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.

Em Portugal existe um património muito significativo no que se refere a pontes metálicas ferroviárias e rodoviárias, muitas das quais constituem já um legado histórico apreciável. Há, portanto, não só que continuar a preservar este património histórico mas também garantir que as pontes mais recentes possam vir a apresentar desempenhos idênticos ou mesmo superiores. Nesta comunicação, após um enquadramento histórico da evolução nos processos siderúrgicos e sua correlação com a construção metálica em especial de pontes metálicas, faz-se uma sistematização dos principais processos de degradação do aço estrutural e das causas dos danos mais frequentes nestas estruturas, e apresentam-se as técnicas que podem ser utilizadas durante a manutenção em serviço destas pontes, para a identificação e avaliação dos danos existentes, e os métodos de reparação/protecção adequados aos danos mais frequentes.

O género Acácia inclui numerosas espécies, algumas economicamente importantes, que ocorrem naturalmente em zonas áridas na Austrália, Ásia, África e América.Em Portugal espécies deste género foram introduzidas no início do século XX, em solos secos e arenosos ao longo da costa. A Acacia melanoxylon apesar de bem adaptada às condições ecológicas do país, não tem sido aproveitada, em parte devido ao desconhecimento das suas propriedades.A densidade é considerada a mais importante propriedade da madeira por estar correlacionada com outras propriedades. Apesar de ser fácil de determinar, requer mão-de-obra intensiva e é demorada. O desenvolvimento de técnicas expeditas e não destrutivas como a espectroscopia de infravermelho próximo (NIR) permite a avaliação extensiva de um grande número de amostras com um custo muito inferior.Neste trabalho desenvolveu-se um modelo para estimar a densidade básica na madeira de Acacia melanoxylon por NIR. A validação do modelo com amostras independentes mostrou um coeficiente de determinação elevado (R2=0,90) e um erro baixo (RMSEV=16,7 kg/m3).

Os perfis tubulares de aço de secção elipsoidal oca fornecem uma nova solução com bastantes potencialidades estéticas e características estruturais interessantes. Contudo, existe ainda pouca informação disponível para o cálculo deste tipo de perfis, nomeadamente ao nível das disposições normativas adoptadas nos regulamentos de cálculo de estruturas de aço. A fim de colmatar uma destas lacunas, o presente trabalho propõe um critério analítico para o cálculo dos esforços resistentes de secções elipsoidais ocas de aço totalmente plastificadas, submetidas a um esforço normal e a flexão segundo um dos seus eixos principais de inércia. Este critério é também aplicável ao caso particular dos perfis tubulares de secção circular oca.

Este trabalho aborda a resistência de prumos telescópicos extensíveis de aço submetidosa compressão axial. Como o dimensionamento destes elementos envolve frequentemente níveisde incerteza elevados, foi decidido realizar uma série de estudos numéricos e experimentais paracompreender melhor o seu comportamento estrutural. Com base nos resultados obtidos foi possíveldesenvolver uma curva de dimensionamento específica para este tipo de elementos estruturais,contribuindo-se assim para ultrapassar algumas das limitações actualmente existentes nas normasrelativas ao respectivo projecto.

The detection in 2002 of drywood termites in the islands of Azores has became an urgent issue tobe coped with given the fast degradation that structural elements can show after a short period ofinstallation of a colony. A recent study indicates drywood termite presence in about half of thebuildings of the historic centre of Angra do Heroísmo (a World Heritage site) in Terceira Islandand timber structures surveys conducted so far points to strong levels of degradation of timberelements and structures.A strong effort should be put on the rehabilitation of structures already affected, implementationof control procedures for restraining the spread of new colonies into so far sound buildings andalteration of traditional practices (namely choice of wood species and protection treatments)regarding timber utilization in construction.This document presents some of the most relevant facts regarding drywood termites

Wood modification by sol-gel treatments shows many positive features, like antimicrobialproperties. Wood was also successfully modified with alkoxysilanes enhancing its resistanceagainst soil micro-organisms. Silver, copper, zinc compounds, boric acid or organic biocidessuch as alkylammonium compounds may be added to the sol-gel to enhance its biocidalproperties. Nevertheless, if some of these active ingredients and compounds are not fixed intowood by chemical reactions, they can be easily leached out by water. To overcome thislimitation, a system based on silica sol-gel material starting from alkoxysilanes has beenfunctionalized with organic groups having copper linking function. Sol-gel was also coupledwith boric acid. As preliminary tests against the brown rot agent Coniophora puteana(Schumacher ex Fries) gave good results, the sol-gel formulations were also tested for theirefficacy against subterranean termites. A no-choice test was set up, in two different time scales.Results show that though the sol-gel treatments act in very different ways, all of them areefficacy against subterranean termites. The total mortality occurred in the longer test suggestedthat active ingredients may be added in lower quantity.

