CIE 572LEC - Advanced Concrete Materials

This course provides state-of-the-art knowledge of advanced concrete materials, including high and ultra-high performance concretes, fiber-reinforced concretes, and strain hardening cementitious composites. Students will learn about the ingredients and the design philosophy behind these materials. Fracture mechanics, scale-linking, and fiber/matrix bond related concepts that are central for understanding the behaviors of these materials will be discussed. Students will gain hands-on experience of mixing and processing high performance concretes both with and without fibers, thereby learning the special techniques that are needed to make and test these materials. Durability properties of materials will get equally significant attention as the mechanical properties. Life cycle analysis and modeling of structures is also included in the last part of this course as it helps the students to appreciate the importance of the durability of materials, along with the mechanical properties, in determining the long term performance of a structure and its repair and maintenance needs. By completing this course, the instructor’s expectation is that the students will be inspired to seek innovative applications of these materials in both industry and research.

Credits: 3

Term Typically Offered: Fall, Spring