Revision History
DEPARTMENT OFCIVIL ENGINEERING Revision: 00
Approved Date:
&GEOMATICS Approved By
Programme Coordinator: Dr Yaw
SUBJECT GUIDE – Owusu-Asante
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS & Signature
TECHNOLOGY, CMT150S HOD: Ms Ashaadia Kamalie
Signature
Faculty of Engineering & the
Built Environment
2025
QUALIFICATION INFORMATION
QUALIFICATION TYPE: Bachelor of Technology
SAQA CODE: 99641
SAQA CREDITS: 7
NQF LEVEL (EXIT): 7
SUBJECT GUIDE
SUBJECT NAME: Construction Materials & Technology
SUBJECT CODE: CMT150S
IMPLEMENTATION: 2025
SEMESTER OR YEAR
Semester
COURSE:
LEVEL OF SUBJECT WITHIN
Level 1
PROGRAMME:
DURATION: 6 months
COURSE LINKAGE/S
PRE-REQUISITE SUBJECT/S: None
C0- REQUISITE SUBJECTS: None
COMPULSORY OR ELECTIVE
Compulsory
SUBJECT:
ORGANISATIONAL COMPONENT
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the subject: Construction Materials Technology.
This learner guide has been designed as a road map for students who are navigating their way through their
studies. This learner guide will systematically explain the process of acquiring knowledge and skills throughout
WORD OF WELCOME:
the semester in order to prepare students for the world of engineering work. Its primary purpose is to enhance
the quality of the learning process by establishing a structure within which the academic activities of this
subject may function.
This learner guide contains important information about subject aims, syllabus content, assignments,
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING
prescribedand recommended textbooks. Though indispensable it remains just a guide towards further study.
THE SUBJECT GUIDE:
This subject learner guide must be studied in conjunction with the generic information guide.
All learning material and the subject programme are outlined in this subject guide. All resources for this subject
is immediately available on Blackboard. Learning will be managed through two contact sessions a week,
EDUCATIONAL APPROACH: comprising short lectures and group work and self-directed learning activities. The lecturer will communicate
with the learner via email which is distributed via Black Board and the learner is expected to check Black Board
regularly (at least twice a week, preferably the start of each week) for updates.
GENERAL
CONTACT INFORMATION
Name Venue Telephone e-mail address Consulting Hours
(Thursday 12:15 -
CE & G
LECTURER N. Bashingi 021 959 8754 bashingin@cput.ac.za 13:15)
2.37
By Appointment
INTERNAL MODERATOR: KM Rodriguez -RodriguezK@cput.ac.za
Yaw Owusu CE & G
PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATOR 0219596680 owusu-asantey@cput.ac.za By App
Asante 1.36
Ashaadia CE & G
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT: 021 929 6687 KamalieA@cput.ac.za By App
Kamalie 1.49
CE & G 021
DEPARTMENT SECRETARY: Wendy Heuvel HeuvelW@cput.ac.za 8am to 4pm EMAIL
1.50 959 6687
TIMETABLE
FOR OFFICIAL SUBJECT TIMETABLE REFER TO: DEPARTMENTAL NOTICEBOARD & BLACKBOARD
LENGTH OF COURSE
DURATION IN WEEKS 12 weeks
CONTACT HOURS - RERER TO TIMETABLE
METHOD Week Number Monday Tuesd Wednesday Thursday Friday
ay
Lectures 1 to 12 (A1+B1+C1)
13:40–
15:00
Tutorials 1 to 12 C1 (A1)
(11:30 - 10:05 – 10:40
12:20 (B1)
10:45 – 11:25
Practical 1 to 12 CHECK TIMETABLE FOR SCHEDULE
TOTAL (4 hrs per week) 1,33 1,33 1,33
NOTE:
1. ATTENDANCE POLICY RULE: Attendance of all teaching and learning methods are compulsory
ACADEMIC RULES & REGULATIONS: Refer to General Handbook: Academic and Student Rules and
Regulations; and BGENCV Programme Guide.
