The unit’s research in concrete durability has been on-going for more than two decades and has led to a better understanding of the deterioration mechanisms of concrete.

Test methods for the durability of concrete developed by CoMSIRU researchers have now been refined to a point where they are now within the SABS system for acceptance as national standards. Also, the revision of SANS 10100-2 will incorporate research outputs in terms of concrete durability clauses. 

CoMSIRU’s research has instilled a comprehensive approach to condition assessment and strengthening of concrete structures, which may be noted by the input into national codes and standards, where research findings are being reflected. The unit’s publications, specifically the series of monographs that are produced are regularly supplemented by new material. As far as scientific papers are concerned, the output of CoMSIRU is substantial, and the vast majority appear in internationally respected journals and conferences. New approaches from this research continue to be applied in major national construction projects. 


Reports, lectures and publications

pdf

 Durability Index (DI) Testing – procedure manual (Version 5.0, 2023-11-06)

 Durability Index (DI) Testing – spreadsheet template (Version 2023)

 Transport mechanisms, corrosion of steel and corrosion assessment in concrete (2010)


Workshops

LC3 Information Day

19 November 2019, Cape Town
International workshop on Limestone Calcined Clay Cements (LC3)

 Opening slides to the LC3 Information Day – Prof. Mark Alexander, CoMIRU, South Africa

 Sustainability: An introduction – Assoc. Prof. Vernon Collis, CoMSIRU, South Africa

 LC3: A breakthrough technology to reduce CO2 emissions from cementitious materials – Prof. Karen Scrivener, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland  

 LC3: Financial profitability – Laurent Grimmeissen, Cementis GmbH, Weilen, Switzerland

 Performance of LC3 Concrete – Prof. Manu Santhanam, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Madras, India

 Environmental benefits of LC3 – Silas Markert, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland 

 An update on the progress of the work of LC3 TRC in Latin America – Prof. Fernando Martirena, CIDEM, University "Marta Abreu" of Las Villas, Cuba

 Limestone calcined clay cement - experiences in India and Africa – Dr Soumen Maity, Technology and Action for Rural Advancement (TARA), India

 LC3 Project at UCT: Development of low-clinker concrete: Partial replacement of cement with calcined clay and limestone, based on selected African raw materials – Emmanuel Leo, University of Cape Town (UCT) & CoMSIRU, South Africa

 Overview of South Africa’s clay deposits – Dr Jenny Jay, Serina Trading, South Africa

 Kaolin Group Marketing Presentation – Savio Hagemann, Kaolin Group, South Africa

 Calcined Clay Cements (LC3): A South African Perspective – Mike Mc Donald, AfriSam, South Africa

 Blended Cements: The TCI Perspective – Bryan Perrie, The Concrete Institute (TCI), South Africa


Monographs

 Predictions of reinforced concrete durability in the marine environment

 Guide to the use of durability indexes for achieving durability in concrete structures

 Rapid chloride conductivity testing of concrete

 Concrete durability testing manual

 Repair principles for corrosion-damaged reinforced concrete structures

 Structural and durability properties of concrete made with Corex slag

 The effectiveness of organic corrosion inhibitors for reinforced concrete

 Predicting time-temperature profiles in concrete structures due to the heat of hydration

 Corrosion of steel in reinforced concrete: Influence of cover cracking and concrete quality

 Recycled concrete aggregates and their influence on concrete properties


Completed Theses

Research area: Concrete material technology and concrete durability

Research area: Concrete repair and bonded concrete overlays

Research area: Structural integrity and monitoring