Advanced Concrete and Aggregates

CE 63100

Credit Hours:

3

Instructor:

Jan Olek

Learning Objectives:

To expand on basic concrete-related concepts presented in the introductory-level materials courses with the objective of developing a more complete understanding of the role of main components of concrete and that of the service environment on engineering characteristics and durability of this material. By the end of this course the successful students  should be able to:

  • describe the process of production of portland cement, including selection of raw materials and chemical reactions taking place in the kiln, demonstrate the understanding of the mechanism of cement hydration, discuss the factors controlling the pore structure and elucidate the role of chemical admixtures
  • identify and explain the mechanisms of physical and chemical deterioration of concrete as a function of the microstructure, the quality of the hydration products and the type of environmental exposure
  • distinguish the physical and chemical characteristics of aggregates that influence concrete durability, to relate them to filed performance of concrete structures and to suggest the mitigation measures.…

Description:

This is a 3-credit hours graduate course that consist of three separate modules, each worth 1-credit hour. The first module will cover the manufacturing and hydration of the ordinary portland cement (OPC), the second module will focus on the properties and the durability of hydrated cement paste, and the third module will review the key properties of aggregates and their role in shaping mechanical and durability characteristics of concrete.

Topics Covered:

The first module of the course will present an overview of the manufacturing process of OPC, review its chemical and mineralogical (phase) composition and discuss the mechanism of hydration and pore structure of hydrated paste. The role of the w:c ratio and chemical admixtures will also be addressed.

The second module will examine the role of the paste microstructure (porosity) in controlling permeability and related durability characteristics of concrete such as freeze-thaw resistance, sulfate attack and carbonation. In addition, shrinkage and creep phenomena will also be discussed.

The third module course will cover the physical and chemical characteristics of aggregates and link them with such properties of concrete as mechanical properties, resistance to freezing and thawing cycles, alkali silica reaction and internal sulfate attack. Topics related to optimization of aggregate gradation and the influence of optimized gradation on selected properties of concrete will also be presented.

Prerequisites:

Reasonable knowledge of basic chemistry and some knowledge of cements and concrete technology

Applied/Theory:

Mixture of applied and theoretical subjects and approaches

Web Address:

https://purdue.brightspace.com/d2l/login

Web Content:

Syllabus, grades, lecture notes, homework assignments, solutions and quizzes

Homework:

 

Projects:

 

Exams:

 

Textbooks:

Official textbook information is now listed in the Schedule of Classes. NOTE: Textbook information is subject to be changed at any time at the discretion of the faculty member. If you have questions or concerns please contact the academic department.

Tentative Textbook Listing:

No textbook required

Computer Requirements:

N/A