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The paper presents the results of investigations on the in-service behavior of concrete structures used in fruit and vegetable processing facilities, where environmental conditions are characterized by high chemical and biological aggressiveness. In such environments, concrete surfaces are continuously or periodically exposed to liquid media containing organic acids and microorganisms, as well as to significant variations in temperature and humidity. These factors lead to accelerated degradation processes, manifes...

Current applications of thermal analysis in ductile iron production are largely limited to routine monitoring, while its potential for quantitative prediction and resource-efficient process control remains underutilized. This study addresses this gap by establishing direct relationships between melt composition, thermal parameters, and resulting material performance. Sixteen industrial melts of ferritic ductile iron were produced with systematically varied charge compositions and metallurgical treatments. Cooling ...

The purpose of this study is to implement parts of the requirements of the European Green Deal in individual housing construction in Slovakia. The research methodology consisted of two parts: an analysis of selected building materials and a case study evaluating the possibilities for selecting materials with a more favourable carbon footprint. The building materials used for the construction of perimeter walls - YTONG, CLT panels, NOBASIL, and ISOVER - were evaluated based on their Global Warming Potential (GWP) v...

The building and construction sector remains one of the largest contributors to global climate change, thus the industry is focusing on reducing the embodied emissions from materials and minimizing operational energy through superior building envelope performance. As the industry transitions from traditional products to advanced bio-based materials, the requirements for measurement precision, dynamic response tracking, and environmental simulation have surpassed the capabilities of legacy instrumentation. Modern l...

The dynamic thermal behaviour of Trombe wall systems ultimately determines whether they contribute meaningfully to indoor comfort, yet this dimension of performance is frequently treated as secondary to seasonal energy balances or efficiency ratios. In real buildings, however, comfort depends not only on the amount of heat captured, but also on the timing of heat delivery, which becomes particularly relevant under the diurnal solar cycles characteristic of passive systems. The present study examines the time-domai...

Portland cement–based materials represent the most widely used construction materials worldwide. However, their production and application are associated with significant environmental burdens, including high CO2 emissions and the depletion of natural aggregate resources. In response to the growing demand for environmentally responsible construction solutions, this study focuses on the development of building materials based on an alternative binder. Magnesium oxychloride cement (MOC) is considered a more sustai...

This paper presents an energy balance study of a non ventilated, room integrated Trombe wall type system in a residential room in Varna, Bulgaria. The system uses a matte coated aluminium absorber plate, 2.0 m by 1.0 m by 0.01 m, placed about 30 cm behind exterior glazing. It works without fans, ducts, or a separate air supply path. Heat is transferred to the room by solar absorption, long wave radiation, natural convection caused by buoyancy, and conduction through the aluminium plate. The study uses measured dat...

Lime mortars are widely used in the construction, repair, and conservation of historic masonry due to their compatibility with traditional materials and their flexible, porous structure. However, their relatively low mechanical strength compared to modern cement-based materials has led to efforts to enhance their performance, for example through fibre reinforcement. This study examines the effect of two types of natural fibres (bovine and goat) on the physical, mechanical, hygric, and thermal properties of lime–...

In an effort to develop binders with a reduced environmental impact, magnesium silicate hydrate (MSH) cement has recently attracted considerable attention. This binder belongs to the family of magnesium-based cements; however, unlike magnesium sulphate and magnesium oxychloride cements, it is classified as a hydraulic cement. It forms through the reaction of reactive magnesium oxide with silica sources in the presence of water, producing magnesium silicate hydrate (MSH) gel. Caustic-calcined magnesite, typically p...

Magnesium silicate hydrate (M-S-H) is a promising binder phase for the development of low carbon cementitious materials. However, its formation mechanisms, phase evolution, and dependence on curing conditions remain poorly understood, particularly during the early and intermediate stages of hydration. This study investigates the formation and development of M S-H in model systems using reactive MgO and diatomite as the silica source, focusing on Mg/Si molar ratios of 0.75, 0.90, 1.05, and 1.20 under controlled cur...

