Content of Learning Activity

* Introduction: role and responsibility of the architect as a specifier, criteria for choosing a material* Chemistry refresher - Physics refresher - Concepts of geology & mineralogy* Energy, resources and climate: renewable energy, energy mix, grey energy, carbon footprint and material footprint, carbon neutrality, fundamentals of LCA, circularity, GHG,* Definition of physical quantities useful for characterising construction materials: density, compactness, porosity, degree of saturation, void ratio, water content, permeability, absorption + specific application of these concepts to granular media* Stones and aggregates: classification and extraction of rocks. Types of aggregates, production, differentiation criteria and classification: sieving and particle size distribution curve, aggregate classes, sizes, MF, CU. Recycled aggregates: origin, classification and uses.* Soils, biosphere and terrestrial ecosystem. Ecosystem services provided by soils. Physico-mechanical characterisation of soils: soil profile, texture, bulk density and weight, cohesion, Atterberg limits, subsidence, erosion, hydraulic resistance, liquefaction.* Hydraulic and air-setting binders: production of clinker, lime and plaster. Characterisation, standardisation, uses and compositions. Types of cement: additives, characterisation, classes, properties. Cement hydration reactions. Cement setting and hardening. Vicat test. Hydration of quicklime, lime paste, lime milk and lime water. Carbonation of lime and the lime cycle. Natural hydraulic lime. Hydraulicity of lime. Standardised designation of quicklime and hydrated lime. Properties and uses of lime. Synthesis of gypsum. Cycle, setting and hardening of plaster. Properties and uses of plaster.* Properties and uses of concrete: characterisation and standardisation of hardened concrete, compositions, characterisation and standardisation. Characterisation and testing of fresh concrete, E/C, vibration, consistency, slump, water requirement. Durability and physical and chemical attacks on concrete: carbonation and corrosion, alkali-silica, sulphates, freezing. Environment classes and exposure classes. Chloride classes. Types of concrete. Formwork. Exposed concrete floors. Special features and tests on BAP: slump flow test, V-funnel, L-box, sieve stability. Coloured, textured and formwork concrete.* Ceramics in architecture: clay, clay preparation and firing, surface conditions and ceramic finishes. Main properties of terracotta bricks and blocks. Lime exudation. Efflorescence.* Raw earth & building earth: the role of clay. Cob, rammed earth, poured earth and clay cement concrete. BTC. Cob. Lightweight earth. Physical and mechanical properties of raw earth products.* Lightweight concrete: definition and classification. Expanded clay LAC: manufacturing process, porous and closed-cell concrete. Implementation and uses.* Grass fibres in architecture. Specific characteristics of bio-based materials in construction (biogenic CO2 and LCA, fire behaviour). Wheat straw: definition and essential characteristics. Straw construction techniques: filling, GREB, load-bearing straw. Use of thatch for roofing: definition, supply and essential characteristics. Use of hemp in construction: definition, supply, hemp concrete (formulation and implementation), hemp concrete blocks and insulation. Grass-based insulation: definition, supply and properties.* Wood: anatomy, sawing, physical and mechanical properties. Biodegradability. Wood defects. Classification method. Classifications: structure, use and durability. Wood preservation products and treatments (CCA, ACQ, CA, creosotes, oleothermic and heat treatments, acetylation, furfurylation). Wood products: BLC, CLT, MHM, nailed and dowelled panels, wood-based panels: production and uses (LVL, OSB, particleboard, MDF, etc.).* Metals: iron and steel production, HF and electric processes (balance sheets), steelworks, flat and long products, copper, brass, bronze, gold alloy, stainless steel, aluminium.

Required Learning Resources/Tools

Power Point.
Wooclap et Wooflash

Recommended Learning Resources/Tools

Not applicable

Other Recommended Reading

Not applicable

Mode of delivery

• Face-to-face

Type of Teaching Activity/Activities

• Cours magistraux
• Conférences
• Travaux pratiques

Evaluations

The assessment methods of the Learning Activity (AA) are specified in the course description of the corresponding Educational Component (UE)