Presentation
Presentation
João Pereira Custódio
Head of Unit
The Cementitious Materials Unit (NMC), with its current scope, continues and extends the competences of the former Units that have developed activities with cement-based materials since the creation of LNEC.
The NMC has been assigned competencies concerning materials based on hydraulic cements, such as concretes, mortars, and grouts, along with their constituents, particularly inorganic binders and products made from them. In its activities, the NMC promotes the circularity and decarbonisation of these materials to reduce the use of natural resources and the associated CO2 emissions.
For the development of its activities, the NMC has a multidisciplinary team comprising scientific research staff and technicians specialised in their fields. It possesses a wide range of laboratory facilities and analysis techniques that enable physical, chemical, mechanical, and rheological characterisation, as well as the assessment of the performance and durability of materials, including diagnosing the causes of anomalies observed in constructions.
Activity
The Cementitious Materials Unit (NMC) carries out R&D&I and support activities for the construction sector, to contribute to the circular and sustainable use of these materials.
The activities carried out include:
- Special concretes.
- Inspection of concrete structures.
- Durability of concrete.
- Prevention of internal expansive reactions (AAR and ISR).
- Reuse of building materials and recycling of waste.
- Tests and certification under the CE marking of cements and additions.
- Characterization and conservation of architectural ceramics (tiles).
- Technical assessment of products.
- Participation in Scientific and Technical Committees.
Various Research Projects are underway at the NMC as part of LNEC's Research and Innovation Strategy (E2I) for the 2022-2027 period.
Within the scope of the implementation of its activities, the NMC comprises two Operating Units:
Concrete and Cement Laboratory / Physical Testing
Concrete and Cement Laboratory / Chemical Testing
The tests carried out by these laboratories and their costs are displayed here.