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Fuad ABUTAHA

Concrete technology is used in building construction, road, and bridges for making columns, beams, slabs, and other load-bearing structures.

The course discusses the fundamentals related to concrete and concrete material as below:

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Concrete technology is used in building construction, road, and bridges for making columns, beams, slabs, and other load-bearing structures.

The course discusses the fundamentals related to concrete and concrete material as below:

  • Understand the theoretical concept of Concrete material e.g. (Cement, Admixtures, and Aggregates)

  • Discuss different types of aggregates, admixtures & the mechanism of hydration of cement.

  • The properties of Fresh and Hardened Concrete

  • Discussing the factors affecting the engineering properties of concrete

  • Understand the concept of mix design of concrete

  • Know various types of special concretes & their application.

  • The properties of the constituent materials of concrete.

  • The physical & mechanical properties of aggregates.

  • The behavior of concrete at its fresh and hardened state, carry out tests relevant to the use of concrete on site.

  • Factors affecting the strength of concrete.

  • Define special concretes, and their application for practical purposes.

  • Ability to perform various tests on concrete ingredients and also on concrete (Fresh and Hardened).

  • Acquire and apply fundamental knowledge of the fresh and hardened properties of concrete

  • To be able to comprehend detailed information about concrete and concrete aggregate is provided as a building material.

  • Identify the functional role of ingredients of concrete and apply this knowledge to mix design philosophy

  • Admixtures: Types of admixtures – mineral and chemical admixtures.

    Aggregates: Classification of aggregate – Particle shape & texture –, strength & other mechanical properties of aggregate – Specific gravity, Bulk density, porosity, adsorption & moisture content of aggregate – Sieve analysis – Fineness modulus – Grading curves – Grading of fine & coarse Aggregates – Gap graded aggregate – Maximum aggregate size.

    Fresh Concrete: Workability – Factors affecting workability – Measurement of workability by different tests – Setting times of concrete – Effect of time and temperature on workability – Segregation & bleeding – Mixing and vibration of concrete – Steps in the manufacture of concrete – Quality of mixing water, Curing of concrete.

    Hardened Concrete: Water/Cement ratio – Strength of concrete in tension & compression – Factors affecting strength – Relation between compressive & tensile strength.

    Testing of Hardened Concrete: Compression tests – Tension tests– Flexure tests – Splitting tests –Elasticity, Creep & Shrinkage – Modulus of elasticity – Dynamic modulus of elasticity.

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    What's inside

    Syllabus

    Introduction
    Introduction To Concrete Technology
    Concrete Ingredients
    Concrete Mix Proportions
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    Traffic lights

    Read about what's good
    what should give you pause
    and possible dealbreakers
    Covers concrete mix proportions, which is essential for structural design and construction, providing a strong foundation for further studies in civil engineering
    Details the concrete casting process and steps, offering practical knowledge applicable to on-site construction activities and improving workmanship
    Explores the factors affecting the strength of concrete, which is crucial for ensuring structural integrity and safety in construction projects
    Discusses the importance of curing concrete, which is a critical step in achieving durable and long-lasting structures, and is often overlooked
    Examines sieve analysis of aggregates, which is a fundamental technique for determining the suitability of materials used in concrete production
    Requires learners to understand the theoretical concepts of concrete material, which may be challenging for those without a formal education in engineering

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    Reviews summary

    Fundamentals of concrete technology

    According to learners, this course offers an excellent foundation in the basics of concrete technology. Many students find the lectures clear and concise, effectively breaking down complex concepts into easy-to-understand modules. It is widely considered highly valuable for civil engineering students and professionals new to the field, providing a solid introduction to material properties and behavior. While praised for its foundational strength and well-structured materials, some experienced professionals note it lacks depth for advanced learners. Feedback also suggests that incorporating more practical examples, potentially through videos of testing procedures, and improving image quality in the lectures could further enhance the learning experience.
    Lectures are easy to understand and follow.
    "The lectures were clear and concise..."
    "Absolutely fantastic! The course breaks down complex concepts into easy-to-understand modules."
    "The core concepts are explained well though."
    Covers core concepts well for beginners.
    "This course provided an excellent foundation in concrete technology."
    "Good course for beginners. It covers the basics well."
    "Excellent resource for understanding concrete fundamentals. ... Highly valuable for my work in construction."
    Some images in lectures were low resolution.
    "My only criticism is the quality of some of the images used in the lectures; they were low resolution."
    Could benefit from hands-on demonstrations.
    "Would have liked more practical examples or maybe short videos showing actual tests..."
    "Could improve on the visual aids and perhaps add some short case studies."
    Too basic for experienced professionals.
    "Decent overview but lacks depth for experienced professionals."
    "If you already work with concrete, you won't find much new here."
    "Found this course quite basic and repetitive. ... Not worth it if you have prior knowledge."