Refere-se o presente texto à manutenção / reabilitação de elementos estruturais de madeira em edifícios antigos quando local e medianamente degradados por fungos de podridão, segundo o processo da consolidação por impregnação de produtos poliméricos.Apresenta-se o trabalho de investigação laboratorial desenvolvido sobre provetes de pinho bravo com diversos níveis de degradação por fungos de podridão cúbica, nos quais foram aplicados cinco produtos comerciais de baixa viscosidade, específicos para consolidação. As relações entre o nível de degradação da madeira (perda de massa) e a eficiência da consolidação, medida por testes de dureza estática superficial e de resistência à compressão paralela às fibras, são apresentadas, tratadas e discutidas.

This paper focuses the fire performance of timber and timber structures and discussespossible approaches to mitigate the fire risk in timber buildings, with special relevance tothe case of timber roofs.Furthermore, it highlights a number of issues concerning the implications for timberdurability and mechanical properties resulting from the exposure to fire itself and hightemperatures, active fire protection equipment and firefighting tactics, namely thoseinvolving the use of water, and passive fire protection measures, namely fire retardanttreatments. These issues need be considered by those involved in the assessment andsafeguard of ancient timber buildings.

Furfurylation was tested with maritime pine wood (Pinus pinaster Aiton,) which is themost important pine species in Portugal. The wood was treated with a furfuryl alcoholmixture (FA 70 mix) at Kebony Products DA in Norway, in an autoclave using vacuumand pressure stages and subsequently cured and dried in a vacuum drying kiln. Bothheartwood and sapwood were treated, with weight percent gains of 38% and 23%respectively. There were no significant changes on MOE and bending strength. Jankahardness increased 56% and 49%, on radial and tangential sections, respectively.Equilibrium moisture content decreased in the sapwood from 8.9 to 5.1% (at 35%relative humidity), from 12.9 to 7.3% (at 65%) and from 17.3 to 9.0% (at 85%). Inheartwood the moisture decrease was very small. The dimensional stability of sapwoodincreased with ASE35 35.6 and 41.8%, ASE65 29.0 and 43.4% and ASE85 31.4 and45.1% for radial and tangential directions respectively. The improvements forheartwood were smaller and only significant in the tangential direction and at the higherrelative humidity values: ASE65 was 12.3 and 22.4% and ASE 85 10.5 and 24.8% forradial and tangential directions, respectively.

Após o terramoto de 1755 em Lisboa a necessidade de reconstrução da cidade levou aodesenvolvimento de uma estrutura designada Gaiola Pombalina, considerado o sistema anti-sísmico maisavançado do séc. XVIII.Estas estruturas baseadas num reticulado de frontais compostos de prumos travessanhos e escoras cominterstícios preenchidos por alvenaria de pedra ou tijolo têm vindo a sofrer alterações estruturais, como porexemplo a introdução de novos materiais, podendo comprometer a acção anti-sísmica e pôr em risco o edificadoPombalino.O comportamento físico e mecânico da madeira depende da sua estrutura e daí a necessidade de avaliação dasespécies de madeira nestas estruturas. Não existe nenhum estudo sistematizado com recurso à identificaçãomicroscópica destas madeiras.O trabalho apresentado inclui a identificação anatómica das amostras de madeira de uma gaiola de um edifíciopombalino. Foram preparadas as amostras para observação à lupa e ao microscópio. Fizeram-se cortes na secçãotransversal, tangencial e radial da madeira com o micrótomo, que foram analisadas através de um sistema deanálise de imagem. Apresentam-se fotomicrografias das amostras analisadas e respectivas observaçõesmicroscópicas.Resultados preliminares referentes às amostras analisadas indicam a presença de madeira do género Pinus,género não referenciado em bibliografia na construção das Gaiolas Pombalinas.

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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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