Publications

The durability of bond between carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates and concrete with theexternally bonded reinforcement (EBR) technique was investigated under real-time field exposure (RTFE) andaccelerated ageing. The experimental program, over two years, includes four outdoor environments inducingcarbonation, freeze

A durabilidade das estruturas de betão armado reforçadas com polímeros reforçados com fibras de carbono (CFRP) tem vindo a ser estudada essencialmente através de protocolos de envelhecimento acelerado em laboratório, existindo poucos estudos de envelhecimento natural (real).Este trabalho pretende contribuir para o conhecimento da durabilidade da ligação entre betão e laminados de CFRP, aplicados segundo as técnicas EBR e NSM, utilizando um adesivo epoxídico.Foi implementado um programa experimental, que incluía um ambiente de referência (20 °C / 55% HR) e quatro condições de exposição natural, induzindo principalmente (i) carbonatação, (ii) ciclos gelo-degelo, (iii) temperaturas extremas, e (iv) ação de cloretos. Foi ainda estudado o efeito da imersão contínua em águaa 20 °C.A durabilidade da ligação foi avaliada até 2 anos de exposição, através de ensaios de arranque direto. Constatou-se que o desempenho da ligação nos envelhecimentos naturais apresentou níveis relativamente reduzidos de degradação para ambas as técnicas de reforço.

This investigation addresses the durability of the adhesive bond between near-surface-mounted (NSM) carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) strips and concrete, under real-time field conditioning and laboratory-accelerated conditioning. Four natural outdoor environments were considered in the experimental program to induce aging mainly by carbonation, freeze-thaw cycles, elevated temperatures, and airborne chlorides from seawater. Additionally, a control environment (20°C and 55% RH) and a water immersion environment under controlled temperature (20°C) were considered. The durability was studied mainly throughout the mechanical properties obtained from (1) the involved materials (concrete, epoxy adhesive, and CFRP strips); and (2) the bond specimens, with a period of exposure up to 2 years. The bond performance of NSM-CFRP strips to concrete was slightly affected by environments under investigation, being water immersion and freeze

This paper presents long-term prediction models for the mechanical property retention of pultruded GFRP materials, with either isophthalic unsaturated polyester or vinyl ester resin, derived from a set of experimentalresults gathered over a period of two years of accelerated ageing under hygrothermal exposure. The predictionmodels were fitted to experimental data of mechanical property retention for profiles immersed in water and saltwater at 20

This work addresses the durability of structural epoxy adhesives and carbon fibre reinforcedpolymer (CFRP) laminates typically used in strengthening of existing reinforced concrete structuresexposed to natural ageing. The experimental program included four natural (real) outdoor environmentsinducing ageing mainly caused by carbonation, freeze-thaw attack, elevated temperatures, andairborne chlorides from seawater. Moreover, a control (reference) environment (20 C of temperatureand 55% of relative humidity) and an environment involving water immersion of the materials undercontrolled temperature (20 C of temperature) were also included in this investigation. The characterizationinvolved the assessment of the physical, chemical and mechanical properties along a studyperiod of up to two years. Furthermore, comparisons between the natural ageing tests developed inthe scope of the present work and accelerated ageing tests existing in the literature were performed.Regarding to the epoxy adhesives, an increase in the glass transition temperature with the time wasobserved, while the tensile properties decreased, regardless of the outdoor environment. The CFRPlaminates were marginally affected by the studied environments. Despite the remarkable dispersionof the results observed in the accelerated ageing tests for the period investigated, this testing protocolyielded higher mechanical degradation than under natural ageing.

This paper addresses the viscoelastic behaviour of a commercially available cold-curing structural epoxy adhesive, under different preparation, curing and hygrothermal conditions. The main parameters studied were the preparation method (influence of the degassing and the temperature of the initial curing), the creep stress level, and the hygrothermal conditions. Tensile creep tests last up to 2400 h. Test results revealed that the preparation method has great influence on the tensile properties of the adhesive, particularly on the viscoelastic response where degassing and curing at 20

The durability of pultruded GFRP composites is critical to their performance in civil engineering applications, for which comprehensive and validated data is limited. To address this issue, this study presents an extensive experimental programme on the effects of hygrothermal ageing on the performance of pultruded GFRP profiles made of two alternative resin systems – unsaturated polyester (UP) and vinyl ester (VE) – both comprising identical fibre architecture. The ageing environments included immersion in demineralised and salt water at three different temperatures (20°C, 40°C, and 60°C), and continuous condensation at 40°C, for durations up to two years. Physical, viscoelastic and mechanical (tensile, flexural, in-plane and interlaminar shear) properties were assessed after a desorption period. As expected, the VE profile had overall better performance than the UP profile. After 24 months, the highest reductions in tensile strength occurred for water immersion at 60°C, namely 45% and 33% for the UP and VE profiles, respectively. This paper provides a wealth of test data that can be used for degradation models for the prediction of their long-term mechanical property retention.

