T2-0: Design for Durability intro

Question 1

What is the difference between modern concrete and Roman concrete?

Answer 1

Modern concrete uses a paste of water and Portland cement

Roman concrete used a mix of volcanic ash and lime

Question 2

What is the best way* of reducing carbon emissions in concrete production?

Answer 2

Circular economy

Question 3

What are two key things for durability control?

Answer 3

1. Controlling permeability and porosity
2. Controlling cracking (lots of strain distributed in lots of narrow cracks rather than one big crack)

Question 4

What is concrete durability ‘all about’?

Answer 4

Passivity being disrupted

Question 5

How is durability governed at the material level?

Answer 5

By permeability and porosity
- transport of deleterious agents through concrete

Question 6

What are the two categories of chemical deterioration mechanisms?

Answer 6

External - reactions caused by ingress of chemicals from the environment

Internal - reactions between components of concrete

Question 7

What are two types of physical deterioration mechanisms?

Answer 7

Frost
Fire