Publications

Over the past few decades, species distribution modelling has been increasingly used tomonitor invasive species. Studies herein propose to use Cellular Automata (CA), not only to modelthe distribution of a potentially invasive species but also to infer the potential of the method in riskprediction of Reticulitermes grassei infestation. The test area was mainland Portugal, for which anavailable presence-only dataset was used. This is a typical dataset type, resulting from eitherdistribution studies or infestation reports. Subterranean termite urban distributions in Portugalfrom 1970 to 2001 were simulated, and the results were compared with known records from both2001 (the publication date of the distribution models for R. grassei in Portugal) and 2020. Thereported model was able to predict the widespread presence of R. grassei, showing its potential as aviable prediction tool for R. grassei infestation risk in wooden structures, providing the collection ofappropriate variables. Such a robust simulation tool can prove to be highly valuable in the decisionmakingprocess concerning pest management.

The present study aims at evaluating the impact of anobiid damage on pine timberelements. Anobiid attack produces a diffuse damage of the elements with a set of tunnels in randomdirections and sizes, thus confusing quantification. Therefore, a method was developed based onX-ray micro-computed tomography (

This article evaluates the relevant properties of cement-bonded particleboards (CBPB)made with a portion of maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) particles replaced with an agricultural waste, banana pseudostem (Musa sp.). The industrial production of CBPB was simulated in the laboratory based on a reference composition defined by a manufacturing company. Test specimens were produced assuming 0%, 25%, 50% and 75% partial replacement of wood particles with banana pseudostem fibres. Some physical properties (bulk density, thermal conductivity, and dimensional stability) and the mould susceptibility of the different variables were assessed. Results show that the thermal conductivity of the boards increased with the banana fibre proportion and ranged between 0.233 W/(m.K) and 0.279 W/(m.K). The bulk density values generally increased with the banana fibre proportion and ranged between 1754

External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS) have been extensively used for either new constructions or building facades retrofitting in the last decades. These systems can provide improved thermal performance to the building envelope. However, their long-term durability remains a pervasive concern, with some systems presenting relevant anomalies after few years from their application. The durability assessment of ETICS is defined by the EAD 040083-00-0404 guideline, which stated an accelerated ageing procedure based on the hygrothermal and freeze-thaw behaviour. Nevertheless, further important environmental urban conditions, such as UV radiation and atmospheric pollutants, as well as bio-susceptibility, are not envisaged in the guideline. This paper presents the results of an experimental campaign with the aim of evaluating the durability of the rendering system of several commercially available ETICS exposed to an innovative accelerated ageing procedure, which consists of hygrothermal cycles, UV radiation and air pollutants (SO2) exposure. Physical and chemical-morphological tests were carried out prior and after each ageing cycle in order to evaluate the durability of ETICS. Biological susceptibility to moulds was also assessed. The experimental results showed that both surface hardness and surface gloss decreased after the combined effect of the hygrothermal, UV, and SO2 ageing cycles, whereas an increase of surface roughness was observed. Substantial colour change for all systems after the ageing procedure was observed, confirming aesthetic alteration. Traces of biological growth were detected on the systems after ageing and the contact angle decreased after the hygrothermal cycles, indicating a lower surface hydrophobicity of the systems.

External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS) are constructive solutions widely used to increase the thermal insulation in new and retrofitted buildings. However, these systems can present several anomalies due to their constant exposure to weathering agents and anthropic factors. Water is generally the major cause of degradation. Thus, the application of water-repellent products can minimize the appearance of anomalies and increase the durability of the systems. Inthis paper, acrylic-based and siloxane-based hydrophobic products were applied to ETICS, with the aim of assessing the compatibility, effectiveness, and durability of these products. The moisture transport properties and mould susceptibility were assessed through laboratory tests on untreated and treated specimens. The durability of the hydrophobic treatments was also evaluated through artificial aging tests (heat-cold and freeze-thaw cycles). Results show that the protection products generally decreased water absorption, slightly decreased the drying rate, and presented adequatewater vapor permeability. After aging, the products still had reasonable effectiveness and, with one exception, improved the water vapor diffusion of the systems. Additionally, ETICS underwent an alteration in the finishing coat (possible modification of the porosity) due to the aging cycles. No clear linear correlation was found between the contact angle values and water absorption results,evidencing the influence of other factors related to the composition of the water-repellent products.

