Graduate Certificate in Advanced Materials for Sustainable Infrastructure

About: This certificate program is designed to provide formalized education in the area of advanced structural materials for sustainable building and transportation infrastructure. The courses offered provide a specialized approach to the study of materials science and engineering and emerging technologies used for the design of sustainable and resilient construction and repair/rehabilitation materials using an interdisciplinary approach.

Term: 1 to 3 years to graduate

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  • Requirements
  • Course Information

Requirements

Graduate Certificate Requirements:

  • Certificate programs require the completion of twelve credit hours (four designated courses) of 3000-, 4000-, 5000-, and 6000-level lecture courses (1000/2000-level courses cannot be included).

Course Information

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Description

Properties, types, and grades of bituminous materials are presented. Emphasis is placed on usage, distress, surface treatment design, asphalt concrete mix properties, behavior, design manufacture, and construction.

Learning Objective

  1. Develop a deep understanding of bituminous materials, their properties, and applications in civil 
  2. Equip students with the knowledge and skills required to effectively use bituminous materials in construction projects.
  3. Explore the durability and sustainability aspects of bituminous materials, emphasizing their environmental impact and long-term performance. 

Course Content

  • Overview of bituminous materials in civil engineering.
  • Properties and characteristics of bitumen.
  • Bitumen extraction and refining processes.
  • Different types of bitumen and their uses.
  • Asphalt concrete and asphalt binder.
  • Aggregate selection and gradation.
  • Laboratory and field tests for characterizing bituminous materials.
  • Standard testing methods (e.g., penetration, softening point, ductility).
  • Principles of mix design for asphalt pavements.
  • Factors influencing mix design decisions.
  • Asphalt pavement construction techniques.
  • Quality control and quality assurance during construction.
  • Preventive maintenance strategies for asphalt pavements.
  • Rehabilitation techniques for damaged pavements.
  • Factors affecting the aging and degradation of bituminous materials.
  • Preservation methods to extend the life of pavements.
  • Environmental impact of bituminous materials.
  • Sustainable practices in bituminous material use and recycling.

Course Evaluation Criteria

  • HWs
  • Project
  • Exams

Description

Properties of plastic and hardened concrete and the influence of cements, aggregates, water and admixtures upon these properties. The microstructure of cement gel and other factors are related to the behavior of hardened concrete under various types of loading and environments, drying shrinkage, creep and relaxation, fatigue, fracture, and durability. Introduction to statistical quality control of concrete production.

Learning Objective

  1. Develop a comprehensive understanding of the properties of both plastic and hardened concrete.
  2. Explore how various components, including cements, aggregates, water, and admixtures, affect concrete properties.
  3. Study the microstructure of cement gel and other factors related to the behavior of hardened concrete under different types of loading and environmental conditions, such as drying shrinkage, creep, relaxation, fatigue, fracture, and durability.
  4. Introduce students to statistical quality control techniques for concrete production.

Course Content

  • Overview of concrete as a construction material.
  • Key properties of both plastic and hardened concrete.
  • Detailed examination of the influence of cements, aggregates, water, and admixtures on concrete properties.
  • Study of the microstructure of cement gel and its relation to concrete behavior.
  • Concrete response to different types of loading, including compression, tension, and shear.
  • Effect of constituent materials on concrete strength and behavior.
  • Concrete's response to environmental factors such as temperature, moisture, and chemical exposure.
  • Factors affecting concrete durability.
  • Understanding drying shrinkage, creep, and relaxation in concrete.
  • Mitigation strategies and design considerations.
  • Fatigue behavior of concrete under cyclic loading.
  • Fracture mechanics and concrete fracture behavior.
  • Introduction to statistical quality control methods for concrete production.
  • Quality assurance and monitoring in the production process.

Course Evaluation Criteria

  • HWs
  • Project
  • Exams

Description

The course covers advanced notions of concrete science and technology. It discusses various aspects related to cement manufacturing, cement hydration and microstructure, use of supplementary cementitious materials and chemical admixtures, rheology and workability, mechanical properties, dimensional stability, durability, and sustainability of concrete.

Learning Objective

  1. Provide students with a deep understanding of advanced concepts in concrete science and technology.
  2. Cover a wide range of topics, including cement manufacturing, microstructure, admixtures, properties, durability, and sustainability, to make students well-versed in concrete-related aspects.
  3. Equip students with the knowledge and insights needed to address complex challenges in concrete science and technology.

Course Content

  • In-depth exploration of cement production processes.
  • Types of cement and their properties.
  • Study of cement hydration reactions.
  • Analysis of concrete microstructure development.
  • Role and benefits of SCMs like fly ash, slag, and silica fume.
  • Compatibility and proportioning of SCMs in concrete mixtures.
  • Types and functions of chemical admixtures.
  • Admixture effects on concrete rheology and workability.
  • Measurement and control of concrete rheological properties.
  • Achieving desired workability for different applications.
  • Comprehensive examination of concrete mechanical properties: strength, modulus of elasticity, and creep.
  • Factors affecting mechanical behavior.
  • Understanding shrinkage and cracking in concrete.
  • Mitigation strategies and control measures.
  • Factors affecting concrete durability, such as chemical attack, freeze-thaw cycles, and abrasion.
  • Durability-enhancing techniques and materials.
  • Sustainable practices in concrete production and construction.
  • Life cycle assessment and environmental impact analysis.

