Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Sustainable Development in Civil, Urban and Transportation Engineering

Cement is one of the most utilized materials in the construction industry production of cement leads to the generation of carbon dioxide emission. Carbon dioxide plays a vital role in leading of environmental issues like greenhouse gases, acid rain, and ozone layer depletion which is very harmful to human health. This review paper explores the potential of sustainable construction practices by replacing cement with environmental friendly filler materials such as marble dust and eggshell powder, combined with the incorporation of pine-needle natural fibre. By utilizing waste materials in concrete to enhance mechanical properties and consume natural resources to implement a sustainable construction approach for future generations. This study investigates the mechanical properties of various concrete specimens, including plain concrete (PC), marble dust powder (MDP) cement concrete, and pine-needle fibre-reinforced concrete (PN-FRC). The previous studies reveal that the addition of pine-needle fibre, marble dust, and eggshell powder (ESP) improves dynamic, compressive, and flexural properties compared to normal plain concrete. Notably, PNESPMDP-FRCs, comprising 10% eggshell powder, 15% marble dust powder, and 30 mm-long pine-needle fibre, exhibit superior performance under dynamic loading conditions. Despite a slight decrease in compressive strength, flexural strengths are significantly enhanced, especially with the PN-FRC containing 30 mm pine-needle fibres. This study addressed the potential of utilizing commercial waste for sustainable construction, offering insights into achieving eco-friendly and mechanically robust concrete materials, with a recommended optimal combination for compression members.

In this paper, findings are presented regarding the transport involved in the renovation of a residential road of approximately 4800 m2 in the city of Apeldoorn in the Netherlands. The associated emissions were calculated using an existing CO2 calculator, which was adapted to the Dutch context. The loads and distances travelled have been monitored and analysed. Our data show that 389 journeys were made by lorries and construction vehicles during the renovation process, adding up to almost 6000 kg of CO2 emission. These figures do not even include the emissions from staff commuting to and from the site. With this data, we hope to raise awareness of the impact of transport during road construction. Considering that residential roads are constantly being rebuilt in many communities around the world, the results of our study on a typical residential road can have a significant impact and help engineers in similar situations to reduce transport emissions.

The construction sector is one of the economic drivers of several nations, contributing to the growth of the gross domestic product. The concept of demolition is an intricate societal issue that requires attention, particularly considering the escalating number of demolitions and destruction across the globe. Several studies have been carried out, but none have attempted to analyze these three terms from the viewpoint of a demolition contractor. This study aims to describe the concept of demolition, deconstruction, and destruction with a focus on the input of the demolition contractors. A literature review on the issues of demolition, deconstruction, and destruction was done. The factors considered before embarking on the concept in the building industry were discussed. The data collected were analyzed using version 29 of the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS); the results show that health and safety environment (HSE), protection of works, and waste management- reuse, recycling, and effective disposal were ranked top three by the professionals in the demolition or construction organizations. Design flexibility and deconstruction grant were ranked lowest indicating that the industry has not fully utilized the advantage of deconstruction which in turn could encourage circularity in the economy.

Digital fabrication is the design and manufacturing workflow allowing for computer-guided additive and subtractive manufacturing. In construction, it opens up new possibilities for efficient and reduced use of materials, thanks to tailored design and bespoke serial production of structural elements. The Institute of Structural Design (ITE) for around a decade researches tools and strategies of additive and subtractive fabrication, with a particular focus on the process-material compatibility. These methods allow for placing a material of desired characteristics exactly where required to optimise form and properties, minimising material consumption and hence reducing the footprint of a structure. This paper discusses various fabrication strategies developed by ITE and its partners in interdisciplinary research, with a special focus on the potential towards bringing sustainability into architecture and construction sector. The discussed methods encompass Shotcrete 3D Printing, Robotic Rammed Earth, Large Particle 3D Concrete Printing, recyclable wax formwork, subtractive and additive manufacturing for the reuse and recycling of concrete, and Hybrid Wire-and-Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) I-beams. Each method is briefly introduced, and its potential impacts on sustainability are discussed.

The construction industry is characterized by high occupational risks. Despite advancements in occupational safety (OS) knowledge and engineering equipment, work-related accidents remain significant number. In Poland in 2022, more than 3000 construction workers were injured, with 41 fatalities. Many accidents stem from human error, including fatigue, lack of concentration, non-compliance with safety protocols, misuse of personal protective equipment, and unexpected events. These factors are challenging to measure due to their relation to human psychophysical responses, emphasizing the need for continuous OS development through interdisciplinary research and innovative technologies like eye-trackers (ET). Recent interest in ET for improving OS in construction has been sporadic. This study reviews ET's application in construction safety research, focusing on its potential for real-world use by on-site workers. The research involved analyzing publications from 2015 to Q1 2024, examining publication dynamics, ET types, research group sizes, participant types, and research locations. A total of 39 relevant articles were identified. Most research was laboratory-based, using videos and photographs, with limited on-site testing due to technical and safety constraints. Challenges found during analysis included recruitment difficulties, equipment limitations, and uncontrolled testing conditions. Key questions address why research is primarily laboratory-based despite mobile ET availability, difficulties in recruiting construction workers, and whether current mobile ETs and software are suitable for on-site surveys. Future research should involve larger, diverse participant groups (especially profesionalists), focus on real-world conditions, and ensure ETs are technologically advanced and integrated with other biometric data. Additional unexplored areas include protective equipment, management systems, and specific work conditions like night shifts and extreme temperatures.

The construction industry faces numerous challenges, including environmental sustainability, high material costs, and a shortage of skilled labor. Modern technologies enabling digital fabrication present opportunities to reduce raw material consumption and waste generation. Among these, 3D printing technologies offer distinct advantages over traditional construction methods, particularly in handling complex geometries. However, the significant environmental impact of cement in 3D printed concrete, due to its high rheological and printability requirements, remains a concern. This study introduces a novel application of 3D printed permanent formwork in the construction of a winder staircase, assessed through an environmental Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) from cradle to gate. By comparing the environmental impacts of various construction materials and processes, the study highlights the comparative advantages and disadvantages of conventional methods versus 3D printing. The LCA results reveal that traditional production methods, particularly those using plywood formwork, exhibit higher environmental impacts. In contrast, timber formwork performs better than most 3D printed mixtures in terms of Global Warming Potential (GWP), Acidification Potential (AP), and Abiotic Depletion Potential (ADP). The findings of this study underscore the potential of additive manufacturing for sustainable construction, particularly through the use of low clinker cement in 3D printed formwork, offering a promising pathway towards reducing the environmental footprint of construction activities.

