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Biography
Tom Dyer is a Materials Scientist who has worked in the field of Concrete Technology for 20 years. He obtained his first degree in Materials Science at the University of Manchester. He has been employed at the University of Dundee since 1996, firstly as a Research Assistant and currently as Senior Lecturer.
His research interests include:
- Durability of concrete and its deterioration mechanisms
- Recycling of by-products as cements
- Concrete biodeterioration and bioprotection
This research has focussed on the chemical reactions that occur between cement and other substances and the implications such processes have on concrete microstructure. These investigations have involved techniques such as X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, CT scanning and geochemical modelling techniques.
He is the author of Concrete Durability and Biodeterioration of Concrete.
Academic background
PhD, University of Dundee, 1997
MSc by research, University of Dundee, 1993
BSc (Honours) Materials Science, University of Manchester, 1992
Appointments
2017-present Senior Lecturer, Civil Engineering, University of Dundee
2000-2017 Lecturer, Civil Engineering, University of Dundee
1996-2000 Research Fellow, Civil Engineering, University of Dundee
Professional memberships
Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining
Professional role
Member of the Qualification of Materials sub-committee of the Wells Suspension and Abandonment committee, and technical writer for Guidelines on Qualification of Materials for the Abandonment of Wells.
Research
Durability of concrete and its deterioration mechanisms
Ensuring that concrete structures are able to perform as desired throughout their intended service lives is a fundamental requirement. Tom’s research into durability has largely focused on chemical mechanisms of deterioration and how they can be limited. Specific areas of research include:
- The process of chloride binding in concrete
- Alkali-silica reaction and its control
- The interaction of concrete and brownfield contaminants
- Acid attack of concrete
Recycling of by-products as cements
There are many benefits of utilising by-products in concrete, since it is likely to reduce the environmental impact of the material, as well as making it more economic. Tom’s research has focussed on the recycling of materials as constituents in the cement fraction of concrete. These have included:
- Sewage sludge ash
- Glass cullet
- Cement kiln dust
Concrete biodeterioration and bioprotection
The colonisation and growth of living organisms on concrete surfaces can have both protective and damaging effects. Additionally, growth of marine organisms on submerged concrete can be both desirable or problematic (biofouling) depending on the context. Research on this topic includes:
- Evaluating the effects of organic acids commonly produced by micro-organisms growing on concrete surfaces
- Development of environmentally-benign surfaces which either promote or dissuade colonisation and growth of marine organisms