Instructions
Each student is expected to select one innovative/unconventional construction material/method
and write a journal paper-style essay about the selected material.
The essay should highlight the characteristics of the selected material/method and compare it with
the characteristics of the more commonly used alternatives.
II. Grading
Term paper will be graded out of 100 and weighs 10% in your final grade.
The paper should include the following components:
1. Title and Abstract (summary is written after the work on the paper is completed) 0.5 page (10
points)
2. Introduction 0.5 page (15 points). Why this topic? Explain the importance of the
material/method that you selected. What are going to be covered? Describe organization of the
report.
3. Main body about 2 pages (one table, or one graph, or one figure allowed taking not more than
half a page) (50 points, see breakdown below). The w
ay you organize the main body of your paper
depends on the choice of your topic.
a. Suitable headings/ subheadings/ organization (10 points)
b. Effort in research using multiple sources (10 points)
c. Quality and value of information (10 points)
d. Quality of Tables, Figures, Graphs (10 points) (total space devoted to these should not exceed
20% of the paper)
e. Quality of your own analysis based on the information (10 points)
4. Conclusions 0.5 page (15 points). Compare the selected material with other alternatives,
explain when and where you think the selected material could (not) be used, important
considerations when working with this material, prospect of future use of this material in the
construction industry, etc.
5. References (alphabetical order) in correct format 0.5 page (10 points). Must have been cited
in the introduction, body, and conclusions of the paper properly. Must use correct and consistent
format.