In the context of reducing the carbon footprint, there is a noticeable trend in incorporating additives into cement mortars. An increasing number of payment cards in circulation has been noticed. After a period of 4 years after production, it is a waste that has no use. The research focuses on the impact of addition of dispersed fibers from payment cards on the mechanical properties of cement mortar. Destructive bending and compressive strength tests were carried out. Based on the results, it was concluded that the use of fibers from payment cards in cement mortar in appropriate proportions improves its compressive and bending strength. For the addition of 2.5% fiber relative to the weight of the aggregate, the compressive strength of the cement mortar increased by 2.6% and the tensile strength by 7%. The authors see potential for expanding and continuing research on this composite. In sustainable development, it is important to find uses for waste materials. The use of payment cards in concrete and mortar needs to be looked at more closely.

Despite advances in accident prevention, the construction industry still has a high accident rate compared to other sectors. Reducing the number of accidents at work is possible by analyzing and learning from near misses. The research presented in this article aims to conduct an extensive literature review on near miss incidents in the construction industry recorded in various countries worldwide and to find a gap for further research. The primary source of knowledge used for this research was the Scopus database. The VOSviewer tool was used to classify publications based on keywords. The following sequence of keywords “construction” and “near miss” in the search field “Abstract Title, Abstract, Keywords” was used to create a database of publications. The database, containing 108 publications, was also subjected to successive manual classification. Trends in the development of each research area are presented. Many researchers emphasize that near misses are precursors to accidents at work. The conducted literature review identified an area in the space of hazardous events in the construction industry that represents a research gap that needs to be filled. The analysis of near misses, based on an understanding of their circumstances and causes, allows for the prediction of the circumstances of the cause and the potential timing of the accident. The subject of further research will be the construction of a model for predicting the occurrence of an accident based on knowledge of near misses. The novelty of the literature review conducted lies in identifying gaps in the area of near miss events in construction industry and analyzing the research tools applied in the publications.

It is becoming popular to replace destructive laboratory tests with related to non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques. Unfortunately, not all material properties can be determined accurately enough in this way. Supporting non-destructive methods with artificial intelligence (AI) offers potential for groundbreaking development in this area. A common approach in the construction industry is to determine compressive strength using, for example, the Schmidt Hammer, ultrasonic wave velocity (UPV), composite composition information, and machine learning (ML). The determination of pull-off strength can be approached similarly. In this work, presented ML model can be used to predict the pull-off strength of resin coatings containing granite powder and flax fibers. To obtain satisfactory results, selected ML algorithms were analyzed on a database consisting of 140 sets of values of parameters containing information about the composition of the resin coating. Metrics indicating high performance (R = 0.885; RMSE = 0.138 MPa; MAPE = 3.72%) were achieved by a model based on the random forest (RF) algorithm containing 160 trees with a depth of 10 nodes. A comparison of the predicted fb pull-off strength to that determined by in situ testing has been developed. The results obtained suggest that the use of AI to determine the fb of resin coatings is promising alternative.

Auxetic materials, known for their unique ability to expand when subjected to mechanical forces, have become a focal point of interest due to their potential to innovate various engineering and construction sectors. This paper focuses on auxetic cementitious cellular metamaterials, examining their structural properties and the impact of design parameters, such as cell geometry and size, on their auxetic behavior and mechanical performance. It highlights advancements in manufacturing techniques, particularly 3D printing, and discusses characterization methods used to analyze these materials’ microstructure and mechanical properties. The review provides a broad overview of the deformation mechanisms and diverse applications of auxetic cementitious cellular metamaterials, from structural engineering and infrastructure improvement to energy harvesting. Additionally, it identifies significant research gaps, emphasizing the need for standardized testing, better understanding of long-term durability, and cost-effective manufacturing processes to enable wider adoption. By addressing these challenges, the paper aims to inspire future research efforts that will drive the evolution of auxetic materials in construction and other fields. Ultimately, this comprehensive review underscores the transformative potential of auxetic cementitious cellular metamaterials in advancing construction engineering, materials science, and sustainable development, positioning them as key innovations for future exploration.

In the present research work, the mechanical and fracture properties of a specific earthen material, named shot-earth 772, are experimentally investigated. The shot-earth mixture, consisting of 7 parts of excavated soil, 7 parts of aggregate and 2 parts of cement (by volume), is projected at high velocity onto a surface, by adding a little amount of water at the spraying nozzle. An experimental campaign, consisting of compressive and three-point bending tests on unnotched and edge-notched specimens, is performed in order to determine both the compressive and flexural strengths and the fracture toughness. In particular, cubic and prismatic specimens are extracted from a shot-earth sample (800 mm × 800 mm × 100 mm) so that the direction of the applied load is perpendicular to the spraying one. The compressive and flexural strengths are determined according to the UNI-EN standards, whereas the fracture toughness is computed by means of the Modified Two-Parameter Model (MTPM).

The ancient routes of transhumance (Tratturi) constitute an important asset for the territory as a monumental heritage, characterized by natural and anthropic elements that are still present, despite the practice of transhumance ended more than a century ago. Interest in these ancient routes has grown in recent years, giving rise to widespread research throughout the country, from both academic institutions and local associations, with the aim of identifying possible strategies for their valorization and at the same time safeguarding their physical and historical-cultural integrity. Regulations and laws enacted over time also go in this direction as they seek to build a new cultural identity in both the populations and the places crossed by the Tratturi. Today, the protection and management of the soils of the Tratturi in Abruzzo is entrusted to a specific instrument (the Piano Quadro Tratturo—P.Q.T.—introduced by the Ministerial Decree of 1980) which is compulsory for the municipalities crossed, but many of these are still in default. Starting from the case study of the Municipality of L'Aquila, the main aim of this work is to propose guidelines for the drafting of the P.Q.T., with the aim of providing a supporting document for public administrations.

