Laboratory Details

Durability and Structural Health Monitoring Lab

 

The Durability and Structural Health Monitoring Lab at IRC-CBM is dedicated to advancing the understanding of material degradation, structural performance, and service life estimation under real and accelerated conditions. The lab serves as a testing and research environment for developing and validating innovative monitoring technologies and strategies that enhance infrastructure resilience. The lab is equipped with a wide range of advanced facilities that support:

  • Durability testing of concrete and cementitious systems
  • Corrosion evaluation and electrochemical characterization
  • Non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques for structural health assessment
  • Accelerated conditioning and environmental simulations
  • Service life modeling and damage mitigation strategies

Key Facilities and Capabilities

Automatic Concrete Water Permeability SystemElectrochemical WorkstationAccelerated Curing Tank & Controlled Temperature Units
Rapid Chloride Permeability Tester (RCPT)Bulk Electrical Resistivity SetupVacuum Oven, Bench Ovens, and Water Baths

Concrete Carbonation Chamber

Wireless Resistivity SensorsUltrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV)
Shrinkage ApparatusHumidity CabinetAir Entrainment Meter
Potentiostat/Galvanostat Devices (SP-150e, SP-300, CH Instruments)Autoclave & High-Temperature FurnacesMoisture Meter & Digital Multimeters

Electronic Extensometer

Abrasion Tester (Bohme)Bleeding & Penetrometer Apparatus

   

The Field Research & Testing Station at IRC-CBM extends material research beyond the laboratory by enabling long-term exposure studies under real-world conditions. Located in a marine environment, the station allows for continuous monitoring of structural elements to assess durability, degradation, and performance. One ongoing study involves GFRP-reinforced concrete exposed to marine conditions, evaluating its resistance to corrosion and structural behavior over time. This facility is central to validating lab-based findings and advancing the development of resilient and sustainable materials for infrastructure in harsh environments.