📍 Department of Engineering “Enzo Ferrari”, UNIMORE, Modena, Italy | Room P0.5 (ex FA-0D) | April 03, 2025 | 10:00 – 11:00
Abstract: Structural protection has a critical role to play in an era where the eff ects of climate change and warfare are unfortunately impacting our built environment and raising critical safety concerns. Innovative materials and technologies are at the forefront of structural protection, with the dual purpose of maintaining structural integrity while ensuring and prolonging the serviceability of existing buildings and critical infrastructure. The ongoing, albeit slow, epocal transition from metallic to non-metallic reinforcement in cement-based materials has marked a fundamental turning point in our view of traditional durability concepts. In fact, while thinking of steel reinforcement is immediately associated with corrosion protection, and thus the preservation of the highly alkaline environment of Portland cement, the use of synthetic fi bres, bars and textiles is opening up avenues towards more sustainable alternatives for new blended binders with reduced pH, thus contributing to the reduction of global greenhouse gas emissions. More remarkably, normally undesirable phenomena that reduce the alkalinity of cement binders, such as carbonation, turn out to be a promising curing strategy to improve the durability of the composite. The focus of this presentation is on the performance and durability based design of green Fibre Reinforced Cementitious Composites (FRCCs) with extremely high toughness, including low emission blended binders with up to 75% cement substitution and low grade recyclable synthetic fi bres. We will learn how carbonation could become a valuable ally in the long-term preservation of the mechanical properties of such FRCCs.
📍 Modena, Italy | February 20-21, 2025
The PRIN Mid-Term Meeting was successfully held on February 20-21, 2025, in Modena, Italy. Hosted by Prof. Andrea Nobili at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, this event brought together leading researchers and experts to discuss ongoing advancements in the mechanics of complex materials.
As part of this meeting, multiple PRIN-funded projects came together to share updates on their research progress, exchange ideas, and explore future directions in the field. The meeting welcomed 42 participants from across 16 national institutions, fostering interdisciplinary discussions on cutting-edge methodologies and applications in sustainable composite materials, soft matter mechanics, and bio-inspired structures.
This collaborative platform provided valuable insights into the current challenges, innovations, and future perspectives in the Italian scientific community. We extend our gratitude to all participants and look forward to continued collaboration in pushing the boundaries of material science and mechanics.
📍 Perugia, Italy | April 11-12, 2024
The XXIV National Congress CIRIAF was successfully held on April 11-12, 2024, in Perugia, Italy.