The article presents a study of the effect of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) on the pull-off strength value of epoxy resin floors, with a focus on the challenges posed in industrial facilities. The study consisted of modifying epoxy resin with three types of MWNTs in different amounts and evaluating their adhesion to substrates. The results showed that all achieved adhesion strengths exceeded the minimum required value of 1.5 MPa. The type and amount of MWNTs added influenced the adhesion strength of the epoxy resin. The highest average pull-off strength was achieved with 2.5% MWNT type II addition, it was 4.14 MPa. At 5% addition of MWNT type I, a drastic decrease in adhesion strength was observed, resting at 1.93 MPa. The article also discusses the challenges encountered during the mixing process, particularly with 5% type I MWNT addition. The methodology for testing and preparing the epoxy coating is also presented. The article brings a novel approach by analyzing the impact of different types and amounts of MWNTs on the pull-off strength of epoxy resin floors. The study demonstrated that the addition of MWNTs significantly enhances the pull-off strength, with optimal results obtained with a 2.5% addition of MWNTs type II, thus substantially expanding the current knowledge on the application of MWNTs in industrial flooring. In conclusion, the analyses carried out highlight the importance of considering the type and amount of MWNT to optimize the adhesion strength of modified epoxy resin floors. The study also contributes to the understanding of the potential applications and limitations of this type of composite in industrial flooring.

Layered beams, which use the advantages of various materials in their construction, are widely applied in the construction industry. However, a significant aspect of their design and analysis involves the interlayer connections that may be prone to damage under both static and dynamic conditions. This article examines the influence of interlayer connections on the static response of a simply supported two-layer beam. The analysis is based on mathematical models presented in the literature. Using mathematical analysis methods, a comprehensive static analysis of the Euler–Bernoulli beam was conducted, while assuming that the beam is supported at the bottom edge. When considering the boundary conditions, which are generated by the location of its supports on the two-layer beam, the authors assumed the loading to be in the form of a concentrated force. Solutions regarding the interlayer slip, internal forces, the vertical displacements of the beam, and the stress distributions within the beam were derived. Additionally, the impact of the stiffness of the interlayer connection on the obtained numerical results was investigated. The aim of these studies is to better understand the influence of interlayer connections on the strength and reliability of layered beams, providing valuable design guidelines for engineers working on composite structures.

The years from 2020 to 2021 witnessed the formidable surge of the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving an indelible mark on the global economic landscape and triggering a widespread healthcare crisis. Despite the ongoing vaccination campaigns worldwide, the enduring impact of COVID-19 remains profound, especially in developing countries. This research distinctly contributes to the existing literature by not only identifying the specific challenges posed by the pandemic but also proposing innovative, tailored solutions to facilitate the recovery of the construction industry in developing countries. To do this, the research reviewed previous studies to identify the factors affecting the COVID-19 pandemic in construction projects. After that, experts were consulted to form a preliminary survey questionnaire to finalize the questionnaire, and then the questionnaire was sent through direct and indirect (online) survey forms to collect data. After an industry-wide survey, the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) software was used for data statistical analysis. The research findings revealed four crucial solution clusters essential for the revival of the construction industry post-pandemic, including health and safety measures, technological advancements in construction practices, government interventions, and innovative strategies adopted by businesses. These findings not only provide actionable insights for the construction sector but also contribute to the broader discourse on rebuilding and fortifying industries in the wake of future unprecedented global challenges. In the wake of the pandemic’s aftermath, this article sheds light on the critical path for the construction industry toward sustainable development.

The global warming causes the sea level rising. Several regions of the world are facing flooding problems and submersion risks. The Mekong Delta (South of Vietnam) is one of the regions in the world which is most impacted by the sea level rising. This paper presents an evaluation of the feasibility of building floating houses on the Mekong rivers. First, the analytical calculations about the stability of the floating structure are presented. The floating structure investigated includes a reinforced concrete (RC) pontoon and a 2-stories house (RC frame and infilled by bricks). The in-situ floating houses were also built and exposed for three years in real climatic conditions. The results from analytical calculations and experiments show that the floating RC structures can be a relevant solution for the Mekong Delta region.

The current policy of EU countries promotes greater involvement in waste management and the search for alternative ways to utilize waste. One such waste, currently unsuitable for further processing, is the sludge generated from the recycling process of PET bottles. Based on the conducted literature review, the potential for using this waste in the production of clay-based aggregates was identified. As part of this work, four series of aggregates were produced based on post-coal clay with the addition of PET sludge (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%). The resulting waste aggregate using PET sludge (WAPS) was then analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Furthermore, the reference aggregate was subjected to granulometric curve analysis to determine its particle size distribution. The results of this analysis allowed for the verification of the effectiveness of the aggregate formation method and the determination of the percentage content of aggregates with a specific diameter. The results of the conducted research indicate the potential use of waste aggregate using PET sludge (WAPS) in concrete technology. In future research, it is planned to conduct research on self-compacting concrete mixtures using WAPS.

In this paper, a numerical analysis of the shrinkage of slabs found on soil was carried out. Two numerical models of the foundation slab were adopted for the analyses: the first model is the foundation slab, which rests directly on the soil, i.e. Winkler elastic base; the second numerical model is two slabs, i.e. the foundation slab and the substructure (concrete base), which are in surface contact. The Coulomb-Mohr model was used in the analyses. On the basis of the numerical analyses performed, conclusions were made about the influence of the soil substrate on the degree of shrinkage reinforcement.

