CHEM108
Chemistry for Engineers
First Semester 2023-2024
SYNTHESIS PAPER
Prepared by
ROVIE JOYCE B. ABADIANO
Student, BSCE 1B
Submitted to
SHARON-JULLY P. UNTALAN, RCHE, ENP, MBA
Instructor
I.
INTRODUCTION
Chemistry is an important fundamental topic for civil engineers, e.g.
in understanding the properties of building materials, the natural
environment (atmosphere and solutions) and the reaction of
building materials with the environment (corrosion of metals,
durability). The course intends to teach the fundamentals of
chemistry (see table of contents) with a focus on these applied
topics.
II.
BODY
Every era in the history of civil engineering has had its share of
representative engineering materials, including the ancient,
modern, and current times. Natural resources including dirt, wood,
grass, and stone were the primary sources of geotextile materials in
the past. A significant event in the history of civil engineering was
the appearance of artificial fired tiles and bricks later on. Up until
the invention of prestressed concrete, reinforced concrete, steel,
and cast iron were all commonly utilized materials in contemporary
times. Modern engineering materials, which typically have a high
strength to weight ratio, are the foundation of contemporary civil
engineering. Engineering materials like aluminum alloy, coated
glass, gypsum board, constructional plastics, and fiberglass
reinforced plastics have developed quickly in the previous several
years.
In civil engineering, cement is the basic element of any
construction. So, one who is using cement should know about the
formation of cement. Cement is formed through a chemical process.
It combines chemical elements, including calcium, silicon, clay,
chalk, aluminum, iron, salt, silica, and other ingredients.
In civil engineering, subjects like mechanics, construction material,
concrete, and masonry structures are also related to chemistry.
Knowledge of the environment, the material used in construction,
and their relation and interaction with each other. Metals such as
steel are building materials. Due to chemical reactions with
environmental elements such as moisture and carbon present in
steel/iron. So, corrosion can be removed using white vinegar or
oxalic acid. Civil Engineers also spray a kind of chemical like boric
acid on walls to control termites. And, calcium carbide is also a
chemical that is used to find the moisture content of sand. Every
process has some link to it.
The study of atoms, molecules, biomolecules, and supermolecules,
as well as the composition, structure, properties, and chemical
reactions of their condensed states, as well as their laws and
applications, is the primary focus of advanced chemistry, a
theoretical, experimental, exploratory, and applied natural science.
Concrete's strength, workability, and/or durability can all be
improved by additives. Along with meeting early strength needs,
they are also utilized to overcome certain environmental challenges
like cold or hot weather placement. The majority of admixtures are
ready-to-use liquids that need to be batched to fit a particular
application and function. Admixtures need to work with the
cementitious material, job requirements, budget, and building
techniques.
III. CONCLUSION
Out of all engineering specialties, civil engineering is the most
ancient. Its inception occurred many centuries ago. The pyramid,
temples, homes, and irrigation systems are a some of the first
constructions. Since then, there have been significant
advancements in the methods and materials utilized in the
construction of buildings and other structures. In addition, there
has been a significant increase in the variety of building projects, a
decrease in the amount of time allocated for the process, and a rise
in process complexity.
The discipline of civil engineering is constantly growing, and
technological advancements happen extremely quickly. The tools
and techniques to meet human wants are developing at a rate that
is equivalent to or greater than that of the needs itself. Every year,
more building materials are introduced to meet these needs.
Computers are essential for managing the building activities in an
efficient and timely manner. Highly advanced software, including
CAD, Catia, Revit, and others, is used to design the building.
IV. RECOMMENDATIONS
References
Liu, Ping. (2024). Improving Student Motivation and Perception of
Chemistry’s Relevance by Learning about Semiconductors in a
General Chemistry Course for Engineering Students. Journal of
Chemical Education. 101. 10.1021/acs.jchemed.3c00721.
Utpal Kumar Nandy, Shravani Nandy and Antara Nandy
(2015) Chemistry in Civil Engineering-New Products and
Applications
R.J.Flatt and G. Gelardi (2024) Chem-istry for Civil En-gin-eers