Structural materials

This unit introduces you to fundamental concepts in the common structural materials including concrete, steel, timber, and masonry. The major topics include concrete technology and the durability of concrete structures, sustainability considerations in concrete technology, the handling and placement of concrete components, the mechanical properties of different steels and steel connectors (bolts and welds), the behaviour of steel materials under fire, and the mechanical properties of timber and masonry materials. Additionally, you will gain knowledge about various structural loads and load combinations, and estimation of material quality based on statistical theory. Finally, you will learn about some significant case studies of structural failures which will reinforce the importance of material behaviours on structural safety.