Upscaling Techniques in Construction Materials Design and Engineering

This course on upscaling techniques in construction materials, design and engineering will consist of the following topics:

• Introduction to computational upscaling techniques.

• Introduction to homogenization and viscoelasticity.

• Micromechanical aspects of response focusing on the interplay between adhesion and cohesion mechanisms, the effects of moisture, aging etc.

• Numerical simulation based on homogenized properties.

• Back-calculation of stress/strain response at individual components based on numerical simulation results.

• Linear poroelasticity for the determination of elastic properties of composite-like materials.

• Microporofracture mechanics (linear poroelasticity and linear fracture mechanics).

• Multiscale modelling of the transport properties of concrete, the deterioration process under coupled service conditions (multi-action).

• Obtaining the microstructure of cement paste numerically as well as experimentally.

• Upscaling of mechanical properties of cement paste.

• Modelling of rheology, time-dependent response on creep, shrinkage, and fatigue of concrete.

These topics will be supported with several workshops and guest lectures.

The course may suit students with different specializations having the below-mentioned prerequisites. Within the Civil Engineering MSc programme, the course is recommended for students from the tracks Construction Materials, Structural Engineering and Geo-Engineering.