    Activities

    Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Basics of Concrete Technology with these activities:
    Review Aggregate Properties
    Refresh your understanding of aggregate properties to better grasp their impact on concrete strength and workability.
    Show steps
    • Review notes on aggregate size, shape, and texture.
    • Practice sieve analysis calculations.
    • Research different aggregate types and their uses.
    Review 'Concrete Technology' by A.M. Neville and J.J. Brooks
    Review a comprehensive textbook on concrete technology to gain a deeper understanding of the subject.
    View Concrete Technology on Amazon
    Show steps
    • Read chapters related to course topics.
    • Take notes on key concepts and formulas.
    • Work through example problems.
    Concrete Mix Design Calculations
    Practice concrete mix design calculations to master the process of determining optimal proportions of concrete ingredients.
    Show steps
    • Solve example problems using different mix design methods.
    • Compare the results of different methods.
    • Analyze the impact of ingredient variations on the final mix.
    Four other activities
    Expand to see all activities and additional details
    Show all seven activities
    Review 'Properties of Concrete' by A.M. Neville
    Study a book focused on the properties of concrete to deepen your understanding of material behavior.
    View Structural Analysis on Amazon
    Show steps
    • Focus on chapters discussing strength and durability.
    • Compare the book's information with course materials.
    • Note any differences or additional insights.
    Create a Concrete Curing Guide
    Create a comprehensive guide on concrete curing methods to reinforce your understanding of best practices.
    Show steps
    • Research different curing methods and their applications.
    • Summarize the key steps and considerations for each method.
    • Include visual aids such as diagrams or photos.
    • Share your guide with peers for feedback.
    Small-Scale Concrete Casting Project
    Undertake a small-scale concrete casting project to apply your knowledge of concrete mix design, casting, and curing.
    Show steps
    • Design a small concrete structure (e.g., a paver or a small block).
    • Calculate the required concrete mix proportions.
    • Cast the concrete and cure it properly.
    • Test the strength of the cured concrete.
    Create a Presentation on Special Concretes
    Prepare a presentation on special concretes to expand your knowledge beyond basic concrete types.
    Show steps
    • Research different types of special concretes (e.g., self-compacting, fiber-reinforced).
    • Prepare slides with information on their properties and applications.
    • Practice your presentation to ensure clarity and conciseness.

