BUILDING MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION METHODS (1BCV304)

BUILDING MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION METHODS

Course Code 1BCV304 
Scheme 2025
Type of Course Professional Core Course (PCC) 
Semester III
Teaching Hours/Week (L:T:P) 42 (3:0:0) 
CIE Marks 50
Total Hours of Pedagogy per Semester CI(L /T): LI(P):TW&SL 90(42:0:0:48)
SEE Marks 50
Credits 3 
Total Marks 100
Examination type (SEE) Theory 
Exam Hours 03

Module-1

Introduction to building materials and their properties:

• Introduction to building materials; classification as natural, manufactured, conventional, and modern materials.

• Physical, mechanical, thermal, chemical, and durability properties of building materials.

• Requirements of a good building material: strength, durability, workability, fire resistance, weather resistance, availability, and economy.

• Overview of material selection criteria for civil engineering applications.

• Basic concepts of sustainability in construction materials and embodied energy.

Linked COs: CO1, CO2 Number of Hours: 8

Module-2

Stones, bricks, blocks, cement, lime, mortar and Concrete:

• Stones: types, properties, quarrying, dressing, uses, and defects.

• Bricks: manufacturing process, classification, tests, properties, and uses.

• Concrete blocks, hollow blocks, fly ash bricks, and compressed stabilized earth blocks.

• Cement: ingredients, manufacturing process, types, properties, storage, and tests.

• Lime: types, properties, and uses.

• Mortar: ingredients, proportions, types, properties, and applications.

Linked COs: CO1, CO2, CO5 Number of Hours: 9

Module-3

Timber, metals, glass, paints, and protective materials:

• Timber: classification, defects, seasoning, preservation, plywood, veneers, particle boards, and fibre boards.

• Metals used in building construction: steel, aluminium, and their common applications.

• Glass: types, properties, and uses in buildings.

• Paints, varnishes, distempers, and polishes: types, ingredients, application, and defects.

• Corrosion protection, waterproofing materials, and damp-proofing materials.

Linked COs: CO1, CO2, CO6 Number of Hours: 9

Module-4

Building components and construction practices:

• Foundations: types, functions, and general construction principles.

• Masonry construction: stone masonry and brick masonry, types, bond patterns, and defects.

• Walls and partitions: load-bearing walls, partition walls, cavity walls, and retaining walls.

• Floors and roofs: ground floors, upper floors, flat roofs, sloping roofs, and basic roof coverings.

• Doors, windows, lintels, sunshades, staircases, parapets, and coping.

• Basic construction details for slabs, beams, and column interfaces in buildings.

Linked COs: CO3, CO4, CO5 Number of Hours: 8

Module-5

Construction methods, finishing, quality control, and sustainability:

• Plastering, pointing, cladding, flooring, and finishing works.

• Scaffolding, centering, shoring, and formwork: purpose and general types.

• Construction tools and equipment used in building works.

• Quality control in construction: workmanship, inspection, defects, and remedial measures.

• Basic construction safety practices and housekeeping at site.

• Green building concepts, sustainable construction practices, reuse, recycling, and life-cycle thinking.

Linked COs: CO4, CO5, CO6 Number of Hours: 8

Suggested Learning Resources

Text books:

1. S. C. Rangwala, Engineering Materials. Charotar Publishing House. Latest edition.

2. P. C. Varghese, Building Materials. Prentice Hall India / PHI Learning. Latest edition.

3. B. C. Punmia, Building Construction. Laxmi Publications. Latest edition.

Reference books / Manuals:

1. Gurucharan Singh, Building Construction. Standard Publishers.

2. R. S. Khurmi and J. K. Gupta, Building Construction. S. Chand.

3. National Building Code of India, latest edition, relevant parts.