Enabling students to relate structural characteristics of construction materials with their properties, obtaining knowledge in the field of examination and application of metals, polymers and plastic masses, as well as of corrosion forms of these materials.

Acquired knowledge is used by students in further education, professional courses and engineering practice

Atomic and molecular structure of materials (fundamental particles, periodic table). Inter-atomic and inter-molecular connections (connection strength – connection with module of elasticity and extension coefficient, connection energy – primary and secondary connections). Structure of crystals (unit cell, types of unit cells, crystal structure of metals and silicate ceramics, crystallographic directions and planes, polycrystals, non-crystal structures). Errors in crystal grid (dot and line defects). Deformation and strengthening of metals (characteristics of dislocation, concept of plastic deformation explained via dislocation movement, strengthening mechanisms via grain size, creation of solid solutions by deformations). Repair, recrystalisation and growth of grain, deformation mechanisms in ceramics. Dispersive systems and surface appearances. Fundamental properties of construction materials (general and specific properties, condition parameters, physical properties, physical and mechanical properties, construction and technological properties. Thermal technical properties and water vapour diffusion – principles of calculation and definition of structures according to valid regulative. Diffusion. Fundamentals in kinetics of chemical reactions. Condition diagrams. Phase transformations in metals, development of microstructure and correlation with mechanical properties. Production processes, types and application of steel. Steel corrosion. Polymer structure. Deformation mechanisms and strengthening in polymers. Polymer structure. Production and application of polymers. Plastic masses. Types of composite materials (composites – agglomerates, reinforced, structural composites).

Teaching is held with the aid of contemporary technical methods: Power Point presentations, usage of film and graphic illustrations, programmes for calculating heat and diffusion conductivity of materials. At lectures, content is presented in a manner to directly and unambiguously emphasise properties and sizes necessary in the field of civil engineering with the obligatory connection of the presented property with material structure. Lectures are organized as interactive form of teaching, with predicted conclusion observations and questions that stimulate students for active participation at the end of each class. Practice are organized as expansion and deepening of certain topics using practical work and computing examples.