Tunstall Materials Research Group

about our group

We work to improve construction materials using a materials science approach–understanding how processing affects microstructure and how microstructure affects macroscopic properties. Through an understanding of the fundamental science that controls the material behavior, we can make systematic changes to control engineering properties. Our current focus is to improve the durability and sustainability of cement-based materials.

Why cement-based materials?

Concrete is the most consumed material in the world, second only to water. It is cheap, durable, malleable, and made from raw materials found all throughout the world. Unfortunately, its popularity also makes it responsible for 8% of global CO2 emissions. Moreover, it has not proven as durable as expected, so structures designed to endure for centuries are failing after decades. In the most recent ASCE infrastructure report card, ASCE estimates the cost to replace our deteriorating infrastructure at $4.6T. Much of this infrastructure is made of concrete. Because of the ubiquity of concrete, even small improvements in the durability of cement-based materials offer the chance to make a worldwide economic, environmental, and societal impact.

opportunities

Stay tuned for a possible post-doc opportunity focused on control of thixotropic properties of novel mortar mixtures. If you would like to be contacted about this, please email Dr. Lori Tunstall (ltunstall@mines.edu) with a cover letter, CV, and academic transcripts.

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