Study Guide

Objective

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Content

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Location and time

The course begins with an in-person session on September 4, 2024, and concludes on December 13, 2024.

Materials

Textbook BY 201, concrete norms, standards, materials shared in Moodle and during lectures.

Teaching methods

This course combines both remote and in-person teaching methods, offering students a diverse and interactive learning experience about the properties and manufacturing of concrete.

Remote Lectures via Zoom:
Interactive Lectures: The theoretical part of the course is conducted through remote lectures using the Zoom platform. These lectures include multimedia presentations, real-time discussions, and Q&A sessions.
Flexibility and Accessibility: Remote lectures enable studying from anywhere, offering flexibility to students who cannot physically be on campus. Recordings of the lectures will be available on Moodle, making it possible to follow the lectures at any time.

Laboratory Exercises on Campus
Practical Exercises: In the laboratory section, students directly apply what they have learned in practice. This includes: granulometry studies of soil materials, determination of moisture, humus, and sludge content, preparation of concrete mixtures, testing of composition, and evaluation of strength.
Small Group Work: Laboratory exercises are conducted in small groups, ensuring that each student receives personal guidance and the opportunity to actively participate.
Safety Training: Safety is a key aspect of laboratory work. Students are provided with safety training and instructions before starting laboratory work.

Employer connections

The "Properties and Manufacturing of Concrete" course can incorporate an internship and collaboration with the industry as part of its program. This collaboration ensures that students gain practical experience and understanding in the field of concrete technology, which is valuable for their future career development.

Internship Opportunities
Industry-oriented Internship: Students are encouraged to undertake internship periods in construction industry companies, where they can apply the knowledge learned in the course to practical work tasks. The internship can include concrete manufacturing, quality control, testing, or research and development tasks.
Construction companies, concrete stations, precast factories, etc., can offer internship positions and project work to our students. These collaborations enable students to access current and relevant work tasks.

Benefits of Collaboration with the Industry
Practical Experience:
Internships provide students with valuable practical experience, which is important to complement theoretical learning. It helps students understand how the concepts learned in the course apply to real-life work situations.
Professional Networking:
Collaboration with the industry gives students the opportunity to create contacts and build their professional network, which is beneficial for their future career.
Work Readiness:
Collaboration with the industry enhances students' readiness for work, including communication skills, problem-solving ability, and specific knowledge in the field.

Forms of Collaboration
Project Work and Case Tasks: Students can work on real-world projects and case tasks, offering concrete challenges and learning opportunities.
The internship and industry collaboration component of this course is designed to ensure that students receive a comprehensive and diverse education, preparing them for a successful career in the field of concrete technology.

Exam schedules

Exam on the in-person session on November 20, 2023, after the laboratory exercise.
The exam will be conducted as a paper exam where no other materials are allowed except the provided material.
Calculators are permitted.

Resit exams must be arranged with the teacher on a case-by-case basis. It is recommended to take the resit exam during the next in-person session.

International connections

This course is primarily designed to focus on the national context, particularly adhering to Finland's national regulations and standards in the field of concrete technology, including the Eurocodes, which are European construction standards. The course provides a comprehensive understanding of the properties and manufacturing of concrete, in accordance with Finnish industry standards and practices, as well as the Eurocodes.

National Curriculum Focus Including Eurocodes
The curriculum is tailored to meet the requirements and regulatory framework of the Finnish construction industry, including compliance with the Eurocodes.
The course content, including laboratory exercises and theoretical studies, is based on Finnish national guidelines, building codes, and the Eurocodes.
Optional International Component
Although the course does not have a planned international component, students who wish to incorporate an international perspective into their studies have the opportunity to do so.
The international perspective may include a comparison of the application of Eurocodes to practices and standardizations in concrete technology in different countries.
In exploring international approaches, students are expected to understand and apply both Finnish national regulations and standards, as well as the Eurocodes.
Student-Initiated International Research Within the Framework of Eurocodes
Students are encouraged to explore the application of Eurocodes internationally, creating contacts, and building their professional network in Europe and internationally.
International studies and projects can offer concrete challenges and learning opportunities related to the use of Eurocodes in different countries.
The internship and industry collaboration component of this course is designed to ensure that students receive a diverse and comprehensive education, preparing them for a successful career in concrete technology, taking into account both national and European standards and regulations.

Completion alternatives

This alternative method of course completion offers students the opportunity to perform laboratory exercises at their own workplace, provided they work in an environment suitable for the practical study of the properties and manufacturing of concrete.

