This is the first course in the construction series. It is an introduction to construction materials and methods of construction. The objective of the course is to develop in the student an early awareness of materials and structure.

Course Format

The course consists of two lectures per week in which building materials (wood, masonry, steel, concrete, and glass) are presented according to: history of the material, properties of the material (potential and limitation), microstructure, structural systematization, fabrication, and assembly methods. In addition, the students are required to attend a laboratory once a week where they participate in group study, material reviews, practice tests, and field trips to manufacturing plants and construction sites.

Course Requirements

Required Texts: Allen/Iano, Fundamentals of Building Construction Materials and Methods (available for purchase at the University Co-op Textbook Department)

Recommended: Ching/Adams, Building Construction Illustrated

Ford, Edward R., The Details of Modern Architecture.

Frampton, Kenneth, Studies in Tectonic Culture.

Schmidt, Olin, Lewis, Construction, Principles, Materials and Methods

Ramsey/Sleeper, Architectural Graphic Standards

Ching, Building Construction

Lectures

Students are expected to approach the required reading as research to be completed prior to each lecture. Lectures will not methodically reiterate the required reading and will cover a significant part, not all, of material required for a successful completion of the course. Quizzes may be given at anytime without notice. Make-up quizzes will not be given.

Homework

Homework assignments will be issued weekly. Homework will cover information and concepts introduced through lectures and the required reading. Late homework will be reviewed but not credited.

Lab

The Construction One lab serves as a place for discussion, lecture and homework review and material experimentation. Lab sessions will also review example problems similar in nature to the homework assignments. Guest lectures, film screenings, and field trips to construction plants and sites will also take place in Lab.

Examinations

Exams are to be taken in class, they will be closed-book with the exception of provided charts or tables, and will exact information from all lectures, labs, reading assignments or homework within a given period. Three examinations are scheduled during the fifteen week semester.

EXAM 1 TH, September 27

EXAM 2 T, October 30

EXAM 3 FINAL EXAM WEEK, DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED

Research Project

A two part semester research project constitutes a significant requirement for this course. Late project submissions will not be accepted. Due dates are as follows:

Research Project TH, September 6 (ASSIGNED)

T, November 27 (DUE)

T, November 27 (PINUP AND DISCUSSION)

TH, November 29 (PINUP AND DISCUSSION)

Group work policy

Group work will require equal participation from all members. Any individual not performing a commensurate share of the work may be eliminated from the group but is still responsible to satisfy the research requirements.

Attendance Policy

Attendance is mandatory in all lectures and labs. At the instructor's discretion, any student with more than 2 absences may be dropped from the class or the student's final grade will be adjusted a letter grade less for each additional absence.

Grading Policy

Final Grades are derived from three semester examinations, homework assignments and research project. Final grading is based on a 100 point scale:

A 90 - 100

B 80 - 89

C 70 - 79

D 60 - 69

F 59 or lower

The grades accumulated over the semester will be averaged towards the final grade as follows:

Exam 1 15%

Exam 2 20%

Exam 3 15%

Homework assignments 20%

Research Project Part 1 15%

Research Project Part 2 15%

INCOMPLETES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED.

University Policy Regarding Observance of Religious Holidays

A student who is absent from a class or examination for the observance of a religious holy day may complete the work missed within a reasonable time after the absence, if proper notice has been given. Notice must be given at least fourteen days prior to the classes scheduled on dates the student will be absent. For religious holy days that fall within the first two weeks of the semester, notice should be given on the first day of the semester. It must be personally delivered to the instructor and signed and dated by the instructor, or sent certified mail, return receipt requested. A student who fails to complete missed work within the time allowed will be subject to the normal academic penalties.

Students with disabilities

The University of Texas at Austin provides upon request appropriate academic accommodations for qualified students with disabilities. For more information, contact the Office of the Dean of Students at 471-6259, 471-4641.