15. Durability of Construction Materials
Durability and permeability are vital for evaluating the longevity of civil engineering materials like concrete, influencing structural integrity and lifespan. The chapter covers the factors affecting durability, the mechanisms of fluid and gas transport, and various causes and types of cracking in concrete. Solutions for enhancing durability and controlling permeability are also discussed, emphasizing the relationship between material properties and environmental factors.
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What we have learnt
- Durability is the ability of materials to withstand environmental damage while maintaining their properties.
- Permeability allows fluids and gases to pass through materials, significantly impacting their durability.
- Low permeability generally correlates with better durability, necessitating careful design and material selection.
Key Concepts
- -- Durability
- The ability of a material to perform its intended function over its designed lifespan without significant deterioration.
- -- Permeability
- A measure of how easily fluids or gases can pass through a material's pores.
- -- Darcy’s Law
- An equation that describes the flow of a fluid through a porous medium, relating discharge to permeability, area, hydraulic head, and flow path length.
- -- Cracking
- Physical manifestations of stress or weaknesses in concrete, increasing permeability and reducing durability.
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