COURSE INFORMATION Course Title: INTRODUCTION TO CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS

Code	Course Type	Regular Semester	Theory	Practice	Lab	Credits	ECTS
CE 223	B	3	3	0	2	4	7

Academic staff member responsible for the design of the course syllabus (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature)	Dr. Anila Xhahysa axhahysa@epoka.edu.al
Main Course Lecturer (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours:	Dr. Anila Xhahysa axhahysa@epoka.edu.al , NA
Second Course Lecturer(s) (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours:	NA
Language:	English
Compulsory/Elective:	Compulsory
Study program: (the study for which this course is offered)	Bachelor in Civil Engineering (3 years)
Classroom and Meeting Time:	E 211
Teaching Assistant(s) and Office Hours:	NA
Code of Ethics:	Code of Ethics of EPOKA University Regulation of EPOKA University "On Student Discipline"
Attendance Requirement:	Yes
Course Description:	Introduction to structure and properties of civil engineering materials such as asphalt, cements, concrete, geological materials (e.g. soil and rocks), steel, polymers, and wood. The properties range from elastic, plastic and fracture properties to porosity and thermal and environmental responses. Laboratory tests include evaluation of behavior of these materials under a wide range of conditions. Production, types, uses in construction, properties and related tests for the following materials are covered: ferrous metal, bituminous materials, clay products, timber, building stones, mineral aggregates, lime, gypsum, hydraulic cements and concrete. Constituents, theories of mix design, principal steps in production, physical and mechanical properties of concrete.
Course Objectives:	The main objectives of the course are to develop a fundamental understanding of material properties, to provide the ability to select appropriate materials for specific applications, and to equip students with the knowledge of testing and analysis procedures. Students should also learn to analyze the behavior of materials under various conditions and understand how material choices impact design, durability, safety, and sustainability.

BASIC CONCEPTS OF THE COURSE

1	Material Properties -Understanding the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of materials is essential for their proper use.
2	Material Types and Classification - Knowing the different categories of materials, such as cement types, aggregate grades, or timber classifications, is crucial for selection.
3	Testing and Quality Control - Learning how to perform field and laboratory tests for materials like cement, aggregates, and bricks ensures their quality and suitability for a project.
4	Durability and Performance -Students must understand how material properties affect a structure's durability, resistance to environmental factors, and overall performance over its lifespan.
5	Sustainability - Concepts like resource conservation, use of recycled materials, and the environmental impact of material choices are increasingly important.

COURSE OUTLINE

Week	Topics
1	Fundamentals - Atoms, bonding, energy and equilibrium, Mechanical properties of solids, The structure of solids, Fracture and toughness, Liquids, viscoelasticity and gels, Surfaces, Electrical and thermal properties [pg.1-51]
2	Metals and alloys - Deformation and strengthening of metals, Forming of metals, Oxidation and corrosion, Iron and steel, Aluminium [pg.52-81]
3	Concrete [Part 1] - Portland cements, Admixtures, Additions, Other types of cement, Aggregates for concrete, Properties of fresh concrete, Early age properties of concrete, Deformation of concrete, Strength and failure of concrete [pg.82-148] + 1 hr selection of aggregates for concrete test
4	Concrete [Part 2] - Concrete mix design, Non-destructive testing of hardened concrete, Durability of concrete, Special concretes, Recycling of concrete [pg.149-205] + 1 hr mixing of concrete and pouring in the formwork
5	Bituminous materials - Components of bituminous materials, Viscosity, stiffness and deformation of bituminous materials, Strength and failure of bituminous materials, Durability of bituminous structures, Design and production of bituminous materials, Recycling of bituminous materials [pg.209-245]
6	Laboratory - Concrete strength test + 1 hr application of carbon fibers to cured concrete specimens
7	Midterm exam
8	Masonry: Brickwork, blockwork and stonework - Materials and components for masonry, Masonry construction and forms, Structural behavior and movement of masonry, Non-structural physical properties of masonry, Deterioration and conservation of masonry [pg.246-304] + 1 hr Laboratory to investigate masonry wall samples
9	Polymers - Polymers: types, properties and applications + Fibre Composites - Fibres for polymer composites, Analysis of the behaviour of polymer composites, Manufacturing techniques for polymer composites used in construction, Durability and design of polymer composites, Applications of FRP composites in civil engineering [pg.304-365]
10	Fibre-reinforced cements and concrete - Terminology for FRC, Component materials, Interface and bonding, Reinforcement layouts, Mechanical behaviour of FRC, Manufacturing of FRC, Applications, Durability and recycling [pg.365-403] + 1 hr testing of CFRP strengthened specimens
11	Timber - Structure of timber and the presence of moisture, Deformation in timber, Strength and failure in timber, Durability of timber, Processing and recycling of timber [pg.404-507]
12	Glass - Manufacture and processing, Properties and performance, Design and applications, Service and end of life [pg.507-528] + Project presentation Part I
13	Selection and sustainable use of construction materials-Mechanical properties of materials, Sustainability and construction materials [pg.528-535] + Project Presentation part II
14	Final Exam

Prerequisite(s):	NA
Textbook(s):	Materials for Civil and Construction Engineers, by Michael S. Mamlouk and John P. Zaniewski
Additional Literature:	NA
Laboratory Work:	Yes
Computer Usage:	Yes
Others:	No

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

1	• Material Properties: Explain the physical and mechanical properties of common construction materials and advanced materials used in construction.
2	• Material Manufacture: Describe the manufacturing processes of various construction materials.
3	• Quality Control: Understand and apply procedures for the quality control and verification of material properties.
4	• Testing Standards: Understand the importance of materials testing and its context within appropriate industry standards.
5	• Experimental Work: Conduct necessary experimental and laboratory tests for verification of material properties.
6	• Data Analysis: Evaluate, analyze, and interpret data obtained through standard laboratory testing procedures.
7	• Material Selection: Evaluate advantages and disadvantages of materials and suggest potential applications, enabling selection of suitable materials for given engineering requirements.
8	• Information Integration: Obtain and integrate information from literature, databases, and other sources to draw conclusions and justify opinions.
9	• Material Application: Identify typical and potential applications for various construction materials.
10	• Material Selection for Design: Develop the judgment to select suitable materials that fulfill the basic design requirements for structures.

COURSE CONTRIBUTION TO... PROGRAM COMPETENCIES (Blank : no contribution, 1: least contribution ... 5: highest contribution)

No	Program Competencies	Cont.
Bachelor in Civil Engineering (3 years) Program
1	an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering	2
2	an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs	-
3	an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams	3
4	an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems	4
5	an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility	-
6	an ability to communicate effectively	-
7	the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context	-
8	a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in life long learning	-
9	a knowledge of contemporary issues	5
10	an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice	-
11	skills in project management and recognition of international standards and methodologies	-

COURSE EVALUATION METHOD

Method	Quantity	Percentage
Midterm Exam(s)	1	15
Presentation	1	5
Project	1	10
Quiz	2	10
Laboratory	5	2
Final Exam	1	30
Attendance		10
	Total Percent:	100%

ECTS (ALLOCATED BASED ON STUDENT WORKLOAD)

Activities	Quantity	Duration(Hours)	Total Workload(Hours)
Course Duration (Including the exam week: 16x Total course hours)	16	5	80
Hours for off-the-classroom study (Pre-study, practice)	16	2	32
Mid-terms	1	18	18
Assignments	2	10	20
Final examination	1	25	25
Other			0
Total Work Load:			175
Total Work Load/25(h):			7
ECTS Credit of the Course:			7

CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE COURSE LECTURER

NA