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The use of adhesives to produce assembled structural joints in the building industry is increasing, particularly in the context of on-site rehabilitation of timber structures. On their own or together with steel or fibre reinforced polymer composite connecting materials, adhesives can provide low intrusive, fast, versatileand effective on-site repair or reinforcement interventions to timber structures. Most common applicationsinvolve sealing and repair of cracks, drying fissures and delamination of glued laminated members; replacement of decayed beam ends; strengthening of timber members; and repair and strengthening of mechanical timber joints. The performance of bonded joints highly depends on their design and detailing, surfaces preparation, selection and application of adhesives, and full compliance with their cure schedule. Therefore, the work should be carried out by well-informed, trained and certified operators following a QualityAssurance Program to ensure satisfactory end-product strength and durability.Despite some recent developments, the exploitation of the full potential for on-site bonded joints is mainlyrestrained at present by the lack of structural design guidance, standards for durability assessment and onsiteacceptance testing.This article discusses briefly the use of adhesives on the construction site in the context of structural repair and reinforcement; the requirements and practical difficulties in the work on site with regards to the strength and durability of the rehabilitated timber structure; and the consequent need for quality control. It also highlights the characteristics and requirements that must be fulfilled by structural adhesives and reinforcingmaterials; factors affecting performance and durability of bonded joints; and ways to improve adhesion and durability. Finally, it points out some research needs and future developments identified by the authors.© Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, 2010

The use of adhesives to produce assembled structural joints in the building industry is increasing, particularlyin the context of on-site rehabilitation of timber structures. On their own or together with steel orfibre reinforced polymer composite connecting materials, adhesives can provide low intrusive, fast, versatileand effective on-site repair or reinforcement interventions to timber structures. Most common applicationsinvolve sealing and repair of cracks, drying fissures and delamination of glued laminated members; replacementof decayed beam ends; strengthening of timber members; and repair and strengthening of mechanicaltimber joints. The performance of bonded joints highly depends on their design and detailing, surfacespreparation, selection and application of adhesives, and full compliance with their cure schedule. Therefore,the work should be carried out by well-informed, trained and certified operators following a QualityAssurance Program to ensure satisfactory end-product strength and durability.Despite some recent developments, the exploitation of the full potential for on-site bonded joints is mainlyrestrained at present by the lack of structural design guidance, standards for durability assessment and onsiteacceptance testing.This article discusses briefly the use of adhesives on the construction site in the context of structural repairand reinforcement; the requirements and practical difficulties in the work on site with regards to the strengthand durability of the rehabilitated timber structure; and the consequent need for quality control. It alsohighlights the characteristics and requirements that must be fulfilled by structural adhesives and reinforcingmaterials; factors affecting performance and durability of bonded joints; and ways to improve adhesion anddurability. Finally, it points out some research needs and future developments identified by the authors.

In recent years an increased shift in the geographical range of species has been documented, which coincides with globalwarming. On the Portuguese coast the raising of sea-surface temperatures and salinity has also been affecting the intertidal species range. The aim of the present study was to assess changes in the wood boring community present in the Tagus Estuary by comparing data from present surveys with historical records from the 1960s and 1970s. A shift in the activity of wood boring species was observed in the Tagus Estuary. In recent surveys, the main agents of wood destruction in the Tagus were Limnoria tripunctata and Limnoria quadripunctata. In the 1960s and 1970s only L. tripunctata was reported as occurring in the Tagus estuary but it was not considered at threat to wooden structures exposed in the sea. The present predominance of limnoriids in the Tagus might be related to several factors but possibly the most important was the increase in salinity in the area, as limnoriids appear to be restricted to waters with salinities closed to that of seawater. The teredinid species also changed in the area. In the 1960s and 1970s Teredo navalis was reported as the only teredinid species occurring in the Tagus. In recent surveys however, this species was not found, instead two other teredinid species were present Lyrodus pedicellatus and Nototeredo norvagica. The absence of T. navalis in recent surveys might be related to competition with L. pedicellatus.

