The Concrete Technology: Mix Design, Durability and Performance Improvement Training Course provides comprehensive knowledge of modern Concrete Technology, focusing on the principles and practices required to produce high-quality, durable and high-performance concrete. The course covers concrete materials, concrete mix proportioning, fresh and hardened concrete properties, quality control, and methods for improving concrete performance in construction projects.

Delivered by The British Academy For Training and Development as part of its Construction and Civil Engineering Training Course specialisation, the programme develops practical skills in selecting materials, designing effective concrete mixes, using admixtures, evaluating compressive strength, and addressing factors that affect durability. Participants will gain valuable knowledge for engineering maintenance and operation applications and learn how to enhance concrete performance throughout its service life.

• Understand the fundamental principles of Concrete Technology and concrete production.
• Analyse the properties and behaviour of cement, aggregates, water and supplementary cementitious materials.
• Develop effective concrete mix designs for different construction requirements.
• Understand the selection and application of chemical and mineral admixtures.
• Evaluate fresh and hardened concrete properties.
• Assess compressive strength and other key performance characteristics.
• Identify common causes of concrete deterioration and durability problems.
• Apply techniques to improve concrete durability and service life.
• Implement quality control and testing procedures for concrete.
• Select suitable concrete technologies for demanding construction and maintenance applications.

Target Audience

• Civil engineers and structural engineers.
• Construction and site engineers.
• Concrete technologists and laboratory technicians.
• Quality control and quality assurance professionals.
• Construction project managers and supervisors.
• Materials engineers and technicians.
• Infrastructure and maintenance engineers.
• Contractors and technical personnel involved in concrete production.
• Professionals responsible for engineering maintenance and operation.
• Anyone seeking advanced knowledge of concrete materials, mix design and performance improvement.

Module 1: Fundamentals of Concrete Technology

• Principles and applications of Concrete Technology.
• Components and composition of concrete.
• Cement types and characteristics.
• Aggregates, mixing water and supplementary materials.
• Fresh and hardened concrete behaviour.

Module 2: Concrete Materials and Their Properties

• Cement chemistry and hydration.
• Aggregate grading, shape and texture.
• Water quality and its influence on concrete.
• Supplementary cementitious materials.
• Material compatibility and selection.

Module 3: Concrete Mix Design

• Principles of concrete mix proportioning.
• Mix design methods and procedures.
• Water-cement ratio and workability.
• Aggregate proportioning and optimisation.
• Mix adjustments for field conditions.
• Designing concrete for specific performance requirements.

Module 4: Admixtures and Performance Enhancement

• Types and functions of chemical admixtures.
• Water reducers and superplasticisers.
• Accelerating and retarding admixtures.
• Air-entraining admixtures.
• Mineral admixtures and supplementary cementitious materials.
• Compatibility, dosage and performance considerations.

Module 5: Fresh Concrete Properties and Quality Control

• Workability and consistency.
• Segregation and bleeding.
• Setting time and temperature effects.
• Concrete batching, mixing, transportation and placement.
• Fresh concrete testing and quality control.

Module 6: Hardened Concrete and Compressive Strength

• Development of compressive strength.
• Factors affecting concrete strength.
• Curing methods and their impact on performance.
• Concrete density, permeability and shrinkage.
• Testing and interpretation of hardened concrete properties.

Module 7: Concrete Durability and Deterioration

• Principles of concrete durability.
• Permeability and moisture movement.
• Carbonation and chloride ingress.
• Sulphate attack and chemical deterioration.
• Freeze-thaw damage and environmental exposure.
• Corrosion of reinforcement and preventive strategies.

Module 8: Performance Improvement and Sustainable Concrete

• High-performance and high-strength concrete.
• Low-permeability and durable concrete.
• Sustainable concrete technologies.
• Use of recycled and supplementary materials.
• Reducing environmental impact while maintaining performance.
• Optimising concrete service life.

Module 9: Concrete Testing, Troubleshooting and Maintenance

• Laboratory and field testing procedures.
• Identifying concrete defects and failures.
• Crack evaluation and repair considerations.
• Quality assurance and performance monitoring.
• Preventive maintenance strategies.
• Improving long-term concrete performance in infrastructure.