Projects / Programmes
Materials in construction
January 1, 2004
- December 31, 2008
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.01.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Civil engineering |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| T150 |
Technological sciences |
Material technology |
| T152 |
Technological sciences |
Composite materials |
| T153 |
Technological sciences |
Ceramic materials and powders |
| T220 |
Technological sciences |
Civil engineering, hydraulic engineering, offshore technology, soil mechanics |
| T270 |
Technological sciences |
Environmental technology, pollution control |
construction, building products, properties, test methods, degradation processes, new materials, recycling, cultural heritage
Researchers (18)
Organisations (1)
Abstract
The main objectives of the program are the understanding of the behaviour and properties of construction materials and products in different media and environments. Activities are mainly orientated to four important fields which, however, due to their interdisciplinary nature, frequently interweave or supplement one another.
• Research in the field of new construction materials and technologies
This testing and research work is focused on materials with improved mechanical and sustainability-linked properties, and in some cases involve materials with completely new functional characteristics (e.g. phase change materials, self-cleaning applications). The materials and products which are the subject of the research are organic-inorganic cement composites, high-strength concretes and mortars, metal alloys with improved mechanical and anti-corrosion properties, different kinds of coatings for the protection of metals and concrete, and different types of composite materials. New findings from the fields of nano-science and nano-technologies are used in the development and optimization of the new generation of products. Significant emphasis has been also placed on the development of materials which would be suitable for the renewal of buildings belonging to the cultural heritage, in particular historical mortars for rendering.
• Recycled materials
In general it can be stated that materials used in the construction industry do not pollute the environment due to their high toxicity, but rather due to the relative large quantities in which they occur. On the other hand building products, for this reason, can be a suitable objective when the question arises of what to do with large-volume inert and harmless waste materials. In this field research is carried out into the possible use of different types of industrial waste in the construction industry, particularly in concrete production and road-building (building waste, fly ash, polyurethane waste, paper and stone sludge, waste glass, sawdust, ash, polishing waste, different types of waste plastic, etc.). In building and civil engineering particular attention needs to be paid to the durability and stability of materials, since the negative consequences of unsuitable use often become apparent only after a number of years, so this aspect also needs to be verified.
• Characterization of physical and chemical processes in construction materials
The individual properties of construction materials are determined by the different types of physical and chemical processes which take place during their synthesis and production (their microstructure, porosity, surface layer structure) and during their installation/exploitation (the ingress of aggressive media, mechanical and weather-based loadings). In our research the emphasis is mainly on the basic degradation processes: the failure of concrete, ceramics and natural stone due to freezing/thawing, the ageing of polymer-based materials, and localized corrosion processes. In the case of certain new types of material some degradation processes are relatively complex, and the effect of individual parameters is less well-defined. Nevertheless, the understanding of these processes, and the finding of methods to slow them down, is vital if the long-term stability of structures is to be ensured.
• Development of new methods for determining the properties of materials
Certain physical and chemical processes cannot be adequately monitored and assessed without, at the same time, developing new methods of measurement, or making modifications to existing methods. Various complex processes can be monitored and characterized by means of improved methods (e.g. ion-selective sensors, electrochemical noise, acoustic emission spectroscopy), or by implementing methods which have been adopted in other research spheres (micro-electrode electro-chemical impedance spectroscopy, different types of NMR, low-vacuum SEM, EDS, FTIR). Methods for the evaluati
Significance for science
Most of ZAG's research efforts are already included in international projects (mainly within the scope of the 6th and 7th EU Framework Programmes), which proves that this research is important for the development of science in a wider sense. The general trends in building and civil engineering in Slovenia are similar to those in other countries, i.e. the development of new materials and technologies, improved energy efficiency, and reduction of negative effects on the environment, investigation of possibilities for improved construction with traditional and natural materials, the solving of specific problems in connection with the restoration of older buildings and the preservation of the cultural heritage. In spite of the fact that most of ZAG's research work is oriented towards applied research work, in certain sectors ZAG's researchers are in direct contact with the latest scientific results, which is proved by the publication of papers in internationally renowned scientific journals of the highest rank. The following fields can be listed: - development of organic-anorganic composite materials, - studies of the parameters which affect alkali silica reaction, - research into the corrosion over time of steel in concrete, - characterization of the processes of stress corrosion cracking, - development and implementation of different kinds of measuring methods, - characterization of the degradation processes of historical materials and the development of replacement materials, - studies of the immobilization of toxic materials in the use of industrial waste in the construction industry, - studies of toxic substances immobilization in the use of industrial waste in the construction industry, - the introduction of nanomaterials in the field of construction and development of appropriate methods for synthesis, application and measurements of specific properties, - research in coatings and impregnations of building materials for sustainable development and improving the environment. The validity of the results obtained in the above research projects, and their effect on the development of science, has been proved by references in international scientific journals of the highest rank, as well as the work of ZAG's researchers as permanent reviewers of publications for these journals.
Significance for the country
In all developed countries, the field of building and civil engineering is an important branch of industry, which has an indirect effect on many other such branches. Building and civil engineering is particularly strongly linked to the infrastructure in traffic, energetic and communal activities. Research within the framework of the proposed program will ensure direct contact with the latest research in the world, particularly in Europe. Through participation in numerous international projects ZAG's researchers can frequently provide a link between worldwide technological development and Slovenian enterprises, which means that such knowledge is transferred directly into industrial practice. The stability and safety of buildings is important for durable socio-economic development. The collapse or severe damage, during earthquakes, of buildings, as well as of structures belong to the infrastructure or industry, could cause a severe interruption in the output capacity of Slovenia's economy. It should be mentioned that in such cases there is also a quite high possibility of pollution and ecological disasters. Research in the field of earthquake engineering is thus important from the point of view of socio-economic development, since most of Slovenia is located in a seismically active region. The results of applied research within the framework of the research program have so far been, and will remain, a basis for the improvement of the existing technical regulations, as well as of newly implemented European standards with the corresponding national applied documents. ZAG's researchers have actively participated, and will continue to participate, in the education and adjusting of Slovenian enterprises to the new technical regulations, so that they can compete successfully on both the Slovenian and other markets. ZAG's researchers have also been involved in research into the use of secondary raw materials, and the improvement of the energy efficiency of buildings, in order to reduce impact on the environment, as well as the use of natural materials and energy. Some of ZAG's research results have already been used in practice, and current trends, both in Slovenia and in other parts of the world, indicate that our work in this field will intensify. Slovenia's buildings are an important part of its cultural heritage, and they need to be maintained and periodically renewed/restored. By means of analysis of the materials used in selected historical buildings it is possible to define differences between different style periods (in Slovenia), and thus to contribute, from the history-of-art point of view, to knowledge about these materials. Since preservation of the original is one of the most important concepts of restoration work, the results of ZAG's research can be used, together with contributions by other research institutes, to achieve a satisfactory level for the preservation of the cultural heritage, and as a basis for the development of replacement historical materials. It is expected that some of the knowledge gained will be used for teaching programs at both undergraduate and, particularly, postgraduate level.
Most important scientific results
Final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Final report,
complete report on dLib.si
