Examination arrangement

Course content

The subject gives state-of-the-art within the areas: 1) chemical and physical micro-structure and pore structure in hardened cement paste, 3) the role of water as a part of the structure, as well as in adsorbed state and as pore water, 3) the structure of the transition zone between aggregate and paste.The effect of binder composition and type of aggregate on the various properties are delt with. Methods to determine micro-structure, pore structure and error structure (inhomogenities, cracks, etc) are covered. The relation between micro- and pore structure and central service properties as volume stability, moisture transport and durability are treated. The use of silica fume and high amounts of admixtures in high strength concretes will be emphasized. The course can be adapted to individual research interests within concrete technology.

Learning outcome

To give an understanding of physical mechanisms in the solid and porous structure of concrete that affects and controls the macroscopic properties of concrete materials (strength, volume stability, transport, durability) including the significance of water.Knowledge:- Chemical and physical micro-structure and pore structure in hardened cement paste.- The role of water as a part of the structure, in adsorbed state and as pore water based on its thermodynamics.- The structure of the transition zone between aggregate and paste.- The effect of binder composition and type of aggregate on the various properties are dealt with. - Methods to determine micro-structure, pore structure and structural defect (inhomogenities, cracks, etc) are covered. - The relation between micro- and pore structure and central service properties like volume stability, moisture transport and durability are treated, including the use of silica fume and high amounts of admixtures in high strength concretes, as well as fly ash. - The course can be adapted to individual research interests within concrete technology.Skills:- Ability to read and assess scientific literature within the area and interpret this compared to the basic concrete material properties described in the Lecture Notes of the course.- Ability to understand the importance of the state of pore water, material structure development at hardening incl solid structure, surfaces, porestructure, transport, effect on solids of surface forces etc, volume changes, durability and mechanical properties.- Ability to plan and carry out material laboratory investigations and analysis of experimental results for studies of material structure (porosimetry, PF, pores vs surfaces vs solids, transport (sorptivity, flow, diffusion), sorption, microscopy, nanoindentation, length/volume changes, freezing of concrete and its porewater etc)- Individual adaptation in e.g. low temperature, transport etc.General competence:- Apply material science about cement based materials in practical research; review, model, experiment and analysis- Conversion of this science into engineered development and innovation, for example new materials.

Learning methods and activities

The course will be based partly on lectures and partly as colloquium. The lectures and exercises are in English when students who do not speak Norwegian take the course. To pass the course a score of at least 70 percent is required.

Further on evaluation

For a re-take of an examination, all assessments during the course must be re-taken

Required previous knowledge

TKT 4215 Betongteknologi 1.

Course materials

The course is based on the latest research reports on the field.