101-0658-00L  Concrete Material Science

SemesterSpring Semester 2025
LecturersR. J. Flatt, T. Wangler
Periodicityyearly recurring course
Language of instructionEnglish



Courses

NumberTitleHoursLecturers
101-0658-00 GConcrete Material Science2 hrs
Tue09:45-11:30HIL F 10.3 »
R. J. Flatt, T. Wangler

Catalogue data

AbstractConcrete Material Science examines how concrete properties are affected by its microstructure and how its microstructure is controlled by processing and composition. To achieve this, the course comprises a comprehensive presentation of the different techniques used to characterize concrete and its constituents, both in research and construction practice.
Learning objectiveIn this course you will gain a thorough understanding of common techniques for characterizing engineering, microstructural, physical and chemical properties of concrete. You will learn how this knowledge can be used both in research and industrial environments. In practice, these techniques are used, for example, to evaluate new materials, diagnose causes of problems, determine responsibilities, handle reclaims or quality insurance as well as devise an experimental program in research and development. Throughout the course various references you will also learn about how concrete can be designed to have a reduced environmental impact and increased service life.
ContentProgram:
1. Introduction to Concrete Material Science
2. Thermodynamic modeling of cement hydration and its industrial relevance. Dr. Thomas Matschei (Holcim Group Support)
3. Characterization techniques of cementitious materials I
4. Characterization techniques of cementitious materials II
5. Characterization techniques of cementitious materials III: Solid State NMR. Prof. Jean-Baptiste d'Espinose (ESPCI)
6. Fresh properties of concrete - Rheology
7. Chemical admixtures
8. Transport in porous media
9. Durability I
10. Alternative binders
11. Durability II - Alkali-Silica Reaction. Dr. Andreas Lehmann (EMPA)
12. Practical exercises I
13. Practical exercises II
14. Practical exercises III
Lecture notesStudents will receive all obligatory literature in printed form.
LiteratureStudents will recieve all obligatory literature in printed form.
Prerequisites / NoticeStudents with Bachelor Degree
Further degrees: Dipl. Ing. ETH or FH

Performance assessment

Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)
Performance assessment as a semester course
ECTS credits4 credits
ExaminersR. J. Flatt, T. Wangler
Typesession examination
Language of examinationEnglish
RepetitionThe performance assessment is offered every session. Repetition possible without re-enrolling for the course unit.
Mode of examinationoral 20 minutes
Additional information on mode of examinationCompulsory continuous performance assessment tasks (which do not need to be passed on their own): Participation to all the practical exercises is compulsory; 3 lab reports are mandatory.
Final oral exam (20 minutes). The course will be graded to 70% with a final oral exam (exam session) and 30% from 3 lab reports (each equally weighted).
This information can be updated until the beginning of the semester; information on the examination timetable is binding.

Learning materials

No public learning materials available.
Only public learning materials are listed.

Groups

No information on groups available.

Restrictions

There are no additional restrictions for the registration.

Offered in

ProgrammeSectionType
Civil Engineering MasterMajor in Materials and MechanicsWInformation
Materials Science MasterElective CoursesWInformation