The International Symposium in Brittle Matrix Composites October 13-15, 2003 covers a wide spectrum of topics including cement based composites, ceramic composites and brittle polymer matrix composites. In the papers various topics and issues are considered such as: analytical and numerical studies related to the design of composites, prediction of behaviour and verification of strength and stability, testing methods, manufacturing processes and repair, environmental effects and durability assessment. The present volume of 55 papers proves that there are still many problems in the field of brittle matrix composites deserving theoretical and experimental investigations and that new solutions to these problems are needed for practical application in civil engineering, industrial structures, machinery and other domains.

The International Symposium in Brittle Matrix Composites October 13-15, 2003 covers a wide spectrum of topics including cement based composites, ceramic composites and brittle polymer matrix composites. In the papers various topics and issues are considered such as: analytical and numerical studies related to the design of composites, prediction of behaviour and verification of strength and stability, testing methods, manufacturing processes and repair, environmental effects and durability assessment. The present volume of 55 papers proves that there are still many problems in the field of brittle matrix composites deserving theoretical and experimental investigations and that new solutions to these problems are needed for practical application in civil engineering, industrial structures, machinery and other domains.

The subjects of the symposia are on composite materials with matrices behaving as brittle in normal or special conditions. Brittle matrix composites are applied in various domains (civil engineering, mechanical equipment and machinery, vehicles, etc.) and in the last decades their importance is increasing together with their variety. Papers include: aggregate-binder composites (concretes, fibre concretes, rocks); sintered materials (ceramics); high strength composites with brittle matrices. In principle, the general problems of structures made of composite materials are not included in the papers. Various approaches to the material engineering problems are presented in the papers.

Fibre reinforced polymer-cement compositions for self-levelling flooring are studied. The individual and combined effects of dispersible polymer powder with properties of binder and superplasticiser, of various methylcelluloses, and of polypropylene fibre on effective viscosity of the mix and mechanical properties of the hardened mortar are evaluated and analysed. Used for analysis are multifactor experimental-statistical models built on the data obtained for 18 mixes (of the same workability) in the designed experiment and describing the fields of rheological model parameters, of strength, and other criteria in composition coordinates. The models have made it possible to simulate material behaviour in computational experiments, to reveal and evaluate the correlations of the properties for different technological conditions, to find individual and compromise optima.

The subjects of the symposia are on composite materials behaving as brittle, normal and special conditions of exploitation. Brittle matrix composites are applied in various domains and the series of symposia are closely related to their applications in civil engineering. In the last decades their importance is increasing along with their variety and the use of most advanced methods of testing. Papers include concretes, fibre concretes and ceramics, particularly their composition, microstructure and fracture processes. Various new and advanced engineering problems are presented in the papers.

This proceedings contains 18 papers from the Ceramic Matrix Composites symposium held during the 103rd Annual Meeting of The American Ceramic Society, April 22—25, 2001, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Chapters include Processing; Mechanical Properties; Corrosion and Environmental Effects; Characterization and Test Methods; Design of CMC Components; and Joining. 258 pages

This volume is part of the Ceramic Engineering and Science Proceeding (CESP) series. This series contains a collection of papers dealing with issues in both traditional ceramics (i.e., glass, whitewares, refractories, and porcelain enamel) and advanced ceramics. Topics covered in the area of advanced ceramic include bioceramics, nanomaterials, composites, solid oxide fuel cells, mechanical properties and structural design, advanced ceramic coatings, ceramic armor, porous ceramics, and more.