NOTIONAL HOURS
METHOD NOTIONAL HOURS
FORMAL LECTURES (L = 2; TL = 0.75; ML = 1.5): 27
TUTORIALS (T = 1; TT = 0.75; MT = 1.5): 13.5
LABORATORY (P = 6; TP = 1; MP = 1) 6
ASSIGNMENTS AND PROJECTS (A = 16; TA = 1): 16
OTHER (X = 0; TX = 0; MX = 0): 0
TESTS (E = 4, ME = 2): 8
TOTAL 70.5 hours
Credits = {(W * L * T L* ML) + (W * T * TT * MT) + (P * TP * MP) + (X * TX * MX) + (A * TA) + (E * ME)} / 10
Credits = {(12*2*0.75*1.5) + (12*1*0.75*1.5) + (6*1*1) + 0 + (16*1) + (4*2)} / 10 = 7.5
Refer to BGENCV Programme Guide for definition of variables. (W = 12 teaching weeks/semester)
KNOWLEDGE AREA
Knowledge Areas Credit
Math 0
Natural Science 0
Engineering Science 7
Engineering Design & Synthesis 0
Computing & IT 0
Complementary Studies 0
Total 7
COURSEWARE
• Construction Materials for Civil Engineering by Errol van Amsterdam. 2nd Edition.
COMPULSORY BOOKS
• Civil Engineering Materials by Peter A. Claisse
• Materials for Civil Engineering: Properties and Applications in Infrastructure, 1st Edition (2020) by
Luke. S. Lee and Hector Estrada.
RECOMMENDED BOOK/S:
• Fundamentals of concrete by Gill Owens, 3rd Edition. The Concrete Institute.
• Summary Lecturing presentations
RECOMMENDED READINGS: See Blackboard for additional reading
LEARNER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: Blackboard: myclassroom.cput.ac.za
COURSE SOFTWARE: MS Office, Ms Excel
OTHER MATERIALS: None
STUDY COMPONENT
SUBJECT OBJECTIVES
PRIMARY LEARING OBJECTIVE
This subject provides students with broad understanding of the theory and practical aspects of each material covered; emphasis being placed on
properties and adequate use, and significant interest on environmental issues and sustainability; along with health and safety aspects of both use
and installation. From this subject, students will gain a conceptual and comparative knowledge of traditional and some new advanced materials,
leading students to greater confidence in their application for Civil Engineering Projects.
On successful completion of this subject, the learner will be able to:
• Understand and apply engineering methods by performing laboratory tests to identify and classify materials, determine characteristics,
properties and uses of construction materials.
• Determine the quantities of materials needed to achieve specific strengths of concrete. Perform standard workability tests on fresh concrete
and strength tests on hardened concrete. Students are expected to understand methods and chemicals that may be used to improve
characteristics of concrete.
• Apply engineering knowledge and skills in determining quantities of materials needed for construction of different components of buildings
and structures, understand the application of materials and be able to understand how inadequacies of construction materials can lead to
failure of structures.
• Understand the properties informing the classification and use of bitumen and bituminous products as road construction materials.
• Understand handling of construction materials to maintain their physical characteristics, retain their properties, promote safety of people in
the lab and on-site.
• Understand environmental implications of sourcing and processing of construction materials on the environment.
SPECIFIC OUTCOMES SUB-OUTCOMES DEVELOPED IN THIS SUBJECT GAs
Students are introduced to properties of construction materials, they are
then expected to understand, identify and evaluate problems that may
Problem Solving cause failures in structures. Students are expected to assess failures 1
associated with materials and propose ways to stop or correct structural
failures.
Application of scientific and Students are theoretically introduced to properties of construction 2
engineering knowledge materials and scientific principles that guide selection and use of different
materials in civil engineering and construction. Students are expected to
have the ability to carry out calculations to determine the properties of
materials. These tests include sieve analysis, slump test, concrete cube
casting and testing the strength of concrete cubes.
Engineering design Not developed in this subject 3
Investigation Students are introduced to various types of materials used in civil engineering. 4
Lab tests are conducted to determine material composition and physical
properties of soil, concrete and bituminous materials.
Engineering methods, skills, Students apply Microsoft word in report writing. Students are expected to 5
tools, including Information understand basic MS Excel functions for calculations and plotting graphs.
technology Students will be given an assignment in which they will use MS Excel for
calculating percentages of materials retained, cumulative percentage and bulk
densities of materials.
Professional and Technical Students are expected to write detailed lab reports to communicate the results 6
Communication of their experiments. Students should be able to produce well written
assignment and project reports.
