Materials Science and Characterization of Cement and Concrete

3 credits · Graduate

This course covers cement production, chemistry, and hydration, focusing on both traditional (Type I/II) and modern low-carbon (Type IL, Type IT) formulations. Students will explore hydration products (atomistic structure and their role in porosity evolution), apply thermodynamic models to predict phase assemblage, shrinkage and heat release. The second half reviews key cement characterization techniques, their principles, and data analysis methods. Hands-on lab sessions provide experience with these techniques, while the course concludes with an overview of non-destructive testing methods essential for quality control in construction engineering.