Building materials

Lectures

Lenka Scheinherrová

Lenka Scheinherrová

2 2435 7139

Office: A337

Seminars

Lukáš Fiala

Lukáš Fiala

2 2435 7125

Office: A328

Václav Kočí

Václav Kočí

2 2435 7125

Office: A328

Cheng-Xuan Yu

Cheng-Xuan Yu

2 2435 7102

Office: D1015

Info about the subject

The course is taught only in the winter semester.

Weekly teaching: One two-hour lecture and one two-hour laboratory class.

The main aim of BM01 is to introduce the structure and properties of building materials, together with testing methods based on current knowledge and a materials engineering approach. In the laboratory classes, students test the physical and mechanical properties of building materials and assess selected materials against relevant standards as part of quality control.

 

Schedule of the course in the winter semester 2026/2027 

Website last updated 30.9.2026

 

LECTURES

Lectures in the winter semester 2026/2027:

Wednesday 11:30-13:05
A228

Lecture topics

 

Links for the lectures:

Lecture 1: Introduction + Classification of building materials  23.09.2026

Lecture 2: Basic physical properties  30.09.2026

Lecture 3: Mechanical properties  07.10.2026

 

PRACTICAL CLASSES

Practical classes in the winter semester 2026/2027:

1) Wednesday 13:15-14:50
A336: Theoretical seminars + calculation exercises
D1052/D1053: Laboratory lessons

Schedule + Program

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2) Thursday 9:45-11:20
A336: Theoretical seminars + calculation exercises
D1052/D1053: Laboratory lessons

Schedule + Program

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Content of seminars:

  • 5 laboratory lessons (A)
  • 4 theoretical seminars (B)
  • 2 calculation seminars (C)

 

(A) Laboratory lessons

  • in laboratories
  • preparation for the lessons based on the specific instructions and references to the Textbook

Direct download of instructions and forms for laboratory lessons:

LAB 1:Testing of Cement -part I. Textbook - Chapter 12
LAB 2: Testing of Aggregates. Textbook - Chapter 14 
LAB 3: Testing of Cement - part II. Textbook - Chapter 13 
LAB 4: Modulus of Elasticity. Textbook - Chapter 15 
LAB 5 + 6: Tensile strength + Thermal Conductivity. Textbook - Chapter 16

 

(B) Theoretical seminars


Seminar S1: Materials for vertical bearing structures
Seminar S2: Materials for horizontal constructions, roofs and claddings.
Seminar S3: Materials for thermal insulation.
Seminar S4: Materials for waterproofing and coatings.

(C) Calculation seminars

Calculation of typical exercises aiming at the following problems/areas:
P1: Basic physical properties, moisture content, granulometry.
P2: Mechanical properties (compressive-, tensile-, flexural strength, modulus of elasticity,...), concrete mixture proposal.

 

Assessment conditions:

  • participation at practical classes
    • attendance level required: 75%
    • laboratory lesson attendance is mandatory
    • in the case of missing a laboratory lesson - substitution based on the teacher's instructions
  • submission (timely) of presentation via email (L. Fiala or V. Kočí, based on the schedule of the practical classes)
  • successful presentation at the relevant theoretical seminar
    • in the case of absence/insufficient presentation quality: an essay of greater extent might be required to keep the assessment eligibility
  • submission of printed laboratory reports

Laboratory rules and safety requirements 

 

EXAM

Information about the exam schedule and structure will be provided during the semester.

 

LITERATURE

  • Lectures
  • The only allowed test aid
  • Somayaji, S.: Civil engineering materials. 2nd ed. - Prentice Hall, 2001
  • Soutsos M., Domone, P.: Construction Materials. Their Nature And Behaviour, Taylor &Francis Group; 2017, ISBN 9781498741101.
  • Mouton, Yves: Organic Materials in Civil Engineering, ISTE Ltd. 2006, ISBN: 978-1-905-20911-8 
  • Haimei Zhang: Building Materials in Civil Engineering. Woodhead Publishing 2011, ISBN 978-1-84569-955-0
  • Aitcin, P., C., High Performance Concrete (Modern Concrete Technology), CRC Press 1998, ISBN-13: 978-0419192701

Files for download