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 in a failure-resistant condition. 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 3 course component examinations during the course, which will collectively count for 45%, and a final examination which will count for 55%.

In order to sit any of the examinations (course component and final examinations), at least 75% of the respective practical assignments must have been completed and approved in advance. The final examination must receive a passing grade.

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