Multi-scale Cracking of Concrete Materials

Course description 

The course summarises the topic of cracking through the use of six headings. Initially, it will concentrate on the analysis of the crack shape, profile and width at different ages – this is directly related to the new RILEM technical committee TC 287-CCS - Early age and long-term crack width analysis in RC Structures. This is fundamental to understand the link between cracking, durability and ultimate structural performance. Whilst considering the cracks at the different scales the course will also look at how the crack forms and how we can improve our control of these cracks at the micro- and the macro-scale in order to improve durability and structural performance. Innovative methods to extract refined crack measurements from experiments will be discussed. These are crucial for a better understanding of the highly non-linear structural response of concrete structures and the development of enhanced predictive models. Continuing, the course will cover analytical calculations of crack widths and numerical modelling of cracks. Finally, the concept of self-healing cracks and an update of the current state of this technology will be presented.

Course Dates, frequency

It is a series of courses taking place every two years. The courses will be held remotely, online. In 2023 the confirmed dates and times (BST) are: Tuesday 24th October 2023 – 2:00 pm to 4:30pm Wednesday 25th October 2023 – 2:00 pm to 4:30pm Thursday 26th October 2023 – 10:00am to 12:30pm

Target group

Based on the 2021 edition, approximately 120 participants are expected internationally. There are no limitations on the number of participants. There are no requirements on the background needed. The course is suitable for: - Professionals working in the construction sector as a civil, structural, materials engineer etc., involved in the design, maintenance, repair, management of concrete infrastructure assets; - Academics who wish to understand the latest challenges in the construction sector, linked to durability and structural performance of concrete assets; - Scientists, civil, structural or materials engineers who would value a deeper understanding of how cracking occurs in concretes and how the theory can be applied to better understand and solve real industrial durability challenges.

Teachers

All the teachers below have confirmed their participation, some of them are RILEM members. The course includes presentations from industry and academia, the language will be English for the entire course. Dr Miguel Azenha, Minho University, Portugal (miguel.azenha@civil.uminho.pt) Dr Daniela Ciancio, RILEM, Italy (rim@ext.rilem.org) Prof. John Forth, University of Leeds, UK (j.p.forth@leeds.ac.uk) Nicola Gehri, ETH Zurich (gehri@ibk.baug.ethz.ch) Dr Agnieszka Jędrzejewska, Silesian University of Technology, Poland (agnieszka.jedrzejewska@polsl.pl) Dr Fragkoulis Kanavaris, Arup, UK (frag.kanavaris@arup.com) Prof. Laurie Lacarrière, INSA Toulouse / LMDC, France (laurie.lacarriere@insa-toulouse.fr) Dr Jaime Mata-Falcόn, ETH Zurich (mata-falcon@ibk.baug.ethz.ch) Prof. Alejandro Perez Caldentey, Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, Spain (apc@fhecor.es) Dr Mercedes Sanchez Moreno, University of Cordoba, Spain (msmoreno@uco.es) Prof. Hong Wong, Imperial College London, UK (hong.wong@imperial.ac.uk)

Objective 

The course will provide the opportunity for attendees to gain in-depth cutting-edge knowledge of structural (load induced) and non-structural (imposed strain) cracking in concrete - from the initial formation of cracks at the nano/micro level, all the way through to the preventive repair of cracks. The course aims to emphasise the material / structural behaviour interaction, e.g., how the quality of the material and its treatment influences and potentially controls / enhances the development of cracking, which in turn effects the structural behaviour of reinforced concrete. In doing so, the course will highlight the development of cracks and how they are influenced and themselves influence, at a multi-scale. This is also an excellent opportunity to hear from many of the leading concrete research bodies within the EU (RILEM TC, fib MC2020, ConCrack, SARCOS).

Cost ' special costs

The course fees is £125, which covers CPD certificates accredited by the Institute of Concrete Technology (ICT). The Neville Centre of Excellence in Cement and Concrete will offer bursaries to cover the course fees of 10 PGR students who will be selected based on their submission via a special application process. For further details please contact the Neville Centre (NevilleCentre@leeds.ac.uk).

Other Sponsors

Neville Centre of Excellence in Cement and Concrete Engineering, Institute of Concrete Technology (ICT)