    Career center

    Learners who complete Basics of Concrete Technology will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
    Concrete Technician
    A concrete technician performs tests on concrete materials to ensure they meet quality standards. They collect samples, conduct laboratory tests, and analyze results to ensure concrete is suitable for its intended use. This course helps one become a concrete technician. It discusses the behavior of concrete at its fresh and hardened state. The course highlights the ability to perform various tests on concrete ingredients and also on concrete (Fresh and Hardened). Anyone wanting to be a concrete technician will benefit from this course.
    Structural Engineer
    A structural engineer analyzes and designs structures to ensure they can withstand various loads and stresses. They work on buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure projects, focusing on the structural integrity of the design. Understanding the behavior of concrete under different conditions is vital for a structural engineer. This course discusses the factors affecting the strength of concrete. A structural engineer would benefit from this course's introduction to the properties of fresh and hardened concrete. This introduction defines special concretes, and their application for practical purposes.
    Materials Engineer
    A materials engineer researches and develops new materials, and also improves existing ones. They understand the properties and behavior of different substances, using that knowledge to design materials for specific applications. This course explores the fundamentals of concrete, offering a strong base for those interested in becoming a materials engineer, particularly one specializing in construction materials. The course provides an understanding of properties of cement, aggregates, and admixtures. It further examines the properties of fresh and hardened concrete, which are essential for a materials engineer. Testing and quality control are essential to this role. This course covers the tests carried out on concrete ingredients, as well as on fresh and hardened concrete.
    Civil Engineer
    A civil engineer designs, constructs, and maintains infrastructure projects. They oversee projects such as roads, bridges, buildings, and water systems, ensuring their safety and efficiency. For a civil engineer, understanding concrete technology is crucial. This course introduces the theoretical concepts of cement, admixtures and aggregates. Furthermore it discusses their distinct types. A deep understanding of these topics helps the civil engineer. Similarly, the course's coverage of mix design of concrete is also relevant. This course will be especially helpful to engineers interested in working on concrete structures.
    Construction Project Manager
    A construction project manager oversees all aspects of a construction project, from planning and budgeting to execution and completion. They ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget, while maintaining safety and quality standards. An understanding of concrete technology is essential for a construction project manager working on projects involving concrete structures. This course introduces the properties of fresh and hardened concrete. Also discussed are the mixing and vibration of concrete. With these concepts, the path to becoming a construction project manager becomes clearer.
    Construction Manager
    A construction manager plans, coordinates, and oversees construction projects from start to finish. They manage budgets, schedules, and teams, ensuring projects are completed safely and efficiently. As a construction manager, a strong understanding of concrete is critical for projects involving foundations, structures, and paving. This course provides an understanding of the concrete casting process, which helps those who want to be construction managers. It also discusses the factors affecting the engineering properties of concrete. The insight into concrete mixing, vibration, and curing will be valuable on the job site. Construction managers will also appreciate the overview of quality control through tests.
    Highway Engineer
    A highway engineer plans, designs, and maintains roads and highways. They consider traffic flow, safety, and environmental impact in their designs, ensuring efficient and durable transportation systems. Concrete is a primary material in highway construction, making an understanding of concrete technology essential for a highway engineer. This course discusses concrete technology is used in building construction, road, and bridges. It also helps to know various types of special concretes, and their application. The course helps introduce these concepts.
    Cement Production Manager
    A cement production manager oversees the manufacturing process of cement, ensuring efficiency, quality, and safety. They manage production schedules, equipment maintenance, and quality control. This course may be incredibly helpful to one who wishes to become a cement production manager. It will help clarify the knowledge of the properties of cement. It goes over cement production, and chemical composition of cement. With this knowledge, one may have a better shot at becoming a cement production manager.
    Concrete Sales Representative
    A concrete sales representative sells concrete products to construction companies and other clients. They develop relationships with customers, provide technical support, and negotiate contracts. This course will help you become a concrete sales representative. This course helps to understand the theoretical concept of concrete material. A sales representative should especially understand different types of aggregates and admixtures. They should also understand special concretes and their applications.
    Quality Control Inspector
    A quality control inspector examines materials and products to ensure they meet established standards. They perform tests, record data, and identify defects, maintaining quality throughout the production process. For a quality control inspector working with concrete, a deep understanding of testing procedures is essential. This course may be particularly valuable due to its discussion of the properties of fresh and hardened concrete. The course will help quality control inspectors understand the factors affecting the engineering properties of concrete. They will also learn about the tests relevant to the use of concrete on site, including compression, tension, flexure, and splitting tests.
    Estimator
    An estimator analyzes project plans and specifications to determine the quantity and cost of materials, labor, and equipment needed for a construction project. Knowledge of concrete is essential for an estimator working on projects that involve its use. This course can set you on the path to becoming an estimator. This course helps to understand the theoretical concept of Concrete material, for example cement, admixtures, and aggregates. This knowledge helps you to properly assess the cost of a project.
    Geotechnical Engineer
    A geotechnical engineer investigates subsurface conditions and materials to determine their engineering properties. They design foundations, retaining walls, and other structures to ensure stability and safety. For a geotechnical engineer, understanding how concrete interacts with soil and other materials is crucial for foundation design. This course may be useful to those in this field. It will help clarify the properties of concrete and its constituent materials. The course discusses the physical and mechanical properties of aggregates. Also highlighted are the factors affecting the strength of concrete. Those working on below-ground construction may find the information on concrete curing particularly applicable to their work.
    Bridge Inspector
    A bridge inspector examines bridges to assess their condition and identify any structural deficiencies. They conduct visual inspections, perform tests, and recommend repairs to ensure the safety and longevity of bridges. Concrete is a primary material in bridge construction, making an understanding of concrete technology essential for a bridge inspector. This course introduces concrete technology is used in building construction, road, and bridges. It also helps recognize factors affecting the strength of concrete. This role often requires advanced certification.
    Architecture Consultant
    An architecture consultant provides expert advice and guidance on architectural design, planning, and construction. They may specialize in areas such as sustainable design, building codes, or historic preservation. Concrete is a material commonly used in building construction. This course discusses concrete technology is used in building construction, enabling those who wish to become architecture consultants. It may be especially useful to identify the functional role of ingredients of concrete and apply this knowledge to mix design philosophy.
    Sustainability Consultant
    A sustainability consultant helps organizations reduce their environmental impact by developing and implementing sustainable practices. They may specialize in green building practices, energy efficiency, or waste reduction. A sustainability consultant may find this course useful. The course helps to acquire and apply fundamental knowledge of the fresh and hardened properties of concrete. An understanding of concrete production and sourcing is increasingly important for sustainable construction. The constituent materials of concrete can also be assessed with the aid of this course.

    Reading list

    We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Basics of Concrete Technology.
    Comprehensive resource on concrete technology, widely used as a textbook in civil engineering programs. It covers the properties of concrete ingredients, mix design, testing, and special concretes in detail. Reading this book will provide a deeper understanding of the topics covered in the course and serve as a valuable reference for future projects. It provides additional depth to the course.
    Focuses specifically on the properties of concrete, both fresh and hardened. It provides a detailed analysis of the factors affecting concrete strength, durability, and other key characteristics. This book useful reference tool for understanding the behavior of concrete under different conditions. It adds more depth to the existing course.

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