As concerns for the quality and durability of buildings are grow¬ing. solutions are needed to increase the likelihood of being able to preserve the physical and mechanical integrity of constructions. and this is more demanding when the building has historical value (1).Conspicuous among the anomalies currently most observed in buildings' timber structures are those caused by xylotrophic organ¬isms such as rot fungi and subterranean termites. as well as dry¬wood termites and woodworms, The first two occur in timber with high moisture content and the second two in dry timber Keeping timber in a good state of preservation and remediate an infection 01' infestation both normally require the use of chemical compounds [2], Treating the wood or using treated wood not only helps homeowners save money but also conserves forests (3.4], Details of these treatment products should nevertheless be duly noted after applicationUntil the early 1990s the use of CCA (chromated copper arse¬nate) compounds and active substances such as pentachlorophe¬nol. copper, tin or lindane applied in organic solvents (LOSP) was generalized [2-41. Although some of these formulations were very efficient at extending the life of wood. the health hazard to workers and the risk of environmental impact on the soil and landscape has to be seriously considered [3.4]. In the last few decades severerestrictions were therefore imposed on the use of many of the sub¬stances mentioned above in Europe [51. and in the USA where for instance, CCA was phased out of all new residential uses. from Jan¬uary 2004 [61,Some traditional products based on established practices are also in general use, They include linseed oil, a good water repellent finishing, and used motor oil. which is often applied (particularly in Portugal) in the preventive treatment of wood. though with very arguable effectiveness.Present day maintenance or rehabilitation interventions in old buildings will necessarily lead to the use of newer and more envi¬ronmentally benign products on existing timber (Fig. 1). However, the effectiveness of curative/preventive measures is often impaired by the presence of previous treatments or finishes, not always well documented and difficult to characterize.In this context. there is a need for a penetration test that would allow swift evaluation whether a particular new wood preserva¬tive eao be used, The test should also be of minimum disturbance to the structure under rehabilitation,

A preferência por Pinho bravo "resinado" / "não resinado" é ainda frequentemente expressa em Cadernos de Encargos. No entanto, as consequências para a qualidade da madeira de Pinheiro bravo (Pinus pinaster Ait.) resultantes da práctica de resinagem à vida (extracção moderada de resina, ao longo de muitos anos) têm sido alvo de discussão, não havendo consenso quanto à vantagem de um ou outro tipo de madeira. Tanto se assiste à preferência por madeira resinada, acreditando que o afluxo de resina aumenta a sua durabilidade, como à preferência por madeira não resinada baseada na sua hipotética maior resistência mecânica. Os conceitos "madeira seca" e "madeira tratada" correspondem a dois parâmetros distintos da especificação de uma madeira e não podem ser confundidos. A secagem da madeira pretende sobretudo minimizar a variação dimensional dos elementos após aplicação em obra, enquanto o tratamento (preservação) da madeira corresponde à introdução na madeira de um produto preservador destinado a conferir-lhe durabilidade adequada face ao risco de ataque de agentes biológicos.

Na reabilitação de edificios antigos surge muitas vezes a necessidade de empregar madeira semelhante à original, de forma a minimizar o impacto da intervenção. Esta preocupação leva à especificação de madeira pela respectiva designação comercial, por se associar a essa designação um conjunto de características [estéticas, mecãnicas e de durabilidade) "garantidas".O resultado nem sempre é satisfatório de. vida,I) à qualidade [defeitos e característicasestruturais) variar entre lotes oriundos de diferentes localizaçóes geográficas com condições de crescimento distintas [Figura I) e mesmo dentro de um dado lote de madeira;2) à mesma designação comercial abranger um conjunto de material, por vezes muito diversificado.

Occurrence of the West Indian drywood termite, Cryptotermes brevis, isregistered for the first time as established populations in Barcelona (Spain) and also additional information is given regarding a recent record from Lisbon (Portugal). This serious invasive termite pest wasdetected in five buildings in Barcelona, Spain and one building in Lisbon,Portugal.

