B6326 - Materials Durability

Learning outcomes

The aim of the course is to introduce the students to the use of metal alloys and concrete suitable for offshore installations and equipment. Knowledge on the corrosion mechanism and protection systems as well as concrete durability in harsh marine environment will be provided.

Course contents

A prior knowledge and understanding of metallic materials, their microstructure and mechanical properties is required to attend with profit this course. These knowledges are usually acquired following the course of Metallurgy and/or Materials Science.

Fluent spoken and written English is a necessary pre-requisite: all lectures and tutorials will be held in English.

Course Contents:

Module 1

Morphology of corrosive phenomena in marine environment, rate and penetration of corrosive attacks. Electrochemical corrosion mechanisms. Thermodynamics: Nerst equation, corrosion tendency and electrode potentials, Pourbaix diagrams. Kinetics: polarization and corrosion rate, causes of polarization. Passivation theory. Localized corrosion: selective corrosion, pitting, stainless steel sensitization, etc. Effect of stress and environment: stress corrosion cracking, corrosion fatigue, hydrogen embrittlement, etc.

Atmospheric corrosion and corrosion in sea water.

Metal surfaces preparation and protection methods: metallic, inorganic and organic coatings. Anodic and cathodic protection. High-temperature resistant materials. Choice criteria for metals suitable for marine environment and off-shore structures.

Module 2

Binders for construction in offshore environment: cement. Technology and setting reactions, cements classification according to European standards EN 197. Concrete according to UNI EN 206-1: technology, mix-design, and performances in the fresh and hardened state. Concrete durability: environmental exposure classes, main degradation phenomena. Steel rebars corrosion in concrete.

Readings/Bibliography

The following book is indicated as reference. Other scientific books on Corrosion Science and Corrosion Engineering can be used as references.

H. Uhlig - Corrosion and Corrosion Control: an introduction to corrosion science and engineering - John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (1971).

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons and laboratory class.

As this course involves the attendance of laboratories, students shall follows Modules 1 e 2 in e-learning [https://www.unibo.it/it/servizi-e-opportunita/salute-e-assistenza/salute-e-sicurezza/sicurezza-e-salute-nei-luoghi-di-studio-e-tirocinio]. Moreover also Module 3 shall be attended (please visit the website of the study programme to find more information).

Assessment methods

Achievements will be assessed by the means of an oral examination. This is based on an analytical assessment of the "expected learning outcomes" and in particular the knowledge of the main mechanisms of corrosion, protection methods for metallic alloys and concrete durability will be required.

The examination also takes into account Laboratory activity which is evaluated by means of a specific question in the oral examination.

The oral session, consists of a technical conversation with questions by the Professor and answers from the student.

High grades will be awarded to students who demonstrate an organic understanding of the subject and the outcomes above mentioned, a high ability for critical application, and a clear and concise presentation of the contents.

A failing grade will be awarded if the student shows knowledge gaps in key-concepts of the subject, inappropriate use of language, and/or logic failures in the analysis of the subject.

Teaching tools

Videos, power point slides and traditional blackboard.

Slides are available in the course repository on Virtuale platform.

Office hours

See the website of Giulia Masi

See the website of Maria Bignozzi

See the website of Maria Bignozzi