The majority of thermal modification processes are at temperatures greater than 180

The use of External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS) significantly increased in the last decades due to their enhanced thermal properties, low installation cost and ease of application, not only innew constructions but also for thermal retrofitting of building facades. These multilayer rendering systemsare constantly exposed to weathering agents and anthropic factors which can lead to physicalmechanicaland aesthetical anomalies and thus affect their durability. However, possible synergeticeffects among these agents are often neglected by international technical documents on the evaluationof the effectiveness and durability of ETICS. With the aim of filling this gap, moisture transport properties(capillary water absorption, water vapor permeability, water absorption under low pressure, and dryingkinetics), thermal conductivity, mould susceptibility and surface properties (color, gloss, and roughness)of twelve commercially available ETICS were assessed and discussed. Possible links between these factorswere analyzed and ETICS performance parameters were defined. Results demonstrate that a deeperknowledge of the correlation among ETICS properties can effectively contribute to the evaluation ofthe efficiency and long-term durability of these systems.

The introduction of new species in forest management must be undertaken with a degree ofcare, to help prevent the spread of invasive species. However, new species with higher profitability are needed to increase forest products value and the resilience of rural populations. Paulownia tomentosa has an extremely fast growth. The objective and novelty of this work was to study the potential use of young Paulownia trees grown in Portugal by using heat treatment to improve its properties, thereby allowing higher value applications of the wood. The average chemical composition of untreated and heat-treated wood was determined. The extractive content was determined by successive Soxhlet extraction with dichloromethane (DCM), ethanol and water as solvents. The composition of lipophilic extracts was performed by injection in GC-MS with mass detection. Insoluble and soluble lignin, holocellulose and

Samples from the two most common pines grown in Portugal (Pinus pinasterAit) and Spain (Pinus radiata, D. Don) were heat-treatedin industrial facilities in accordance with ThermoWood ®class D. For both species, the variation in surface properties, ofuntreated and heat-treated wood after artificial weathering from 75 to 750 h, is presented. The analysis included the determination of color, roughness,gloss,and wettability before exposure and after each artificial weatheringperiod.Untreatedwoods became darkerfaster, while in heat-treated woods,lightness remained approximately constant until 750 h of artificial weathering. Both untreated and heat-treatedwood becamemore reddish in the beginning of the weathering process,turning greener for longerexposure times. Untreated woods became yellower in the beginning,turning into blueish tones later. Heat-treated wood turned slightly yellower until 750 h of weathering. Gloss decreased for untreated wood with no significant changes in heat-treated wood. Despite the changes, the gloss of both untreated and heat-treated wood convergedto similar values.Roughness increased for both untreated and heat-treated woods. Artificial weatheringincreased the wettability of heat-treated wood.

Samples from the two most common pines grown in Portugal (Pinuspinaster Ait) and Spain (Pinus radiata, D. Don) were heat-treated inindustrial facilities in accordance with ThermoWood ® class D. For bothspecies, the variation in surface properties, of untreated and heat-treatedwood after artificial weathering from 75 to 750 h, is presented. Theanalysis included the determination of color, roughness, gloss, andwettability before exposure and after each artificial weathering period.Untreated woods became darker faster, while in heat-treated woods,lightness remained approximately constant until 750 h of artificialweathering. Both untreated and heat-treated wood became more reddishin the beginning of the weathering process, turning greener for longerexposure times. Untreated woods became yellower in the beginning,turning into blueish tones later. Heat-treated wood turned slightly yelloweruntil 750 h of weathering. Gloss decreased for untreated wood with nosignificant changes in heat-treated wood. Despite the changes, the glossof both untreated and heat-treated wood converged to similar values.Roughness increased for both untreated and heat-treated woods. Artificialweathering increased the wettability of heat-treated wood.