A passagem do furacão Katrina pelo Golfo do México em 29 de Agosto de 2005 e os seus efeitos devastadores na costa sul dos Estados Unidos, em termos humanos e materiais, estão ainda bem presentes no terreno e na nossa memória colectiva.Este furacão foi dos mais fortes a atingir a costa dos Estados Unidos da América nos últimos 100 anos. Atingiu os estados de Luisiana, Alabama e Mississípi, sendo a inundação de cerca de 80% da cidade de New Orleans, em consequência da falha do sistema de diques que deveriam proteger a sua área metropolitana das águas do lago Pontchartrain, a face mais visivel da destruição causada.As inundações, os ventos fortes [superiores a 140mph, cerca de 22Skm/h] que lhe garantiram a classificação de furacão de grau 4 ao atingir a costa dos EUA, a chuva intensa e os detritos transportados pelo furacão destruíram ou tornaram inabitáveis mais de 300.000 casas na região costeira do Golfo.Os prejuízos estimados ascenderam a 96 mil milhões de dólares, com mais de 1800 mortos, 1,1 milhões de pessoas evacuadas e 770.000 deslocadas.Fora das zonas inundadas, o vento, a chuva e os detritos lançados pelo vento causaram extensos danos nas construções, entre elas um grande número de edifícios aligeirados com estrutura de madeira, que correspondem ao sistema de construção corrente de edifícios unifamiliares realizados muitas vezes em regime de auto-construção.Sem pôr em causa a extrema violência da tempestade, a destruição verifica da pareceu no entanto algo desproporcionada, suscitando em alguns meios considerações menos abonatórias relativamente às casas de madeira.A análise dos danos infligidos a estas casas e respectivos pormenores construtivos permitiria no entanto concluir que a devastação se deveu em grande medida a deficiências sistemáticas presentes nos edifícios, relevantes para a sua resistência ao vento, e que esta teria sido muito minimizada se a construção tivesse seguido os princípios e normas regulamentares de dimensionamento e de construção vigentes.Um estudo recentemente apresentado por Gopu e Levitan [1] sistematiza os danos so¬fridos durante o furacão pelas construções aligeiradas com estrutura de madeira e identifica as deficiências mais frequentemente encontradas nestes edifícios. Aponta ainda as principais lições a retirar e algumas medidas que poderiam ter evitado, e permitirão evitar de futuro, semelhantes níveis de destruição.O texto que se segue procura transcrever, no essencial, os resultados do estudo apresenta¬do por esses autores.

A especificação da madeira para a construção assenta ainda hoje, muitas vezes, em critérios pouco objectivos, de difícil verificação e reduzida eficácia.Algumas especificações

This article presents a nonlinear finite element model developed to simulate the load-deformation behavior of wood joints when loaded by a dowel-type fastener. Particular attention was paid to the initialload-deformation behavior that had a significant influence on the joint stiffness, a joint property with a largeinfluence on the mechanical behavior of wood-based composite structures connected with semirigid joints.To obtain accurate predictions of joint deformation, the material models available in the literature were adapted and nonlinear deformations were taken into consideration during very early loading. The proposedmodel precisely describes the embedding behavior of different wood species and densities. Numerical results compared very well with those obtained in experiments. Based on this analysis, the recommendation is to obtain the material model inputs based on design values available in the literature.

Bridge falsework systems, in particular those constituted by proprietary modular framed systems of metallic elements connected by special couplers are frequently used in structural engineering works. The popular Cuplok® system was chosen for this study. A total of 192 tests were carried out divided in four types of joints. For each type of joint, several pa-rameters, critical to define the joints

The fire performance of timber structures is largely influenced by the behaviour of theconnections. Current structural fire design rules for timber connections, according toEN 1995-1-2 [1], are based on a limited number of tests and are only valid for fire resistances up to 30 minutes, for unprotected bolted or dowelled (with d < 12 mm) connections with side member of wood. Improving the fire resistance of timber connections has been the goal of several studies [2

The fire performance of timber structures is largely influenced by the behaviour of theconnections. Current structural fire design rules for timber connections, according toEN 1995-1-2 [1], are based on a limited number of tests and are only valid for fire resistances up to 30 minutes, for unprotected bolted or dowelled (with d < 12 mm) connections with sidemember of wood.Improving the fire resistance of timber connections has been the goal of several studies [2

Survey of existing timber structures often includes the need to allocate mechanical properties to structural timber members. This task has to take into account the huge variability of timber's properties (within and between species), characteristic that differentiates this material from other structural materials (e.g. concrete and steel). For many decades, and still now, the application of visual strenght standards is the main or only procedure used for this task. despite the large number of other non and semi-destructive technique developed their regular application to in situ assesment of timber's mechanical properties is still almost non-existent. The present paper discusses possible ways to use and combine information from visual grading standards and non and semi-destructive techniques to predict the reference properties of timber members in service. The discussion has in mind studies conducted over the last years and the information provided by different guidelines, standards or papers recently published.

