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 analysisINTENDED AUDIENCE : Interested LearnersPREREQUISITES : Basic Civil Engineering degreeINDUSTRY SUPPORT : Cement companies, Concrete Producers, Construction chemical manufacturers, Construction companies

COURSE LAYOUTWeek 1: Introduction to course; Structure of Construction Materials – An OverviewWeek 2: CalorimetryWeek 3: X-ray diffractionWeek 4: X-ray diffractionWeek 5: Thermal analysisWeek 6: Surface area measurementWeek 7: Optical microscopyWeek 8: Scanning electron microscopyWeek 9: Image analysisWeek 10: Spectroscopic techniquesWeek 11: Mercury intrusion porosimetryWeek 12: Impedance analysis and ultrasonic methods

COURSE LAYOUTWeek 1: Introduction to course; Structure of Construction Materials – An OverviewWeek 2: CalorimetryWeek 3: X-ray diffractionWeek 4: X-ray diffractionWeek 5: Thermal analysisWeek 6: Surface area measurementWeek 7: Optical microscopyWeek 8: Scanning electron microscopyWeek 9: Image analysisWeek 10: Spectroscopic techniquesWeek 11: Mercury intrusion porosimetryWeek 12: Impedance analysis and ultrasonic methods