Alfa fibers have been investigated as a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional reinforcement materials such as glass and carbon fibers, which are significantly more expensive and substantially increase the overall cost of mortar production. The present study aims to provide a comprehensive comparative analysis of mortars reinforced with different types of fibers, including mechanically extracted Alfa fibers, chemically treated Alfa fibers, and commercial polypropylene fibers. Fiber-reinforced m...

Organic fibrous materials are among the promising building materials from the perspective of sustainable development, because easily renewable resources or secondary raw materials are used for their production. Currently, materials based on recycled textile fibers are of increasing importance, especially within the EU with regard to the requirements of Directive (EU) 2018/851 of the European Parliament and of the Council on waste. However, the problem with textiles is their diversity and combination of polymeric a...

Prioritizing objectives amid the energy crisis and energy transition requires finding solutions that balance energy affordability with economic competitiveness, while gradually reducing fossil fuel use and promoting renewable and low carbon sources to meet greenhouse gas reduction targets. Currently, industry widely utilizes energy-efficient equipment for heating that relies on natural gas. To support the energy transition outlined in the National Energy Strategy, this paper proposes the study of an experimental r...

This paper presents an investigation of a reinforced concrete frame bridge in Prague, Czech Republic, affected by a severe fire caused by burning tires beneath the structure. The resulting high temperatures likely influenced both the concrete and reinforcing steel, potentially reducing material strength and altering mechanical properties. A detailed assessment was carried out to evaluate the current condition of the bridge. The investigation included visual inspection, mapping of surface damage, and extraction of ...

Historical and old buildings with their distinctively decorated facades constitute an integral part of city centers or villages and create unique architecture. Most of these important buildings are attacked by refurbishment interventions with the use of incompatible modern rendering materials affecting appear of facades and causing their different service life-related problems. To ensure material compatibility between historical rendering materials and newly prepared alternatives requires special attention. Techni...

In recent years, natural fibres have gained attention as an effective means of enhancing the performance of composite materials. By forming a reinforcing network within the matrix, fibres can limit crack propagation and improve cohesion. This approach is particularly relevant for lime-based mortars used in the repair of historic masonry, which often suffer from low mechanical strength during early curing. The presented study investigates the effect of increasing animal fibre content in natural hydraulic lime-based...

The integration of daylighting element into sustainable building design presents a significant opportunity to reduce energy consumption while improving indoor environmental quality. This study focuses on the performance assessment of passive daylight transport systems, with an emphasis on their thermal and optical characteristics. Various configurations of tubular daylighting devices were analyzed using simulation-based methods, considering material properties, geometrical parameters, and hygrothermal conditions o...

3D concrete printing is an innovative approach to construction that enables faster, flexible and material-efficient building construction. A key factor for the broader adoption of this technology is understanding the mechanical properties of printed concrete constructions and validating them through experimental and numerical studies. This paper focuses on the determination of the mechanical properties of digital concrete with emphasis on the effect of production technology, testing and analysis of failure mechani...

External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS) are a key component in achieving high energy performance in building envelopes. Despite their thermal efficiency, ETICS facades are frequently affected by biological surface degradation caused by microbial growth, primarily algae and fungi. This phenomenon is closely linked to hygrothermal dynamics, where moisture availability, condensation events, and limited surface drying play a critical role. The presented study maps the conditions contributing to biologica...

Blue-green infrastructure (BGI) is part of European policies to address climate change that has occurred in recent years. In Sandanski region, Bulgaria, data from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ERA5) show that since 1979, air temperatures have risen by 2.3 degrees Celsius, with an upward trend. Meanwhile, there is no permanent decrease in precipitation, but there are extreme events and alternating cycles of floods and droughts. BGI can mitigate climate change by cooling the effect of veget...

