Course syllabus

Biobaserade byggmaterial
Bio-based Building Materials

TFRP10, 7,5 credits, A (Second Cycle)

Valid for:
Decided by: PLED V
Date of Decision: 2018-12-18

General Information

Depth of study relative to the degree requirements: Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements.
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English

Aim

Due to the focus on decreasing carbon dioxide emissions from the construction sector, there is an increased interest of using bio-based building materials. This course will give the student in depth knowledge on material properties of bio-based building materials as well as strengths and weaknesses of these materials for different applications.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• Have knowledge of the macro- and microstructure of different bio-based materials.
• Have in-depth knowledge of moisture properties of bio-based materials.
• Have in-depth knowledge on durability related properties.
• Have in-depth knowledge of techniques that can be used to enhance the durability of bio-based building materials.
• Be able to put bio-based building materials in a life cycle perspective and understand which factors that influence the environmental impact of these materials.

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

• Be able to perform, evaluate and analyse results from experiments.
• Be able to discuss material properties of bio-based materials based on knowledge of their structure.

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

Be able to discuss strengths and weaknesses, advantages and disadvantges of bio-based materials for different applications.

Contents

• Macro- and microstructure of bio-based materials
• Moisture sorption and transport
• Durability
• Modification techniques
• Thermal and mechanical properties
• Bio-based material’s environmental impact in a life cycle perspective
• The use of bio-based materials in buildings/structures
• Bio-based materials in a historical and future perspective

The course includes bio-based construction materials, for example wood and wood based materials and materials based on plant fibers.

Examination details

Grading scale: TH - (U,3,4,5) - (Fail, Three, Four, Five)
Assessment: Approved laboratory work, project assignment and oral exam.

The examiner, in consultation with Disability Support Services, may deviate from the regular form of examination in order to provide a permanently disabled student with a form of examination equivalent to that of a student without a disability.

Parts
Code: 0119. Name: Oral Exam.
Credits: 4,5. Grading scale: TH. Assessment: The students will have an individual oral exam.
Code: 0219. Name: Laboratory Exercise.
Credits: 1. Grading scale: UG. Assessment: The laboratory exercise will be performed in groups of 2-4 student.
Code: 0319. Name: Project Assignment.
Credits: 2. Grading scale: UG. Assessment: The project assignment will be solved in groups of 2-4 students.

Admission

Admission requirements:

• 90 credits, of which 30 credits completed construction engineering courses (including a course in building materials, for example: VBM012, VBMA30, VBM611, VBMA35 or VBMA25)

Required prior knowledge: VBMF05 Building Material Science or equivalent.

Reading list

• Shmulsky and Jones: Forest Products and Wood Science an introduction. Wiley-Blackwell John Wiley & Sons Ltd, 2011.
• Müssig, J: Industrial Applications of Natural Fibres , Structure, Properties and Technical Applications. John Wiley & Sons Ltd., Chichester, United Kingdom, 2010. Some chapters from the book will be used.
• Klöpffer, W: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), A guide to Best Practice. Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim, Germany, 2014. Some chapters from the book will be used.
• Additional course materials accessible by the course web page and scientific papers for literature seminars.

Contact and other information

Course coordinator: Maria Fredriksson, maria.fredriksson@byggtek.lth.se
Course homepage: http://www.liveatlund.lu.se
Further information: Due to the focus on decreasing carbon dioxide emissions from the construction sector, there is an increased interest of using bio-based building materials such as wood and wood based materials and materials based on plant fibers. This course will give the student in depth knowledge on material properties of bio-based building materials as well as strengths and weaknesses of these materials for different applications. The course can be called off if fewer than 12 participants have applied for the course. The course is suitable for the incoming exchange students.