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Sorption and transport in cementitious materials

Karen Scrivener and Fabien Georget

In the MOOC: “Cement chemistry and sustainable cementitious materials”; you learned how to create more sustainable cementitious materials.

But concrete is not an inert rock. It is a dynamic porous material, which can exchange water, gas and ions with its environment. Through physical and chemical interactions, these exchanges can have dramatic consequences: cracks due to shrinkage, reinforcement bars corrosion, spalling, …

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In the MOOC: “Cement chemistry and sustainable cementitious materials”; you learned how to create more sustainable cementitious materials.

But concrete is not an inert rock. It is a dynamic porous material, which can exchange water, gas and ions with its environment. Through physical and chemical interactions, these exchanges can have dramatic consequences: cracks due to shrinkage, reinforcement bars corrosion, spalling, …

For a true sustainability, the durability of cementitious materials should not be forgotten. In this course, we will learn how to study and improve the durability of cementitious materials, to ensure that the cement industry can truly reduce its CO2 emissions.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Describe sorption and transport in porous materials
  • Describe the interactions of water and the cementitious material
  • Understand the common mechanisms of rebars corrosion
  • Understand how numerical methods can be used to study cementitious materials
  • Analyze the current state of the art research in the durability of cementitious materials
  • Evaluate experimental and numerical methods to analyze durability issues

Syllabus

The course is structured into 6 weeks of about one to two-hour lectures:
Fluid in porous media
Numerical methods - microscopic to macroscopic
The water sorption cycle in cementitious materials
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a fundamental understanding of sorption and transport in porous materials, which is applicable to many scenarios outside of cementitious materials, such as food, pharmaceuticals, and energy
Examines how water interacts with cementitious materials, offering insights into water sorption and transport phenomena
Explores practical applications of numerical methods, enabling learners to simulate and analyze cementitious materials at various scales
Covers advanced topics in durability and sustainability, addressing challenges faced by the cementitious materials industry
Develops an understanding of the mechanisms and factors influencing chloride ingress and carbonation, equipping learners to address durability issues in cementitious structures
Provides a comprehensive foundation in the durability of cementitious materials, serving as a valuable resource for professionals and researchers alike

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Reviews summary

Advanced concrete durability and transport

According to learners, this course offers an in-depth and highly specialized exploration of sorption and transport phenomena in cementitious materials. Students find the content to be rigorous and academically strong, providing a comprehensive understanding crucial for professionals in civil engineering and materials science. While it delivers valuable theoretical knowledge linked to practical durability challenges, some learners highlight the need for a strong foundational background in cement chemistry and related fields to fully grasp the complex numerical methods and scientific concepts presented. The lectures are generally well-regarded for their clarity.
Balances advanced theory with real-world durability issues.
"The <span class="positive">theoretical framework is strong, yet I could clearly see the real-world implications for concrete design and longevity."
"I appreciated how the course connected complex scientific principles directly to <span class="neutral">durability issues in structures."
"It really helps to <span class="positive">evaluate experimental methods for solving practical, real-world problems in materials science."
Deep academic insights essential for niche professionals.
"I found the topics on <span class="neutral">sorption and transport mechanisms incredibly detailed and valuable for my research in civil engineering."
"This course offers a <span class="positive">rigorous academic foundation for engineers focused on concrete technology and durability."
"My understanding of <span class="neutral">chloride ingress and carbonation in concrete improved significantly through this specialized content."
Instructors explain complex topics with expertise.
"The <span class="positive">lectures were well-structured, making even dense and technical topics understandable."
"I found the <span class="positive">instructor's explanations very insightful, especially for the more challenging scientific concepts."
"Complex ideas were effectively broken down into <span class="positive">digestible modules, which aided my learning significantly."
Requires strong prior knowledge for optimal understanding.
"I struggled a bit without a solid background in the <span class="warning">physical chemistry of cement, which seemed assumed."
"Ensure you have completed the prerequisite course or have equivalent knowledge, as it assumes prior expertise."
"The <span class="warning">numerical methods section was quite challenging for me, lacking prior exposure to similar advanced concepts."

