This conference proceedings brings together the work of researchers and practising engineers concerned with computational modelling of complex concrete, reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete structures in engineering practice. The subjects considered include computational mechanics of concrete and other cementitious materials, including masonry. Advanced discretisation methods and microstructural aspects within multi-field and multi-scale settings are discussed, as well as modelling formulations and constitutive modelling frameworks and novel experimental programmes. The conference also considered the need for reliable, high-quality analysis and design of concrete structures in regard to safety-critical structures, with a view to adopting these in codes of practice or recommendations. The book is of special interest to researchers in computational mechanics, and industry experts in complex nonlinear simulations of concrete structures.

These proceedings present high-level research in structural engineering, concrete mechanics and quasi-brittle materials, including the prime concern of durability requirements and earthquake resistance of structures.

Alkaline elements are present in large quantities and in different forms in the Earth’s layers. They are widely used in the manufacture of materials showing interesting physical properties that can be applied in several fields, including catalysis, biology, energy, and others. This book describes different methods of synthesis and treatment of certain alkaline materials and their applications in different fields. It discusses alkaline chemistry in catalysis, biology, polymers and composites, and crystallography.

From July 10th through July 13th, 1994, an informal workshop co-organized by RILEM committees 116-PCD and 123-MME was held at Saint-Remy-Ies Chevreuse, France, and attended by 38 delegates from 16 countries. Twenty-nine papers were presented, converging the general subjects of modelling micro structures and predicting durability of concrete and other cement-based materials. A short summary follows: G. M. Idom's paper entitled "Modelling Research for Concrete Engineering" serves as an introduction to the workshop, presenting an overview of modelling research with the conelusion that the broad practica1 objective is to produce high-quality concrete. This means that many characteristics, ranging from rheology to alkali-silica reaction, must be modelled. In other words, the system must be understood. Idom's paper sets the stage for papers in two general areas: 1) models and 2) transport properties. After this, abrief survey of the develop ment of microstructurally-based models is presented. A elose relationship between computer power and speed is suggested. The first group of papers on models covers the subjects of scale and resolution. Most models define and predict characteristics of the pore system, which range in scale from nanometer to millimeter. Various types ofnetworks are proposed in these papers. A good microstructural model must describe the pores and other phases at ascale appropriate to the properties that the model predicts. Also, a good model should be based on fundamental knowledge. In the case of cement-based materials, the important properties may depend on the microstructure, especially the porosity, at several scales.

Nanotechnology has already demonstrated surprising potential for improving the performance of construction materials and many of these recent developments were facilitated by NICOM symposia. The NICOM5 proceedings will cover the emerging opportunities and future use of nanotechnology in construction and will illustrate the broad potential for application of nanotechnology to challenging problems involving materials and infrastructure.