Fundamentals of Concrete Part 1: Essentials of Quality Concrete (On-demand)

Continuing Education: AIA-CES 3 LU | 3 PDH

This course provides an overview of concrete making materials and the properties required for plastic and hardened concrete. Factors that influence the quality of concrete will be covered. It will discuss some of the mechanical and durability characteristics required of concrete for various applications subjected to different exposure conditions. The materials used in concrete mixtures, including portland and blended cement, supplementary cementitious materials, aggregates, water and admixtures will be discussed along with the general concepts of proportioning concrete mixtures. This course also covers the basics of troubleshooting concrete, such as workability, placeability, finishability, and causes for cracking and other problems.

Learning Objectives

- Have a general overview of all the materials used in concrete
- Understand the chemical reaction between cementitous materials and water
- Understand the properties of freshly mixed concrete as required for different applications.
- Discuss factors that impact the compressive and flexural strength of concrete
- Define curing and explain why it’s important
- Understand factors that impact volume change and potential for cracking
- Identify the concerns with heat of hydration in massive concrete members
- Identify causes and solutions for durability of concrete, such as resistance to freezing and thawing cycles, alkali aggregate reactions, sulfate attack, and corrosion of reinforcing steel

Total Running Time: 3 hours

Certificate of Completion: Approximately 24 hours after watching the recording, you will receive an e-mail with instructions on how to take the course quiz and receive your certificate of completion.