The durability of pultruded GFRP composites is critical to their performance in civil engineering applications, forwhich comprehensive and validated data is limited. To address this issue, this study presents an extensiveexperimental programme on the effects of hygrothermal ageing on the performance of pultruded GFRP profilesmade of two alternative resin systems

Fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are being increasingly used in the construction sector, especially in corrosion-prone applications. However, there is still a lack of knowledge about their long-term behaviour under real service conditions. This paper presents a study about the in-service performance of FRP constructions, which involved the field inspection of 410 FRP constructions included in 31 water and sewage treatment plants in various locations in Portugal. The analysis of the data gathered in these inspections allowed (i) validating a classification system previously proposed by the authors for anomalies, causes, inspection methods and rehabilitation techniques for FRP constructions; determining (ii) the most common anomalies that occur during their service stage and (iii) their most probable causes; and (iv) predicting the most suitable diagnosis and rehabilitation techniques for each anomaly. Moreover, this study provided a better understanding of the long-term in-service behaviour of FRP constructions when exposed to different environmental conditions. The analysis of the data obtained in the field study allowed identifying the main parameters governing the in-service performance and durability of this type of constructions. The results obtained show that non mechanical anomalies are the most common. As expected, the durability performance is very different in indoor and outdoor constructions, the latter presenting much more frequent and severe anomalies. UV radiation and chemicals are found to be the most aggressive exposure environments. The results obtained also show that visual inspection is the most effective diagnosis method for this type of constructions and that surface cleaning and protection is the most commonly recommended rehabilitation technique.

In the past few decades, the construction industry has been increasingly using fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) materials, due to their advantages in comparison with traditional materials, especially in aggressive environments. However, the information regarding the long-term behaviour of FRP constructions under real service conditions is limited and scattered. In this paper, a system for the inspection, diagnosis and rehabilitation of FRP constructions is presented and validated, providing a standardized and systematic tool for the maintenance of these constructions during their service life. A classification system for the anomalies and most probable causes is first presented. To assist the diagnosis of the anomalies, several in situ non-destructive methods are included in the system, as well as various rehabilitation techniques, able to maintain and/or restore the functionality of FRP elements. Several correlation matrices are proposed, interrelating different anomalies, and relating them with probable causes, and diagnosis and rehabilitation techniques. The system is validated and calibrated through an extensive field campaign of inspections of 410 substructures in 31 facilities. Although developed for FRP profiles and moulded gratings of all-FRP constructions, the system can also be used to inspect FRP components of sandwich or hybrid structures. The implementation of this system supports the inspection activities of a proactive maintenance strategy and, at the same time, the standardization of inspections, resulting in an increase of the effectiveness and objectivity of the actions to be taken upon the occurrence of anomalies in FRP constructions.

This communication presents preliminary results of a research project on the effects of different environmental agents on the physical, chemical, aesthetical and mechanical properties of glass fibre reinforced polymer pultruded (GFRP) profiles made of either polyester or vinylester resin. In order to study the potential degradation of the two types of profiles in typical environments of civil engineering applications, test specimens are being subjected to the following exposure conditions: (i) immersion in demineralised water, at 23 ºC, 40 ºC and 60 ºC; (ii) immersion in salt-water, at the same temperatures; (iii) continuous condensation at 40 ºC; (iv) salt fog chamber; (v) thermal cycles, from -5ºC to 40ºC; (vi) accelerated weathering fluorescent ultraviolet light apparatus. Additionally, test specimens were placed in the roof of LNEC thereby being subjected to a natural degradation in a controlled environment. At predefined time intervals, batches of test specimens placed in the above mentioned exposure environments are being removed for physic-chemical and mechanical characterization, in order to assess their behaviour. / Nesta comunicação são apresentados os resultados preliminares de um projecto de investigação em que estão a ser avaliados os efeitos da degradação ambiental nas características físico-químicas de perfis pultrudidos de plástico reforçado com fibra de vidro com dois tipos de matriz – uma de poliéster e outra de viniléster. Com o objectivo de estudar os eventuais efeitos de degradação nos dois tipos de perfis, quando expostos a condições típicas das aplicações em engenharia civil, foram efectuadas as seguintes exposições em provetes retirados dos perfis: (i) imersão em água desmineralizada, a 23 ºC, 40 ºC e 60 ºC; (ii) imersão numa solução salina, às mesmas temperaturas; (iii) condensação em contínuo a 40 ºC; (iv) câmara de nevoeiro salino; (v) ciclos térmicos, entre -5 ºC e 40 ºC; (vi) envelhecimento artificial acelerado com lâmpadas fluorescentes de radiação ultravioleta. Para além disso, foram expostos provetes no telhado do edifício principal do LNEC, onde ficaram sujeitos a envelhecimento natural. Em intervalos predefinidos, foram efectuados ensaios de caracterização físico-química e mecânica dos materiais, para monitorizar o seu desempenho ao longo do tempo.

