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Concrete Materials and Structures Lab

Activities

The lab works in the field of mechanical characterization of construction materials and structures. It is mainly devoted to the mechanical characterization of traditional and advanced cementitious materials both in standard and extreme conditions. The laboratory also deals with the structural assessment by means of destructive and non-destructive test on whole structures or portions both in – situ and in laboratory.
The main research topics are:

  • mechanical characterization of advanced cement based composites (Fibre reinforced concrete, textile reinforced concrete ect)
  • investigation of the mechanical behaviour of cement based materials when exposed to accidental conditions (e.g. fire)
  • investigation of the mechanical behaviour of cement based materials when exposed to extreme environmental conditions (e.g freezing and thawing)
  • investigation of the mechanical behaviour of cement based materials when exposed to extreme environmental conditions (e.g freezing and thawing)
  • structural applications of advanced cementitious composites
  • investigation of the structural behaviour under exceptional loads (fire and blast)

Instruments

  • uniaxial hydraulic presses with displacement control with maximum load capacity between 200 and 3000 kN
  • electromecanical machine with displacement control with maximum load capacity of 30 kN
  • climatic chamber with the uncoupled control of temperature and relative humidity  in the range between -40°C/+180°C and 5%/98%
  • bending test machine with displacement control with maximum load capacity of 100kN
  • fournace (Tmax = 1100°C) to heat concrete specimens
  • equipment to test concrete at the fresh state (Abrams cone, Vebè. L-box, J-ring, Vicat)
  • equipment for non-destructive tests on structures (Capo-test, rebound index, UPV, Microcore, pull-off test)
  • load plate (100 kN)
  • data acquisition systems for measurements of displacements and strains of specimens and structures

Services for Companies

  • bending, uniaxial tension and uniaxial compression tests with displacement control on cement based materials
  • non destructive tests of structures and structural elements
  • research activities in the field of high performance advanced cementitious composites
  • fire induced damage detection on structures
  • control of structure and structural elements