Title: Cross-Disciplinary Research at ACBM

Author(s): Surendra P. Shah

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 159

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 409-428

Keywords: concretes; conductivity; fiber reinforced concretes; fracture properties; microstructure; permeability; rheological properties

DOI: 10.14359/16768

Date: 2/1/1996

Abstract:
Concrete for the twenty first century can be much stronger, more durable and at the same time cost and energy efficient. However, this will not be possible unless we understand this material better. In spite of its wide spread use, compared to other structural materials there is very little well organized expenditure on research and development of concrete. One critical gap in our understanding is relating microstructure with macroscopic properties, and relating what happens at the ionic level to the response of concrete structures. Integrating the understanding of microstructure with processing and engineering properties is one of the major goals of our Science and Technology Center for Advanced Cement-Based Materials in the United States, established in 1989. Interactions with Industry have flourished due to the coordinated multidisciplinary and multi-institutional approach of the center. The Industrial Affiliates Program has eighteen members representing a wide range of internationally active corporations who provide invaluable input regarding the commercial significance of the Center's research. An overview of some of our new research results will be presented. The center has made significant progress in (1) characterizing pore structure, (2) developing experimental tools and computer models to relate evolving pore structure with permeability and conductivity, (3) understanding rheology, (4) designing a new class of organo-silicate composites, (5) untlerstanding fracture process zone, and (6) high performance fiber reinforced composites.