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 Sorption and transport in cementitious materials with these activities:
Explore Numerical Simulation Tools for Cementitious Materials
Enhance your understanding of numerical methods used in the study of cementitious materials, complementing the course material.
Show steps
  • Identify online tutorials or courses on numerical simulations for cementitious materials.
  • Choose a specific tutorial or course and work through its content.
  • Apply your knowledge to simulate a simple cementitious system and analyze the results.
  • Compare your findings with published research or course materials to validate your understanding.
Collaborative Problem-Solving on Durability Issues
Foster collaborative learning and enhance problem-solving skills by engaging in discussions and working together on durability-related issues.
Show steps
  • Form a study group with classmates.
  • Identify a specific durability problem or case study.
  • Research and gather information on the topic.
  • Discuss and brainstorm potential solutions or approaches.
  • Present your findings to the group and engage in constructive feedback.
Analyze Experimental Results on Durability
Develop strong analytical skills by practicing the interpretation and analysis of experimental data related to cementitious materials durability.
Show steps
  • Obtain experimental data from research papers or course materials.
  • Select appropriate statistical and graphical methods for data analysis.
  • Identify trends, patterns, and relationships in the data.
  • Draw conclusions and interpretations based on the analyzed data.
  • Compare your findings with published research or course discussions.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Develop an Infographic on Sustainable Concrete
Enhance your communication skills and deepen your understanding of sustainable concrete by creating a visually engaging infographic.
Show steps
  • Gather information from course materials, research papers, and industry sources.
  • Identify key aspects and benefits of sustainable concrete.
  • Select an appropriate infographic format and design.
  • Visualize the information in a clear and concise manner.
  • Share your infographic with classmates or on social media.
Attend a Workshop on Concrete Durability Testing
Gain hands-on experience and practical knowledge by attending a workshop on concrete durability testing.
Show steps
  • Research and identify upcoming workshops or conferences.
  • Register for the workshop and prepare any necessary materials.
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate in demonstrations and discussions.
  • Take notes and ask questions to enhance your understanding.
  • Follow up with the workshop organizers or experts for additional information.
Provide Mentorship on Concrete Durability
Enhance your understanding of the topic by providing mentorship to other students or individuals seeking knowledge on concrete durability.
Show steps
  • Offer your support to classmates or junior students struggling with durability concepts.
  • Answer questions and provide guidance on specific problems or issues.
  • Share your knowledge and experience to help others develop a deeper understanding.
  • Facilitate discussions or study sessions to encourage collective learning.

Career center

Learners who complete Sorption and transport in cementitious materials will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Corrosion Engineer
Corrosion Engineers study and prevent corrosion, which is the gradual deterioration of materials when exposed to certain substances or environments. This course, “Sorption and transport in cementitious materials,” teaches principles related to fluid in porous media, water sorption in cementitious materials, factors affecting water transport, and chloride ingress, all of which are relevant to preventing corrosion of reinforcing steel in concrete structures. Learning about these topics will help you become a more effective Corrosion Engineer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Corrosion Engineer
Materials Scientist
Materials Scientists study, design, and develop new and existing materials and ensure they meet certain criteria relating to their structure and properties. This course, “Sorption and transport in cementitious materials,” teaches principles related to the interactions of water and cementitious material, the various mechanisms of rebar corrosion, and techniques for studying cementitious materials numerically. This course may be useful to Materials Scientists focused on developing materials for use in construction.
See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Scientist
Chemical Engineer
Chemical Engineers apply the principles of chemistry and engineering to solve problems that involve the production or use of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food, and other products. This course, “Sorption and transport in cementitious materials,” teaches principles related to the interactions of water and cementitious material, the mechanisms of rebar corrosion, and techniques for studying cementitious materials numerically, all of which are relevant to the chemical processes used in construction. Learning about these topics will help you expand your understanding of chemical processes in this industry.
See salaries and explore the career path for Chemical Engineer
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineers design and oversee the construction and maintenance of infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and buildings. This course, “Sorption and transport in cementitious materials,” teaches principles related to the properties of cement and the factors affecting its durability, which are crucial aspects of civil engineering. Learning about these topics will help you become a more effective Civil Engineer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Civil Engineer
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineers develop solutions to environmental problems, such as air and water pollution, and climate change. This course, “Sorption and transport in cementitious materials,” teaches principles related to the interactions of chemicals with porous materials, which is highly relevant to the work of many Environmental Engineers. Learning about these topics will help you become a more effective Environmental Engineer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Engineer
Geotechnical Engineer
Geotechnical Engineers apply the principles of soil mechanics and rock mechanics to the design and construction of foundations, slopes, and other structures that interact with the ground. This course, “Sorption and transport in cementitious materials,” teaches principles related to the interactions of water and porous materials, which is highly relevant to the work of many Geotechnical Engineers. Learning about these topics will help you become a more effective Geotechnical Engineer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Geotechnical Engineer
Mining Engineer
Mining Engineers design and manage the extraction of minerals from the earth. This course, “Sorption and transport in cementitious materials,” teaches principles related to the interactions of water and porous materials, which is highly relevant to the work of many Mining Engineers. Learning about these topics will help you become a more effective Mining Engineer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Mining Engineer
Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum Engineers design and manage the extraction of oil and gas from the earth. This course, “Sorption and transport in cementitious materials,” teaches principles related to the interactions of water and porous materials, which is highly relevant to the work of many Petroleum Engineers. Learning about these topics will help you become a more effective Petroleum Engineer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Petroleum Engineer
Structural Engineer
Structural Engineers design and analyze the structural integrity of buildings, bridges, and other structures. This course, “Sorption and transport in cementitious materials,” teaches principles related to the properties of cement and the factors affecting its durability, which are crucial aspects of structural engineering. Learning about these topics will help you become a more effective Structural Engineer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Structural Engineer
Transportation Engineer
Transportation Engineers plan, design, and operate transportation systems, such as roads, bridges, and airports. This course, “Sorption and transport in cementitious materials,” teaches principles related to the properties of cement and the factors affecting its durability, both of which are important considerations in transportation engineering. Learning about these topics will help you become a more effective Transportation Engineer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Transportation Engineer
Water Resources Engineer
Water Resources Engineers manage and protect water resources, such as rivers, lakes, and groundwater. This course, “Sorption and transport in cementitious materials,” teaches principles related to the interactions of water and porous materials, which is highly relevant to the work of many Water Resources Engineers. Learning about these topics will help you become a more effective Water Resources Engineer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Water Resources Engineer
Nuclear Engineer
Nuclear Engineers design, build, and operate nuclear power plants and other facilities that use nuclear energy. This course, “Sorption and transport in cementitious materials,” teaches principles related to the interactions of water and porous materials, which is highly relevant to the work of many Nuclear Engineers. Learning about these topics will help you become a more effective Nuclear Engineer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Nuclear Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineers design, build, and operate machines and other mechanical systems. This course, “Sorption and transport in cementitious materials,” may be useful to Mechanical Engineers working on projects related to fluid dynamics or materials science.
See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineers design, build, and operate electrical systems and equipment. This course, “Sorption and transport in cementitious materials,” may be useful to Electrical Engineers working on projects related to materials science or energy.
See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer
Computer Engineer
Computer Engineers design and build computer systems and software. This course, “Sorption and transport in cementitious materials,” may be useful to Computer Engineers working on projects related to materials science or modeling.
See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Engineer