This contribution is an intermediate result of the methodology applied within the research project Interconnected Nord-Est Innovation Ecosystem (iNEST). The ongoing multidisciplinary research individuates solutions for the built sector that can reduce environmental impacts and globally increase sustainability in Northeastern Italy. Starting from this conceptual framework, this paper explores methodologies to introduce new spatial concepts into the architectural object to improve specific aspects of environmental comfort. In particular, the development of the original Renovation through Design for Adaptability/Flexibility/Change methodology offers an analytical tool to study contemporary design experiences. These projects are characterized by façade elements and components modified to adapt the dwelling unit to new needs, to provide additional spaces, or to mitigate its energy impacts, thus determining different envelope configurations. Assessing the potential for integrating these façade systems into the building stock in Northeastern Italy allows us to outline the evolution of research methodologies developed within the iNEST project. Challenging the reduction of the energy footprint and adaptation to climate change, technology becomes an integral part of the architectural design process, making a fundamental contribution to define effective design approaches for intervening on existing buildings. However, it is also essential to reflect on those actions that, in a transversal way, can guarantee the quality of space in the reciprocity between individuals and environment, responding to new needs, or to new users, through design forms capable of fostering inclusive interactions.

Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) introduced by EU directive 2018/2001 offer a promising approach to achieve the goal of “Zero Energy” at a wider scale. A conscious energy transition process, challenging the upgrade of existing building stock, overcomes actions on individual buildings by the potential of green neighborhoods, where energy mutualization allows for more efficient use of resources and opens up possibilities for retrofitting existing buildings and community involvement in long-term participatory processes, not limited to RECs conception but leading to shared management of the neighborhood. A wider definition (sustainable and efficient district) is desirable to bring together sustainability issues, not limited to decarbonization goals. Thus, establishing a SED requires information support, monitoring facilities, and training networks, support from public and private actors, and technical criteria for assessing opportunities and potentials. Identifying suitable sites for SEDs cannot disregard a case-based strategy that also considers the impacts of parameters related to urban form. Community involvement must also be evaluated, though limitations could be found in sharing technical information, needs changing over time, increasing requirements, and conflicting interests. The University of Trieste is actively involved in promoting and co-designing public housing projects. In particular, this contribution defines the contents to evaluate a SED, drawing up efficiency and sustainability criteria, capable of assisting local stakeholders, designers, and citizens.

With the ongoing rise in global infrastructural development, the scarcity of river sand for concrete production has become pronounced, particularly in coastal regions. To address this issue, scientists and researchers are exploring the viability of using sea sand as an alternative. This paper presents the impact of sea sand and fly ash on the compressive strength of concrete. Three parameters were controlled: river sand, sea sand, and fly ash. Initially, river sand was substituted with sea sand at varying proportions: 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%. Results revealed that sea sand and fly ash decrease the workability of fresh concrete. Without fly ash, a 50% substitution of sea sand resulted in the highest compressive strength compared to other compositions. When using fly ash in the mixture, the highest strength was observed by incorporating 20% fly ash as a cement replacement, irrespective of using sea or river sands. The results obtained were expected to address the shortage of river sand and promote the utilization of fly ash as a sustainable material for non-steel concrete structures.

Historic villages have value and contribute to urban development and regeneration. However, they usually need to meet the preservation criteria of the government or community to be protected. Thus, historic villages are particularly challenging to preserve. In such a context, artist-led urban regeneration is an excellent way to conserve those valuable buildings by applying artwork activities to the historical site. This program was recognized as an effective method to balance economic, cultural, and historical values. The cases of two artist villages in Asia, namely Treasure Hill Artist Village (THAV) in Taipei, Taiwan, and Changdong Art Village (CDAV) in Changwon City, Korea, will be reviewed. However, problems with implementing urban regeneration projects remain, such as unifying operation management and local development policy. To enhance the art-led regeneration project’s value, new factors like “cultural transmission activities,” “creating start-up hubs for artists,” and “promoting local business development” are highlighted. This study aims to provide lessons for future projects, focusing on the Art Village model's sustainable development.

The paper presents three methods of the numerical modelling of a 60 m long integral bridge structure resting on elastic soil. The presented bridge structure is made of cast in situ reinforced concrete of strength class C50/60. The bridge models were built using Abaqus FEA software. Models A and C represent complex three-dimensional numerical models consisting of the bridge structure and the soil layer beneath it. The soil layer on which these bridge structures are resting was modelled as a homogeneous, isotropic, continuous and elastic semi-infinite body-elastic half-space. Additional third model B represents a simple three-dimensional numerical model consisting of just the bridge structure. The stiffness of the soil layer under this bridge was replaced by the rocking, vertical and horizontal springs applied to the bottom surface of the bridge footing foundations. The formulas to calculate the spring stiffness were derived by Barkan and Posadov-Gorbunov based on the theory for an elastic half-space. Model B represents an engineering approach to the design of an integral bridge structure. The paper is focused on the methods of modelling an integral bridge structure resting on elastic soil.

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is becoming increasingly popular in the construction sector. However, much more research is needed before it reaches a level of use comparable to conventional concrete. Three-dimensional (3D) printing offers the potential to reduce costs, construction time, and construction waste. However, due to its high cement content, it is more expensive to produce. The article includes a brief literature survey on the possibility of using cement and aggregate substitutes in concrete mixtures and their impact on fresh composite properties.

Wildfires are generally believed to be detrimental to slope stability by damaging vegetation and altering the thermo-hydro-mechanical properties of soil due to thermal stress and burning. However, the extent to which wildfires may impact on state of the vegetation and soil state is still an open issue, as it depends on several factors such as the fire intensity and persistence, as well as the soil and vegetation state and type. This research focused on a wildfire event that was monitored and back-analyzed using thermal finite element modeling by using Plaxis 2D to understand the impact on the soil post-wildfire state. The study was conducted at a field test site located at the toe area of the Pisciolo hillslope, where selected vegetation had been seeded and farmed to investigate the soil–vegetation–-atmosphere (SVA) interaction. The test site was the location of a wildfire in September 2023, which burnt most of the vegetation. The results show that the heat flux due to the wildfire is in the range between 100 and 150 kW/m2 with a duration of 5–10 min. Field monitoring revealed that significant wildfire-induced temperature variations were confined to the near-surface soil layer, up to a depth of 20 cm of soil, with only slight changes in the soil properties.

