Semester 1

Unit(s) of Assessment

2 hour examination

Coursework – Two assignments

Qualifying Condition(s)    An overall mark of 50% is required to pass the module.

The module reviews the durability characteristics of the main materials used in the construction of modern bridges and engineering structures. The relationship between material behaviour and environment is reviewed and the implications for those tasked with the design, construction and operation of engineering structures discussed. The various methods for assessing the condition of a structure are explored through case studies and practical work and linked to the need for viable inspection, maintenance strategies. 

An understanding of the behaviour of typical construction materials (steel and concrete) and the factors controlling their physical and mechanical properties. An understanding of chemical concepts, such as, ions and electrons, and simple reaction equations.

·         To promote an understanding of the processes leading to the deterioration of typical construction materials and how they can lead to failure of engineering structures.

·         To promote an understanding of the methods for testing, monitoring and assessing existing concrete and steel structures.

·         To review available invasive and non-invasive repair methods.

To highlight methods for the design, construction and operation of durable structures.

Successful completion of the module will enable participants to understand the processes leading to deterioration of modern construction materials and demonstrate how viable methods of testing and monitoring can be applied to assess the need for repair, maintenance, strengthening or replacement.  Participants will be able to critically compare invasive and non-invasive techniques for the repair of reinforced (and prestressed) concrete and metallic structures and present a rational basis for the long-term maintenance and operation of bridges and other engineering structures.

This module concentrates on the behaviour of concrete and steel structures, and their combination as reinforced and prestressed concrete, but other common engineering materials will also be discussed. The learning material is supplemented by a number of tutorial based case studies of failures of durability and their consequences.  The coursework involves a visual survey, and critical assessment of, a local structures to which safe access can be obtained by the student.  The core topics covered are:

Overview of Durability - Why do materials deteriorate?  Whole Life costing.  Maintenance strategies.

The Durability of Concrete - What is concrete?  Mechanisms responsible for deterioration.  Mix design for durability.

The Durability of Metals - Why do metals corrode?  Electrochemical aspects of aqueous corrosion.  Pourbaix diagrams.  Electrode kinetics. (Rates of reactions.)  Forms of metallic corrosion.

The Durability of Reinforced Concrete - Mechanisms of corrosion protection.  Factors affecting corrosion of steel in concrete.

Testing and Monitoring Structures - Quality of concrete.  Potential for, and extent of, rebar corrosion.  Cracks and defects in metallic structures.

Assessment of Structures - The wait, maintain, repair or demolish decision.

Repair Method and Materials - Invasive vs non-invasive repair techniques.  Cementitious vs polymeric repair systems.

The Design and Construction of Durable Structures - Design for durability.  Materials selection.  Use of coatings. Electrochemical methods of protection.

Failures of Durability and their Consequences - Tutorial based case studies.

Total student learning time 150 hours.

Detailed self-study material (containing learning material, self-check questions, tasks, self-assessment questions and revision questions) will be supplemented by a series of keynote presentations.  The self-study material is illustrated by a number of tutorial based case studies of failure of durability.  The associated coursework element involves the inspection and assessment of a local structure.

M.G. Fontana, 1986, Corrosion Engineering, 3rd edition, McGraw-Hill Higher Education Press, ISBN 0071003606.

A.M. Neville, 1995, Properties of Concrete, 4th Edition, Harlow :Longman, ISBN 0582230705.

A.M. Neville & J.J Brooks , 2010, Concrete Technology, 2nd Edition, Prentice Hall, ISBN 978-0273732198.

R.T.L. Allen, S.C. Edwards & D.N. Shaw, 1992, Repair of Concrete Structures, Routledge, ISBN 978-0751400861.

J.H Bungey, S.G. Millard & M.G. Grantham, 2006, Testing of Concrete in Structures, 4th Edition, Taylor & Francis Press, ISBN 978-0415263016.

J.P. Broomfield, 2006, Corrosion of Steel in Concrete: Understanding, Investigation and Repair, 2nd Edition, Taylor & Francis, ISBN 978-0415334044.

J. M. Illston (editor), 2001, Construction Materials: Their nature and behaviour, 3rd Edition, Taylor & Francis Press, ISBN 978-0419258605.

G.A.R. Parke & N. Hewson, 2008, ICE Manual of Bridge Engineering, Institution of Civil Engineers; 2nd edition, Thomas Telford Publishing, ISBN 0727734520.

20 September 2010