Concrete Technology: Mix Design, Durability and Performance Improvement Training Course

Module 1: Fundamentals of Concrete Technology

• Principles and applications of Concrete Technology.
• Components and composition of concrete.
• Cement types and characteristics.
• Aggregates, mixing water and supplementary materials.
• Fresh and hardened concrete behaviour.

Module 2: Concrete Materials and Their Properties

• Cement chemistry and hydration.
• Aggregate grading, shape and texture.
• Water quality and its influence on concrete.
• Supplementary cementitious materials.
• Material compatibility and selection.

Module 3: Concrete Mix Design

• Principles of concrete mix proportioning.
• Mix design methods and procedures.
• Water-cement ratio and workability.
• Aggregate proportioning and optimisation.
• Mix adjustments for field conditions.
• Designing concrete for specific performance requirements.

Module 4: Admixtures and Performance Enhancement

• Types and functions of chemical admixtures.
• Water reducers and superplasticisers.
• Accelerating and retarding admixtures.
• Air-entraining admixtures.
• Mineral admixtures and supplementary cementitious materials.
• Compatibility, dosage and performance considerations.

Module 5: Fresh Concrete Properties and Quality Control

• Workability and consistency.
• Segregation and bleeding.
• Setting time and temperature effects.
• Concrete batching, mixing, transportation and placement.
• Fresh concrete testing and quality control.

Module 6: Hardened Concrete and Compressive Strength

• Development of compressive strength.
• Factors affecting concrete strength.
• Curing methods and their impact on performance.
• Concrete density, permeability and shrinkage.
• Testing and interpretation of hardened concrete properties.

Module 7: Concrete Durability and Deterioration

• Principles of concrete durability.
• Permeability and moisture movement.
• Carbonation and chloride ingress.
• Sulphate attack and chemical deterioration.
• Freeze-thaw damage and environmental exposure.
• Corrosion of reinforcement and preventive strategies.

Module 8: Performance Improvement and Sustainable Concrete

• High-performance and high-strength concrete.
• Low-permeability and durable concrete.
• Sustainable concrete technologies.
• Use of recycled and supplementary materials.
• Reducing environmental impact while maintaining performance.
• Optimising concrete service life.

Module 9: Concrete Testing, Troubleshooting and Maintenance

• Laboratory and field testing procedures.
• Identifying concrete defects and failures.
• Crack evaluation and repair considerations.
• Quality assurance and performance monitoring.
• Preventive maintenance strategies.
• Improving long-term concrete performance in infrastructure.