Introduction to Construction Materials and Calorimetry

Description

This construction materials course will begin by introducing you to the need for characterization of construction materials. You will learn about characterization techniques and investigations into the causes of material failure. You will study the structure of concrete and the durability problems in concrete and bituminous materials. You will also be informed on asphalts, how asphalt concrete is characterized and then the microstructure of steel. This will lead you into the various steel formation phases and how it affects mechanical properties. You will learn about heat treatment of steel, the composition of structural steel and the structural requirement for steel.

Next, this calorimetry course explores polymers/plastics, the characteristics of polymers and thermoplastic behaviour. You will learn about the meaning of calorimetry, the various types of calorimeters, the applications of calorimetry and the various calorimetric measurements. You will further understand the sample preparations of cement, the heat of hydration as it relates to calorimetry and the influence of temperature on hydration. Also, you will be able to analyse the comparison of different calorimetric methods. You will gain an understanding of the influence of temperature on hydration and water-cement ratio.

Finally, you will learn about the influence of curing conditions and their correlation with strength development. This will lead you into sulfate optimization for Portland cement and sulfate optimization based on strength and reactivity of supplementary cementitious materials. You will learn about the calorimetric signal and how you can use this signal to know the speed of reactions. You will further gain an understanding of practical applications of calorimetry with focus on isothermal calorimetry. Start learning today!