Projects / Programmes
Gradbeni objekti in materiali (Slovene)
January 1, 2009
- December 31, 2014
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.01.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Civil engineering |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 2.01 |
Engineering and Technology |
Civil engineering |
Researchers (55)
Organisations (1)
Significance for science
Most of the research performed by the Program Group is already included in international projects (mainly in the EU framework programs), which proves that this research work is important for the development of science in the broader sense, and it can be expected that the results obtained will be important at the international level. Thus it is quite logical that the orientation of our research is similar to approaches used in other countries: the development of new materials (including nano-materials) and technologies, increasing the durability of materials and structures, improving the efficient use of energy and the use of alternative sources of energy, the use of secondary raw materials and the reduction of detrimental effects to the environment, the solving of specific problems in connection with the renewal of older buildings and the preservation of the cultural heritage, and the development and/or modification of techniques and methodologies for assessing the condition of buildings and other structures. Certain specific aspects of our research are connected to the particular properties of buildings and other structures, as well as to the characteristics of natural resources and the environment. The Program Group has, though the results which it has achieved, become well-affirmed at the international level, which is demonstrated by the papers which have been published in scientific journals with the highest ratings in all fields of the Group's work, as well as numerous citations of these publications, the inclusion of ZAG's researchers as regularly requested reviewers, and memberships in international associations. In spite of the fact that our research projects are predominantly applicative oriented, in some fields we maintain direct contacts with the latest scientific achievements: - research in the field of earthquake engineering, - studies of the dynamic behaviour of soils, - modelling of fire scenarios, - the development of nano-materials for use in the building industry, - the development of composites with the use of secondary raw materials, including the immobilization of toxic components, - research and development into different procedures for the remediation of soils polluted by metals, - research into complex degradation processes (alkali-silica reaction, the corrosion of steel in concrete, stress corrosion cracking, tribo-corrosion processes), - characterization of degradation processes affecting historic materials, and the development of alternative materials, - the development of materials and technologies for the improvement of the durability of individual materials and types of structures, - the modelling of thermal flows and humidity in buildings under defined environmental conditions, - the development and implementation of various measuring techniques and of methodologies for the evaluation of the condition of materials and structures - the evaluation of different methods for life cycle assessments. Our research is implementing, as efficiently as possible, knowledge from other fundamental areas of research, thus making it possible, through their combination, to create successfully new scientific findings. This is especially important for sustainable construction that combines the knowledge of many basic sciences and various applicable fields. At the same time the results of our research have made an important contribution to fundamental knowledge in these fields, and thus, to a certain extent, orientate their activities. Therefore the work of the Program Group was of great significance for the development of science in the fields of building and civil engineering as well as, indirectly, in some other engineering fields. To achieve this, it was important to work closely with top scientists and research groups abroad (partner institutes and universities) and at home (Universities of Ljubljana, Maribor, Nova Gorica and Primorska, IJS, KI, IMT, GeoZS).
Significance for the country
In all developed countries the fields of building and civil engineering form a strong branch of industry, which has an indirect effect on a large number of other industrial fields, and is especially well connected to the traffic infrastructure, the energy-producing industry, and various communal activities. At the same time sustainable construction is one of the key components of the development of a sustainable society. For this reason our research is not limited to just the narrower fields of building and civil engineering, but also involves the efficient use of resources, the reduction of detrimental effects to the environment, and the sociological aspects of dwelling and settlements. The stability and safety of building and civil engineering structures are, by definition, important for sustainable socio-economic development. The collapse or high degree of damage to buildings and the infrastructure during an earthquake (most of Slovenia lies within a tectonically active region), or due to flooding, landslides or fire, could cause not only loss of life and other casualties, but also interruptions in the economic life of the country. It should be mentioned that pollution is relatively likely to occur in such cases, and ecological disasters are also possible. For this reason our research in the segment of earthquake and fire engineering, as well as into the hazards caused by flooding and landslides, were exceptionally important for the socio-economic development of Slovenia. With their special requirements (the traffic infrastructure, energy-producing plants, waste deposition sites) civil engineering structures must, as well as fulfilling general requirements, also satisfy the additional requirements which are prescribed with respect to their operation and environmental effects. For this reason, in the case of such structures specific requirements for their planning, construction, maintenance and repair have to be met. Our research work ensured the optimal fulfilment of these requirements, as they are linked to safety, durability, and reduction of effects on the environment, as well as to the economic aspects of individual operations. Through research in the fields of the use of secondary raw materials, the energy efficiency of buildings, and the use of alternative sources of energy (solar and geothermal) we co-operated in efforts to reduce environmental burdens, as well as the consumption of raw materials and energy. The construction industry is, in fact, an ideal field for the re-use of various types of waste, as good-quality alternative materials. This is mainly for two reasons: firstly, it is possible to make use of very large quantities of these; and, secondly, by using different binders and procedures their toxic components can be immobilized. Through our research we optimized the re-use of different types of industrial and communal waste, as well as processes for the remediation of polluted water and soils. The efficient use of these technologies and methodologies together with LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) and LCC (Life Cycle Cost Analysis) is a requirement for the successful sustainable development of Slovenia. In this context, our cooperation with partners in the scope of projects KIC "Raw Materials" and Widespread Teaming "Renewable materials and healthy environments research and innovation centre of excellence (InnoRenew CoE)" could be very important. An important part of Slovenia's cultural heritage is its buildings and monuments, which have to be constantly maintained, and periodically renewed or restored. Since preservation of the original is one of the most important parameters of restoration work, we can, through our research work help to maintain the best achievable level of renewal of the cultural heritage. Part of the new knowledge acquired by our research was also transferred to the curriculum of study programs at the undergraduate and particularly post-graduate level.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
2012,
2013,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
2012,
2013,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
