Advanced Characterization and Modeling of Cementitious Materials at the Micro-scale

The proposed dissertation will focus on the application and development of advanced experimental methods such as nanoindentation, electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy for the micro-level characterization of building materials. The primary focus will be on the characterization of time- and environment-dependent processes in cement-based materials. The work will involve obtaining primary data on micromechanical mechanisms in multiphase environments in connection with hydration mechanisms.  The influence of common heterogeneities, as well as new additives in the form of nanoparticles, will be examined. Experimental findings will be used to develop multiscale material models for describing cement-based composite materials.