Design for Durability module (CE51030)

You will learn about the various forms of deterioration that can occur in concrete structures. This will enable you to select materials to minimise these effects in design.

You will also consider the mechanisms of chemical attack. These include corrosion of reinforcement and physical processes.

As you learn you will also review the coverage of material selection and other provisions in guidance documents and standards.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• learn about the main deterioration processes of concrete
• explore the implications of concrete deterioration on a structure and the people using it
• learn about the technical guidance documents and standards. These are used to select and specify materials for concrete durability
• learn how workmanship defects can affect the subsequent performance of concrete structures
• learn about the approaches followed in the specification of concrete durability

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• identify the material requirements for different types of structures and exposure situations
• carry out and supervise a range of common in-situ and laboratory tests to determine the quality of concrete
• evaluate the exposure conditions in which a new structure is being located
• specify the concrete to satisfy durability requirements. This will allow you to take a particular structure or the element and exposure conditions into consideration

Assignments / assessment

• coursework (40%)
• exam (60%)

Teaching methods / timetable

• in-person lectures
• tutorials