Publication in the Diário da República: Despacho n.º 7571/2019 - 26/08/2019
5 ECTS; 1º Ano, Anual, 42,0 TP , Cód. 81864.
Lecturer
- Anabela Mendes Moreira (1)(2)
(1) Lead Professor
(2) Teaching Professor
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Objectives
This course module (CM) aims to provide students with fundamental knowledge of the main materials used in civil engineering, within the current context guided by the principles of sustainable development.
The CM also aims to support the development of knowledge and skills that will enable students to self-regulate their learning and to work collaboratively with the aid of digital tools.
Knowledge:
C1. Understand the different types of building materials in terms of their origin, composition, structure, and physical, chemical and mechanical properties, as well as their applications.
C2. Understand the manufacturing processes for the main construction materials and products.
C3. Understand the basic principles associated with the performance and behaviour of materials.
C4. Be familiar with the main technical standards, technical specifications, test methods and applicable regulations.
C5. Understand the principles of the circular economy as they apply to the construction sector.
Competencies:
Cp1. Select appropriate materials for different construction solutions, taking into account functional, structural, durability and circularity requirements.
Cp2. Assess the potential for reuse, recycling and recovery of materials and products.
Cp3. Interpret technical documentation relating to construction products.
Cp4. Apply criteria relating to the most recent European regulations on construction products.
Program
1. Introduction. 1.1 General overview. 1.2 Historical development of materials. 1.2 Classification criteria. 1.3 General characteristics and basic properties. 1.4 Selection criteria. 1.5 Technical reference bodies (national and international). 1.6 Sustainability in construction. 1.6.1 General concepts. 1.6.2 Life-cycle assessment and the importance of the circular economy. 1.6.3 Standards and regulations. 1.7 Main properties of materials.
2. Binders. 2.1 Aerial binders. 2.1.1 Gypsum. 2.1.2 Aerial lime. 2.2 Hydraulic binders. 2.2.1 Hydraulic lime. 2.2.2 Portland cement. 2.3 Origin and production. 2.4 Key chemical reactions and properties. 2.5 Performance and durability. 2.6 Low-carbon cements and supplementary cementitious materials. 2.7 Applications.
3. Metals and Metal Alloys. 3.1 Iron and structural steel. 3.2 Aluminium. 3.3 Zinc. 3.4 Copper. 3.5 Other metal alloys used in construction. 3.6 Main physical and mechanical properties. 3.7 Origin and production. 3.8 Applications. 3.9 Corrosion protection. 3.10 Recycling and the circular economy.
4. Polymeric materials. 4.1 Thermoplastics, thermosets and elastomers. 4.1.2 Origin and molecular structure. 4.1.3 Composition and main processing techniques. 4.1.4 Main physical, chemical and mechanical properties. 4.1.5 Applications. 4.2 Paints and varnishes. 4.2.1 Main constituents. 4.2.2 Manufacture and quality control. 4.2.3 Classification and function of paint. 4.2.4 Surface preparation. 4.2.5 Paint systems. 4.2.6 Application techniques. 4.3 Recycling and environmental challenges.
5. Composite materials. 5.1 General concepts. 5.2 Composition. 5.3 Concrete. 5.3.1 Constituents and general composition. 5.3.2 Manufacture, curing and properties. 5.4 Mortars. 5.4.1 Constituents and composition. 5.4.2 Manufacture and main properties. 5.5 Polymer matrix composites. 5.6 Applications. 5.7 Durability and sustainability.
6. Raw Earth. 6.1. Adobe. 6.2 Taipa. 6.3 BTC. 6.4 Composition and traditional construction techniques. 6.5 Equipment and tools. 6.6 Integration with the principles of sustainable development. 6.7 Contemporary applications.
7. Natural stones. 7.1 Geological formation. 7.2 Classification. 7.3 Characterisation. 7.4 Applications. 7.5 Alteration and conservation.
8. Timber, cork and derived products. 8.1 General information. 8.2 Timber. 8.2.1 Composition and properties. 8.2.2 Derivative products. 8.2.3 Structural timber. 8.3 Cork. 8.3.1 Main properties. 8.3.2 Cork products for construction. 8.3.3 Circular economy. 8.4 Applications. 8.5 Contributions to sustainable construction.
9. Ceramic Products. 9.1 Raw materials. 9.2 Manufacturing processes. 9.2.1 Bricks. 9.2.2 Roof tiles. 9.2.3 Wall tiles. 9.3 Applications. 9.4 Performance and durability.
10. Glass. 10.1 Raw materials. 10.2 Manufacture. 10.3 Types. 10.4 Applications. 10.5 Contribution to sustainable construction.
11. Innovative products. 11.1 Bio-based materials. 11.2 Self-healing materials. 11.3 Materials for 3D printing. 11.4 Phase-change materials. 11.5 Nanomaterials. 11.6 Main applications. 11.7 Contribution to sustainable construction.
12. Regulation, Standardisation and Testing. 12.1 Physical and mechanical testing. 12.2 Quality control. 12.3 CE marking. 12.4 Harmonised standards. 12.5 Applicable regulations and technical documentation.
Evaluation Methodology
Continuous assessment and examination (methodology applicable to all assessment periods):
Written test (Te) marked out of 20 and accounting for 50 per cent of the final mark.
Assignments (T) two assignments, each marked out of 20, accounting for 50 per cent of the final mark.
The final mark (CF) is calculated as CF = 0.50 × Te + 0.50 × T.
The minimum mark for Te is 8 marks (out of a possible 20). The minimum mark for the T component is 8 marks (out of a possible 20) for each assignment. Assignments must be handed in by the date set by the lecturer.
The student is exempt from the exam or passes if the CF score is 10 marks or higher (out of a possible 20).
Bibliography
- Kibert, C. (2019). Edificações sustentáveis - projeto, construção e operação. (Vol. I). SP: Bookman
- Mascarenhas, J. (2009). SISTEMAS DE CONSTRUÇÃO VOL.VII-MATERIAIS CERÂMICOS. (Vol. VII). Lisboa: Livros Horizonte
- Regulamento UE 2024/3110, R. (2024). RPC. Acedido em 1 de setembro de 2026 em https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/PT
- Vários autores, E. (2012). Ciência e Engenharia de Materiais de Construção. (Vol. I). Lisboa: Instituto Superior Técnico
Teaching Method
Practical classes covering the syllabus, case studies, exercises, analysis of technical documents and discussion of exemples on Circular Economy. Includes laboratory sessions and the preparation of written assignements.
Software used in class
Not applicable.