Historical centers are important elements of our cities, representing their historyand evolution. Many cities are facing the problem of having several vacant and degraded buildings needing intervention to avoid collapses. Also several examples of unforeseen events, like earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, etc., have severely damaged important historical cities. Beyondthe risk of losing built heritage, these buildings represent public danger for citizens. Thus, in post-disaster scenarios it is urgent to protect historical buildings in order to prevent the propagationof damages.This paper presents a first efficiency assessment of using wood based systems in buildings needing urgent consolidation or damaged after disasters. Being light, easy to handle and install, as well as providing the sufficient load carrying to prevent the evolution of the damage and losses, wood and wood-based elements can be associated in different arrangements providingquick construction systems for the consolidation of damaged constructions.

This paper presents the laboratory work performed with the purpose of understanding the mechanical performance of 340x20x20 mm maritime pine wood samples degraded by rot fungi when treated with a biocide product followed by consolidation through impregnation with a polymeric product.Four commercially available products were used: a water-based biocide, BC, a solvent-based biocide, X, an acrylic consolidant, PB (PB 72), and an epoxy-based consolidant, E. Seven sets of specimens each one having a varied range of fungal degradation were prepared. Thenthe product combinations were applied by brush to six sets of specimens (E, X-E, BC-E, PB, X-PB, BC-PB) of which one was left untreated for control, 0-0. Finally all sets were subjected to static bending strength test until rupture. Results showed that the acrylic and epoxy-based products lead to increased mechanical capacity ofthe consolidated wood up to 100% in some cases in specimens with 70% of MOE loss. The results presented the same order of magnitude for both wood consolidants. The previous application of biocide did not have a significant impact in the behavioral pattern of the consolidant: a markedimprovement of the bending strength of the degraded specimens after treatment and consolidation. These results demonstrated the feasibility of combining biocide/consolidation products, and provideindications of interest to the application of this technique to extend the lifespan of wood elements moderately degraded by fungi in old buildings.

A parafina tem sido utilizada ao longo dos tempos como proteção superficial da madeira. A sua utilização por impregnação para melhorar a resistência à biodegradação é recente. Pretendeu-se com este estudo determinar a eventual melhoria das principais propriedades mecânicas da madeira com este tratamento. A madeira utilizada nos testes foi madeira sã de Pinus pinaster Ait. A madeira foi impregnada com parafina a diferentes níveis, usando um processo de quente-frio, partindo de madeira húmida e seca, com 2 h em banho quente a 160oC e 10 ou 30 min em banho a 60oC. O ganho de massa, a tensão de rotura à flexão e o módulo aparente de elasticidade (MOE) num ensaio a 3 pontos e a dureza Jankja foram determinados com recurso a uma máquina de testes universal. Como esperado, a madeira húmida absorveu mais parafina com ganhos de massa entre 72% e 100%. A madeira seca apresentou ganhos de massa entre 46% e 51%. A tensão de rotura à flexão aumentou com o aumento de massa de parafina, atingindo um acréscimo de 39% em relação àa madeira não tratada para a madeira com um ganho de massa próximo de 80%. Em relação aoMOE, houve também um aumento, embora menor, atingindo cerca de 13% para ganho de massa de cerca de 80%. Verificou-se um aumento da dureza Janka com oganho de massa, atingindo cerca de 40% de aumento para a madeira com 80% de ganho de massa. Cnclui-se que a impregnação com parafina não deve ser feita com madeira completamente seca, além do conhecido aumento de resistência à biodegradação, esta impregnação melhora também várias propriedades mecânicas da madeira como a sua resistência à flexão e dureza, o que lhe pode atribuir um maior valor acrescentado

