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3 views

Course Topics

Course Topics

Uploaded by

a.moodie
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Applying the Principles of Physics and Chemistry to Construction

(CSPC1213)

This course is designed to introduce learners to the principles of physics and chemistry and their

individual as well as combined application to construction. Learners will be exposed to the

fundamentals and importance of chemical processes from which basic raw materials such as

cement, mortar, steel, glass, paints, varnishes that are used in the construction of structures etc.,

are manufactured. They will also learn about the application of physics in determining how a

building interacts with its environment in terms of energy, heat, sound, air movement and

moisture. The learners will also cover contents relating to Newton’s laws, static, dynamics,

atomic structures, and properties of building materials applicable to the construction industry.

COURSE OUTCOMES:
Upon successful completion of this course, learners will be able to:

1. explain the physical and chemical properties of building materials.

2. differentiate between angular and linear velocity.

3. calculate force, speed, velocity, efficiency, momentum, work power, energy, and friction.

4. differentiate between hydrostatic and hydrodynamic.

5. calculate relating to hydrodynamic situations (floatation, Archimedean Principle, etc.)

6. determine how building materials behave when used in construction.

7. demonstrate an understanding of types of forces on structural members.

8. understand the importance of Center of Gravity to structures.

9. apply the principles of physics and chemistry to predict the performance of structures in

construction.
Unit I – Applying the principles of Physics - Statics and Dynamics (8 hours)

Content:

1) Discuss static, moments, forces, torque, mass and weight, scalars and vectors
equilibrium, dynamics, kinematics.
2) Apply the laws of motion, velocity, acceleration.
3) Linear motion vs. rotational/angular motion.
4) Principles of statis and dynamics.
5) Discuss and calculate energy, work, and power.
6) Explain the work-energy theorem.
7) Types of energy [mechanical (potential, kinetic), chemical, thermal, nuclear, radiant,
electric, etc.]
8) Calculate potential and kinetic energy.
9) Calculate friction, speed, and velocity.
10) Mechanisms (simple machines) and their application to construction.
11) Calculating mechanical advantage, velocity ratio and efficiency.

Unit II – Applying the principles of physics to forces and moments for structures (12 hours)
Content:

1) Fundamental lengths
a. Lengths – m, mm, etc.
b. Temperature – kelvin, etc.
c. Time – minutes, seconds, etc.
d. Mass – kilogram
e. Force – N, kN
2) Definition of forces
3) Types of forces and their impact on structures
a. Compressive
b. Tensile
c. Weight
d. Shear force
4) Concurrent and non-concurrent forces
5) Polygon of forces
6) Lami’s Theorem
7) Resolution of forces
8) Moments of force
9) Principles of moments
10) Conditions necessary for systems in equilibrium
11) Center of gravity and its application to construction
12) Loads
a. Concentrated
b. Distributed

Unit III – Applying the principles of Physics – Hydrostatics and Hydrodynamics (9 hours)
Content:
1) State of matter
2) Hydrological cycle
3) Main properties of water
4) Fluids (Statics vs. Dynamics)
5) Properties of fluids (density, viscosity, temperature, pressure, specific volume, specific
weight, specific gravity).
6) Principles of hydrostatics and its application to construction
7) Hydrostatic equilibrium
8) Principles of hydrodynamics and its application to construction
9) Force and Pressure (Applying Pascal’s Principle)
10) Calculating fluid pressure in hydraulic jacks
11) Determining the wetted perimeter of open channels
12) Determining the hydraulic radius of open channels
Unit IV – Apply the principles of chemistry – structure and state of matter (6 hours)
Content:
1) Overview of Atomic Structure
2) Atomic Particles (protons, electrons, neutrons)
3) Atomic Mass
4) Volume of atoms
5) Composition of molecules, elements, compounds, alloys
6) Kinetic theory of matter
7) Nature of matter for solids, liquids, and gases
8) Bonding (ionic bonds, covalent bonds, metallic bonds)

Unit V – Applying the principles of Chemistry - Building Materials (10 hours)


Content:
1) Properties of matter and its applications to construction
2) Changes in matter (physical, chemical) and its applications to construction
3) Compounds (ionic compounds, covalent compounds)
4) Mixtures (homogeneous and heterogeneous)
5) Periodic table of elements
6) Application of elements to building materials and construction
7) Drawing atomic structure
8) Different compound materials used in building systems (concrete, timber, aluminum,
plastics, glass, mild steel, etc.)
9) Chemical formulae of typical compounds used in buildings (Portland Cement, Gypsum
plasters, etc.)
10) Balancing chemical equations and their application to material used in construction.

Applying the Principles of Physics and Chemistry to Construction

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