Importance and scope of civil engineering materials

Civil engineering materials is the study of the origin, manufacture, properties, testing and uses of the materials that make up buildings, roads, bridges, dams and other structures.

Importance

• A structure is only as good as its materials. Knowing their properties lets the engineer choose safe materials.
• It helps achieve economy by choosing the cheapest material that satisfies the requirements and by reducing wastage.
• It supports quality control: engineers can supervise tests (brick, cement, aggregate, steel) and reject poor material on site.
• It improves durability because the causes of decay (efflorescence, corrosion, weathering) are understood.
• It prepares the engineer to use new and local materials and to follow codes and standards.
• It is the base for later subjects such as structural design, concrete technology and construction management.

Scope

• Study of natural materials: stone, timber, sand, clay.
• Manufactured materials: brick, tile, lime, cement, mortar, glass, paint, varnish.
• Metals and alloys: steel, cast iron, aluminium, copper.
• Bituminous and miscellaneous materials: bitumen, tar, asphalt, plastics, geosynthetics, insulating materials.
• Testing methods, standards and specifications.
• Selection, storage, handling and economics of materials.
• Modern developments: high performance concrete, composites, green and sustainable materials.