Handbook

In Construction Materials, details of the major structural material adopted in commercial and residential projects will be covered. This includes examining the composition of concrete, with detailed analysis of the properties of its components, including cement, aggregates, and admixtures utilised. Students will learn how to design concrete mixes, in accordance with the Australian Standards. In addition, a discussion on alternative sustainable materials to adopt in the concrete mix will be presented. Other structural construction materials that will be examined in this course include steel, masonry and timber, with discussions presented on their physical and chemical properties, along with design and planning considerations that need to be accounted for. The final part of the course examines finishing material, including ceramics, claddings, curtain walls, painting and glass. The course will also introduce to the students the concept of life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) as a means of selecting and contrasting between applicable construction materials.