Building materials engineering – new materials and testing methods

Editors:

• Izabela Hager

Abstract

Recent advances in building materials technology have resulted in the development of better quality, more durable and sustainable materials. New materials need to satisfy the growing needs of the construction industry in terms of both their quality and quantity, while following the principles of sustainable development. The development of more durable and sustainable materials enables the reduction of the high environmental impact of maintenance, repairs, and replacement of traditional materials used in construction and civil engineering works, nevertheless such development requires special testing protocols, and methods of evaluation of material properties. In building materials engineering, it is important to determine the existing relationships between the process, structure and properties, which result in correct performance and durability of the materials. Any credible assessment of the performance properties of building materials requires reliable testing methods and research protocols. Therefore, this monograph aims to provide insights into recent advances in experimental methods – among them new testing stands and measuring set-ups are presented. The document presents selected competencies and experimental skills of our research team, developed in the framework of research grants and R&D projects. This monograph, published on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Cracow University of Technology, presents the current scientific interests of the Chair of Building Materials Engineering research staff which focuses on: composition and performance of cementitious materials; alternative, more sustainable binders and their performances; durability of construction materials and methods of their protection; analysis of the microstructure of cementitious materials; behaviour of mineral materials exposed to high temperatures; rheological properties of fresh mixtures. All the research areas listed above require experimental methods enabling the implementation of properties testing in accordance with the latest standards and recommendations of international technical committees.