Characterization of Construction Materials

The objective of the course is to introduce students to the characterization of construction materials and their behaviour, with a view of developing their understanding of the mechanisms that govern the performance of these materials. The course will be focused primarily on cement and concrete, and include the following techniques; the physics of the techniques and their application to cement science, including lab demonstrations and experiments will be covered. 1. Calorimetry 2. X-ray diffraction 3. Thermal analysis 4. Surface area measurement 5. Microscopy (Optical and SEM) 6. Image analysis 7. Spectroscopy techniques: Atomic Absorption / Emission, Infra-Red, UV-Vis and NMR 8. Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry 9. Impedance analysis INTENDED AUDIENCE : Interested Learners PREREQUISITES : Basic Civil Engineering degree INDUSTRY SUPPORT : Cement companies, Concrete Producers, Construction chemical manufacturers, Construction companies

COURSE LAYOUT Week 1: Introduction to course; Structure of Construction Materials – An Overview Week 2: Calorimetry Week 3: X-ray diffraction Week 4: X-ray diffraction Week 5: Thermal analysis Week 6: Surface area measurement Week 7: Optical microscopy Week 8: Scanning electron microscopy Week 9: Image analysis Week 10: Spectroscopic techniques Week 11: Mercury intrusion porosimetry Week 12: Impedance analysis and ultrasonic methods