Plastics in Infrastructure and Environmental Engineering

Modern civil engineering relies heavily on polymers, yet their environmental footprint presents a critical challenge for future infrastructure. This course provides a clear, foundational guide to understanding how plastics are used in construction and how to manage their lifecycle responsibly. You will transition from learning basic polymer chemistry to evaluating sustainable materials and mitigation strategies in real-world projects. What you'll learn: Understand the fundamental properties and classifications of structural polymers; Analyze the role of plastics in piping, geotextiles, and structural composites; Evaluate the environmental degradation of polymers and microplastic runoff; Explore sustainable design principles using recycled plastics and bioplastics; Apply life-cycle assessment frameworks to infrastructure projects. The course begins with essential terminology and material science basics before moving into practical engineering applications, environmental impact analysis, and modern sustainability standards. This course is designed for beginners, aspiring civil engineers, and environmental advocates who want to understand the intersection of materials science and ecology, with no prior engineering background required. Start building a deeper understanding of sustainable infrastructure today.