Cement production significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and depletes limited natural resources. Sustainable methods are needed to mitigate the environmental impact, including carbon capture, alternative fuels, and supplementary cementitious materials. Recycling waste aggregates or processed cement can reduce the carbon footprint of cement production. This research investigates the mechanical recovery of residual material fines fraction generated during wood–cement particleboard manufacturing to create a new sustainable binder with unhydrated and hydrated cement particles. This approach could lead to the development of more environmentally friendly building materials. This study offers the application of the recovered binder and residual materials generated during wood–cement particleboard manufacturing to produce a new bio-based building material. The residual material fines fraction, consisting of partially hydrated and unhydrated cement particles and wood fibers, is processed by milling to break up the conglomerates. The resulting fines fraction is used as a binder in mortar samples tested for mechanical compressive strength. The developed binder was combined with different wood wool residual material streams and used as the filler material. Lightweight bio-based building material was created with a 245 kg/m3 density and thermal conductivity of 0.0796 W/(mK). The study highlights the potential of using residual resources to produce sustainable construction materials.

Considering Goal 11 of the SDGs, making cities inclusive, sustainable, and safe is an important step for sustainable development and for fighting social inequalities. Calling on the entire civil society, to date it can be said that efforts to address this challenge are and will be massive. What approaches and tools should be adopted? What is the role of universities? The paper presents an ongoing experience born out of a mutual confrontation between the disciplines of urban planning and technical architecture, based on the application of Universal Design (UD) in the field of planning policies as a key to achieving truly inclusive design solutions. The paper also highlights the strategic role of the regional research system, represented by the University of Trieste and the University of Udine, in the FVG Accessibile project, an initiative co-designed and co-developed by different actors in the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region. In the general backwardness context in which Italy is still far from achieving more accessible environments for all, the introduction of UD at the core of the implementation of the Regional Law no. 10/2018 on spatial accessibility was a key step in pioneering a process of cultural change.

One of the most important issues considering civil engineering in additive manufacturing is the material aspect of printed concrete mix. The article aims to check how the composition of a concrete mixture impacts its features. The composition of the concrete mix that is used for 3D printing needs to be properly selected. For this study, three laboratory tests were conducted. The consistency of concrete mixes was examined by slump flow test. The vane shear test was conducted to evaluate yield stress directly, and the slug test was performed to verify the yield stress at the nozzle level and the physical properties of the concrete mixture, including the mass and shape of the extruded material. Then the results for the yield stress of the two methods were compared.

The integrity of underground infrastructure of urban areas is crucial for the safety and the efficient operation of municipal systems. Sewer pipelines are subjected to harsh conditions, including mechanical stresses from traffic, soil, and groundwater pressure, leading to damage and the need for repair. Trenchless technologies using cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) liners have become popular for this purpose. These liners create a composite structure with the old pipeline with increased strength and ensure isolation from natural soil. Quality control of CIPP installations is vital, and this paper proposes a new method for assessing the integrity of repair sleeves using micro-computed tomography (mCT). The technique focuses on evaluating three-dimensional internal structure and the quality of resin impregnation within the liner. The study identifies significant variability in porosity among the tested specimens of different thicknesses. Apparent heterogeneity of the sleeves is revealed. In particular, layers of significantly increased porosity are indicated. The greater the thickness of the liner, the more pronounced heterogeneity of its internal structure. These findings underscore the necessity for improving impregnation quality of the textile liners used in CIPP. In this view, the paper primarily contributes to advancing the evaluation techniques of underground pipeline repairing sleeves, highlighting areas for further development of liner technology to enhance its strength and durability for extended, reliable service.

One of the essential issues for sustainable development is obtaining energy from the ground medium. An important aspect of this issue is the parameter of, among other things, the thermal conductivity of the soil. There is still a need to find accurate models describing the thermal conductivity of soil at various degrees of saturation. The authors are seeking a model in the framework of analytical micromechanics that describes the relationship between the shape of ellipsoidal inclusions θ of water and air in pore space and the variable degree of saturation. Using the Mori–Tanaka approximation scheme and the simulated annealing optimization method, we first attempt to find the best pair of quadratic functions θw(Sr) and θa(Sr) (for water and air inclusions, respectively). Then, we verify the possibility of applying only one distribution of θ values, identical for both water and air. These efforts are verified using thermal conductivities of selected real soil samples.

The cranked priority at an uncontrolled intersection increases its capacity if the dominant direction of travel is in the direction of turning left or right. The uncontrolled intersection has a maximum capacity of 1500–2000 vehicles per hour and the light-controlled intersection has a capacity of 3000–6000 vehicles/ h. The capacity of a light-controlled intersection is always the same, whether the right of way is cranked or straight. It is always necessary to assess the capacity of light-controlled intersections with a cranked priority when traffic lights are off due to a positive effect on traffic safety when the traffic organization is going to be changed. In case of the traffic at the intersection being controlled by traffic lights, the intersection organized this way becomes a safety risk for traffic participants due to ignorance of the rule on the superiority of traffic lights over traffic signs. This lack of knowledge is the cause of an amount of analyzed characteristic conflict situations when the traffic lights are on or switched off. The aim of the research is to demonstrate the futility of traffic control with traffic lights at intersections with a cranked priority and at the same time the possibility of increasing the level of traffic safety by straightening the right of way. Based on the detailed analysis, a new solution that increases traffic safety and the clarity of the traffic organization in the intersection area was designed.

Buildings are responsible for a significant share of global energy consumption, subsequently, it is essential to reduce their energy usage. Numerous buildings with relatively poor energy performance had been constructed before the implementation of energy regulations. Building retrofitting is the main solution to address this issue. This study examines the energy efficiency of a school in Le Grand-Bornand, French Alps. In pursuit of this objective, innovative indicators, that complement the classic ones, are applied. The indicators in this research consider the environmental energy resources surrounding the building, notably the solar energy, which can be harnessed both passively as solar gains and actively through photovoltaic panels. Performance indicators are computed using building energy simulation software (DesignBuilder with EnergyPlus, following) for three different retrofitting strategies for the building’s envelope and HVAC system. The findings underline the potential of harvesting solar energy to meet the energy demand.

