Reference:  E.J. Garboczi, Theory and experiment for concrete: A necessary partnership, in proceedings of the 2nd International Symposium on Advances in Concrete through Science and Engineering, edited by J. Marchand, B. Bissonnette, R. Gagne, M. Jolin, and F. Paradis (RILEM, Quebec, 2006).

Go back to Table of Contents

THEORY AND EXPERIMENT FOR CONCRETE:
A NECESSARY PARTNERSHIP
 

E.J. Garboczi

  National Institute of Standards and Technology

Materials and Construction Research Division

Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899

Abstract

Ever since the days of Kepler and Newton, science has been advancing by the cooperation of experiment and theory – experiment inspires theory, theory suggests new experiments and explains old experiments. Materials science theory for concrete, a random, complex, multiphase composite material, involves solving equations numerically and making what we call models, or what is really computational materials science. A synergistic interplay of this kind of theory and materials science-based experiments is necessary for the materials science of concrete to progress. The late Dr. Geoffrey J.C. Frohnsdorff was an advocate of this position. A short review of his career will not only pay tribute to this visionary scientist and research leader but will help elaborate the thesis of this paper.

• Introduction

• A tribute to Dr. Geoffrey J.C. Frohnsdorff

• Experimental Materials Science of Concrete

• Computational Materials Science of Concrete

• Prospectus

• References

Go back to Table of Contents