Impact of Engineering Activity Students are expected to understand the impacts of sourcing and processing of 7
construction materials on the physical environment.
Individual and Teamwork Students should be able to work with others during lab sessions and group 8
projects. They are expected to demonstrate the ability to work individually or as
part of a team. Individually, the student should be able to contribute ideas to the
team and carry out individual responsibilities
Independent Learning Students are encouraged to pursue knowledge by exploring, engaging and self- 9
studying other learning materials and books to further develop their learning
capacity. Students will be able to learn about new developments and
innovations towards sustainable construction materials and new practices in the
industry.
Engineering Professionalism Not developed in this subject 10
Engineering Management Not developed in this subject 11
CRITICAL CROSS-FIELD OUTCOMES (CCFO s)
Document No.: E-02-PT: Revision No.: 3: Effective Date: 01/09/2020
SAQA Critical Cross-Field Outcomes Equivalent GAs
Identifying and solving problems in which responses display those responsible decisions using critical
GA 1, 2, 3, 5
thinking have been made.
Working effectively with others as a member of a team,group, organization and community. GA 8
Organizing and managing oneself and one’s activities; appropriately and effectively GA 8, GA11
Collecting, analyzing, organizing and critically evaluating
GA 1, 3, 5
Information
Communicating effectively using visual, mathematicaland/or language skills. GA 2, 6
Using science and technology effectively and critically,showing responsibility toward the
environment and GA 2, 3, 4, 5, 7
health of others.
Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem
GA 1, 3,
contexts do not exist in isolation.
Contributing to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of
societyat large, by making it an underlying intention of the programme of learning to make an individual
aware of:
• reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to more effectively learn GA 9
• participating as responsible citizens in the life of national and global local communities GA 10
• being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a of contexts range of contexts GA 7
• exploring education and career opportunities GA 8
Developing entrepreneurial opportunities GA 3
ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT SPECIFICATIONS
ASSESSMENT No ASSESSMENT TYPE DATE ASSESSMENT ELEMENTS MAXIMUM MARK
7 April
ASSESSMENT 1 Class Test Assess, Diagnose, Remediate 100%
2025
23 April
ASSESSMENT 2 Integrated Project Assess, Diagnose, Remediate 100%
2025
ASSESSMENT 3 Lab TBA Diagnose, Remediate 100%
ASSESSMENT 4 FISA TBA Assess 100%
* Assessment Criteria are given in individual assignment/project briefs location
ASSESSMENT ADMINISTRATION
T1 T2 T3 T4
DESCRIPTION: FI
Test Project Lab S
A
TERM: 1 1 2 2
WEIGHT IN %: 40
30% 15% 15%
%
Subminimum 40
50%
%
MODERATION SELECTION: Y
YES NO NO E
S
ASSESSMENT OUTLINE
ASSESSMENT 1 Semester Test: Unit 1, 2 and 3 (summative)
ASSESSMENT 2 Group project: Unit 2,3,4 ,5 (summative)
ASSESSMENT 3 Practical reports of lab work and experiments
ASSESSMENT 4 Integrated summative assessment of all units.
ASSESSMENT POLICY
(1. TYPE OF ASSESSMENT i.e. formative, summative,
continuous)
(2. HOW WILL FINAL MARK BE MADE UP OF) Refer to section 5, and appendices 1, 2, and 3 in the BGENCV
(3. % TO PASS SUBJECT) Programme Guide.
(4. MISSED ASSESSMENT RULE)
SCALE OF ACHIEVEMENT)
RULES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. ACADEMIC HONESTY RULE
See CPUT Plagiarism Policy on the website: http://libguides.library.cput.ac.za/content.php?pid=378323&sid=3099069
Also refer to section 5.10 in the BGENCV Programme Guide.
