Course Objectives

Upon completing the course, the students should:

• understand the components of concrete, its internal composition, structure and characteristics.
• know about the production of cement, the uses of concrete in the building process and the maintenance of concrete structures.
• be familiar with the composition and characteristics of the materials used to build and complete walls.
• understand how the masonry trade is practiced.
• understand the basic principles of formwork and how it is achieved.
• know the basics of reinforcement and how it is accomplished.
• be able to dimension concrete beams, plates, columns, simple foundations and walls to a failure-resistant condition, according to prevailing standards.
• be able to arrest dislocations and cracks to a failure-resistant condition.
• be capable of using simple static models for calculating and dimensioning buildings and load-bearing wall structures.

Course Description

1) Material technology

The production, composition and characteristics of cement and concrete

Proportioning, solidification and winter-casting

Formwork and reinforcing

Precast concrete products

Walls and their construction

2) Dimensioning

Principles of dimensioning. Inspection of moment, shearing forces, axial forces and thin pressure beams. Control of failure-resistance, condition of cracks and deformations causing slippage and losses. Plates, beams, columns, walls and foundations. Reinforcement regulations and drawings. Simple calculations and dimensioning of buildings and bearing walls as building elements.

Learning Methods

Lectures, calculation and laboratory practical assignments.

Assessment Methods

The final grade will be based on one course component examination, which will count 30%, and a final examination, which will count for 70%. The final examination must receive a passing grade in order to receive a final passing grade for the course.

In order to sit the final examination:

1. At least 75% of the respective practical exercises must have been completed and approved.
2. The lab exercises must be completed and approved.

Minor adjustments may occur during the academic year, subject to the decision of the Dean