Reading list

We've selected six 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 Sorption and transport in cementitious materials.
Cover image
Convection in Porous Media
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of transport phenomena in porous media, including the fundamental principles of fluid flow, heat and mass transfer.
Convection in Porous Media
Paperback
$$$$
Cover image
Practical Civil Engineering
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of concrete microstructure, properties, and materials. It serves as a valuable reference tool for understanding the fundamental aspects of concrete science.
Practical Civil Engineering
Paperback
$$$
Practical Civil Engineering
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Handbook of Vadose Zone Characterization &...
Save
Provides a detailed overview of numerical methods for modeling unsaturated soils.
Handbook of Vadose Zone Characterization &...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Structure and Performance of Cements, Second Edition
Save
Offers a detailed examination of the chemical processes involved in cement and concrete production and their impact on the material's properties. It provides essential background knowledge for understanding the durability and performance of cementitious materials.
Structure and Performance of Cements, Second Edition
Paperback
Check
Structure and Performance of Cements, Second Edition
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Pozzolanic and Cementitious Materials
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the durability of concrete, including the mechanisms of deterioration and methods for improving durability.
Pozzolanic and Cementitious Materials (Advances in...
Paperback
$$$$
Pozzolanic and Cementitious Materials (Integrated...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
Concrete Admixtures Handbook, 2nd Ed.
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of concrete admixtures, including the types and properties of admixtures and their effects on the properties of concrete.
Concrete Admixtures Handbook, 2nd Ed.
Paperback
Check
Concrete Admixtures Handbook, 2nd Ed.
Kindle Edition
Check

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Course image
Effort
5 to 7 hours per week for 6 weeks
Level
Advanced
Via
edX
Institution
École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne
Instructors
Karen Scrivener
Fabien Georget
Language
English
Transcript
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a fundamental understanding of sorption and transport in porous materials, which is applicable to many scenarios outside of cementitious materials, such as food, pharmaceuticals, and energy
Examines how water interacts with cementitious materials, offering insights into water sorption and transport phenomena
Explores practical applications of numerical methods, enabling learners to simulate and analyze cementitious materials at various scales
Covers advanced topics in durability and sustainability, addressing challenges faced by the cementitious materials industry
Develops an understanding of the mechanisms and factors influencing chloride ingress and carbonation, equipping learners to address durability issues in cementitious structures
Provides a comprehensive foundation in the durability of cementitious materials, serving as a valuable resource for professionals and researchers alike
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