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)	M.Sc. Entela Kapllani ekapllani@epoka.edu.al
Main Course Lecturer (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours:	M.Sc. Entela Kapllani ekapllani@epoka.edu.al , By appointment
Second Course Lecturer(s) (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours:	M.Sc. Bredli Plaku bplaku@epoka.edu.al
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:	Tuesday: 13:40-16:30, EL (CE Lab) / Thursday: 10:40-12:30, D-302
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:	75%
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 objective of this course is to provide information and develop a basic understanding of key civil engineering materials such as clay products, gypsum, lime, cements, concrete, natural rocks, steel, polymers, wood, asphalt etc. On the other had students become familiar with different testing methods that are used to evaluate the performance of these materials.

BASIC CONCEPTS OF THE COURSE

1	Economic Factors
2	Mechanical Properties
3	Nonmechanical Properties
4	Production/construction considerations
5	Aesthetic Properties
6	Environmental Quality
7	Material Composition and Structure
8	Durability and Lifecycle Performance
9	Safety and Building Regulations
10	Sustainability and Resource Efficiency

COURSE OUTLINE

Week	Topics
1	Introduction to Construction Materials
2	Gypsum
3	Lime
4	Building Stones
5	Structural Clay Products
6	Concrete Aggregates
7	Concrete
8	Concrete Mix Design
9	Midterm
10	Portland Cement
11	Pozzolans
12	Wood and Wood Products
13	Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals
14	Final Review

Prerequisite(s):	• Introduction to Civil Engineering • General Chemistry • Geology for Civil Engineers • Materials Science
Textbook(s):	Mamlouk, M., & Zaniewski, J. (2018). Materials for civil and construction engineers (4th ed.). Pearson. ISBN: 978-1-292-15440-4
Additional Literature:	Allen, E., & Iano, J. (2019). Fundamentals of building construction: Materials and methods (7th ed.). Wiley. ISBN: 978-1119446194
Laboratory Work:	Civil Engineering Laboratory
Computer Usage:	Microsoft Excel
Others:	No

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

1	To learn internal structure of different binding systems
2	To learn the techniques and methods used during analysis
3	To ensure that our graduates are knowledgeable about all classes of materials and their structure, properties, processing, applications and performance
4	To develop studies, projects related to the improvement of concrete microstructure
5	To gain skills in project management and recognition of international standards and methodologies
6	To understand how material structure affects properties for various construction materials
7	To become skilled in carrying out and understanding standard laboratory tests on construction materials
8	To assess the environmental impact and sustainability of different construction materials
9	To learn how to choose materials based on performance needs, cost and durability for specific civil engineering projects
10	To learn about new materials and technologies in the construction industry, including their benefits and drawbacks

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
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	30
Laboratory	5	5
Final Exam	1	40
Attendance		5
	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	17	17
Assignments	5	4	20
Final examination	1	26	26
Other			0
Total Work Load:			175
Total Work Load/25(h):			7
ECTS Credit of the Course:			7

CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE COURSE LECTURER

We extend our best wishes to all of you for a successful and productive experience in this course. We look forward to seeing your growth and achievements as we embark on this academic journey together.