The most widely used building materials in the world are those based on Portland cement. Unfortunately, their use is associated with a number of negative environmental impacts, from CO2 emissions to the depletion of natural aggregate resources. In order to contribute to greater environmental responsibility, this work investigated building materials containing both alternative binders and fillers. Magnesium oxychloride cement (MOC) is considered to be a more sustainable binder than Portland cement and is characteri...

The accumulation of glass waste has become a significant environmental concern worldwide, with millions of tons of glass discarded annually. Although glass is 100% recyclable, a substantial proportion still ends up in landfills due to inefficient collection systems, high processing costs, or limited market demand for recycled glass. In recent years, researchers and environmental policymakers have intensified efforts to identify alternative applications for this inert but non-biodegradable material, particularly in...

The paper is devoted to the study of the combustion process in fibrous organic materials based on natural fibers. The paper presents the results of research focused on the study of the relationship between the microstructure of organic fibrous insulation materials, fiber properties and their resulting reaction to fire. This is a comprehensive approach to describing the reaction to fire beyond the scope of classification according to EN 13501-1. The basic test methods used to determine the reaction to fire are used...

The development of cements that produce less CO2 is important for the preservation of our environment. One way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is to produce belite cements that contain a higher proportion of belite than alite. Although the long-term strengths of this type of cement are comparable or even higher than those of ordinary Portland cement, their disadvantage is insufficient initial strengths) due to the slow hydration of belite. In this work, the effect of adding SO3 to the raw meal on the initial st...

The protection and maintenance of cultural heritage is an integral aspect of urban development. Preserving the original architecture, appearance, and material design of historic buildings is of a significant importance for understanding the development of society and the changes that have occurred throughout history. In the face of increasing demands for durability, mechanical strength, water vapor permeability, and compatibility with other parts of historical construction, research has focused on innovations in l...

Historical building structures are vital in illuminating human history. Ensuring their preservation and passing them down to future generations is of great importance. The preservation and restoration of historical buildings constitute a complex and highly relevant issue, wherein the criteria for compatibility in the selection and development of appropriate materials and application technologies are of significant importance. In historical context, the enhancement of lime mortar properties was achieved through the...

Human activities on a global scale are increasingly generating substantial quantities of solid waste. Consequently, in recent years, there has been a significant worldwide initiative to reduce waste production and reuse existing waste, including non-recyclable plastics, industrial waste, sewage sludge, hazardous waste, municipal waste, among others. To ensure environmental quality, further treatment of waste is essential to prevent its accumulation in landfills. For waste materials that cannot be recycled or for w...

Non-destructive testing (NDT) of 3D-printed concrete is challenging due to complex geometries and layer-dependent material heterogeneity. Photogrammetry captures surface geometry, but its outputs cannot be directly linked to NDT values. This study presents a workflow that integrates photogrammetric models with rebound hammer measurements and applies radial basis function (RBF) interpolation to visualize near-surface strength. Each measurement point is matched to its 3D coordinates on the mesh, enabling consistent ...

Artificial intelligence (AI) is breaking through more and more into all sectors of the economy. A groundbreaking tool that can change several industries is still at the beginning of the journey and mass implementation, with questionable results. Sustainability and safety in the construction industry have been a priority for the last decades. Pursuing sustainable and safe implementation of construction projects brings several challenges regarding innovations and implementation in practice. This research solves the ...

In order to valorize our natural resources especially dune sand, the physical and mechanical properties of adhesive mortars based on local mineral additions, have been studied in this present work. The experimental study was carried out on various adhesive mortars made with different contents of dune sand by partial substitution of cement. Adhesive mortars were made from Portland cement (PC; at 35%, 30% and 25%wt), Dune Sand (DS; at 60%, 65% and 75%wt), fillers and redispersible polymer powder (RDP; at 0.6%, 1.0% ...

