Browse

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...