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Advances in Building Materials
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:30:21
Abstract
The course on Advances in Building Materials provides an introductive overview of the needs and future of materials science in the building sector. Focus topics concern sustainability, durability, thermal insulation, coatings, sealants, adhesives, flame retardancy and the future perspective and developments of concrete and wood with regard to smart material development and ecological concerns.
Objective
In this course, the students will gain a broad overview of the use of materials in the building sector, with a particular focus on concrete and wood. Current limitations and in particular sustainability related challenges will be detailed with the objective of laying the grounds to discuss future developments anticipated in this field.
Content
This course for civil engineers lays the grounds in the specialization Materials and Mechanics and complements the second introductory course of the specialization on Numerical Mechanics of Materials. The course also addresses master students in Materials Science and other study programs interested in deepening their understanding of application-relevant properties of engineering materials and sustainability related challenges. The following topics are covered: 1. Material selection 2. Materials and sustainability 1 3. Materials and sustainability 2 4. Recyclability 5. Material science of wood durability 6. Material science of concrete durability 7. Foams in construction and thermal insulation 8. Sealants and adhesives in construction 9. Coatings 10. Flame retardants 11. Future of wood – 1 12. Future of wood – 2 13. Future of concrete – 1 14. Future of concrete – 2
Resources
Lecture Notes
Handouts will be provided for each lecture.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DR , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- oral 30 minutes
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Advances in Building Materials |
|
2 h weekly |
Offered In
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Elective Courses (The students are free to choose individually from the entire course offer of ETH Zürich on the Master level. Please consult the study administration in case of questions.)
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Doctorate Materials Science (Further information at: )
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