The European Union has been progressively introducing sustainable environmental policies which aim to improve the energy performance of new and existing buildings towards a climate-neutral building stock by 2050. As a result, the use of External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS) has been increasing in both new and thermal retrofitted façades to enhance the level of thermal insulation of the building envelope (i.e., lowering reference U-values). However, the enhanced thermal performance of these systems can have impact on their long-term durability, thus potentiating further anomalies. For example, greater values of thermal resistance may lead to a decrease of surface temperature during the night, thus increasing the risk of surface condensation and favoring biological colonization. This paper aims to investigate the influence of the hygrothermal behavior of three ETICS with different rendering systems and thermal insulation composition to withstand biological colonization. All systems were exposed outdoors at an urban site in Lisbon, Portugal, facing North. The surface temperature, the surface relative humidity and the meteorological conditions were monitored for four months. At the same time, the capillary water absorption and the aesthetic properties of the systems were evaluated after 6, 9 and 12 months of outdoor exposure. Moreover, biological colonization was visually assessed using a previously defined rating scale. The onsite monitoring results were then compared with the water performance, aesthetic properties and biological colonization observed throughout natural aging. The highest level of biological development was obtained for the lime-based ETICS with ICB thermal insulation, which also presented the highest capillary water absorption and color alteration after one year of natural aging. On the other hand, the silicate-based system obtained the highest risk of surface condensation, and no biological growth was detected in this system during the exposure period.

In the case of interventions in existing buildings, the assessment of timber elements and joints, such as the Single Step Joint, is a challenge for engineers, especially when timber presents signs of biological degradation. In this context, many roof structures are subject to unnecessary substitutions due to the lack of knowledge about the behaviour of these types of joints, and specially the consequences of eventual biological attacks. This study aims to evaluate theresidual shear strength of Single Step Joints artificially degraded by wood boring insects from the Anobiidae family (e.g. Anobium punctatum). To achieve the established objectives, destructive tests were carried out on undamaged (reference level) and artificially degraded Single Step Joint specimens, varying the level of degradation. The results were analysed in terms of degradation level and compared with the results obtained with design equations for this type of joint found inthe literature. From the analysis of the results, it was possible to observe the tendency of reduction of the shear strength with the increase of the degradation level.

Subterranean termites, despite their essential role as decomposers on natural ecosystems, are voracious pests of wood in service, and may cause damage to wood in buildings and economic losses associated with treatments and repair costs. In-ground baiting stations are one of the most used techniques for subterranean termites

Subterranean termites, despite their essential role as decomposers on natural ecosystems, are voracious pests of wood in service, and may cause damage to wood in buildings and economic losses associated with treatments and repair costs. In-ground baiting stations are one of the most used techniques for subterranean termites

Os ensaios de ligações realizados no LNEC abrangeram várias combinações de espécie (Pinus Sylvestris e Picea Abies) e teor de água da madeira, geometria da ligação (madeira-aço-madeira ou aço-madeira-aço), tipos de carregamento e níveis de tração axial do ligador. Esta comunicação apresenta o programa experimental e discute os resultados obtidos nos ensaios monotónicos, à luz do dimensionamento das ligações segundo o Eurocódigo 5 (EC5).Conforme previsto, as ligações com parafusos menos esbeltos apresentaram maior propensão para desenvolverem rotura frágil, mesmo seguindo a pormenorização recomendada no Eurocódigo 5. Os resultados confirmaram a influência do aperto dos parafusos e do teor de água da madeira no comportamento da ligação.

A inovação registada na última década, no campo dos produtos de madeira para a construção,tem vindo a alterar a visão das potencialidades da madeira como elemento estrutural, sustentando um renascimento do seu uso como material estrutural. O CLT tem vindo a permitir o ressurgimento de forma expressiva da construção em madeira em altura (edifícios com mais de 6 pisos), contribuindo para a necessidade de descarbonizar o setor da construção.A presente comunicação apresenta alguns dos produtos que têm vindo a surgir no mercado, alertando-se para aspetos básicos que devem orientar a escolha destes materiais, a sua receção em obra, cuidados em obra e princípios básicos na sua aplicação tendo em vista assegurar a sua durabilidade (tempo em serviço) e, desta forma, permitir que constituam um fator verdadeiro de sustentabilidade na construção.

