Course syllabus

Biobaserade byggmaterial
Biobased Building Materials

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

Valid for: Single courses at LTH autumn 2021
Decided by: PLED V
Date of Decision: 2020-12-03

General Information

Language of instruction: The course will be given in English

Aim

Because of the need to reduce the climate impact from our society there is a general need and interest to transfer towards an increased used of biobased materials. This is the case also for the construction sector and the interest and need of using biobased building materials such as wood, wood based materials and materials based on plant fibers is therefore increasing. This course will give in depth knowledge on these materials' properties as well as strengths and weaknesses for different areas of usage.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• Have knowledge of the micro- and macrostructure 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 knowledge of techniques that can be used to change the material properties and how these techniques affects the properties.
• 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 as well as report the results in writing as well as orally.
• 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.
• Develop increased awareness of building materials' effect on the environment.

 

 

Contents

• Makro and micro structure of biobaseed materials
• Moisture sorption and moisture properties
• Durability
• Modification techniques and how these affect the material properties
• Thermal and mechanical properties
• Biobased materials in a life cycle perspective
• Usage of biobased materials in buildings/structures

The project assignment is performed in groups of 1-2 students where each group works with one material. The assignment includes investigating the origin and structure of the material, the material properties, its environmental impact in a life cycle perspective and possible applications. The assignment also includes experimental work and evaluation and analysis of the results. The project assignment is presented both orally and as a written report. Feedback is given from teachers regularly during the course, after the oral presentation and on the written report. Before the oral presentation, each group also receives/gives feedback from/to another group both written and orally.

The lab events include the topics micro and macro structure, sorption, dimensional stability and modification techniques and the students work in groups of 2-3 persons. During these events the students perform experiments and evaluate, analyse and discuss the results from these.

Examination details

Grading scale: TH - (U,3,4,5) - (Fail, Three, Four, Five)
Assessment: To pass the course, the student needs to pass the oral exam, to pass the laboratory events, and pass the written and oral presentation of the project assignment.

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
Name: Oral Exam.
Credits: 4,5. Grading scale: TH. Assessment: The student need to pass the oral exam.
Name: Project Assignment.
Credits: 2. Grading scale: UG. Assessment: Approved project assignment
Name: Laboratory Exercises.
Credits: 1. Grading scale: UG. Assessment: Approved laboratory exercises

Admission

Admission requirements:

• 90 credits, of which 30 credits completed construction engineering courses (structural engineering, building physics, building technology, building materials) including a course in building materials, for example: VBM012, VBMA30, VBM611, VBMA35 or VBMA25). English 6

Assumed prior knowledge: VBMF05 Building Material Science or equivalent.
The course overlaps following course/s: VBMN20

Reading list

• Jones, David P and Shmulsky, R: Forest Products and Wood Science: An Introduction. Wiley-Blackwell, 2018, ISBN: 9781119426431. Some chapters in the book are included in the course.
• edited by Jörg Müssig: Industrial application of natural fibres, Structure properties and technical applications. Wiley, 2010. Some chapters in the book are included in the course.
• Klöpffer, Walter: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) , A guide to Best Practise. Wiley, 2014. Some chapters in the book are included in the course.
• Additional course material and scientific papers for seminars are included and will be available at the course webpage.

Contact and other information

Course coordinator: Maria Fredriksson, maria.fredriksson@byggtek.lth.se
Course homepage: http://www.byggnadsmaterial.lth.se/utbildning