CVEN 3141 – Introduction to Structural Materials
Course Objective: To acquire the basic understanding of the production, properties and behavior of common structural materials. In addition, it is the goal of a student to develop solutions to problems by working individually and with others and present these solutions in a clear and professional manner.
This course will focus on materials used in the construction of structures. Emphasis will be placed on concrete, steel and wood. In addition, advanced materials may be covered, time permitted. At the end of this course, the student will have a clear understanding of the production, properties and behavior of concrete, steel and wood. In addition, students will be able to demonstrate effective communication skills through the writing of laboratory reports and in-class presentations.
Lab #1: Gradation, Moisture Content, Unit Weight of Coarse and Fine Aggregates
Lab #2: Specific Gravity and Absorption Capacity of Coarse and Fine Aggregates
Lab #3: Compressive Strength vs. Water-to-Cement Ratio
Lab #4: Fresh Concrete Properties Testing - Slump, Air Content, Unit Weight and Temperature
Lab #5: Mixture Proportioning and Trial Batching
Lab #6: Mixture Re-Proportioning and Rebatching
Lab #7: Special Topic
Lab #8: Testing of Metals – Heat Treatments
Lab #9: Testing of Wood – Behavior of Wood Parallel and Perpendicular to the Grain
Class Design Project: The High-Strength Green-Crete (HSGC) Contest (it will involve developing a concrete mixture and batching and testing the mixture). The HSGC Contest involves designing and mixing a concrete mixture that includes recycled materials (slag, fly ash and silica fume) and comparing it to a standard concrete mixture. In addition, each group will be competing against one another for the concrete mixture with the highest 28-day compressive strength. Included in the project will be a professional report and presentation to the class.
American Concrete Institute Grade I Field Certification Program: This program is conducted in cooperation with the Colorado Ready-Mixed Concrete Association, Colorado Department of Transportation, and ACI. In addition, this is the only ACI Grade I Field Certification program for students in the State of Colorado. There is a fee (established by ACI and CRMCA) associated with this program. This fee covers the costs associated with printing, administration, as well as shipping and handling of exam materials.
The purpose of this program is to certify individuals to conduct physical tests, in the field, on fresh concrete. These tests are conducted, in part, to insure compliance with job specifications. Being certified is significant in that many construction contracts require compliance testing to be conducted by certified technicians. In addition, certification is now required for anyone who works on a Colorado Department of Transportation job.
An added benefit of this certification is that students are more "marketable" for summer and long-term employment. On average, one to three students from each class obtain summer jobs, or advance in their job, as a direct result of being certified.