Properties of Materials

Course Description

ETC 1250 – Properties of Materials is an introductory course in the Engineering Technologies: Civil Engineering Technology taxonomy of Florida's Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS). The course covers the classification, physical properties, application, and use of materials commonly encountered in the construction industry. Students examine how material composition, structure, and manufacturing processes influence performance and suitability for specific construction applications. Materials studied include stone, masonry units, concrete, wood, metals, and other general building products.

This course is designed for students pursuing an Associate of Science degree or certificate in Civil Engineering Technology, Building Construction Technology, or a related field.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Classify and identify construction materials by type, composition, and intended use.
• Describe the physical and mechanical properties of common construction materials, including strength, hardness, elasticity, and durability.
• Explain the production and manufacturing processes for primary construction materials such as concrete, masonry, steel, and wood products.
• Interpret material specifications, data sheets, and industry standards relevant to construction applications.
• Select appropriate materials for common construction scenarios based on property requirements and environmental conditions.
• Identify factors that contribute to material deterioration, failure, and weathering in the construction environment.

Optional Outcomes

Depending on institutional emphasis, students may also be expected to:

• Perform basic material tests (e.g., slump test, compressive strength test) and interpret results.
• Apply knowledge of sustainable and green building materials, including recycled content and low-VOC products.
• Analyze the cost-benefit relationship of material selection in construction projects.
• Relate material properties to relevant building codes and standards such as ASTM, ACI, and the Florida Building Code.
• Demonstrate safe handling and storage practices for construction materials on a job site.

Major Topics

Required Topics

The following content areas are standard across Florida college offerings of this course:

• Introduction to Construction Materials – Overview of material science fundamentals: physical vs. mechanical properties, material classification systems, and industry standards (ASTM, ACI, ANSI).
• Stone and Aggregate – Types of rock (igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic), extraction and processing, aggregate classification, gradation, and use in construction.
• Masonry Materials – Properties and classification of brick, concrete masonry units (CMU), mortar, and grout; manufacture and quality standards.
• Concrete – Portland cement chemistry, water-cement ratio, mix design, admixtures, curing methods, and compressive strength testing.
• Wood and Timber Products – Wood species, grain structure, moisture content, defects, grading standards, engineered wood products (LVL, OSB, plywood), and preservative treatments.
• Metals in Construction – Properties of structural steel, iron, aluminum, and copper; manufacturing processes, corrosion, and protective coatings.
• Material Deterioration and Failure – Causes of degradation including corrosion, freeze-thaw cycles, chemical attack, biological decay, and UV exposure.

Optional Topics

These topics may be included at the instructor's discretion or as part of expanded program curricula:

• Polymers and Plastics – Thermoplastics, thermosets, PVC piping, sealants, and geosynthetics used in civil construction.
• Asphalt and Bituminous Materials – Asphalt binders, pavement mix design, and performance characteristics.
• Insulation and Thermal Materials – Types, R-values, vapor barriers, and energy code compliance.
• Glass and Glazing Systems – Properties, types, and applications of architectural glass.
• Sustainable and Green Building Materials – Recycled content materials, LEED material credits, and life-cycle assessment basics.
• Composite Materials – Fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP), carbon fiber composites, and their emerging civil engineering applications.
• Material Testing Laboratory Activities – Hands-on testing including concrete slump, compressive strength cylinders, and wood moisture content measurement.

Resources & Tools

• Textbooks: Common adoptions include Construction Materials, Methods and Techniques (Spence & Kultermann) and Materials for Civil and Construction Engineers (Mamlouk & Zaniewski).
• Standards & Codes: ASTM International material standards, American Concrete Institute (ACI 318), National Design Specification for Wood (NDS), and the Florida Building Code.
• Software/Tools: Construction material specification databases (e.g., SpecLink, MasterSpec); spreadsheet tools for mix design calculations.
• Online Resources: Portland Cement Association (PCA), American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), American Wood Council (AWC), and the Brick Industry Association (BIA).

Career Pathways

Successful completion of ETC 1250 supports entry into and advancement within the following career fields:

• Civil Engineering Technician – Assisting licensed engineers with material specification, testing, and inspection on infrastructure projects.
• Construction Inspector / Building Inspector – Verifying that materials and methods comply with plans, specifications, and building codes.
• Construction Project Manager or Superintendent – Overseeing material procurement, quality control, and on-site construction operations.
• Structural Drafting Technician – Producing construction documents that accurately reflect material properties and specifications.
• Materials Testing Technician – Performing laboratory and field tests on soils, concrete, asphalt, and other construction materials.

This course also supports progression into upper-division civil engineering or construction management programs at Florida State University System institutions.

Special Information

Certification Preparation: The material testing content in this course aligns with industry certifications that students may pursue, including:

• ACI Concrete Field Testing Technician – Grade I (American Concrete Institute) – covers fresh concrete testing procedures including slump, air content, and cylinder making.
• Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Materials Certification – relevant for students pursuing careers in transportation infrastructure construction.
• ICC Construction Inspector certifications – foundational materials knowledge is tested on ICC residential and commercial building inspector exams.

Students are encouraged to contact their program advisor regarding co-enrollment in related laboratory or field experience courses to reinforce hands-on material identification and testing skills.