An understanding of the properties, limitations, and selection of materials used in civil engineering construction is fundamental for a practicing civil engineer. Hence, this paper covers in more detail the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of common civil materials such as concrete, timber, aluminium, and composites. The paper also introduces the students to construction process methodologies, planning, documentation, health and safety, and environment. Additional topics such as cost estimation and risk management will also be taught.

The learning outcomes for this paper are linked to Washington Accord graduate attributes WA1-WA11. Explanation of the graduate attributes can be found at: https://www.ieagreements.org/

Covid-19: Due to uncertainty around Covid situation, the face to face activities are subject to change depending on Covid-19 restrictions. Please check the announcement and your email for any updates.

This paper is taught through lectures and practical laboratory sessions. In addition, a site visit will be scheduled in the second half of the trimester (time TBC). Students are required to provide their own steel-capped boots (safety shoes).

Practical labs: The observational engineering lab will run during the first half of Trimester A. Practical sessions to be held on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (between 11am-1pm) from the 2nd half of Trimester A depending on your group.

IMPORTANT NOTE for students - Laboratory Handbook

An electronic copy of the laboratory handbook required for this paper will be provided via Moodle page.

Laboratory worksheets and reports are a very important part of this paper and attendance at laboratory sessions is required to complete the lab assessments.

Important Note for International Students: For international students in New Zealand under student visas, regular attendance is part of your visa obligation and is checked as a requirement on the University under the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students, to which the University is a signatory. Academic staff are formally required to monitor attendance in classes and submission of compulsory assessment events/items and to report to Waikato International in the event that any problem with irregular attendance or non-submission is not resolved.

This paper facilitates the development of technical writing, an important competency expected of a scientist and engineer. In order to pass this paper, students are expected to demonstrate their ability to produce written work of an adequate standard. Learning outcomes will be assessed by means of a combination of tests, laboratory worksheets, laboratory report, site visit report, quizzes and a final exam.

Samples of your work may be required as part of the Engineering New Zealand accreditation process for BE(Hons) degrees. Any samples taken will have the student name and ID redacted. If you do not want samples of your work collected then please email the engineering administrator, Natalie Shaw (natalie.shaw@waikato.ac.nz), to opt out.

The expected workload for this paper would be expected to average at approximately 36 hours for lectures, 2 hours for tests, 8 hours for laboratory work, 44 hours for completing laboratory and site visit reports, and 61 hours for quizzes, reading and revision.