A possibilidade de se vencer antigas limitações inerentes ao uso da madeira maciça com o desenvolvimento de novos produtos derivados de madeira, como é exemplo a Madeira Lamelada Cruzada Colada (MLCC), aliada à maior sensibilidade atual às questões ecológicas, tornam a madeira um material com potencialidades renovadas. Por outro lado, trata-se de um material natural sujeito a degradação biológica cuja durabilidade em diferentes climas e situações de aplicação é ainda questionável. Os agentes biológicos são capazes de causar danos à madeira que podem ser simplesmente estéticos, mas que em níveis mais elevados podem levar à redução considerável das suas propriedades mecânicas. Neste contexto, este estudo expõe as condições propícias à instalação e desenvolvimento dos principais agentes de degradação da madeira e discute a importância da existência de um plano de monitorização de estruturas de produtos derivados de madeira para uma promoção de uma maior vida útil destas construções.

The development of phenol formaldehyde (PF) resins as a means of impregnating solid wood is one that has been explored for several decades, both in terms of conventional impregnation processing (Impreg) or compressional impregnation (Compreg). However, it is only recently with advances in processing conditions that the method truly affords a means of achieving conventional modification for solid timber. This paper has investigated the modification of radiata pine (Pinus radiata) using PF resin at 22.5% and 30% solids content, with subsequent curing at 150oC under pressure. Samples were tested against Reticulitermes grassei according to EN117 over a period of 8 weeks using no-choice and choice tests. Controls included unmodified blocks and those modified without resin but just water, whilst treated blocks included those subjected to water soaking as well as without. No choice testing realised significantly reduced attack ratings, particularly for higher solid content treatments even following water soaking and 100% termite mortality. Modification with water did not influence level of attack and mortality which indicates it is the resin and not the process that imparts resistance to termite attack. Two-choice termite testing showed low attack for both impregnation treatment levels, with results slightly better for the higher solid contents treatment, whilst triple choice testing further confirmed this. In choice tests, slight attack of resin treated blocks took place, though significant attack of control blocks occurred, even when 100% mortality occurred by the end of the test. This seemed to suggest that ingestion of PF treated wood led to poisoning. Results confirm the potential of PF-treatment of solid wood as a method for minimising risks from subterranean termite attack.

O desenvolvimento de tração perpendicular às fibras em elementos de madeira lamelada colada tem sido reconhecido como causa de danos e acidentes graves em estruturas, merecendo por isso uma atenção especial.Elementos curvos e elementos retos de inércia variável constituem um especial desafio, dado que potenciam o desenvolvimento de tensões perpendiculares às fibras da madeira, que podem ser críticas para a integridade dos elementos lamelados colados e a segurança estrutural. Este fenómeno é ilustrado e discutido através da modelação numérica de duas estruturas. Os modelos foram desenvolvidos com o software de cálculo automático SAP2000, recorrendo a elementos de casca e uma análise linear, assumindo um comportamento ortotrópico para o material.

A aderência constitui uma das características mecânicas fundamentais dos varões de aço nervurados para o bom desempenho dos elementos de betão armado onde estes varões são utilizados, assegurando a transmissão de esforços entre o betão e as armaduras de aço desses elementos e, consequentemente, o funcionamento conjunto dos dois materiais. O controlo das características de aderência dos varões de aço nervurados é habitualmente realizado através da verificação da geometria das suas nervuras transversais. Em particular, procede-se à avaliação da área relativa das nervuras transversais, fR, com base nos valores de diferentes parâmetros geométricos dessas nervuras. Os estudos sobre a influência relativa dos diferentes parâmetros geométricos que condicionam a aderência dos varões têm revelado que a altura das nervuras transversais, a, é habitualmente o parâmetro que maior contribuição apresenta para a aderência dos varões nervurados. A aplicação de produtos de aço em construções de betão armado em Portugal depende da sua prévia Classificação pelo LNEC. O LNEC assegura ainda o apoio técnico ao controlo periódico do fabrico destes produtos, na sequência das respetivas Ações de Acompanhamento da Certificação. O presente artigo apresenta um estudo estatístico dos valores da altura das nervuras transversais dos varões de aço dos tipos A400 NR, A400 NR SD, A500 ER, A500 NR e A500 NR SD. As respetivas distribuições globais foram obtidas a partir dos resultados experimentais recolhidos pelo LNEC no âmbito do controlo periódico destes varões. Com base nos resultados obtidos apresentam-se os valores médios e os desvios-padrão das distribuições estatísticas globais desta característica geométrica, a, quando avaliada pelos fabricantes ou pelo LNEC. Além disso, a fim de ilustrar as diferenças entre as distribuições estatísticas da altura das nervuras de varões provenientes de diversas origens, são apresentados, para cada tipo de varão, exemplos de distribuições referentes, cada uma delas, a um único fabricante.

