Please consider attending the following:
MATERIALS ENGINEERING
“Destructive and Nondestructive Testing Methodologies in Concrete Durability”
By
Anthony P. Becerril
Purdue MSE Preliminary Exam
Advisor: Professor Jeffrey P. Youngblood
ABSTRACT
Cementitious materials are one of the oldest technologies to exist and are used in most products and infrastructures such as roads, parking lots, buildings and more. Although an old technology,
cementitious material production has not decreased and has had a static period of improvement in sustainability. The ongoing production rises concerns due to its environmental impact due to global warming and the thinning of the atmosphere. As of 2018, cement
production is responsible for 8% of global C02 emissions. The use of sustainable, renewable materials is critical in cement research to significantly reduce the amount of carbon dioxide contributing to global warming. Compressive strength has historically
has been tested to predict durability, but extensive reasons have shifted the focus more towards extensive durability testing. Some standards are considered Destructive Testing (DT) methods where tested samples are destroyed in the testing process and hence
not available for further testing. DT methods are reliable in indicating durability mainly through strength testing. Additionally, there have been development of Nondestructive Testing (NDT) methods to extend usage of samples for determining durability. Although
NDT preserve samples, there are arguments about the reliability of NDT over DT. Numerous DT and NDT standards evaluate cement performance through analysis of main parameters such as strength, durability, permeability, porosity and more3. Additionally, additives
have been used to improve cement durability such as supplementary cementitious materials (SCM), chemical admixtures, and nanomaterials have been widely used and developed. Previous literature has shown that cellulose nanocrystals when used as an additive improves
cement performance through flexural strength, microstructure enhancement, and an increase in degree of hydratioll4. With the increased demand for more sustainable cement production, cellulose as an additive for cement provides a resource that is renewable,
biodegradable, while also improving environmental, economic, and health impacts. In this work, concrete durability testing with DT and NDT methods will be compared to address challenges, such as reliability, in concrete research and industry practices. Additionally,
cellulose nanocrystals as an additive in cement production will be reviewed. Lastly, current research on cement paste durability advancement with nano-additives will be addressed.
Date: Friday, December 6, 2019
Time: 2:30 P.M.
Place: ARMS 1109