Biopolymer-based packaging materials are increasingly favored for their eco-friendly and biodegradable properties. Among the promising biopolymer materials, agar-based biodegradable films stand out since they are made from water and plasticizers like glycerol. However, they often suffer from reduced mechanical strength and higher moisture sensitivity compared to synthetic alternatives. To address these issues, this study explores the incorporation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) into agar-based films using Aloe ve...

The excess demand for natural River sand (NRS) as a construction material is increasing day by day. As a result of demand, there are server environmental impacts such as lowing the water table, damaging the flora and fauna etc. This study is to focus to prevent the environmental impact by developing artificial sand as a replacement for natural river sand (NRS). Development of artificial sand by mixing high volume fly ash, cement, natural river sand, and locally purchased high solid content polycarboxylate ether-ba...

Construction is a branch of the economy that occupies a leading place in waste production. The problem is both the demolition of buildings ending their activity and the construction process itself. During the demolition process, waste is segregated, and most often concrete and brick rubble is recycled. In addition, wooden and wood-based elements, metal and glass are most often recycled. However, there is still a large amount of mixed waste, which often contains hazardous waste. It is necessary to store them safely...

Although the construction sector is aware of climate change, it still does not have sufficient knowledge of its impact on infrastructure and a detailed strategy for possible adaptation and mitigation measures. The strategy for adaptation to climate change in the Republic of Croatia is presented in this paper, with a focus on measures for the construction sector. Croatia is one of the three most vulnerable countries in the European Union, with an estimated highest share of climate change damage in relation to gross...

Accounting for 40% of final energy consumption and 34% of emissions in the European Union, buildings have a significant role to play in achieving a carbon neutral Europe before 2050. But to make buildings more sustainable we need to assess and reduce carbon emissions at every stage of their life cycle, from construction materials to ongoing energy use. As heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems are the primary energy consumers in buildings, they offer significant potential for energy saving and it...

In the context of the pressure to reduce the production of CO2 emissions in cement manufacturing, cement plants are significantly changing their product portfolios. Changes in the composition of cement products also lead to changes in their properties. This paper focuses on the monitoring and non-standard evaluation of initial volume stability. Several different types of currently used cements produced in various cement plants in the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 2022 and 2023 were tested using the -initial volum...

In addition to excellent mechanical, physical and chemical parameters, magnesium oxychloride cement (MOC) composites offer numerous environmental benefits, particularly with regard to the necessary reduction of carbon dioxide emissions associated with the production of Portland cement based building materials. However, the limitation to the wider use of MOC is its low water resistance. Therefore, the possibility of improving the water resistance of magnesium oxychloride cement (MOC) composites by nano-adjustment u...

This paper presents the experimental evaluation of the effectiveness of a newly developed two-coat system (TCS) for the protection and repair of concrete. The optimized system consists of a penetrating layer of modified low-viscosity resin of BPA (bisphenol A) type and a top coat based on aliphatic polyisocyanate resin of HDI (hexametyl diisocyanate) type. TCS was applied to reference concrete specimens, which were subjected to various tests to evaluate their basic physical properties, mechanical strength, hygric ...

Every day, human activities generate large amounts of solid waste. To ensure the quality of the environment, waste must be further treated to prevent it from accumulation in landfills. In the case of materials that cannot be recycled or reused, such as municipal solid waste, burning in waste incineration plants to generate heat or electricity appears to be the appropriate solution of such waste disposal. However, combustion processes generate residues, such as bottom or fly ash, which must be stored. Fly ash gener...

Heart rate (HR) is a fundamental physiological parameter that reflects cardiovascular health and fitness levels. Accurate HR monitoring is essential for diagnosing medical conditions, guiding physical training, and monitoring stress and recovery. With the increased development of wearable devices, the new direction of research appeared in the field of personalized comfort based on the physiological response and closing the HVAC control loop based on the occupant-s involuntary reaction. This article reviews current...