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O Museu da Academia das Ciências de Lisboa possui uma preciosa xiloteca assinada pelo Mestre dos marceneiros portugueses, José Aniceto Rapozo contendo 1213 amostras de madeiras do Brasil e 12 de outras origens. A sua importância no progresso do conhecimento dos recursos florestais do Brasil naviragem dos séculos dezoito e dezanove conduziu ao estudo em curso. Dada a devastação verificada em vastas áreas florestais brasileiras, surgem dificuldades por certas espécies poderem ter distribuiçãogeográfica diferente (com eventual extinção, geral ou localizada), por insuficiência do material de comparação, e por ambiguidade das designações comerciais.Foi possível identificar esta xiloteca como uma de quatro encomendadas a Aniceto Rapozo pelo Príncipe Regente. A análise das amostras de madeira e a informação documental mostram que a colecçãotem por base uma remessa de 5008 amostras de madeiras do Brasil enviada em 1784 para o Arsenal Real do Exército, em Lisboa, pelo Vice-Rei do Brasil, Luís de Vasconcellos e Souza.O valor científico do conjunto é evidenciado pela identificação botânica das espéciesrepresentadas. Na situação actual, a identificação das espécies florestais representadas na amostragem foiinteiramente conseguida em 14% dos casos, conseguida mas ainda por confirmar em 27%. Dado o carácter preliminar deste estudo, os seus resultados serão ulteriormente publicados com mais pormenor. Among the Lisbon Academy of Sciences Museum collection there is a valuable xylarium by theleading Portuguese master cabinet-maker José Aniceto Rapozo (1756-1824), comprising 1213 wood samples from Brazil plus 12 from elsewhere. This collection is most important since it allows us to improve the knowledge on Brazilian forest resources by the end of the eighteenth century and thebeginning of the next. This study aims to establish its historical framework and scientific value. Owing tooverexploitation and even devastation of very large forest areas in Brazil, difficulties for our study aroseeither as some species may have now a different geographical distribution (and eventually may have underwent local or general extinction), by lack of adequate comparison material, or because of ambiguityof the commercial names.Results so far obtained allowed us to recognize the xylarium as one of the four commanded Rapozo by the Regent Prince, later King João VI (1767-1826). Taking into account the wood samples analyses as well as bibliographic data it is possible to conclude that the collection was prepared from a set 3 of 5008 Brazilian wood samples sent to the Royal Arsenal in Lisbon in 1784 by the Brazil

This work collects information about laboratory tests to evaluate the properties of agro-industrial wastes used for thermal insulation building materials considering them individually and in composits. It focuses on bio-susceptibility, as one of the main aspects to consider for bio-based building products.

Innovation in structures and construction materials demands a more accurate performance analysis during the life cycle. In addition, climatic changes pose new challenges to civil infrastructures that were not so relevant in the past. In most cases, the traditional test methods cannot accurately assess the complex phenomena involved in durability. The modern and complex factors require a different approach to durability analysis. The purpose of this chapter is to present innovative durability tests on construction materials: wood; rammed earth, cob and unfired blocks; natural stone; bituminous binders and mixtures; and Fibre Reinforced Polymers (FRP) to concrete bonded connections. Most of these tests concern the accelerated simulation of the main phenomena involved in durability performance

Laboratory tests were carried out to define production parameters of innovative eco-efficient composites made up of hazelnut shells as aggregate and a sodium silicate solution as adhesive. The aim was to maximize the content of bio-aggregates and minimize the amount of adhesive, guaranteeing the feasibility of producing samples. Therefore, after preliminary testing, the percentages of hazelnut shells and the sodium silicate solution were kept constant: 70% and 30% of the total volume, respectively. However, the characteristics of the considered composites did not allow the production of uniform samples. The sodium silicate solution was not rapidly absorbed by the bio-aggregates; during the drying process, it was deposited on the bottom side of the samples. The uniformity of the samples is required to guarantee a correct evaluation of their performance and future homogeneous panels. Hence, different production parameters were investigated, such as drying at T

