Introductory lectures will introduce methods for non-destructive characterization and testing of wood and reinforced concrete. Following these lectures, practical sessions will be conducted both in the laboratory and outdoors, offering participants the chance to engage in hands-on measurements using a variety of state-of-the-art devices.

Chemistry is an important fundamental topic for civil engineers, e.g. in understanding the properties of building materials, the natural environment (atmosphere and solutions) and the reaction of building materials with the environment (corrosion of metals, durability). The course intends to teach the fundamentals of chemistry (see table of contents) with a focus on these applied topics.

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We look at the durability of reinforced concrete structures, covering common deterioration processes such as reinforcement corrosion, frost damage, ASR, etc. The course spans the range from fundamental mechanisms to aspects of engineering practice. New methods and materials for preventative measures, condition assessment and repair techniques are treated. Examples from real cases are shown.

Electrochemical restoration techniques as cathodic protection (CP), electrochemical chloride removal (ECR) and electrochemical realkalization (ER) are non-destructive alternatives to the conventional concrete repair methods. The three techniques are presented with practical applications. Advantages and disadvantages are discussed.

In this introductory lecture, students gain basic knowledge on building materials like cement, concrete, metals, glass, wood, polymers, and bitumen, their manufacturing and processing, important properties and their application. Fundamental mechanical, thermal and optical properties are discussed and experimental ways for measuring, as well as numerical methods for predicting them, are depicted.

Understanding the basic principles of chemistry with particular emphasis on quantitative aspects.

Introduction to building materials; mechanical properties; deformation; strength; fracture; hardness; porosity and moisture transport; hygral and thermal properties; electrical and optical properties; statistics; mineral binders; cement; concrete.

Introduction into the basic and practical knowledge of important building materials and testing methods.

The course focuses on the use of stainless steels as alternative, more corrosion resistant materials in harshe environments. The second part regards the durability of post-tensioning tendons, presenting new developmens as electrically isolated tendons in plastic ducts or alternative high strength materials for the tendons. Case studies.

Materials science of metals in civil engineering (steels, high strength steel, Al-alloys, stainless steels). Mechanisms to improve the mechanical properties, plastic deformation (dislocations), mechanical tests. The goal is the understanding of the relation between chemical composition, microstructure and mechanical properties and durability (corrosion) of metallic materials. Case studies.