Publication in the Diário da República: Despacho nº 10366/2022 - 24/08/2022 (Parceria ESTT/ESAI) + Despacho n.º 3227/2025, de 12/03/2025
4 ECTS; 1º Ano, Anual, 42,0 TP , Cód. 908944.
Lecturer
- Anabela Mendes Moreira (1)(2)
(1) Lead Professor
(2) Teaching Professor
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Objectives
This course module (UC) 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 UC also aims to support the development of knowledge and skills that enable students to self-regulate their learning and to work collaboratively with the aid of digital tools.
Knowledge:
C1. To be familiar with the different types of construction materials, taking into account their origin, composition, structure, and physical, chemical and mechanical properties, as well as their applications.
C2. To understand the manufacturing processes of the main construction materials and products.
C3. To be familiar with the basic principles associated with the performance and behaviour of materials.
C4. Be familiar with the main applicable technical standards, technical specifications, test methods and regulations.
C5. Understand the principles of the circular economy as they apply to the construction sector.
Skills:
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 and selection criteria. 1.3 General characteristics and basic properties. 1.4 Selection criteria. 1.5 Main technical bodies. 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.
2. Binders. 2.1 Air-setting binders. 2.1.1 Gypsum. 2.1.2 Air lime. 2.2 Hydraulic binders. 2.2.1 Hydraulic lime. 2.2.2 Portland cement. 2.3 Origin and production. 2.4 Main 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 Corrosion protection. 3.9 Recycling and circularity.
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 compositions. 5.3.2 Manufacture, curing and properties of concrete. 5.3.3 Applications. 5.4 Mortars. 5.4.1 Constituents and composition. 5.4.2 Manufacture and main properties. 5.4.3 Applications. 5.5 Polymer-matrix composites. 5.5.1 Composition. 5.5.2 Main applications. 5.6 Durability and sustainability.
6. Earthen Construction. 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 in buildings and public works. 7.5 Alteration and conservation.
8. Wood, Cork and Derived Products 8.1 General. 8.2 Wood. 8.2.1 Structure and properties. 8.2.2 Derived products. 8.2.3 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 Cladding. 9.3 Applications. 9.4 Performance and durability.
10. Glass. 10.1 Raw materials. 10.2 Manufacture. 10.3 Types. 10.4 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:
Written test (Te) marked out of 20 and weighted at 0.60 in the final mark.
Assignment (T) marked out of 20 and weighted at 0.40 in the final mark.
The final mark (CF) is calculated as CF = 0.60 × Te + 0.40 × T.
Students are exempt from the examination or pass if their final mark (CF) is 9.5 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, case studies, exercises, analysis of technical documents and discussion of examples relating to the circular economy in the construction sector. Includes laboratory sessions and the preparation of written assignments.
Software used in class
Not applicable.
