For next-generation molten salt reactors, there is a need to be able to characterize the corrosion of the molten salts contained within them. One such tool that may be used to accomplish this is a dynamic ref- erence electrode, or DRE. Here, an aqueous dynamic reference electrode (aDRE) was developed,...
High early strength (HES) concrete is becoming increasingly used to repair damaged concrete pavement sections. The use of HES concrete enables the repaired pavement to be opened to traffic within hours of placing the concrete. A common approach used for the rapid repair of concrete pavement consists of closing a...
Use of high-strength steel (HSS) reinforcing bars could provide constructability and economic benefits for the construction of structures, reducing the initial and ultimately the life-cycle cost of bridge and building structural elements. This thesis summarizes work performed in a research project on the use of HSS reinforcing bars for concrete...
The Cascadia Subduction Zone has recently been identified as a source for an impending great earthquake. The potential of a large earthquake has created widespread interest into the resiliency of lifelines within the potentially affected areas. One critical lifeline is the electrical distribution and transmission systems which relies on legacy...
Most specifications for ready-mix concrete (RMC) limit mixing time to 90 minutes and/or truck drum revolution counts (DRC) to 300 before discharge. These specifications have been in place for many years with the objective of ensuring the quality and performance of the finished concrete product. However, limited research has been...
The research presented in this thesis assessed the use of high strength steel (HSS) reinforcement for use in reinforced concrete (RC) bridge columns. HSS is not currently allowed in reinforced concrete bridge columns due to a lack of information on the material characteristics and performance information when used in RC...
Oxide growth is a common phenomenon on aluminum alloy cladding surfaces in nuclear research and test reactors. Without better understanding of oxide growth, excessive oxide build up on the cladding surface reduces heat transfer capability from fuel to coolant and causes safety concerns due to the potential cladding rupture or...
A Cu/Fe-spinel-based oxygen carrier designed at the National Energy Technology Laboratory was studied in order to characterize its physical and chemical behavior with cyclic oxidation and reduction treatments at 800°C for applications in chemical looping combustions. Observations were made on individual particles of the oxygen carrier in-situ using a confocal...
Chloride-induced corrosion is one of the primary causes of the degradation of reinforced steel in concrete structures. Currently, the rapid chloride permeability test (RCPT) is the most specified method to determine the concrete’s resistivity to chloride ingress, thus a determining factor in assessing the durability of concrete. While it is...
The corrosion resistances of several alloys were investigated to optimize performance and cost in seawater and supercritical CO2 environments. Many alloys are prone to corrosion in seawater and/or supercritical CO2 containing impurity environments. Exposure and electrochemical experiments were conducted in both environments to evaluate alloys’ corrosion resistance. In seawater corrosion...