A researcher at UTC is on the forefront of examining the sustainability, durability, repair and life cycle of concrete. He wants to find a way to make it last longer so that it does not have to be replaced as frequently.
To support his efforts, a new lab at UTC has been established with support from Dalton Holmes.
A. Brent Rollins explains that part of the lab is dedicated to the microscopic study of concrete. Two microscopes are attached with a digital camera to a computer monitor. Software allows new or old concrete to be precisely measured for permeability.
“Concrete's design life is very dependent upon its ability to resist the ingress of water and associated pollutants," explained Mr. Rollins. "The study of the pore space within the concrete is a very important indicator of concrete quality.”
Abrasion resistance testing will also paint the picture of how concrete holds up under turning tires.
Graduate students will help, but Mr. Rollins, himself, will be responsible for conducting most of the research.
Funding for the new lab came as a direct result of Mr. Rollins’ exploration into adding renewable resources to create concrete.