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The main purpose of this paper is to present the results of a study intended to assess the durability of stabilized PVC-U for outdoor applications, in form of calendered films and extruded plates. The samples were subject to different ageing conditions and their degradation state were evaluated, using techniques of molecular analysis, namely Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), as well techniques for evaluation of macroscopic properties, as colorimetry and tensiles tests. The development of formulations, the ageing and the subsequent characterisation were done in LNEC. Therefore, after a brief introduction, this paper presents the experimental part of the study, as regards the composition of samples and the experimental methods of deterioration and characterisation. Subsequently, the results of the study, their interpretation and the final conclusions are also presented.

The main purpose of this paper is to present the results of a study intended to assess the durability of stabilized PVC-U for outdoor applications, in form of calendered films and extruded plates. The samples were subject to different ageing conditions and their degradation state were evaluated, using techniques of molecular analysis, namely Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), as well techniques for evaluation of macroscopic properties, as colorimetry and tensiles tests. The development of formulations, the ageing and the subsequent characterisation were done in LNEC. Therefore, after a brief introduction, this paper presents the experimental part of the study, as regards the composition of samples and the experimental methods of deterioration and characterisation. Subsequently, the results of the study, their interpretation and the final conclusions are also presented.

The outdoor degradation of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) products is complex and not completely understood for most of the technical formulations. Furthermore, it is known that the behaviour of such materials is dependent of the photo-oxidation conditions, namely source of radiation, temperature, presence of water and humidity. In the present work, we have used X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to evaluate the influence of different photo-oxidation conditions on the surface degradation of stabilized PVC, low thickness calendered samples (~ 150 ?m). The main objective is the study of the influence of the weathering conditions on the degradation level of stabilized PVC products for outdoor applications trying to go deeper in the understanding of the mechanism of both the degradation and the stabilization of the surface under different environmental conditions, different polymer formulations and different processing methods (extrusion or calendering). Comparisons are made with previous results obtained using colourimetry and infrared spectroscopy. The role of PVC formulation and of radiation source and water were studied using artificial weathering. Results were compared with degradation induced by natural weathering in Lisbon.

The main purpose of this paper is to present the results obtained, during the years 2001 and 2002, from a study developed in LNEC. The object of this study was to assess the synergetic effect of three of the most significant deteriorating climatic agents (radiation, temperature and water) on the evolution of the properties of hard PVC stabilised with titanium dioxide, for outdoor applications. For the purpose, several samples were subject to natural and artificial weathering. Moreover, their physical and mechanical properties were characterised by techniques of analysis and assessment of the surface aspect (colour and brightness), of assessment of the molecular properties by infrared microscopy (MICROFTIR), as well as of determination of the tensile mechanical properties and assessment of the Charpy impact resistance. The paper was both orally presented and by poster at the panel meeting “Ageing, Irradiation, Stabilisation” of the Congress MoDeSt 2002. Therefore, this publication includes the text of the paper, the poster, as well as the slides from the oral communication. The development of the formulations, the ageing and the subsequent characterisation by colorimetry, brightness, Charpy impact and tension, were done in LNEC. The characterisation by infrared microscopy was performed in the Laboratoire de Photochimie Moleculaire et Macromoleculaire of the University Blaise-Pascal, Clermont-Ferrand, France.

