Concrete Appreciation

An overview of the material properties, performance, classification and design of concrete sets the scene for the course. The constituents are discussed in detail, including:

• Cement products
• Mixers
• Admixtures
• Aggregates

Key topics include:

• The performance of both fresh and hardened concrete is discussed in detail
• The fresh properties enable the concrete to be mixed, transported, placed and compacted to meet its end use requirements
• The hardened concrete needs to match design requirements that can include the specification of any number of criteria including: strength, permeability, durability, fire resistance and finish
• The practical use and control of concrete is introduced

These sessions will focus on the production, transport, testing and quality control of concrete to ensure it meets the required performance requirements.

Background

Concrete has an extensive role to play both in the construction and improvement of civil engineering infrastructure. It is an extremely versatile material that is used on virtually every engineering project due to its great strength, durability and versatility.

As an everyday construction material it seems so simple - and yet concrete must be fit for a wide range of uses. Only if correct properties are achieved can successful concrete projects be realised.

This course starts at 08:45 and finishes at 17:00 with refreshment breaks mid-morning and afternoon, plus lunch. All timings, except the start time, are approximate and may be adjusted to suit natural breaks in the lesson.

• Session 1 - Introduction and setting of course objectives
• Session 2 - Composition of concrete
• Session 3 - Cements
• Session 4 - Aggregates
• Session 5 - Properties of fresh concrete
• Session 6 - Properties of hardened concrete
• Session 7 - Admixtures
• Session 8 - Concrete application and uses
• Session 9 - Preparation for ready mixed concrete
• Session 10 - Testing concrete - various methods

Tutor

The tutor is a highly experienced civil engineer and independent consultant to the construction industry. He has considerable experience in all aspects of concrete including:

• Quarrying
• Pulverised fuel ash and ready - mixed concrete industries
• Delivering industry lectures and training courses on a broad spectrum of concrete
• Technology and applications

At the end of this course delegates should:

• Have a broad appreciation of the use, performance and versatility of concrete in the construction industry
• Have a clear and concise understanding of relationship between cement, aggregates, mixers, admixtures and concrete
• Understand the essential requirements for the production of successful concrete
• Be able to identify the composition and properties of concrete to meet design specifications
• Appreciate the key factors that ensure effective transport and end use of concrete
• Appreciate various methods of concrete testing

This course is designed for:

• Graduate engineers and construction professionals who require an introduction to concrete, its uses, applications and control in the construction industry
• This course is suitable for those in both a technical or non-technical capacity

Virtual Training
Product code: C0211