The Faculty of Architecture / Architecture (English taught)
2nd Year, sem 2, 2025-2026

ST-118E | Architectural Construction in Masonry and Concrete

Compulsory Course | Hours/Week: 2C+2L | ECTS Credits: 4

Syllabus

Department:

Technical Sciences

Course Leader:

conf.dr.arh. Zina Macri

Teaching Staff:

lect.dr.arh. Ioana Raluca Șerbănescu, asist.dr.arh. Oana Sorina Pavăl, asist.dr.arh. Alexandra Vișan, drd.arh. Aura Șova

Teaching language:

English

Learning outcomes:

To familiarize students with the technological possibilities for materializing architecture using masonry and reinforced concrete.
To understand the principles governing the configuration and detailing of masonry and reinforced concrete buildings, as well as the impact of material selection on the quality and durability of construction.
To understand the relationship between users, buildings, and the built environment in masonry and reinforced concrete construction, including within the perspective of sustainable architectural design.
To develop knowledge of construction technologies and of the processes through which an architectural project is translated into the built work.
To develop the ability to design and represent architectural details and to communicate constructive solutions through technical drawings and appropriate professional terminology.

Content:

The load-bearing function of masonry and the role of brick bonding. The enclosure function of masonry walls; the conservative structural behaviour of masonry buildings and its relationship with sustainable architecture.
Materials for masonry and fundamental rules for the configuration of masonry buildings.
Masonry construction techniques. Floors. Infrastructure; thermal protection and protection against ground moisture. Construction processes.
Structural typologies in masonry: cellular systems, row-box systems, isolated wall systems, and frame-supported masonry.
Contemporary masonry buildings – case studies.

Reinforced concrete as a material associated with modernity: structural logic and architectural expression.
Structural systems in reinforced concrete and their architectural implications.
Floors and infrastructure. Protection of buildings against groundwater with hydrostatic pressure.
Façade wall assemblies in masonry and reinforced concrete.
Execution techniques for reinforced concrete structures: formwork systems. Fair-faced concrete.
Precast concrete.
Contemporary reinforced concrete buildings – case studies.

Teaching Method:

Lectures supported by visual presentations (digital images, technical drawings, and video materials), combined with interactive discussions and guided analysis of case studies and examples from professional practice.
Supervised design exercises carried out in studio sessions.

Assessment:

Credits are awarded upon obtaining the minimum passing grade, calculated as the arithmetic average of the two assessment components below (to pass the course, the final average must be higher than 5.00, without rounding):

1. Practical assessment – 50%
Supervised practical applications (guided design exercises carried out in teams of three students during the semester, according to the timetable/Orar).
The practical assessment average does not condition eligibility for the final exam.

2. Theoretical assessment – 50%
Multiple-choice written test during the examination session, assessing the theoretical knowledge acquired. Minimum passing grade: 5.00 (no rounding).

The practical assignment topics and the detailed assessment and grading regulations are communicated at the beginning of the semester and are available on the university website, on the discipline page.

Bibliography:

Allen, E., Iano, J., Fundamentals of Building Construction. Materials and Methods. John Wiley & Sons, 2009 (5th ed.)
Berge, B., The Ecology of Building Materials. Elsevier, 2009
Ching, F., Building Construction Illustrated. Wiley, 2019 (6th Ed.)
Crișan, R., Construcții din zidărie și beton armat, Editura Universitară Ion Mincu, 2012
Deplazes, A., Constructing Architecture. Birkhauser, Basel, 2005
Herzog, Krippner, Lang, Façade Construction Manual. Birkhäuser, Basel, 2004
Knaack, U., Klein, T., Bilow, M., Auer, T., Façades. Principles of Construction. Birkhäuser, 2014 (second ed.)
Lyons, A., Materials for Architects and Builders. Elsevier, 2007 (3rd Ed.)
Peck, M., (Ed.), Modern Concrete Construction Manual. Ed. Detail, 2013
Pfeifer, Ramcke, Achtziger, Zilch, Masonry Construction Manual. Birkhäuser, 2001
Davies, N., Jokiniemi, E., ABCD… Architecture and Building Construction Dictionary. Elsevier, 2008

Notes:

For improved communication, students may access the Facebook group dedicated to this discipline "Architectural Construction in Masonry and Reinforced Concrete - UAUIM/FA/2/" (private group, registration needs approval) - https://www.facebook.com/groups/331163135727439/