TEACHING CONCRETE TECHNOLOGY TO UNDERGRADUATES: AN INDUCTIVE APPROACH

Author(s): Ravindra Gettu
Paper category: Proceedings
Book title: Proceedings of the International RILEM Conference on Material, Systems and Structures in Civil Engineering
Conference Segment on Innovation of Teaching in Materials and Structures
Editor(s): Per Goltermann
ISBN: 978-2-35158-178-0
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-179-7
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2016
Pages: 32 - 39
Total Pages: 8
Language: English

Abstract: Concrete science and technology is commonly taught by following the structure of a typical textbook, i.e., first discussing cement and other constituents, followed by the properties and then the applications. However, when students, in their second or third year of undergraduate studies, are presented the content in this manner, they do not understand why they are being taught the chemistry, factual matter about the cement and aggregates, etc. and often get bored or are not enthusiastic enough. For the past decade, the author has used an inductive approach for teaching concrete technology as an elective course at IIT Madras. The sequence of the course has been the discussion of applications; identification of key aspects related to concrete technology in these applications; study of unconventional concretes that could push technology further; components needed for the special concretes; properties; durability; and environmental concerns. The students also have to develop technological specifications for a structure chosen by them by first studying the constraints posed by the design, location, etc., then specifying a concrete and its mix design principles, followed by formwork, curing and final checking guidelines. In order to ensure continuous learning, many short surprise quizzes are conducted throughout the course.

Online publication : 2016
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros) : 0.00