The durability of construction materials is a key concern and can be related to different actions such as weathering conditions outdoors enhanced by climatic change, chemical and biological attack, abrasion, and other conditions of service over time. Frequently, several actions develop simultaneously, making it difficult to reproduce in situ conditions in laboratory. Furthermore, testing to assess durability depends largely on the nature of the material itself or on the way it has been assembled with other materials. The ageing techniques to assess long-term durability performance of construction materials are based on accelerated durability tests, which include, for example, thermal stress, freeze

This paper presents an overview of research carried out to assess the bonding suitability of Portuguese timbers.Most work developed in the last decades has focused Maritime pine timber, due to its traditional use in building construction, good mechanical properties and availability. Untreated, as well as preservative treated Maritime pine have been studied, as its impregnability allows deep treatment suitable for applications in Use Classes 3 and 4.Recent results on bonding preservative treated Maritime pine wood are discussed.Preliminary results regarding other species that are becoming available in the Portuguese market are also presented, as an attempt to reduce pressure on Maritime pine timber as well as to seek more valuable alternatives for their traditional uses.

No presente trabalho apresentam-se os resultados mais relevantes obtidos num programa experimental desenvolvido no LNEC com o objetivo de caracterizar a aderência dos varões nervurados do tipo A500NR SD existentes no mercado, fundamentalmente para melhorar a modelação do comportamento dos elementos de betão armado de zonas críticas de estruturas inseridas em zonas sísmicas.O programa experimental desenvolvido pretende simular as condições de aderência existentes num varão horizontal de uma ligação viga-pilar e tem como principais variáveis varões de dois diâmetros frequentemente utilizados (16 e 25 mm), dois níveis diferentes de área relativa das nervuras (A e B) e duas classes de betão (C1 e C2), ambos representativos do betão utilizado nas construções mais relevantes.Os resultados obtidos quer nos ensaios monotónicos quer nos ensaios cíclicos apontam para um decréscimo da tensão de aderência com o aumento do diâmetro da ordem dos 10%. O aumento da área relativa das nervuras transversais traduz-se num incremento da tensão máxima de aderência da ordem dos 15%, com uma redução do deslizamento que ronda os 15%. Nesse sentido, este estudo propôs que, no caso dos varões com maior área relativa das nervuras, a tensão de aderência máxima possa variar entre 2,35 e 2,65 vezes a raiz quadrada da resistência do betão à compressão e que o patamar onde a tensão de aderência é máxima se situe entre 0,5 e 1,5 mm de deslizamento.Explorou-se também o fenómeno da entrada em cedência da armadura tendo-se concluído que, em provetes que pretendem simular as condições de aderência existentes num varão horizontal de uma ligação viga-pilar, a entrada em cedência da armadura conduz a uma redução da tensão de aderência máxima inferior a 10%, quer regime monotónico quer em regime cíclico.

O presente trabalho de investigação refere-se à conservação de elementos estruturais de madeira medianamente degradados por fungos em edifícios antigos. Propõe-se estudar a compatibilidade entre produtos de tratamento e de consolidação por impregnação, aplicados sequencialmente. A avaliação do processo foi realizada maioritariamente em laboratório e na óptica do desempenho mecânico conjunto da madeira e produtos aplicados, por intermédio de ensaios físico-mecânicos destrutivos e não destrutivos e também por ensaios mecânicos não destrutivos realizados in situ. Foram utilizados produtos comerciais, aplicando-os às espécies de madeira correntemente encontradas nos edifícios antigos da zona de Lisboa: Pinho bravo e Casquinha. Procedeu-se à avaliação mecânica de madeira nova e antiga, em estado são e degradado; ao desenvolvimento de um método de medição da profundidade de penetração de produtos de tratamento; à avaliação da capacidade consolidante de madeira degradada por produtos poliméricos fluidos e à avaliação da sua actuação conjunta, estudada com e sem envelhecimento artificial. Os resultados obtidos indicaram significativos aumentos de capacidade mecânica da madeira degradada, quando submetida a tratamento e consolidação Este trabalho desenvolve, assim, uma proposta de solução para a madeira que não se encontra sã, mas que ainda possui capacidade resistente, não necessitando, por isso, de ser removida. O processo de tratamento e consolidação promove resistência aos agentes biológicos e, simultaneamente, recuperação de alguma resistência mecânica da madeira, conferindo-lhe capacidade para continuar em serviço.

