Concrete Microscopy Course (CMC)

The highly sought-after Concrete Microscopy Course (CMC) will take place from June 3–6, 2025. This hands-on course covers optical and electron microscopy techniques for cement and concrete analysis, including:
* Optical microscopy & mineralogy
* SEM & microanalysis protocols
* Hydration & secondary reaction products
* Specimen preparation & image analysis

This course is organized by The Delft University of Technology (www.tudelft.nl) and sponsored by RILEM (The International Union of Laboratories and Experts in Construction Materials, Systems and Structures).

This course is designed for those who would like to gain insight into concrete microscopy and microstructure. The idea is to introduce optical and electron microscopes as a research tool and present their advantages in characterizing the cementitious materials. In addition to microscopy, specimen preparation, image analysis, techniques using photomicrographs for modelling and micromechanical characterization (nano-indentation) are also covered.
There is no prior experience with microscopy required for the course. The CMC is suitable for the civil engineering, material science, geosciences PhD students and industry professionals who are new to the microstructural aspects of cement and concrete.

Scope of the course:

• Concrete Microscopy Course
• Principles of optical microscopy
• Introduction to optical mineralogy
• Microscopical characteristics of cement and hydration products
• Principles of electron microscopy (SEM)
• Protocols for SEM and microanalysis on cement-based materials
• Characterization of secondary reaction products in concrete
• Specimen preparation techniques
• Image analysis and introduction to stereology
• "All hands on deck" practical sessions

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