Course Evaluation Criteria

  • Project
  • Exams

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Description

Environmentally sound design and construction practices. Includes design issues, material selection and site issues that can reduce the impact on the environment caused by the construction process. LEED certification covered in depth.

Learning Objective

  1. To attain a comprehensive understanding of sustainable design principles and environmentally sound construction practices.
  2. To acquire expertise in the selection of eco-friendly materials and resources that align with sustainability goals and reduce environmental impact.
  3. To master site management techniques aimed at preserving the environment and minimizing ecological disruption during construction.
  4. To gain in-depth knowledge of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, including its criteria, assessment methods, and sustainable building standards.
  5. To develop the ability to analyze and evaluate construction designs from an environmental perspective, identifying areas for improvement.

Course Content

  • Introduction to Sustainable Design and Construction Principles
  • Eco-Friendly Material Selection for Sustainable Building
  • Site Management for Environmental Preservation in Construction
  • In-Depth Exploration of LEED Certification and Sustainable Building Standards
  • Environmental Assessment of Construction Designs

Course Evaluation Criteria

  • HWs
  • Project
  • Final Exam

Description

Smart structures with fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites and advanced sensors. Multidisciplinary topics include characterization, performance, and fabrication of composite structures; fiber optic, resistance, and piezoelectric systems for strain sensing; and applications of smart composite structures. Laboratory and team activities involve manufacturing, measurement systems, instrumented structures, and performance tests on a large-scale smart composite bridge. 

Learning Objective

  1. Develop a comprehensive understanding of smart materials, particularly fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites, and their applications in civil engineering.
  2. Equip students with the knowledge and skills required for integrating advanced sensors, including fiber optic, resistance, and piezoelectric systems, into smart composite structures.
  3. Provide hands-on experience in the characterization, performance, fabrication, and testing of smart composite structures, including a large-scale smart composite bridge.

Course Content

  • Overview of smart structures and their significance in civil engineering.
  • Multidisciplinary nature of the course, including materials and sensors.
  • Characterization of FRP composites: mechanical properties, durability, and fabrication techniques.
  • Applications of FRP composites in civil engineering.
  • Understanding the behavior of composite structures under various loads and environmental conditions.
  • Design considerations for smart composite structures.
  • Introduction to advanced sensors: fiber optic, resistance, and piezoelectric systems.
  • Principles of strain sensing and monitoring using these sensors.
  • Methods for integrating sensors into composite structures.
  • Sensor calibration and data acquisition techniques.
  • Benefits and challenges of using smart materials and sensors.
  • Instrumentation and sensor integration into structures.
  • Large-Scale Smart Composite Bridge
  • Design and construction of a large-scale smart composite bridge.
  • Performance tests and data analysis of the bridge.

Course Evaluation Criteria

  • Projects

Description

The course presents composite materials and includes principles of reinforcing and strengthening for flexure, shear, and ductility enhancement in buildings and bridges. It covers the design of existing members strengthened with externally bonded laminates and near-surface mounted composites. Case studies are discussed.

Learning Objective

  1. Develop a comprehensive understanding of composite materials and their application in reinforcing and strengthening infrastructure elements like buildings and bridges.
  2. Equip students with the knowledge and skills required for reinforcing and enhancing the flexural, shear, and ductility properties of existing structural members using externally bonded laminates and near-surface mounted composites.
  3. Provide practical insights through case studies on real-world projects involving infrastructure strengthening with composites.

Course Content

  • Overview of composite materials and their properties.
  • Significance of composites in structural strengthening.
  • Understanding the principles of reinforcing and strengthening structural elements.
  • Flexural, shear, and ductility enhancement concepts.
  • Design methods for strengthening existing members with composite materials.
  • Structural analysis and assessment before and after strengthening.
  • Application and installation of externally bonded laminates.
  • Types of laminates and their suitability for different applications.
  • Principles and techniques of near-surface mounted (NSM) composite strengthening.
  • NSM advantages and limitations.
  • Methods for enhancing flexural capacity with composites.
  • Case studies illustrating flexural strengthening techniques.
  • Techniques for improving shear strength using composites.
  • Real-world examples of shear strengthening applications.
  • Strategies for enhancing ductility in buildings and bridges with composites.
  • Ductility improvement in earthquake-prone regions.

Course Evaluation Criteria

  • HWs
  • Term Paper
  • Exams

Description

Introduction to fiber-reinforced composite materials and structures with emphasis on analysis and design. Composite micromechanics, lamination theory and failure criteria. Design procedures for structures made of composite materials. An overview of fabrication and experimental characterization.

Learning Objective

  1. Develop a foundational understanding of composite materials and their unique properties.
  2. Explore the micromechanics of composite materials, including the behavior of individual fibers and matrices.
  3. Understand lamination theory and its application to composite structures.
  4. Learn the criteria and methods for predicting and analyzing the failure of composite materials and structures.
  5. Gain proficiency in the design and analysis of composite structures.
  6. Explore the fabrication processes used in the production of composite materials and structures.
  7. Gain practical experience in experimental characterization and testing of composite materials.

Course Content

  • Introduction to Composite Materials
  • Micromechanics of Composite Materials
  • Lamination Theory
  • Failure Criteria
  • Design Procedures for Composite Structures
  • Fabrication of Composite Materials
  • Experimental Characterization of Composites
  • Case Studies and Applications

Course Evaluation Criteria

  • HWs
  • Exams
  • Project