Calls for papers

 

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology

 

Special Issue on: "Novelty Developments in Materials and Technologies in the Multidimensional Construction Sector"

Guest Editor: Dr. José T. San-José, LABEIN-Tecnalia R&D Center, Spain

This special issue addresses topics of interest to all industrialists and researchers concerned with innovative materials and technologies in the construction industry. The multidimensional approach to the construction sector will be undertaken through the study of the materials performance, the analysis of new strengthening techniques of decayed structures, the sustainable value application methodologies in construction sector, the re-use and valorisation of industrial by-products such us raw materials in construction (mainly in concrete) and the structural analysis of structures.

As stated in the Materials Focus Area of the ECTP (European Construction Technology Platform), for any kind of construction building, materials (concrete, stone, polymers, composites, etc.) are needed. The total amount of materials required for construction purposes in Europe exceeds 2 billion tonnes per year, making it the largest raw material consuming industry. The materials form an essential part of the buildings we live and work in; the roads, in bridges and tunnels we use to move around and in the networks of drinking and waste water etc. Materials, and their combinations, create the aesthetic expression and provide structural strength and durability to all buildings and structures.

Construction materials have an important role to play in sustainable development through their energy performance and durability, as this determines the energy demand of buildings through the lifetime. By developing the use of materials and their combinations, significant improvements of the environment and quality of life can be achieved. Any strategy to achieve economic, ecologic and social objectives within Europe must include measures to improve functionality, durability and efficiency of materials used for construction.

New technologies and analytical techniques offer a wide spectrum of opportunities for further improvements. One main obstacle hindering an efficient development of knowledge is the fragmentation of research activities, both on industrial and academic level. Improved coordination of RTD activities and networking between all interest groups therefore offers huge potential to gain speed in the development of fundamental understanding, thus enabling breakthrough innovations.

This special issue invites the submission of high quality research papers related to analytical and experimental topics of traditional and modern construction materials (stone, cement, composites, etc.), their application to main typologies of structures (masonry, concrete, etc.) and their agreement with sustainable requisites.

Subject Coverage
Suitable topics include, but are not limited to, the following aspects:

• Study of the materials performance: mechanical and durability behaviour
• Construction advanced materials and technologies
• Construction materials selection
• New strengthening solutions in concrete and masonry elements
• The sustainable value analysis methodologies in construction materials and structures
• Re-use and valorisation of industrial by-products such us raw materials in construction sector, mainly in cement, mortar and concrete
• Structural analysis
• Structural safety
• Innovative approaches in concrete strengthening with fibre reinforced polymers
• Textile reinforced mortars in masonry and concrete refurbishment structures
• Graffiti protection in stone structures
• Strengthening of structures with reinforced micro-concrete layers
• Strengthening of structures with steel expanded mesh
• Strengthening of rubble and ordered stone masonry
• Static and dynamic responses of masonry and concrete structures

Notes for Prospective Authors

Submitted papers should not have been previously published nor be currently under consideration for publication elsewhere

All papers are refereed through a peer review process. A guide for authors, sample copies and other relevant information for submitting papers are available on the Author Guidelines page

Important Dates

Deadline for authors to submit the first draft of their papers: 1 December 2008

Refereeing process and to inform authors about any changes requested by referees: 1 February 2009

Authors to resubmit the final manuscript, incorporating any changes requested by referees: 1 May 2009