Advanced Characterization of Cementitious Materials

Catalog description

This graduate level course will familiarize students with advanced experimental and characterization techniques that are commonly used for studying cement and concrete materials. In addition, students will learn and practice on several advanced topics related to cement chemistry. The methods that are commonly covered include electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, mercury porosimetry, gas adsorption and BET, particle charcterization, isothermal calorimetry, and thermodynamic modeling. Students will learn the principles and theories behind each technique as well as the correct methods for sample preparation and data analysis that are unique to cementitious materials. Students will learn and practice these techniques through reading assignments, interactive classroom discussions, laboratory demonstrations, and a term project.