The main purpose of this paper is to present the results obtained, during the year 2003, from a study developed in LNEC. The object of this study was to assess the synergetic effect of two deteriorating climatic agents (radiation and water) on the evolution of the properties of extruded plates made of hard PVC stabilised with titanium dioxide, for outdoor applications. For the purpose, several samples were subject to natural and artificial weathering, their deterioration condition having been characterised by means of techniques of analysis of colorimetry and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Initially, only the presentation of a poster titled “Artificial and Natural Weathering of Polyvinyl chloride for Outdoor Applications: the Influence of the Radiation and Water on the Evolution of the PVC Properties” was scheduled. Nevertheless, upon request from the secretariat of the Congress, the author also presented an oral paper on the same subject, but including experimental results obtained during the year 2004, which were not mentioned in the poster. Similarly, these results, which were obtained by means of surface analysis techniques by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and by X photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), were not included in the paper submitted to the Congress. Therefore, this publication includes the text of the paper referring to the poster, which was initially predicted, as well as the slides of the oral communication presented. It also contains a few results obtained in 2004. The development of the formulations, as well as the ageing and the subsequent characterisation by colorimetry, by infrared spectroscopy and by scanning electron microscopy were performed in LNEC. The characterisation by X photoelectron spectroscopy was conducted at the Molecular Chemistry-Physics Centre of the Instituto Superior Técnico (Higher Technical Institute).

The main purpose of this paper is to present the results of a study intended to assess the deterioration condition of extruded hard PVC plates, for outdoor applications. The plates were subject to different ageing conditions, using techniques of surface analysis, namely scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The development of formulations, the ageing and the subsequent characterisation by scanning electron microscopy were done in LNEC. The characterisation by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was done at the Centre for Molecular Chemistry-Physics of Instituto Superior Técnico (Higher Technical Institute of Lisbon). Therefore, after a brief introduction, this paper presents the experimental part of the study, as regards the composition of samples and the experimental methods of deterioration and characterisation. Subsequently, the results of the study, their interpretation and the final conclusions are also presented.

Procurou-se com a presente comunicação, apresentar uma metodologia de validação de um programa informático, desenvolvido no NMPC do LNEC especificamente para a calibração de um calorimetro diferencial de varrimento (DSC) e para calcular a incerteza associada à determinação da entalpia de fusão. Assim, após uma breve introdução, a presente comunicação expõe a formulação essencial que serviu de suporte ao desenvolvimento do programa informático referido, descreve os elementos que constituem o procedimento de validação do mesmo, apresenta o processo de estimativa da incerteza de medição e os resultados da análise efectuada.

No presente relatório apresentam-se os dados meteorológicos do ano de 2019 recolhidos na estaçãometeorológica existente no Núcleo de Materiais Orgânicos do Departamento de Materiais do LNEC, em Lisboa

No presente relatório apresentam-se os dados meteorológicos do ano de 2020 recolhidos na estaçãometeorológica existente no Núcleo de Materiais Orgânicos do Departamento de Materiais do LNEC, em Lisboa

No presente relatório descrevem-se os procedimentos adotados pelo LNEC, no âmbito do estudo a efetuar para a concessão de um Documento de Aplicação (DA), relativo a revestimentos por pintura elastoméricos para rebocos de cimento e para betão aplicados em paredes exteriores de edifícios. Consideram-se as condições de exposição atmosférica no exterior sem a influência de ações químicas severas. Indicam-se, também, as ações a desenvolver periodicamente para comprovar que continuam reunidas as condições que terão permitido a concessão do DA.

No presente relatório descrevem-se os procedimentos adotados pelo LNEC para a concessão de um Documento de Aplicação (DA) relativo a revestimentos por pintura de base aquosa para aplicação em paredes e tetos de interiores de habitações, sobre superfícies de estuque de gesso, de gesso cartonado, de reboco de cimento ou de betão. Indicam-se, também, as ações a desenvolver periodicamente para comprovar que continuam reunidas as condições que permitiram a concessão do DA.

No presente relatório apresentam-se os dados meteorológicos do ano de 2016 recolhidos na estação meteorológica existente no Núcleo de Materiais Orgânicos do Departamento de Materiais do LNEC, em Lisboa

No presente relatório descrevem-se os procedimentos adotados pelo LNEC no âmbito do estudo a efetuar para a concessão de um Documento de Aplicação (DA) relativo a revestimentos por pintura para rebocos de cimento e de betão aplicados em superfícies exteriores (tintas não elastoméricas). Consideram-se as condições de exposição atmosférica no exterior, sem influência de ações químicas severas. Indicam-se, também, as ações a desenvolver periodicamente para comprovar que continuam reunidas as condições que terão permitido a concessão do DA. Este relatório constitui uma revisão do relatório do LNEC nº 252/2013-DM/NMO.

