Project Contract


ESM 4984


Scientific Visual Analysis & Multimedia

Title:

Use of Scientific Visual Analysis Tools to determine electromagnetic (EM) characterization (dielectric properties) of Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) as a function of the water to cement ratio and frequency.

Background

Electromagnetic characterization is useful for providing information about the composite of PCC which affect its mechanical response properies. The EM properties are related to the properties of the used aggregate, water to cement ratio (w/c), chloride content, internal flaws, and reinforcing steel.

Research

The EM properties of PCC and the effect of deterioration on them are currently investigated in an ongoing project at Virginia Tech. This involves wideband (0.1 MHz to 10 GHz) dielectric characterization of PCC specimens.

Objectives

The main objectives of the class project are:
  1. Use visual analysis tools to determine EM properties as a function of the frequency and w/c ratio.
  2. Develop a brief multimedia presentation of the results.
  3. Master the visual analysis tools so that they will be used to determine EM properties as a function of properties of aggregate, chloride content, internal flaws, and reinforcing steel later on.

Tools

All visual tools will be used as appropriate. I may focus on SpyGlass Dicer, though.