuss durability and protective measures associated with different civil engineering applications of concrete, timber and bituminous materials, and the associated design implications.
  • Describe, evaluate and assess the causes of breakdown in concrete materials and the impacts of this on design and construction applications.
  • Evaluate materials in terms of cost effectiveness, environmental impact and sustainability.
  • Apply and evaluate the knowledge gained as part of a series of coordinated small group projects covering the various aspects of the module.
  • Describe the use of information repositories (e.g. CES EudPack software and appropriate updates) to provide advanced materials properties and performance, including sustainability.
Assessment 29647-01 : Concept Design : Coursework (50%)
29647-02 : Feasibility Study : Coursework (50%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions Assessment:

Group project/laboratory work (40%) and coursework (60%)

Reassessment:

Resubmission of failed components.

Other
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