Module Details

Module Code: CIVL6013
Title: Properties of Materials
Long Title: Properties of Materials
NFQ Level: Fundamental
Valid From: Semester 1 - 2019/20 ( September 2019 )
Duration: 1 Semester
Credits: 5
Field of Study: 5822 - Civil Engineering
Module Delivered in: 3 programme(s)
Module Description: A student who completes this module will be able to describe and evaluate the properties of engineering materials including concrete, metals, timber, bitumen and polymers.
 
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Explain the structural properties of concrete and its constituent materials.
LO2 Describe the engineering properties of materials such as timber, bitumen, polymers and metals used in civil engineering applications .
LO3 Evaluate the mechanical and thermal properties of standard materials used in civil engineering applications.
LO4 Conduct experiments to determine the engineering properties of relevant materials and report results in a professional manner.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is strongly recommended before enrolment in this module. You may enrol in this module if you have not acquired the recommended learning but you will have considerable difficulty in passing (i.e. achieving the learning outcomes of) the module. While the prior learning is expressed as named MTU module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module. You may not earn additional credit for the same learning and therefore you may not enrol in this module if you have successfully completed any modules in the incompatible list.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed. You may not enrol on this module if you have not acquired the learning specified in this section.
No requirements listed
 
Indicative Content
Aggregates
Extraction and processing of aggregates, classification, grading, standards and tests.
Cementitious materials
History of cementitious materials, Definition of cement and hydraulic binders, The cement industry, modern cements, manufacture of cements, physical and chemical properties of cementitious binders, standards, tests, special cements.
Concrete
History of concrete, the concrete industry, types and uses of concrete, production of concrete, health and safety, fresh and hardened properties of concrete, standards and tests, special concretes.
Bitumen
History of bitumen based binders, production, properties, tests, applications, bitumen-aggregate mixes, macadams, asphalt, load carrying mechanisms.
Metals
Introduction to engineering metals, manufacture, structure, deformation, tensile properties, elastic and plastic deformation, dislocations, strengthening mechanisms, behaviour in service, corrosion, surface protection, cathodic protection, brittle and ductile fracture, fatigue, creep, temperature extremes, including effects of fire, uses of metals, fusion welding, gas welding, arc welding, metallurgy, defects, soldering, brazing.
Timber
Source, softwoods, hardwoods, structure. Conversion, seasoning, stress grading, defects. Processed timber. Identification of timbers. Timber properties: strength, stiffness, density, movement characteristics. Durability: insect damage, fungal attack, preservatives, behaviour in fire.
Polymers
Manufacture, uses, polymer technology, mechanical properties, thermal properties, permeability, durability, toxicity, fire behaviour.
Module Content & Assessment
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework30.00%
End of Module Formal Examination70.00%

Assessments

Coursework
Assessment Type Practical/Skills Evaluation % of Total Mark 20
Timing Every Second Week Learning Outcomes 4
Assessment Description
Laboratory tests on the properties of civil engineering materials
Assessment Type Project % of Total Mark 10
Timing Week 8 Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
Write a report on the properties of civil engineering materials.
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Formal Exam % of Total Mark 70
Timing End-of-Semester Learning Outcomes 1,2,3
Assessment Description
End-of-Semester Final Examination
Reassessment Requirement
Repeat examination
Reassessment of this module will consist of a repeat examination. It is possible that there will also be a requirement to be reassessed in a coursework element.

The University reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Contact Type Workload Description Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload Hours
Lecture Contact Delivery of module content Every Week 3.00 3
Lab Contact Laboratory tests to determine the properties of engineering materials Every Second Week 1.00 2
Independent & Directed Learning (Non-contact) Non Contact Revision of lecture material Every Week 3.00 3
Total Hours 8.00
Total Weekly Learner Workload 7.00
Total Weekly Contact Hours 4.00
This module has no Part Time workload.
 
Module Resources
Recommended Book Resources
  • M. Clara Gonçalves, Fernanda Margarido. (2015), Materials for Construction and Civil Engineering: Science, Processing, and Design, Springer, London, [ISBN: 97833190836].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • Jackson, N & R.K. Dhir. (1996), Engineering Materials, 5th. Macmillan.
  • A M Neville. (2012), Properties of Concrete, 5th. Prentice Hall, [ISBN: 0582230705].
  • The Concrete Society. (2016), Good Concrete Guide 8: Concrete practice: guidance on the practical aspects of concreting, The Concrete Society, Surrey, UK, [ISBN: 9781904482901].
Recommended Article/Paper Resources
Other Resources
 
Module Delivered in
Programme Code Programme Semester Delivery
CR_CSTRU_8 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Structural Engineering 2 Mandatory
CR_CCEEE_9 Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering (Environment and Energy) 2 Mandatory
CR_CSTEN_9 Master of Engineering in Structural Engineering 2 Mandatory