Controlling water infiltration through soils has always been one of the major challenges for geotechnical design. In most cases, it is necessary to provide drainage boundary systems, to ensure stability and serviceability to the artefacts involved. The development of new materials and design methods for geotechnical works has been improved considerably over the last years due to recent technological advances. Geosynthetics for filtration and drainage purposes, such as drainage geocomposites (GCD), play a key role in this context, increasingly being used as an alternative to natural resources, which are needed in large quantities to comply with regulation requirements. Therefore, geosynthetics are often seen as a sustainable solution (Dąbrowska et al. in Environments 10(4):64, 1–13, 2023 [1]), as they replace sand and gravel, significantly reducing the thickness of material required for drainage in geotechnical works. Many design solutions imply coexistence between geosynthetics and vegetation throughout the entire service lifetime of the geotechnical work, with the perspective of improving its performance, reducing environmental impact, and preserving ecological corridors. In this respect, the hydraulic performance of the geosynthetics with time, especially when affected by roots (Amato et al. in Geosynth Int, 31(5), 758–772, 2024 [2]), is crucial to the serviceability and maintenance of an earthen structure. Based on previous experimental studies performed on GCD specimens (Amato et al. in Geosynth Int, 31(5), 758–772, 2024 [2]), this research aims at quantifying some hydraulic effects of the GCD rhizo-disturbance in a boundary value problem. A finite element (FE) analysis was conducted to simulate a rain infiltration process through the backfill of an ideal soil retaining wall, under different conditions for a GCD, either virgin or rooted. Finally, design criteria for geotechnical systems with both GCD and vegetation are proposed.

Bio-based buildings, including massive wood structures and timber-frame constructions, offer high efficiency in winter, providing excellent thermal comfort with minimal energy demand for heating. This study investigates hygrothermal measurements conducted on real-scale walls constructed using innovative multi-layer panels created from functional bio-composites. These panels can be manufactured using recycled waste from the production site and wood waste from construction demolition. The experimental facility is a test hut constructed in Latvia, with humidity and temperature sensors strategically placed within the walls. An analysis of the results for three different wall configurations is undertaken to verify the monitoring and offer a first comparison of the construction systems. The results enable a better understanding of hygrothermal interactions within the walls under real outdoor climate.

Chloride ingress significantly impacts the durability and service life of concrete structures due to the risk of steel reinforcement corrosion. Extensive research efforts have been dedicated to developing testing methods for precise measurement of concrete diffusion characteristics and mathematical models to better understand this phenomenon. Traditionally, the analysis of chloride ion penetration relies on the application of Fick’s second law, which leads to the derivation of the generally known error function equation. However, non-destructive techniques, like electrical resistivity measurements, are currently gaining prominence, along with alternative service life models, such as the one proposed by Andrade et al., which is based on surface resistivity. This model, however, requires an additional input parameter called the reaction or retardation factor to account for chloride binding. This study focuses on determining of this reaction factor of the designed concrete and prediction of the service life of a theoretical structure using the traditional error function solution of Fick’s second law, diffusion, and aging coefficients for initiation time, in combination with the model proposed by Vidal and Morris to predict the corrosion propagation time; and using surface resistivity measurements on saturated specimens and the resistivity-based service life model.

The current research was conducted to evaluate the general properties of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) composites reinforced with glass fiber (GF) in terms of their potential suitability for engineering applications. The test samples were produced by injection molding method. With process parameters properly set, this method allows the production of well-densified materials with a negligible amount of voids. Composites of various glass fiber contents (0, 20, 30, 40, and 50% by mass) were analyzed by performing mechanical, thermal, and morphological studies, and the results of the tensile and flexural tests are herein presented in detail. The research results showed a significant improvement in the mechanical strength and thermal stability of glass fiber-reinforced composites compared to unreinforced rPET. The analysis of the literature shows that comparable strength values were obtained for non-recycling materials, especially from the group of polymers. The morphological analysis allowed for understanding changes in the internal structure of the composites, which had a significant impact on their mechanical properties. It has been proven that the produced composites showed adequate dispersion and distribution of GF in the PET matrix and high reinforcement effectiveness. The conclusions from the conducted research may contribute to the further development of technologies using recycled materials to improve the efficiency and sustainability of production processes in the field of engineering, in particular land, transport, mining, and maritime.

The EU Bioeconomy Strategy underscores the importance of fostering a shared understanding of the shift to a bioeconomy and raising awareness of the diverse biomass demand. Since concrete is a globally prevalent material with a substantial environmental impact, it presents an enticing opportunity to integrate biomass products. Particularly, in the context of the burgeoning interest in digital concrete manufacturing, the use of bio-based cementitious “ink” could offer a promising resolution to the environmental challenges faced by the construction sector. This paper examines the current trends in substituting traditional concrete components with bio-based materials, such as bio-binders and bio-admixtures, for use in 3D printing technologies. Natural Language Processing (NLP) methods are employed to extract features from a substantial number of published documents automatically. This process aids in identifying the most frequently occurring bio-based ingredients and their biomass sources. Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) is utilized to perform topic modeling and unveil underlying patterns within the corpus. A comprehensive discussion of both current and potential future developments is conducted.

This study proposes a methodology for using dielectric spectroscopy to characterize soil properties. It mainly aims to relate the effective dielectric properties of soil with those of its constituents, i.e., solid skeleton and pore-filling fluid. Through microstructure-based simulations and coaxial probe measurements, the dependence of the overall dielectric permittivity on the permittivity of the fluid filling pores was determined. Quartz sand sample was examined using two approaches. The first of them assumed saturating pore space with several organic solvents and testing narrow-frequency response. In the second approach a single fluid, namely, propylene glycol was used and broad-frequency response was measured. Mori–Tanaka approximation and Lichtenecker’s “alpha model” were employed to computationally estimate dielectric response. Both models showed promising results for potential practical applications like groundwater contamination detection and earthen dam seepage monitoring. This research underscores the potential of dielectric spectroscopy for soil property estimation and structural monitoring in geotechnics.

