Desenvolvimento de metodologia de caracterização e quantificação de materiais policristalinos

Abstract

The need for legal expertise in public works has intensified in recent years, making it essential to verify the composition and compliance of the materials used in relation to the technical standards established in tender notices. Among the main materials used in civil construction are clinker, cement, mortar, and concrete, whose proper characterisation is essential to ensure the structural integrity, durability, and performance of buildings. Considering the variability in structural performance according to the proportions of materials used, this study proposes a methodology focused on the technical assessment of materials used in civil engineering, with an emphasis on identifying conformities with the standards established in tender notices, which may compromise safety or constitute irregularities in public works. However, there is a need to develop accessible methodologies that allow for consolidated quantitative assessments of polyphasic material compositions using advanced microstructural characterisation techniques, and which can be used in the conduct of forensic examinations. This methodological integration provides greater accuracy in verifying composition and diagnosing non-conformities, technically supporting the work of Legal Engineering. The approach employed uses a combination of advanced characterisation techniques, such as X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) applied to the quantification of the crystalline phases of clinker and Portland cement, mortars and concretes. The results obtained demonstrate the applicability of the proposed methodology as a robust and reliable tool for quality control and expert verification of materials used in civil construction.