Materials and Construction

Materials and Construction. Concrete is the most widely used building material in the world. Today’s construction professional needs to understand how this material works, how it has evolved, and how it is made.

The Materials and Construction course includes discussions on the chemistry behind making concrete and the evolution of the science behind making concrete. These are things that today’s construction professional needs to understand to manage today’s projects effectively. You will learn the meaning and origins of the terms and processes used in the industry by today’s concrete producers and engineers so that you become a more effective and more professional construction pro.

After completing this Materials and Construction course, you will be able to…

1. Describe the difference between concrete and cement
2. List the basic components or ingredients needed to make concrete
3. Explain how concrete uses industrial by-products
4. Discuss how these by-products enhance the properties of concrete
5. Describe the chemical process through which concrete gets hard
6. Explain how chemical admixtures can be used to alter the properties of concrete
7. Define the terms used by designers and producers when they are preparing and reviewing the concrete mix

Who this Materials and Construction course are for:

1. This Materials and Construction course is meant for anyone that has responsibilities as a construction management professional. This course will give you a basic understanding of the chemistry behind the making of modern concrete. It will get you familiar with the terms used by professionals and experts in the industry. This course is ideal for construction professionals that may not have formal training in concrete or material sciences. This course is also ideal for anyone just getting started in the industry or anyone who wants to go beyond a basic understanding of concrete and move to a level of understanding that will help you communicate with designers, producers, and other professionals.
2. If you have ever wondered what terms like “pozzolan” or “hydraulic cement” mean, or if you have ever wondered if things like “fly ash” make the concrete better or are just a filler, then this course is definitely for you!
3. Do you work with concrete every day but need a refresher on the terminology or an update on admixtures? This is a great course for your continuing education.
4. If you already have a solid background in material science related to concrete or someone like an ACI Certified Lab Technician, this course may not be for you.