Apresenta-se uma proposta de investigação para o desenvolvimento de uma metodologia de apoio ao projecto de arquitectura de habitação em madeira. A construção em madeira vem assumindo uma importância crescente face aos desafios actuais. A sua utilização pode contribuir para a redução dos impactes ambientais da construção ao nível do consumo de energia, da emissão de gases com efeitos de estufa e da produção deresíduos. Em alguns países, a tradição consolidada proporciona uma aceitação generalizada da construção em madeira para habitação. Nos últimos anos, várias empresas nacionais do sector da construção em madeiradesenvolveram um leque variado de soluções de habitação unifamiliar. Esta é uma tipologia com uma procura significativa em Portugal. No entanto, o abrandamento da economia nacional e a consequente redução daprocura obrigou já algumas empresas de construção e projecto a procurarem novos mercados. Os países do espaço Lusófono são parceiros naturais na troca de experiências e conhecimento pelo que podem serdestinatários privilegiados de soluções, tanto ao nível da construção como ao nível do projecto. Em Portugal, apesar do avanço dos últimos anos, a construção em madeira estrutural para habitação é um domínio reservado ainda a uma minoria de especialistas, projectistas e construtores. O papel do arquitecto no primeiro contactocom o cliente, na definição do programa base e nas primeiras opções construtivas ao nível de projecto é de extrema importância. Grande parte das escolhas iniciais determina o desenvolvimento posterior do projecto e amaior ou menor adequação da obra aos dados do programa e do contexto. Neste sentido considera-se importante desenvolver uma metodologia de apoio ao projecto de arquitectura. Esta metodologia visa informar os arquitectos sobre as decisões cruciais a tomar em projecto, em função dos sistemas de construção disponíveis e da singularidade de cada situação. Assim, apresenta-se neste artigo o quadro teórico de uma metodologia deapoio ao projecto de arquitectura, a desenvolver e concretizar num estudo em curso.

A round robin involving 15 European participants was set up in 2006. The round robin consists of both a field test according to the double layer test method and a laboratory test with two different preconditioning methods. When comparing EN 84 preconditioning (two weeks water leaching with natural preconditioning (1 year in field, above ground) according to CEN/TS 15397, no significant difference could be noted for untreated controls, thermally modified wood or CCA impregnated wood. However, for wood treated with a metal-free organic preservative, a clear difference could be seen where much of the efficacy seen after EN 84 preconditioning is lost when natural preconditioning is used instead. In the field tests, the control pine performs similar in all fields whereas both thermally modified and preservative treated wood performs much better in the Nordic fields than in the Mid- and Southern European fields. The thermally modified wood performs almost as poor as the controls in the Southern European fields, whereas the organic preservative treated wood performs well in these fields. In the six Mid-European fields, the organic preservative treated and thermally modified wood performs equally poor but much better than the controls. The best compliance between field performance and laboratory test results is obtained when comparing the average results from the field tests with results from EN 113 tests with Postia placenta after natural preconditioning according to CEN/TS 15397.

Timber is one of the most used materials in the roofs and floors of monumentalconstructions in Portugal. The geometry is defined by elements that occupy a limited and well defined part of the tri-dimensional space, with a clear evidence of the hierarchy of the components.Timber elements are often visible, which allows easier conservation, identification of the wood species, characterization of details and evaluation of deterioration.Complex timber structures, such as those belonging to the roofs of large monuments, are often not easy to understand in a expedite way. As the coverings of monuments as cathedrals, public buildings, mansions or villas show very complicate features, not easy to be understood during thefirst inspection. This is not only due to the fact that the system is very elaborate and to the large number of members but also due to continuous changes and repair past works, mostly with additional stiffening or propping. The typical result of the history of the construction is the increasein the number and the heterogeneity of the members, together with a multiplicity of connections and diversity of supports. This means that the original must be distinguished from the additions and thereplacements. This complexity makes the field of conservation of historical timber structures not only a challenge but a field much in need of modern research.The objective of this paper is to present some of the Portuguese experience in this field, showing how the rehabilitation solutions can be supported by the inspection techniques and by an extensiveknowledge about the constituent material from which the structure was made, both from the mechanical point of view and from the physical point of view. A number of case studies will be presented to illustrate common conservation problems, and design problems as well as the possibilities and limitations of several solutions and to discuss the suitability of several intervention methods.

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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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