Mike Goddijn - Civil Engineering
I really enjoyed working in the lab. We tested the electrode potential of various metals, determined corrosion rates, completed tensile stress tests and tested the viscosity of bitumen.
Why did you choose this programme?
In my BSc programme, we had a course on the science of construction materials which I really liked. This inspired me to do my bachelor’s thesis in the field of construction materials, where I learned that I really like working in the lab. I also really liked maths and physics and this programme seemed to meet that interest! So when the time came to choose my track in the master’s programme, it was not a difficult choice. I went once again with construction materials. I feel like I made a good choice; I really like the variety of subjects and materials we cover, and, of course, the lab work.
What’s a highlight in the programme?
Obviously, the experiments in the lab! We tested the electrode potential of various metals and determined corrosion rates (important indicators to identify and/or quantify the corrosion risks of steel structures or concrete reinforcement). We also did tensile stress tests on various types of concrete to compare their material behaviour and tested the viscosity of bitumen (bitumen with different viscosities are used for different grades of asphalt pavements) which we modified ourselves by mixing it with filler material at high temperatures. Of all the materials we cover within our track, I like steel and concrete the most.
What will you do after you graduate?
To be honest, I’m still figuring that out! I want to combine working in the office and working outside. As a construction materials engineer, I hope to be onsite often, in close vicinity of the projects I am working on.