Water hammer problem in a complex geometry critical pipeline is going to be considered. Advanced simulation of a 3D dynamic model is going to be performed with the aim of determination of mechanical response of the support system for the pipeline attached to the submerged tunnel walls. Water hammer phenomenon is going to be considered as a main mechanical load for the structure. The pipeline being critical with the reference to risk of failure is under consideration of rapid toss in case of loss of, i.e. voltage spike or other reason.

Aspects of risk analysis in the process of micro-tunnelling are going to be considered with reference to the real-life observations. Some major uncertainties crucial to the success of a trenchless project are listed and discussed. Conclusions expressing local situation are going to be confronted with some other’s countries attitude. Many of the risk aspects for micro-tunnelling process are not fully recognised nor quantified despite many years of application. Some measures should be taken to overcome the problem of low predictability of the process to mitigate risk and negative consequences.

The problem of reducing the level of vibrations in various constructions, especially in bridges, has been considered for a very long time. One possible solution is to use vibration absorbers. They are advantageous for a few reasons, including economy and simplicity of installation during operation phase. However, it is not easy to properly tune a Dynamic Vibration Absorber. This is a very important issue because a badly tuned DVA can increase vibrations instead of decreasing them. In bridges, this is extremely important, especially for users’ comfort. The paper focuses on the problem of optimising the cooperation between several dynamic vibration absorbers installed in a structure which is loaded with random traffic. The damped vibrations of a simply supported Euler–Bernoulli beam of finite length with few absorbers fitted at different points subjected to a sequence of moving forces with a constant velocity is considered. The stochastic properties of the load are modelled by means of a filtering Poisson process. The considered model consists of a set of single-degree-of-freedom absorbers with a multi-degree-of-freedom primary structure. The optimisation of the absorber’s parameters is achieved using an evolutionary algorithm.

Various techniques exist for improving the mechanical property of soils. They differ in methods, consistency of treatment, expenses, environmental implications, and site accessibility demands. One of the recent techniques is through the use of microbial induction, and this paper aims to study the effect of commercial Bacillus subtilis on the shear strength of soils. The soils used for the experiment are for local coarse sand and black soil, and they are treated with the Bacillus subtilis with an activator period. The treated soils are subjected to shear box tests to determine the shear strength performance. It is expected that, throughout, the study will bring a sustainable approach to stabilizing and improving soil conditions.

The use of living plants in slope stability applications represents a bioengineering technique that has gained popularity in recent years. Roots play a crucial role in reinforcing and stabilizing both natural and artificial slopes. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of roots on the shear strength parameters of organic soils and sandy soil. The plants used in this study are commonly used in bio-stabilization methods: Medicago sativa, Dactylis glomerata, Phleum pratense, Trifolium pratense, and Trifolium repens. Several direct shear strength tests were conducted on sandy and organic soil samples both with and without plant roots, and the results are presented in the paper. The roots increased the shear strength parameters of sandy soils by enhancing cohesion. For effective bio-reinforcement, it is recommended to use geosynthetic materials for erosion control, which will ensure the stabilization of plant seeds and roots.

Wire and Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) is a 3D printing technique, where robotic welding is used to deposit melted metallic material incrementally in order to additively manufacture steel components. The method promises to be efficient in material use and allows for geometric freedom in the design of structural elements. It can be also used to customize mass-produced steel profiles by placing additional WAAM material in highly stressed areas. In order to quantify the sustainability potential of such customized solution, the current paper considers Hybrid WAAM—IPE 160 beams under a set of design situations, where standard IPE 200 section would be traditionally used. As a result, a reduction of element mass up to 28%, and CO2 equivalent up to 25% is possible. This study also highlights the influence of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) assumptions. Depending on geographical location and production arrangement, the CO2 equivalent footprint of a steel element can vary largely, even by 90%.

This paper investigated the excavated soil stabilized with cement and fly ash in the scarcity of base and sub base materials. The experimental setup involved adding 6% cement content to the soil and varying percentages of fly ash (0, 5, 10, and 15% by weight). The specimens were cured at room temperature for 7, 14, and 28 days. Several geotechnical tests were conducted on the specimens, including the proctor compaction, compressive strength, indirect tensile strength, and California Bearing Ratio tests. These tests aimed to assess the mechanical properties and suitability of the stabilized soil for pavement applications. The obtained results suggested that the addition of 5% fly ash, along with 6% cement, effectively enhanced the engineering characteristics of the local soil. Finally, the stabilized soil met the requirements specified for the subbase layer, indicating its potential suitability for pavement construction projects.

Concrete, a fundamental construction material, is known for its durability and strength. However, over time, it is prone to developing cracks due to environmental stress, traffic loads, and material defects. This susceptibility to damage has driven the development of advanced self-healing technologies to enhance concrete’s longevity and performance. This study focuses on the application of sodium alginate in creating self-healing concrete (SHCr), using CEM II/A-LL 42.5R cement to produce C20/25-grade concrete. Sodium alginate, a natural polymer derived from seaweed, is encapsulated in micron-sized capsules and integrated into the concrete matrix. Upon crack formation, these capsules release the healing agent, which forms a gel with calcium ions present in the concrete, sealing the cracks and restoring structural integrity. The use of SHCr offers significant benefits, including enhanced durability, cost efficiency, and, most importantly, environmental sustainability. By reducing the need for frequent repairs, SHCr contributes to lower carbon emissions and promotes the use of renewable resources, fostering a sense of responsibility and commitment to sustainable practices. Case studies, such as the Kieldrecht Lock in Belgium and various infrastructure projects, demonstrate the practical applications and effectiveness of this innovative technology. The research also highlights the environmental implications, including reduced carbon footprint and sustainable resource utilisation. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the potential of SHCr to revolutionise the construction industry, addressing the challenges of concrete degradation and promoting sustainable construction practices.

