101-0658-00L Concrete Material Science
| Semester | Spring Semester 2025 |
| Lecturers | R. J. Flatt, T. Wangler |
| Periodicity | yearly recurring course |
| Language of instruction | English |
| Abstract | Concrete 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 objective | In 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. |
| Content | Program: 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 notes | Students will receive all obligatory literature in printed form. |
| Literature | Students will recieve all obligatory literature in printed form. |
| Prerequisites / Notice | Students with Bachelor Degree Further degrees: Dipl. Ing. ETH or FH |