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AR40425: Materials engineering in construction

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2014/5
Further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering
Further information on credits Credits: 6
Further information on unit levels Level: Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7)
Further information on teaching periods Period: Semester 2
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Summary: CW 30%, EX 50%, OR 20%
Further information on unit assessment Assessment Detail:
  • Coursework (CW 30%)
  • Examination (EX 50%)
  • Oral (OR 20%)
Further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment: Reassessment exam (where allowed by programme regulations)
Further information on requisites Requisites:
Further information on descriptions Description: Aims:
To develop an awareness and enthusiasm for the use of advanced materials technologies, including nanomaterials and multifunctional materials, in the construction industry; and to develop an understanding of material compatibility issues within the context of sustainability and the environment.

Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of the unit the student will be able to demonstrate:
1) An understanding of the use of nanomaterials and multifunctional materials in modern construction.
2) An ability to identify solutions to particular problems of material incompatibility.
3) An understanding of how advanced materials technologies may be used to improve the built environment.
4) An appreciation of sustainability in a modern building context.

Skills:
Knowledge of materials and their behaviour and performance in the built environment.

Content:
This unit will explore the latest and most innovative technologies and materials being used by the construction industry. Students will develop knowledge of material properties and characteristics which define good practice in new build and conservation with attention to material compatibility.
These issues are to be considered in relation to a range of technologies and systems. Depth of coverage may vary between these areas and additional materials/ technologies may be introduced into, or removed from, the unit with the development of appropriate technologies.
The following are examples of topics/materials/technologies which will be studied:-
1) Sustainability of building materials
2) Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Assessment of environmental impacts associated with common construction materials from raw material extraction, materials processing, manufacture, distribution, use, repair and maintenance, and disposal or recycling.
3) Weathering and degradation of ceramic, polymeric and metallic building materials and the effects of atmospheric pollutants on this process.
4) Photo catalytic technologies for modern buildings.
5) The application of nanotechnology in construction.
6) Solar photovoltaic cells.
7) Heat capture systems for buildings.
8) Compatibility of building materials.
9) Self-healing materials.
Further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

AR40425 is Optional on the following programmes:

Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering
  • UEAR-AFM03 : MEng(Hons) Civil and Architectural Engineering (Year 4)
  • UEAR-AKM03 : MEng(Hons) Civil and Architectural Engineering with Year long work placement (Year 5)
  • UEAR-AFM07 : MEng(Hons) Civil Engineering (Year 4)
  • UEAR-AKM07 : MEng(Hons) Civil Engineering with Year long work placement (Year 5)

Notes:
* This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2014/15 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2015/16 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2014/15.
* Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.
* Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.