Performing Exercises at the Workplace:
Workplace Suitability Assessment:
The student's workplace must meet specific requirements for laboratory exercises. This means that the workplace must have the necessary equipment, materials, and safety standards for the production and testing of concrete.
Guidance and Support:
Students will receive guidance and support for completing the tasks, including instructions on how to perform laboratory tests in accordance with standards.
Task Documentation:
Students are required to document the tasks they perform in detail. This includes visual and written documentation of the tests conducted, the methods used, and the results obtained.
Remote Supervision and Inspection:
The teacher can conduct remote inspections and provide guidance through remote connections such as Zoom or email, as necessary.
Final Reporting and Evaluation:
Students will submit a final report of the tasks completed, including analysis and conclusions. This report will be assessed as part of the course completion.
Flexibility and Relevance:
This method allows for greater flexibility and can be particularly beneficial for students who are already working in the construction industry. It also enables the direct application of learned theory in a professional context.
Collaboration with the Employer:
It is advisable that students negotiate and agree with their employer to perform laboratory exercises at the workplace, ensuring that all necessary resources and safety requirements are met.
This alternative method offers students the opportunity to combine theoretical studies with practical experience, utilizing their current work environment for conducting laboratory exercises

Content scheduling

Laboratory Exercises
First Laboratory Exercise: Aggregate Studies

In this exercise, students investigate the properties of aggregates, which are crucial for the quality of concrete. The exercise includes determining the granularity, density, and moisture content of the aggregates.
Second Laboratory Exercise: Concrete Manufacturing and Slump Test

In this section, students learn to prepare a concrete mix and perform a slump test. The exercise focuses on understanding the proportions in concrete mixing and assessing the workability of concrete through the slump test.
Third Laboratory Exercise: Compression Test

In the third exercise, students perform a compression test on concrete samples. This exercise provides an understanding of the strength properties of concrete and how to test them.
Lectures on Zoom Platform
Series of Five Lectures:
During the course, five lectures are conducted on the Zoom platform. These lectures cover the theoretical aspects of the course, including the fundamentals of concrete technology, concrete manufacturing processes, components of concrete, and its properties.
The lectures also address research in the field of concrete technology, and they offer students the opportunity to participate in discussions and ask questions in real-time.

Further information

Safety in Laboratory Exercises
General Safety:

Every student must familiarize themselves with the laboratory's safety instructions before starting the exercises.
Always wear protective gear, such as safety glasses, lab coats, and protective gloves.
Exercise special caution when handling chemicals and concrete manufacturing materials.
Equipment Usage:

Use laboratory equipment only according to the instructions and under the supervision of a teacher.
Ensure that you understand the operation of the equipment before using it.
Emergencies:

Familiarize yourself with the emergency exits and first-aid equipment in the laboratory.
Immediately report any accidents or hazardous situations to the teacher or laboratory staff.
Safety and Mental Well-being in Zoom Lectures
Ergonomics and Posture:

Ensure that your working posture is ergonomic. Use a chair that supports your back and keep the screen at eye level.
Take regular breaks from sitting and do short stretching exercises.
Screen Usage and Eye Strain:

Limit continuous screen staring. Use eye-friendly screen settings and take breaks from looking at the screen.
Ensure adequate lighting in your workspace.
Mental Endurance and Stress Management:

Organize your study time to allow a balance between studying and leisure.
Do not hesitate to contact the teacher or course instructor if you feel overburdened or need support.
Interaction and Participation:

Actively participate in lectures and group discussions. Interaction with other students and the teacher helps maintain motivation and the joy of learning.
Actively use Zoom's discussion and question functions.
This safety document is created to support the safety and well-being of students both in laboratory exercises and Zoom lectures. It is important that each student follows these guidelines to ensure that the course is both safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Evaluation scale

H-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

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Assessment methods and criteria

Assessment Methods
Exam: The primary assessment method for the course is a written exam. The exam is graded on a scale of 0-5, where 0 means fail and 5 is an excellent performance. The exam includes both theoretical and applied questions related to the course content. Laboratory Exercises: Laboratory exercises are mandatory, and their completion is a prerequisite for passing the course. The performance in laboratory exercises is assessed on a pass/fail basis.
Criteria for Evaluation
Weight of the Exam: The result of the exam determines the course grade. This reflects the student's ability to understand and apply the theoretical concepts and methods learned during the course. Requirement of Laboratory Exercises: Although laboratory exercises do not directly affect the numerical grade of the course, their completion is essential for passing the course. This emphasizes the importance of practical skills and applied knowledge in the study of concrete technology. Comprehensive Assessment of Competence: The course evaluation is based on a comprehensive assessment of competence, where both theoretical understanding and practical skills play a key role.
Completing the course requires passing both the exam and the laboratory exercises. This two-part assessment method ensures that students master both the theoretical foundations and practical application in the field of properties and manufacturing of concrete.

Assessment criteria, fail (0)

Does not have sufficient knowledge of concrete properties and/or has not participated in laboratory exercises.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1-2)

Knows the different components of concrete and is familiar with their properties. Can determine the properties of concrete's aggregate in laboratory conditions, such as impurities, particle size, as well as silt and humus content. Can calculate to combine multiple aggregates of the concrete mass.

Assessment criteria, good (3-4)

Is able to proportion strength-classified concrete mass and prepare test cubes from the mass for strength testing. Knows how to store the concrete cubes they have made under various conditions and monitor the development of the cubes' strength. Understands the development of concrete strength and can determine the strength from the proportioned concrete mass test cubes.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

Is capable of testing concrete cubes and comparing the quality of their results to the strength outcomes of cubes stored under different conditions. Can interpret the strength development monograms of different concrete grades and utilize them in concrete construction.

Qualifications

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