Learning objectives
Knowledge and understanding:
At the end of the course the student will integrate his knowledge of base chemistry with the typical application of civil engineering, will have a complete overview of building materials in relation to their chemical composition, their structure and characteristics of use. He will have a basic understanding of the performance of materials and of the mix design.
Applying knowledge and understanding:
At the end of the course of study the student will develop the ability to choose the best material for the desired applications. He will be able to predict physical and chemical processing to be implemented on materials in order to modify the structure to improve its properties. He will also be able to put in place the appropriate measures to prolong the life of the material. The student will also be able to predict the controls to be carried out to verify that the materials used meet the desired characteristics.
Making judgments:
On passing the exam, the student should have developed the ability to critically evaluate the analytical data of the mechanical behavior of a material to predict the behavior in work, as well as the ability to interpret the data of the controls for acceptance of a material to be used.
Communication skills:
On passing the exam, the student should have acquired sufficient command of the language, at least as regards the technical terminology and specific chemical teaching.
Learning skills:
The final seminar activities are designed to introduce students to the latest developments in terms of research in the field of materials science applied to civil engineering: the student should have acquired the knowledge and basic skills of discipline to deal with, in the future, an independent deepening of these aspects.
Prerequisites
General and Inorganic Chemistry, fundamentals of Organic Chemistry are required. CHEMISTRY course is propedeutical.
Course unit content
Introduction to Materials Science.
Structure of the matter.
State diagrams.
Solid state transformations.
Main properties of materials.
Materials types: metals, polymers, composites, binder materials, cement conglomerates, glasses, ceramics, wood bitumen and asphalt.
Full programme
INTRODUCTION to Material Science.
MATERIAL STRUCTURE.
Crystal structures. Crystal defects: defects and solid solutions. The characteristic of the amorphous state and its formation. Materials microstructure.
PHASE DIAGRAMS.
Two component phase diagrams. Phase diagrams with complete solubility at the solid state, with partial solubility at the solid state (eutectic, peritectic). Compounds with congruent and incongruent melting. The Fe-C diagram.
SOLID STATE TRANSFORMATIONS
Atomic diffusion in solids.
PROPERTIES OF MATERIAL.
Mechanical properties. Thermal properties. Chemical properties of materials and corrosion of metals.
METALS
Iron alloys: steel (carbon, stainless), cast iron. Copper alloys. Aluminum alloys.
INTRODUCTION TO NON-METALLIC MATERIALS.
Polymer and composites.
Burnt and hydrated lime; plaster of paris. Hydraulic lime. Portland cement. Manufacture and hydration processes. Types of Portland cement.
Fine and coarse aggregates. Cement mortar and concrete. Admixture for concrete. Mix-design of concrete. Concrete degradation.
Ceramic materials for buildings (bricks, gres, porcelain).
Glasses.
Wood.
Bituminous conglomerates
Numerical exercises will be carried out covering the different topics studied.
Bibliography
Recommended books:
W. D. Callister, D. G. Rethwisch, “Materiali per l’Ingegneria Civile ed Industriale”, Ed. EDISES.
Daniel Milanese,
Progetto CREATE – SCIENZA E TECNOLOGIA DEI MATERIALI - Corso di Laurea in INGEGNERIA CIVILE E AMBIENTALE, McGraw-Hill.
Found at:
Libreria Medico Scientifica
Via M.D'azeglio 57 PARMA
Tel. 0521 - 234593 -
Libreria Universitas
Vicolo Grossardi 3 PARMA
Tel. 0521 - 201113 -
Libreria Santa Croce
Via Gramsci 2 - PARMA
Tel. 0521 - 290215
Teaching methods
The course is divided into a series of oral lessons using front projection transparencies.
Assessment methods and criteria
The final exam will be a written test in order to verify the ability of students to apply what they studied in numerical problems.
Written examination (up to one hour and a half) consists in 14 questions with closed responses (1.5 points per question) and three numerical exercises (3 points each). Students who gained at least 18/30 in the written examination are admitted to the mandatory oral examination which consists in answering to two questions. The final grade is a weighted average of the two oral and written exams.
Other information
It's strongly advised to attend the course.
