IAD 233E - Building Materials

Course Objectives

1. Acquisition of the ability to qualify in the design and application phases of architectural projects: the functions, types, properties, conditions of production and application, and the performance of materials as objective inputs of design.
2. Understanding the principles and standards related to the production, use, and application of building materials and components.
3. Comprehension of the influence of material selection on design.
4. Acquisition of the ability to select the most proper material alternatives that will reply to all environmental and human factors acting on the design.

Course Description

n the context of the importance of building-material-design relationship in architecture, the content of the course is covered with three basic approaches: (i) introduction of mechanical, physical and technological properties necessary for the identification of a building material; (ii) introduction of building materials in each group by emphasizing the main differences between the materials classified on the basis of material science (Ceramics: stone, binders, concrete, glass, fired-clay; Polymers: wood and plastics; Metals: ferrous and non-ferrous); (iii) introduction of the functional materials (fire, acoustical, thermal insulation and water proofing) used in the building element depending on the basic performance criteria required.