No presente relatório apresentam-se os dados meteorológicos do ano de 2014 recolhidos na estação meteorológica existente no Núcleo de Materiais Orgânicos dom Departamento de Materiais do LNEC, em Lisboa

No presente relatório apresentam-se os dados meteorológicos do ano de 2013, recolhidos na estação meteorológica existente no Núcleo de Materiais Orgânicos do Departamento de Materiais do LNEC, em Lisboa.

No presente relatório descrevem-se os procedimentos adoptados pelo LNEC no âmbito dos estudos para concessão de um Documento de Aplicação (DA) a produtos de pintura para proteção de superfícies madeira, em condições de exposição atmosférica no exterior. Indicam-se também as ações a desenvolver periodicamente para comprovar que continuam reunidas as condições para a concessão do DA.

Nesta publicação apresenta-se o critério presentemente seguido pelo LNEC para concessão de homologação com certificação, bem como posterior controlo periódico da qualidade a sistemas de tubagem de poli(cloreto de vinilo) não plastificado (PVC-U) destinados à extração de água em profundidade. Após uma breve introdução e a definição do objetivo, indicam-se: - Os requisitos para o sistema da qualidade seguido pelo fabricante; - as caraterísticas e as especificações para a matéria-prima constituinte dos tubos e acessórios; - as caraterísticas e as especificações para os produtos finais, designadamente os tubos e as suas uniões; - a classificação das condições de serviço; - as recomendações para a utilização dos produtos, relativamente ao seu transporte e manuseamento, armazenagem e instalação; - os requisitos do LNEC para o autocontrolo do fabricante; - os requisitos de amostragem do LNEC durante as auditorias técnicas ou campanhas de recolha realizadas ao fabricante pelos técnicos do LNEC, no âmbito da concessão e manutenção da homologação.

Os resultados experimentais, obtidos através da medição de propriedades dos materiais e produtos, requerem tratamento específico e adequado, de forma a garantir a sua qualidade. É por isso muitas vezes necessário recorrer a métodos estatísticos para fazer a análise do tipo de distribuição dos resultados, proceder à deteção de valores suspeitos num conjunto de observações e à eventual rejeição de resultados anómalos. Este tipo de tratamento estatístico é principalmente adequado a ensaios de intercomparação, quer do foro metrológico (comparação de valores de padrões ou materiais de referência, mediante medição efetuada por operadores de diferentes laboratórios metrológicos, com incerteza variável), quer do âmbito dos laboratórios de ensaio. Os ensaios de Comparação Interlaboratorial realizados por laboratórios de ensaio, constituem uma ferramenta de garantia da Qualidade e são utilizados para a validação de métodos de ensaio (incerteza e robustez) e como um meio para a determinação das características de desempenho dos laboratórios, nomeadamente da reprodutibilidade e da repetibilidade. Nesta publicação faz-se uma descrição dos vários parâmetros que devem ser determinados em ensaios interlaboratoriais do tipo “Intercomparações com valor de consenso” e respetivos métodos de cálculo. A estatística aqui apresentada pode, numa boa parte dos casos, ser também aplicada à análise de resultados de medições experimentais correntes.

The main purpose of this Paper is to present a state of the art about weathering and polymer degradation. This review was presented during a training course promoted by the 5th European Weathering Symposium EWS (XXVIIth Colloquium of Danubian Countries on Natural and Artificial Ageing of Polymers), which was held in Lisbon on September 21 - 23, 2011, organised on behalf of CEEES (Confederation of European Environmental Engineering Societies) by the German Management Society for Environmental Engineering GUS (Gesellschaft für Umweltsimulation e.V.) and supported by SOPSAR (Sociedade Portuguesa de Simulação Ambiental e de Avaliação de Riscos), APIP (Associação Portuguesa da Indústria de Plásticos) and LNEC (Laboratório Nacional de Engenharia Civil). The main topics of this review are the weathering of polymers and composites, the determination, simulation and effects of relevant climatic quantities, innovative polymer additives, new test procedures and devices, instrumental methods of analysis to evaluate polymer degradation, recent developments in polymeric materials and composites designed for outdoor applications and methods for service-life prediction.

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