9.20. Testing Advanced Properties of Hardened Concrete

Try these first

1. 1.

   What does petrographic analysis help to determine?

   Hint

   Think about the visual examination aspects.

2. 2.

   What does TGA measure?

   Hint

   Consider what happens to materials when heated.

3. 3.

   What is the primary focus of petrographic analysis?

   • Chemical reactions
   • Composition and deterioration
   • Thermal properties

   Hint

   Think about what can be diagnosed through visual examination.

4. 4.

   True or False: TGA is used to measure thermal conductivity.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Focus on what the terms specifically mean.

5. 5.

   Discuss how you would approach diagnosing a concrete structure showing signs of aging using petrographic and thermal analysis techniques. What steps would you take?

   Hint

   Be systematic in your approach, considering both visual diagnosis and analytical techniques.

6. 6.

   Evaluate the advantages and limitations of using XRD and FTIR for assessing concrete durability. How do they complement one another?

   Hint

   Think about what each technique specializes in and how that could relate to overall concrete health.