BCOM 105 - Concrete and Soils

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the construction manager in ensuring the quality of concrete as a major structural and or finish component in buildings.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the physical and chemical properties of concrete as a major structural component in buildings.
3. Interpret and analyze drawings, specifications, technical data, and other knowledge as it pertains to selecting sound construction practices and applications in concrete construction.
4. Describe the basic engineering concepts that undergird the technology of concrete as a building material.
5. Develop a basic understanding of soil mechanics as it pertains to foundations and overall structural stability of buildings.
6. Describe the methods used in subsurface exploration, i.e. test pit, sounding rods, soil auger.
7. Understand and complete the Concrete Field Testing Technician - Grade I Certification requirements.
8. Attain readiness to take ACI certification exams.

• Concrete mixing process
• Components of concrete
• Water cement ratio in a concrete design mix effects on strength
• Aggregate size and distribution effects on strength
• Dimensional stability and strength of concrete
• Placement techniques
• Strength factors
• Effects of concrete temperature during mixing and curing
• Hot weather and cold weather curing
• Effects of drying rate on concrete
• Relationship between compressive and flexural strength
• Concrete age strength relationship
• Effects of freezing on concrete
• Effects of air entrainment
• Air entrainment effects
• Retarders
• Accelerators
• Pozzolans
• Portland cement types and uses
• Equipment and placement methods
• Expansion and contraction control
• Defects in concrete i.e. scaling, spawling, dusting, etc
• Steps in placing concrete for various construction applications, i.e. walls, floors, decks, columns, isolated and continuous footings, curbs, pavements, and sidewalks, miscellaneous shapes, and multi-story placement.
• Types of Concrete surface finish
• Methods for, creating control joints in concrete work
• Concrete sampling tests
• Special concretes, i.e. structural lightweight, lightweight insulating, heavyweight/high density, white, colored, and no-slump concrete.
• Calculating concrete volumes for flat work, walls, footings, foundations, curbs, and miscellaneous shapes
• Common materials found in soil.
• Soil classifications
• Foundation settlement factors
• Determining soil-bearing capacity

 
GRADING POLICY
It is required that you complete all coursework and attend the required Concrete Field Testing Technician-Grade I certification contact hours and pass the required Concrete Field Testing Technician-Grade I Certification written and performance assessments for this course to achieve a grade higher than a “B”. Failure to take the Concrete Field Testing Technician-Grade I Certification assessment(s) will result in a one letter grade reduction for the class.
Course Addendum - Syllabus (Click to expand)