The objective is to develop alternative materials from recycled resources (natural fibres, recycled aggregates, shells, earth, etc.) that meet specific technical specifications. This theme is based on the microstructure-physical-mechanical and energy correlations of cementitious materials and composites. In particular, the study of the influence of the microstructure (porous, crystalline and chemical composition) on the physical-mechanical, energetic and geotechnical properties of construction materials.
This theme focuses on the behaviour of cementitious materials and alternative materials in the marine environment. The objective is to understand the mechanisms involved in the durability and deterioration of cementitious materials in the presence of biofilms and marine micro-organisms.
The research team's competences are focused on the following areas
The human resources of the Research Laboratory are composed (as of 06/2021) of 10 lecturers, including 3 HDRs, 1 laboratory technician, a collaborative project management unit (1 project manager and 1 R&D engineer), 4 post-doctoral students and 10 doctoral students.
The technical resources consist of several pieces of scientific and technical equipment acquired as part of the extension of ESITC Caen, for a total of approximately €1.5 million. This equipment concerns the following fields
All the equipment is spread over several rooms (1500 m²): Environmental Geotechnics Room, Concrete/Cementitious Materials Room, Chemistry/Environment Laboratory, Test Hall and Climatic Rooms.