2. REFER TO BLACK RULE BOOK
See the General Handbook: https://cput.ac.za/storage/students/Student-Rules-Regulations-2022.pdf
SUBJECT STRUCTURE
SYLLABUS AND SCHEDULE
TERM 1
WEEKS REFERENCE TOPIC DATE
Unit 1 Introduction, Types of materials, Material properties considered by
17 February - 21
2 engineers/technicians. Types of failure, Structural characteristics,
February
Physical/non-mechanical properties, Mechanical properties
Unit 2 Soil: origin, types, field identification, soil properties, soil stabilization
Aggregate: size, properties (grading, fineness modulus, density, mc, strength,
shape/texture), mined aggregate (crushed rock, uncrushed gravel), artificial 24 February – 14 March
2
aggregates (lightweight/heavyweight/recycled), Environmental impact of
aggregate extraction
LAB: Sample preparation, Sieve Analysis, Atterberg limits To Be Announced
TERM 2
Unit 3 Uses of cement, strength of concrete, reinforced concrete, precast and pre-
stressed concrete, cement replacements, admixtures (plasticizers and super
plasticizers, viscosity modifying admixtures, air entrainers, retarders,
accelerators, other), durability (types of deterioration, transport process, cover
layer, corrosion of reinforcement, frost attack, salt crystallization, sulphate
3 25 March – 11 April
attack, bleeding and segregation, creep, shrinkage, cracking), reinforcement
corrosion, protection from erosion, cement hydration, curing, concrete mix
design, testing concrete (lab and in situ), types of tests, production of durable
concrete (cover, rainwater, congested reinforcement, non-ferrous
reinforcement, admixtures and coatings), placing concrete, compaction, joints,
formwork. Special concrete – low-cost concrete, concrete with reduced
environmental impact, low density concrete, high density concrete, underwater
concrete, ultra-high strength concrete, ultradurable concrete, concrete with
good appearance, fast setting concrete, concrete without formwork, self-
compacting concrete, roller compacted concrete, environmental impact
LAB: Fineness Modulus, Relative density, Concrete mix, slump test, making of
To Be Announced
concrete cubes, concrete cube crushing
Unit 4 Introduction, Sources of Bitumen, Asphalt, Composition, Production of
Bitumen, Behaviour and characteristics, Types of Bitumen, properties and Test 14 April – 25 April
2 on bitumen, Safety
LAB: Penetration, Softening point, Spot Test To Be Announced
Unit 5 Steel - manufacturing, steel grades, mechanical properties, stress/strain
relationship, application for different purposes, joints in steel. Corrosion of
steel. Ferrous and nonferrous metals.
Alloys– copper, zinc, aluminium, lead, plating
Timber – production, engineered wood products, strength of timber, jointing 27 April 2024 – 15 May
2
timber, durability, preservation, construction, environmental impact of forestry. 2024
Plastics – properties, durability, applications in construction. Glass –
applications in construction, strength, glazing, glass fibres. Masonry – Types of
bricks and properties, manufacturing process, calculating quantities of bricks
and mortar to brick up a wall. Adhesives and sealants
GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES (in this subject only)
ECSA graduate attributes are statements of the learning outcomes that a student must demonstrate at exit-level to qualify for an award of a
qualification; these actions indicate the student’s capability to fulfil the educational objectives. They are the high-level qualities, skills and
understandings that a student should gain as a result of the learning and experiences they engage with, while at university.
Refer to BGENCV Programme Guide (Appendix 3) for detail level description, underpinning abilities, and rubrics of each ECSA graduate attribute
There are no graduate attributes assessed in this subject.
STUDENT SUPPORT
SUPPORT PROGRAMMES AT THE UNIVERSITY
Student counselling contact:
Email: Student-Counselling@cput.ac.za
Bellville Campus
Ground level, New Extension to the Library Building
Tel: +27 21 959 6182
THE GRIEVANCE PROCESS
Refer to the General Handbook: https://cput.ac.za/storage/students/Student-Rules-Regulations-2022.pdf
APPENDIX A
Assignment Submittal & Identification
Student Number:
Surname and Initials:
Program: Bachelor of Engineering Technology: Civil Engineering
Subject Name: Construction Materials and Technology
Subject Code: C M T 1 5 0 S
Assignment Number (circle): 1 2 3 4 5
Due date: 2 0 2 5 M M D D
Lecturer: Dr. N. Bashingi
DECLARATION OF OWN WORK:
I, student name___________________________, student number ______________,
declare that this assignment is my own work, that it has not been submitted for any other
degree, at CPUT or any other University or any higher education institution, and that all
resources that I have used or quoted are indicated in the text and acknowledged in the list
of references.
Signed:_________________________ Date:______________________
