Performance of Construction Materials

Code

ABEE1029

School

Architecture and Built Environment

Level

1

Credits

10

Semesters

Full Year UK

Summary

This module explores the properties of key construction materials and provides an overview of how they are used to generate the structure to support a building and its imposed loads. The relationships between material selection and both passive and active environmental design are covered as are issues surrounding the coordination of active environmental systems and structure.

Target Students

BEng/ MEng Architectural Environment Engineering students; U6UAAEENG (Year 1); U6UAEENGY (Year 1); U7UAEENG (Year 1); U7UAEENGY (Year 1); U7UAEENGY1 (Year 1); (K240, K24B, K241, K24A, K24D).

Assessment

• 100% Coursework 1: Design Exercise - Calculations and narrative, word limit to be specified in the brief.

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

1). Awareness of key construction materials
 

2). Awareness of the circular economy and carbon implications linked to the use of materials in the built environment and a basic ability to make design decisions that respond accordingly

3). Understanding of the behaviour of simple structures

4). Ability to use rule of thumb and calculation to design simple structures

This module supports the following Engineering Council learning outcomes - supporting students to:
M1   Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering
M2   Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles, and using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed
M3   Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed
M4   Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems
M5   Design solutions for complex problems that evidence some originality and meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate. This will involve consideration of applicable health & safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards
M6   Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of complex problems
M13   Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations
M16   Function effectively as an individual, and as a member or leader of a team. Evaluate effectiveness of own and team performance 
M17   Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences, evaluating the effectiveness of the methods used.
 

Conveners

• Dr Robin Wilson