Subterranean termites from the genus Reticulitermes are an important pest ofwood in service throughout southern Europe and elsewhere. For effective termitecontrol with long term protection but minimal environmental damage, newintegrated approaches to termite management are needed. Baiting-based systemsseem to be promising non-traditional methods for termite control, targeting thecolony as a whole. However, control through baiting is only feasible when it isknown that the toxicant can be transferred to all the colonies foraging on theinfested area and also throughout each individual colony. Accordingly, the workdescribed is specifically designed to achieve a better understanding of thedistribution and delimitation of colonies within a population of Reticulitermes,with parallel insights into foraging behaviour and colony organization.Initially, the species/subspecies spectrum present within the notionalReticulitermes group in Portugal was reassessed. It was shown that Reticulitermesgrassei is the only species encountered. Foraging activity was then assessed in anexperimental woodland site over two successive annual cycles, both by thesampling of natural lying dead wood and by a standard baiting grid. R. grasseiseem to select wood with larger diameter, with an apparent preference for materialalready decayed by fungi. Both termite and fungal attack on wood seems to bepromoted by higher moisture levels, such as prevail in larger litter items andduring seasonal rains. Termites were unable to detect and direct their foragingtowards sound wood in laboratory conditions, suggesting that the network ofinfochemical signals is more complex than just volatiles emanating from soundwood. Mark-release-recapture (MRR) was used to delineate foraging groups,which were then allocated to their parent colonies by the use of microsatellitemarkers. The results suggest that resource sharing is a facultative behaviour,specifically when food is not a limiting factor for colony development. Theimplications of all these findings for bait technology and protocols are discussed,with reference to the local population ecology of Reticulitermes.

The project CircularBuild -

Relatório final do projeto PTDC/ECM/099121/2008

O presente trabalho apresenta um projecto de versão portuguesa da Norma Europeia EN 10002-2, e insere-se numa série de estudos programados pelo autor, enquanto coordenador da normalização nacional no domínio dos ensaios mecânicos, físicos e não-destrutivos de materiais metálicos.O texto do projecto de norma apresentado consiste na versão final de uma proposta redigida pelo autor, na sequência dos estudos efectuados ao nível da Comissão Técnica de Normalização competente.

O presente trabalho apresenta um projecto de versão portuguesa da Norma Europeia EN 10002-5, e insere-se numa série de estudos programados pelo autor, enquanto coordenador da normalização nacional no domínio dos ensaios mecânicos, físicos e não-destrutivos de materiais metálicos.O texto do projecto de revisão apresentado consiste na versão final de uma proposta redigida pelo autor, na sequência dos estudos efectuados ao nível da Comissão Técnica de Normalização competente.

O presente relatório descreve a participação do LNEC no programa europeu de intercomparação de calibrações de forças

O presente trabalho apresenta um projecto de revisão da Norma Portuguesa NP 850 (1985)

O presente trabalho apresenta um projecto de revisão da Norma Portuguesa NP 386 (1965)

O presente trabalho apresenta um projecto de revisão das Normas Portuguesas NP 449 (1966)

O presente trabalho apresenta um projecto de revisão da Norma Portuguesa NP 450 (1966)

O presente trabalho apresenta um projecto de Norma Portuguesa relativo ao ensaio de dilatação de anéis de tubos metálicos, e insere-se numa série de estudos programados pelo autor, enquanto coordenador da normalização nacional no domínio dos ensaios mecânicos, físicos e não-destrutivos de materiais metálicos, com a finalidade de preencher lacunas da Normalização Portuguesa neste domínio que a indústria e as instituições ligadas ao controlo da qualidade considerem ser mais urgente colmatar.O texto apresentado consiste na versão final de uma proposta redigida pelo autor, na sequência dos estudos efectuados ao nível da Comissão Técnica de Normalização competente.

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