ENGM006 | 2025/6 | University of Exeter

MODULE TITLE	Civil Engineering Materials	CREDIT VALUE	15
MODULE CODE	ENGM006	MODULE CONVENER	Dr Alessandro Tombari (Coordinator)

DURATION: TERM	1	2	3
DURATION: WEEKS	11

Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated)	30

DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

The challenges posed by infrastructure decay, resource limitations, and climate change demand a transformative approach to construction. This module encourages a critical reassessment of energy-intensive and environmentally taxing construction materials while emphasizing the reuse of existing structures. You will expand your understanding of structural engineering through the study of composite structural design and explore cutting-edge advancements in materials engineering, including auxetic materials and emerging construction technologies.

AIMS - intentions of the module

This module aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to address modern challenges in construction, including infrastructure decay, resource scarcity, and climate change. By critically evaluating the sustainability of traditional construction materials and exploring the potential of composite structures, students will develop innovative approaches to structural engineering. Additionally, the module introduces advancements in materials engineering, such as auxetic materials and emerging technologies, fostering a forward-thinking perspective on the future of construction.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

This is a constituent module of one or more degree programmes which are accredited by a professional engineering institution under licence from the Engineering Council. The following Engineering Council AHEP4 Learning Outcomes are taught and assessed on this module:

On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

1. Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of designs to structural engineering problems (to include the entire life-cycle of a product or process) and minimise adverse impacts (M7);

2. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of engineering properties and manufacturing process for a range of construction materials;

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

3. Perform code-based design of structures using composite materials;

4. Select and apply appropriate materials, equipment, engineering technologies and processes, recognising their limitations (M13);

Personal and Key Transferable/Employment Skills and Knowledge:

5. Use practical laboratory and workshop skills to investigate complex problems (M12);

6. Communicate clearly and effectively, producing code-based designs that can be readily reviewed by a checking engineer.

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

Review of mechanics properties – stress, strain, stiffness, elastic, plastic and visco-elastic behaviour, Young’s modulus, strength (yield, ultimate, proof), strain capacity:
Basis of design for Composite structures
Sustainability: CO2 emissions of construction materials – embodied carbon based on production processes.
Advancement in material technology

LEARNING AND TEACHING

LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities	42	Guided Independent Study	108	Placement / Study Abroad

DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled learning and Teaching Activities	32	Lectures
Scheduled learning and Teaching Activities	10	Tutorial
Guided Independent study	108	Private study

ASSESSMENT

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade

Form of Assessment	Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length)	ILOs Assessed	Feedback Method
N/A

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)

Coursework	100	Written Exams	0	Practical Exams	0

DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

Form of Assessment	% of Credit	Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length)	ILOs Assessed	Feedback Method
Coursework 1	40	2500 words	3, 4, 6 (M7, 12, 13)	Written
Coursework 2	60	4000 words	1, 2, 4, 6 (M7, 13)	Written

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)

Original Form of Assessment	Form of Re-assessment	ILOs Re-assessed	Time Scale for Re-assessment
Coursework 1	Coursework 1 (2500 words, 40%)	3,4, 6 (M7, 12, 13)	Referral/deferral period
Coursework 2	Coursework 2 (4000 words, 60%)	1, 2, 4, 6 (M7, 13)	Referral/deferral period

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Deferral – if you have been deferred for any assessment you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 50%) you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 50%.

RESOURCES

INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

British Standards Institution BSI (2014) Eurocode 4 – Design of Composite Structures-structures – Part 1-1: general – common rules and rules for buildings. BSI, London, UK.
British Standards Institution BSI (2021) Eurocode 2 – Design of Reinforced Concrete structures –US Department of Agriculture (2021) Wood Handbook. Wood as an Engineering Material. General Technical Report FPL-GTR-282 Washington D.C.

Reading list for this module:

There are currently no reading list entries found for this module.

CREDIT VALUE	15	ECTS VALUE

PRE-REQUISITE MODULES	None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES	None

NQF LEVEL (FHEQ)	7	AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING	No
ORIGIN DATE	Friday 22nd March 2024	LAST REVISION DATE	Tuesday 25th March 2025

KEY WORDS SEARCH	civil engineering materials, materials, civil

Civil Engineering Materials - 2025 entry