Module Title

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY

Module Code

4BU502

Pre-requisite
(where
appropriate)

None

Date of Approval
Module Level

Credit value

20

Total Number of
Learning Hours

200

Key Words
(10 words
maximum)
Module Delivery

Materials, properties, manufacture, environment,

sustainability, health, safety, construction technology

Mode (Please tick

as appropriate)

Online/Distance

Blended/Face to
face

Work-based
learning

Module
Description
(200 words max)

Practitioners within the construction industry must be able to

choose the most effective material for design and build
applications with due regard to the material properties, function,
method of manufacture and cost. This module introduces
students to fundamental materials concepts that will enable
them to understand and choose materials for practical
applications within the construction industry. Use will be made
of materials selection software and the module will have a
practical applications-based slant. The environmental aspects
of materials are also considered including sustainability, and the
health and safety aspects related to the handling and use of
construction materials.

Module Learning
Outcomes

On successful completion of the module, you will be able

to:
1. Understand the basis of and select materials for design
applications within the construction sector;

2. Articulate key concepts in materials technology and

materials selection for construction applications.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of the health and safety
legislation affecting the handling and use of construction
materials.
Module Content

Introduction
Classification of materials, Role of materials in design,
properties of materials and major performance considerations

Specification of materials
Performance and descriptive specifications, standard
specifications: British Standards, European Codes and
Standards, ISO standards.
Ceramic Materials
Brick and Brickwork, Blocks, Stone and Cast Stone, Lime
Cement Mortar and Concrete, Glass.
Natural Products
Timber and Timber Products.
Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals
Steel, aluminium, copper, lead, zinc, tin, titanium.
Plastics
Manufacture composition and properties, types: thermoplastics
and thermosets; degradation, sealants and
waterproofing/damp-proofing materials
Surface Finishing
Paints and coatings. Material and properties, paint selection,
special purpose paints, surface preparation.
Sustainable Materials
Environmental impact of construction, life cycle of building
materials, product life-cycle assessment method
Health and Safety
Health and safety legislation affecting the handling and use of
construction materials, COSHH and risk assessment.
Module Learning
and Teaching
Methods

Learning & Teaching Methods

You will undertake practical work to develop understanding of
the subject area and apply these principles to practical
applications and case study work, either within the University or
applied within the work situation. Technical reports, current
research data and journal articles will be used, together with
visual aids and site visits to promote student interest and
awareness of the relevance of the module content to the
appropriate selection of materials for particular situations.
Reference will be made to ISO, European, and British
Standards and trade literature for specifying materials.
Activity Type
Lectures

Percentage Hours
12%
24

Category
1

Tutorial/seminar

12%

24

Site Visits

2%

Module
Assessment
Method

Laboratory and
practical exercises in
laboratories to be
supervised by
technical staff

10%

20

Guided
Independent study
Total

64%

128

100%

200

Assessment Weighting: 100%CW,

50%EX

Formative Assessment (0%)

Student led group seminar with individual project work outlining
preparations made for coursework 1.
Summative Assessment
CW1: (50%)
Learning Outcome 1. Group work activity and
poster board display based on practical case
studies, laboratory work findings, materials
selection, specification writing and design and
build standards.
(approx 1500 words)
EX1: (50%)

Reading List

Learning Outcomes 2 and 3.

2 hour written examination.

Dean, Y. (1997) Mitchells Building

Technology. Pearson Education.

Series,

Materials

Hughes, P. and Ferrett, E., (2006). Introduction to Health and

Safety in Construction. 2nd Edition. Butterworth-Heinemann.
ISBN-10: 075068111X
Illston, J. M. & Domone, P.L.J. (2006) Construction Materials,
Their Nature and Behaviour. 3rd edition, Spon Press.
Taylor, G. D., (2000). Materials in Construction: an introduction.
3rd edition, Harlow: Longman.
Whitlow, R. (1993) Materials & Structures. 3rd edition, Longman,
Scientific & Technical.