Introduction

Concrete, the most widely used construction material globally, is fundamental to virtually all infrastructure, from buildings and bridges to dams and pavements, and its long-term performance and resistance to degradation are critical for the safety and economic viability of these assets. A deep understanding of Concrete Technology and Structural Durability is essential for engineers and construction professionals to select appropriate materials, optimize mix designs, implement correct construction practices, and mitigate the myriad factors that can compromise concrete's lifespan, such as aggressive environments, chemical attacks, and physical deterioration mechanisms. This training course is meticulously designed to equip civil and structural engineers, materials engineers, quality control professionals, contractors, researchers, and concrete producers with cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills in understanding the fundamental properties of concrete, mastering mix design principles for various applications, exploring the mechanisms of concrete deterioration, applying advanced techniques for durability enhancement and service life prediction, and leveraging modern testing and quality assurance methods to ensure robust and resilient concrete structures. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to design, specify, produce, and maintain concrete structures that exhibit superior durability and provide long-term service in diverse environmental conditions.

Target Audience

• Civil Engineers (Structural, Materials, Construction)
• Materials Engineers
• Quality Control / Quality Assurance Professionals
• Concrete Producers & Suppliers
• Contractors and Construction Managers
• Bridge & Building Inspectors
• Public Works & Infrastructure Managers
• Researchers in Concrete Technology
• Consulting Engineers
• Advanced Engineering Students

Objectives

• Understand the fundamental properties and behavior of fresh and hardened concrete.
• Master the principles of concrete mix design for various strength and durability requirements.
• Learn about different types of cement, aggregates, admixtures, and supplementary cementitious materials.
• Explore the primary mechanisms of concrete deterioration and their causes.
• Develop proficiency in assessing concrete quality and durability through various testing methods.
• Understand strategies for enhancing concrete durability in aggressive environments.
• Learn about repair and rehabilitation techniques for deteriorated concrete structures.
• Develop skills in specifying durable concrete for different structural applications.
• Understand the role of quality control and assurance in achieving concrete durability.
• Explore advanced concrete types and their applications for specialized projects.
• Formulate comprehensive approaches to ensure the long-term performance of concrete structures.

Course Content

Module 1. Fundamentals of Concrete and Its Constituent Materials

• Definition and composition of concrete
• Cement: Types (OPC, PPC, blended cements), hydration process, properties
• Aggregates: Classification, properties (size, shape, strength, absorption), effects on concrete
• Water: Quality requirements, water-cement ratio concept
• Introduction to admixtures: Types and their functions

Module 2. Admixtures and Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs)

• Chemical Admixtures: Water reducers, superplasticizers, retarders, accelerators, air-entrainers
• Mineral Admixtures/SCMs: Fly ash, ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS), silica fume, metakaolin
• Role of SCMs in enhancing concrete properties and durability
• Dosage rates and compatibility issues of admixtures
• Environmental benefits and sustainability aspects of SCMs

Module 3. Properties of Fresh Concrete

• Workability: Slump test, compacting factor test, flow table test
• Segregation and bleeding: Causes and control
• Setting time: Initial and final setting
• Air content: Measurement and significance for durability
• Temperature effects on fresh concrete properties

Module 4. Properties of Hardened Concrete

• Compressive strength: Factors affecting strength, cube/cylinder testing
• Tensile strength: Split tensile test, flexural strength
• Elastic properties: Modulus of elasticity, Poisson's ratio
• Creep and shrinkage: Types, mechanisms, and mitigation
• Permeability and porosity: Influence on durability

Module 5. Concrete Mix Design Principles

• Objectives of mix design: Strength, workability, durability, economy
• Various mix design methods (e.g., ACI, DoE, IS methods)
• Proportioning of materials: Aggregates, cement, water, admixtures
• Adjustments for field conditions and material variations
• Trial mixes and validation

Module 6. Curing of Concrete

• Importance of curing: Hydration process, strength development, durability
• Curing methods: Water curing, membrane curing, steam curing
• Duration and temperature considerations for effective curing
• Effects of improper curing on concrete properties
• Special curing for high-performance concrete

Module 7. Mechanisms of Concrete Deterioration I: Chemical Attacks

• Sulfate Attack: Mechanisms, effects, mitigation strategies
• Alkali-Aggregate Reaction (AAR): Alkali-silica reaction (ASR), alkali-carbonate reaction (ACR)
• Acid Attack: Resistance of concrete to acids
• Chloride Attack: Penetration mechanisms, critical chloride content
• Carbonation: Process, effects on reinforcement, prevention

Module 8. Mechanisms of Concrete Deterioration II: Physical Deterioration

• Freeze-Thaw Attack: Mechanism, role of air entrainment
• Abrasion and Erosion: Causes, resistance, repair
• Cavitation Damage: In hydraulic structures
• Fire Damage: Effects of high temperatures on concrete
• Cracking: Types, causes, and significance for durability

Module 9. Reinforcement Corrosion and Protection

• Mechanism of steel corrosion in concrete: Electrochemical process
• Factors influencing corrosion: Chlorides, carbonation, moisture, oxygen
• Consequences of corrosion: Cracking, spalling, loss of bond, structural failure
• Corrosion prevention methods: Concrete quality, cover, coatings, inhibitors
• Cathodic protection and re-alkalisation

Module 10. Durability Design and Service Life Prediction

• Durability provisions in concrete codes and standards
• Performance-based design for durability
• Service life modeling and prediction approaches
• Factors influencing service life of concrete structures
• Case studies of durability failures and successes

Module 11. Testing of Concrete for Quality Control and Durability Assessment

• Fresh concrete tests: Slump, air content, temperature
• Hardened concrete tests: Compressive strength, non-destructive testing (NDT - rebound hammer, ultrasonic pulse velocity)
• Durability tests: Permeability (RCPT), water absorption, resistance to chemical attack
• Core drilling and testing for in-situ assessment
• Statistical quality control of concrete

Module 12. Repair and Rehabilitation of Concrete Structures

• Assessment of concrete damage: Causes, extent, severity
• Repair materials: Mortars, grouts, epoxies, polymers
• Repair techniques: Patching, crack injection, jacketing, shotcrete
• Surface preparation for repair
• Strengthening techniques for concrete elements

Module 13. High-Performance Concrete (HPC) and Special Concretes

• Definition and properties of HPC
• Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC): Properties, mix design, applications
• Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (FRC): Steel, synthetic, glass fibers
• Lightweight Concrete and Heavyweight Concrete
• Geopolymer Concrete and other sustainable concrete types

Module 14. Concrete for Specific Applications and Environments

• Concrete for marine environments: Chloride resistance, sulfate resistance
• Concrete for hot weather and cold weather conditions
• Concrete for aggressive chemical environments
• Concrete for mass concrete structures (e.g., dams)
• Concrete in precast and pre-stressed applications

Module 15. Sustainability and Future Trends in Concrete Technology

• Environmental impact of concrete production: Carbon footprint
• Sustainable concrete materials and practices
• Recycled aggregates and alternative binders
• Smart concrete: Self-healing concrete, self-sensing concrete
• Innovations in concrete technology and research directions.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.