While the interaction between the cement-based binders and different types of fillers is described sufficiently, the behaviour of composites, containing gypsum and any type of filler was studied less frequently and studies focused on the interaction between the composite binder and filler are rare. We studied ternary binder composed from gypsum, lime and silica fume in combination with several types of fillers (sand, expanded perlite, expanded clay and waste polyurethane). The strength of the composites was measur...

Innovative construction materials and techniques can be sourced from natural resources and traditional methods, and applied to green housing concepts to enhance energy efficiency and occupant well-being. Innovation in vernacular traditions can be achieved by integrating the modern, current methods and techniques, materials and tools within local traditional technologies and associated natural raw materials (clay, sand, wood, straw, and wool) in order to enhance ecologic housing facilities with improved overall per...

Architecture construction and engineering (ACE) is one of the most widespread industries in the world. At the same time, the construction industry consumes 50% of extracted primary sources of raw materials, 50% of energy consumption, 33% of water consumption and produces a third of the generated waste to create buildings and construction products. A lean construction represents an innovative approach in the construction industry that aims to maximize efficiency, minimize waste and improve the overall performance o...

In an increasingly competitive economy, we are facing fierce competition in the construction materials industry, where the use of recyclable waste from demolitions has become more than a necessity. The compensation for the loss of certain properties, which could otherwise lead to a reduction in mechanical characteristics, has been achieved through the addition of nanoparticles with superior qualities. This paper will present the main nanoparticles introduced as subtle additives (ranging from 0.01 percent to a maxi...

In this paper, there are presented the characteristics of reinforced concrete structures that are subjected to a corrosive environment. These structures allow for the appearance and opening of short-term and long-term cracks within certain limits during operation, as well as the variation in the moisture of the concrete depending on the ambient humidity. The basic nature of the concrete allows it to react with acids, while its increased porosity enables the absorption of liquids and gases, including aggressive one...

One of the main monitored parameters related to road traffic safety is the visibility of road facilities and how they are perceived by drivers. Areas where visibility is suddenly limited, or where road sections become unclear due to inadequate design and technological arrangements, pose significant safety risks. Monitoring the optical properties of the applied coating surface, particularly its retroreflection and colour, is crucial for traffic safety. The paper describes research leading to the design of a system ...

The construction industry is one of the largest air polluters. This fact, along with the increasing demand for savings of heating energy, is leading to a growing interest in more eco-friendly materials for building thermal insulations. New thermal insulating material, prepared from the Posidonia Oceanica (commonly known as sea grass or Neptune grass) was prepared and studied. Posidonia Oceanica is an endemic plant that grows in large quantities in the shallow waters of the Mediterranean Sea. It is a protected spec...

This manuscript presents the comprehensive chemical and physical analysis of two types of biomass ashes derived from power and heat generation in order to highlight their positive parameters and properties and to propose the way for their safe reuse in the production of building materials. The analysis of biomass ashes included the assessment of chemical composition, dry matter content, loss on ignition, particle size distribution, Blaine fineness, dry powder density, specific density, pozzolanic activity, SEM mor...

The core insulators of vacuum insulation panels are mostly made from inorganic raw materials with a high SiO2 content, either in the form of nanoparticles or microfibers, while the proportion of organics is usually up to 3 %. The contribution is devoted to the study of reaction to fire in hybrid insulation materials made from a combination of nano SiO2-based particulate raw materials and organic-based fibrous raw materials, where the total proportion of organics is significantly greater than 3 %. Considering that ...

Chile is one of the largest copper producers in the world, which implies a significant generation of waste, particularly copper slag (CS). On the other hand, the high demand for concrete mixes generates a high consumption of natural aggregates as sand. However, specialized literature indicates that the fine aggregate can be partially replaced by CS keeping (or improving) the concrete properties. Then, this paper presents a sustainability analysis of the partial replacement of fine aggregate of concrete by CS. The ...