Ignacio Marcos

Textile-Reinforced Mortar as Strengthening Material for Masonry Arches

Masonry arches are an important part of built heritage that must be preserved. Research and advanced studies of historical masonry structures have progressed slowly in comparison to studies on structures made of other materials (e.g., concrete, steel), resulting in a lack of knowledge and experience in this field. This research evaluates the effectiveness of basalt textile-reinforced mortar (BTRM) as a compatible strengthening composite material for stone masonry arches, providing researchers with further quantitative data. To do so, 11 masonry arches were constructed, strengthened with different layouts, and tested. Furthermore, the BTRM was characterized by testing its constituent materials and the composite material. Once analyzed and compared with other studies, the results showed that BTRM is a promising solution for strengthening stone masonry arches. It is easy to apply, compatible and gives the original structures greater mechanical properties, in terms of ultimate load and deformation capacity.

Early Concrete Structures: Patented Systems and Construction Features

ABSTRACT Reinforced concrete structures came to Spain in the late-19th century, somewhat after the development of this new construction material elsewhere in Europe. Their introduction was pioneered in industrialized areas, especially Northern Spain, under systems first patented in other European countries. Local constructors built structures under patents with little or no explanations to account for calculation, design, and construction technique. Some of these buildings from the recent past are now listed buildings. This study centres on three construction projects under patented systems: Our Lady of “La Antigua”, Orduña (Monier system), “La Ceres” flour mill, Bilbao (Hennebique system), and Alhóndiga, Bilbao (Blanc system). Preliminary structural studies analyzed morphology, reinforcements, concrete strength and pathological processes in each structure. Their results are compared with information taken from the patent systems in use at the time. This useful information on the structures, which may be expanded in future research, clearly describes the relationship between patent specifications and reality.

Performance of Hydraulic Mixes Manufactured with Electric Arc Furnace Slag Aggregates

Electric arc furnace slag (EAFS) has for many years simply been dumped in landfill sites; over the past few decades many researchers have investigated its reuse in cement mortar and concrete. By doing so, a waste product may be converted into a useful material with added value as a substitute for natural resources, the consumption of which is also minimized. Hydraulic mixes manufactured with EAFS normally have similar or even better hardened properties than mixes manufactured with natural aggregates. One disadvantage in the use of EAFS has been the poorer workability of the mixes, due to its higher density, porosity and water absorption levels. In this research, different EAFS mixes are manufactured and their properties in the fresh and the hardened state are closely analyzed; the results were very promising. The aim of this research is to demonstrate that EAFS concrete can achieve an acceptable workability at the correct dosages.

MANAGEMENT AND ASSESSMENT OF HERITAGE BUILDINGS IN THE CITY OF HAVANA THROUGH THE PRIORITIZATION OF EMERGENCY ACTIONS

Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, in 1982, the Historical Center of Havana, occupying an area of 2.14 km, has 3,510 buildings, many of which now severely dilapidated. In fact, the Historical Center is in need of preferential action, due to the severity of the deterioration of its buildings. The situation is continually worsened following each hurricane season, and their accompanying tropical storms that have caused irreparable damage to buildings over the years. After a careful inspection of the heritage buildings of the Historical Center, it was possible to identify those in danger of imminent collapse and those with a useful life that could be prolonged through the implementation of the necessary emergency actions. In response to both challenges, a multi-criterion instrument based on the MIVES system was applied, with the purpose of prioritizing in an objective and justifiable way the necessary repairs and degrees of intervention. This instrument is based on requirements, criteria and indicators, all of which are selected, analysed and approved by a specially appointed panel of experts that quantifies all the factors in the value chain.