Queen's University Belfast | Advanced Structural Materials

Advanced Structural Materials

Research topics currently available under the broad theme of “advanced structural materials” include studies on the microstructural modification in order to improve the performance of concrete and prediction of its performance using mathematical/numerical models.

Possibilities exist for developing further recent novel materials such as: (a) pervious concrete for use in pavements to reduce the risk of flooding; (b) engineered cementitious composites for improved strain-hardening behaviour (whereby load capacity still increases even after the concrete has cracked, i.e. pseudo-ductile behaviour); (c) self-compacting concrete for durable structures; (d) cementless geopolymer concrete for precast concrete products; and (e) carbon dioxide sequestration technology for manufacturing engineered cementitious materials.

In addition to understanding the difference in behaviour of these novel construction materials to that of currently-used concrete, there is a need to develop improved modelling techniques to enable accurate prediction of their in-service behaviour. Advanced finite element modelling can be used to predict the behaviour of: (a) reactive powder concrete to impact and blasts; (b) reactive powder concrete in bridge structures - flexural and punching shear; (c) low heat cements for use in safety-critical structures – minimisation of crack inducing thermal stresses; and, (d) concrete at early ages cured at elevated temperatures – maturity functions for predicting temperature effects on early age strength development.