The paper presents the current state of the literature on research on spun concrete with the addition of fibers. The types of fibers added to the concrete mixture were also characterized and the properties of fiber concrete were described. The distribution of steel fibers in spun concrete is shown on computed tomography images from the author’s own research. The paper shows also the results of preliminary tests of spun concrete samples with the addition of small amounts of steel fibers. The tests were carried out on cylindrical specimens with an outer diameter of 150 mm and a height of 300 mm. Finally, plans for ongoing research on the introduction of fibers into spun concrete in the production of power poles are presented.

Smart Building Center is a unique prototype office and production facility in Poland and the first in Europe, which sets a new direction in construction. The building was designed based on the assumptions of the new technology for the construction of SMART industrial facilities. The exploratory process underlay to the creation of building technology of the objects connectivethe intelligent building, the environmental protection with the idea of zero-energetic and zero-emission buildings. The object assures comfortable and healthy working conditions and the energy-safety for many years. As a result, the building achieves 30% electrical savings, 55% lower energy demand, 45% water consumption savings, 35% lower facility cooling costs, 30% increase in employee productivity, 60% lower employee absenteeism, and 80% increase in job satisfaction in the building. At the same time, the building adapts to the working mode of the people staying in it, taking into account the day of the week and the time of day. This building has achieved the highest level of LEED certification, i.e. PLATINIUM and SILVER of the WELL certification and also LOVING of the Planet Friendly certification.

The work attempts to present the ecological certification systems used in our country. The most popular systems were compared, i.e. BREEAM and LEED and the latest WELL system. Against this background, the latest Polish comprehensive and multi-criteria ecological certification system for buildings, Planet Friendly, was also presented, which is increasingly gaining ground on our Polish market. Save The Planet Research and Development Center awards certificates at four levels: Understanding, Respectful, Caring and Loving. The result depends on the number of points awarded on the basis of various criteria, including: management of sustainable development, care for the well-being of the natural environment, including flora and fauna, employee well-being and quality of solutions used in the building or space. The certification process is supervised by professional auditors and the scientific council of the Save The Planet Research and Development Center, composed of experienced scientists, including: in the fields of construction, architecture, management and economics.

The challenges of urban surface runoff and heat island effects, which arise from infrastructural development, can be effectively mitigated using macro-porous permeable concretes. By integrating the advantageous properties of alkali-activated materials, these permeable composites may attain exceptional effectiveness and environmental friendliness. This experimental research presents the development of permeable concrete composites with the use of industrial by-products, including ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) and waste foundry sand (WFS), as well as agro-waste product, i.e., sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA). Alkaline activator solutions were prepared by combining the calculated amount of liquid sodium silicate with sodium hydroxide flakes. GGBS and SBA served as binders, with crushed granite as coarse aggregate and WFS as fine aggregate. The main objective of this investigation is to examine the influence of SBA, in combination with slag, on the fresh and hardened properties of alkali-activated permeable concretes. Experiments were conducted to optimize the SBA percentage based on hydraulic conductivity (i.e., permeability) and compressive strength after 28 days of air-curing. The control and optimal mixes were subjected to extended evaluations to determine tensile strength after 28 days of air-curing. The mix containing 100% GGBS and 0% SBA served as the reference mix, with the optimal 10% SBA mix used for comparative analysis to understand its consequence on the properties of permeable concretes. Results indicated acceptable mechanical performance at a mix ratio of 10% SBA to 90% GGBS as binders. This study aims to enhance understanding of the engineering behavior of alkali-activated permeable concretes, facilitating the rational design of a type of sustainable permeable concrete pavement systems through the effective use of agro-industrial waste products.

This study explores the potential of using alkali activated slag (GGBS) and sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) for stabilizing lateritic soil subgrades. Through a series of compaction tests, the optimal dry density was achieved with varying dosages of SCBA while maintaining a constant slag dosage of 10% by weight of the soil. The sodium hydroxide flakes (NaOH) and liquid sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) were used to produce the alkali-activator aqueous solution. The Unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests were conducted on both unstabilized and stabilized soil mixtures. The experimental investigations indicate that the strength of lateritic subgrade soil increases with the inclusion of SCBA up to a certain level (i.e., 10%), beyond which it reduces, under a constant dosage of slag. This study also proposes a pavement design using stabilized soil based on the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) guidelines for low-volume pavements, demonstrating significant reductions in total pavement thickness. The microstructural analysis is performed to understand the hardening performance upon Alkali-Activated stabilization. Co-relationships between the strength parameters (UCS and CBR) were established, allowing for the development of a simple linear regression model to understand the relationship between the strength parameters of alkali-activator stabilized lateritic soil.

This study explores the potential of using geopolymerised slag (GGBS) and sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) for stabilizing lithomargic soil subgrades. Through a series of compaction tests, the optimal dry density was achieved with varying dosages of SCBA while maintaining a constant GGBS dosage of 10% by weight of the soil. The sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and liquid sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) in calculated amounts were used to produce the geopolymeric aqueous solution. The UCS and CBR tests were conducted on both unstabilized and stabilized soil mixtures. The experimentations indicate that the strength of subgrade soil increases with the inclusion of SCBA up to a certain threshold (i.e., 15%), beyond which it diminishes, under a constant dosage of slag. This study also proposes a pavement design based on the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) guidelines for low-volume pavements, demonstrating significant reductions in total pavement thickness with maintained performance. The microstructural analysis is performed to understand the hardening performance upon geopolymer stabilization. Co-relationships between the strength parameters (UCS and CBR) were established, allowing for the development of a simple linear regression model to understand the relationship between the strength parameters of geopolymer stabilized lithomargic soil.

The paper presents selected aspects of engineering experience in using Non-Destructive Testing methods for “in-situ” technical evaluation of concrete structures. Attention was paid on the fact, that proper performance of NDT allows not only evaluating the basic concrete properties, but makes also possible to answer several questions, which seem to be crucial for engineering practice. Among other things, the following problems have been discussed: reliability of CAPO-Test technique for estimating “in-place” compressive strength and conditions for proper evaluation of carbonation process in existing concrete structures, as a crucial parameter for their durability assessment. The theoretical considerations were supported by a number of examples from engineering practice.