Técnico

Universidade de Lisboa

PATENTS AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

A substantial part of the research activities developed at CERIS aim at improving/developing innovative products that can be applied by the construction industry, improving its competitiveness. This was achieved, along the past years, with many funded research projects involving CERIS and construction companies. From these partnerships, new Products or Prototypes, New Materials, Patents, Software Solutions, Special Testing Techniques and Expert studies were developed and implemented in private and public works. The following works illustrate the strong collaboration between CERIS and the construction Industry: i) products and prototypes; ii) development of materials; iii) software solutions; special experimental tests; expert studies; and patents.

Products and prototypes

Product Description: Faecal sludge drying bed pilot installation at Tete, Mozambique.

Application: Improving faecal sludge management (sludge dewatering and stabilization) in developing countries.

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

CERIS contacts: José Saldanha Matos; Filipa Ferreira; Osvaldo Moiambo.

Product Description: Calculation Model and Thresholds of the LiderA Sustainable System – Version 4.

Application: The LiderA system support the built environment in the search for an integrated sustainability and resilience in all life cycle phase. Has been applied to plans, projects, construction, and operation, from supporting the selection and solutions design and also to certify.

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

CERIS contacts: Manuel Duarte Pinheiro.

Product Description: MOOV DOCK – Mobile ports – an innovative solution for transporting grain.

Application: A solution to increase the volume transported by river, through the creation of mobile ports that can be built without major environmental interventions and that can be used in various parts of the central region of the country, always seeking better areas of navigability and with very low construction, operation, and maintenance costs.

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

CERIS contacts: João Casagrande; Fernando Branco; António Trigo Teixeira.

Product Description: DECIdE The prototype platform for infrastructure asset management tailored to Portuguese water utilities: conceptualization and demonstration.

This platform aims to integrate different data from the water utilities with several information systems and assess the system performance in terms of water losses, energy efficiency, and quality of service by using developed tools (i.e., water and energy balances and key performance indicators). This platform was tested with data from five small to medium size Portuguese water utilities with different maturity levels in terms of technological and human resources. Obtained have demonstrated that the platform allows for periodically assessing the system’s performance, which constitutes an important part of the infrastructure asset management for small and medium-sized water utilities.

Application: Infrastructure asset management of urban water systems operated by water utilities of lower digital maturity levels.

Research partners: CERIS/IST; INCITE; CICE; CINEA.

CERIS contacts: Dídia Covas; Marta Cabral.

Product Description: Innovative solution for separating concrete constituents – international patent – supplying the construction industry with two high-value sustainable products with similar technical performance to conventional materials: Recycled cement; High-quality recycled aggregate – towards a new generation of green cement-based building products.

Application: Construction and demolition waste (CDW) valorization: Production of recycled cement – reactive supplementary cementitious material for cement replacement (https://cdwvalue.eu/recycled-cement); Production of cleaner recycled aggregate (https://cdwvalue.eu/recycled-sand https://cdwvalue.eu/); Breakthrough development of new green building products (https://cdwvalue.eu/).

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

CERIS contacts: José Alexandre Bogas.

Product Description: Fire protection systems for GFRP-sandwich panels used to rehabilitate building floors.

Application: Fire projection of structural members used to rehabilitate building floors.

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

CERIS contacts: Pietro Mazzuca; João Pedro Firmo; João Ramôa Correia.

Product Description: BioLam – Bio-based carbon fiber laminates for structural strengthening and rehabilitation.

Application: Bio-based polymer resin system for the replacement of the current petroleum oil-based resins and their application in the manufacturing of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates for structural strengthening in Civil Engineering, with comparable structural performance to the existing solutions, less expensive, better fire behavior and superior environmental sustainability.

Research partners: CERIS/IST; CERENA/IST; S&P Clever Reinforcement Ibérica Lda.

CERIS contacts: João Ramôa Correia; Mário Garrido.

Product Description: EasyFloor – Modular sandwich panel floor system for rehabilitating building floors.

Application: Rehabilitation of building floors; footbridge decks.

Research partners: CERIS/IST; Universidade do Minho; ALTO, Perfis Pultrudidos Lda.

CERIS contacts: João Ramôa Correia; Mário Garrido.

Product Description: Concrete based on alkali-activated aluminosilicate industrial wastes as the sole binder and further enhanced mechanically via an accelerated carbonation curing stage.

Application: Concrete blocks for pavement construction.

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

CERIS contacts: Rui Vasco Silva; António Duarte.

Product Description: Prototype of a 2-story 3D frame structure comprising I-shaped pultruded profiles and ductile beam-to-column connections. The prototype has been tested to the full stroke of LERM’s shaking table, showing ductility and re-centering capacity.

Application: The prototype can be subjected to different seismic actions in the shaking table of the LERM. It can study structural dynamics, including the effects of bracing systems and load positioning.

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

CERIS contacts: José Gonilha; David Martins; João Ramôa Correia.

Product Description: Pilot demonstrations for energy recovery in the water sector.

Application: Energy recovery in irrigation systems, drinking systems, agro-tourism, and mine industry

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

CERIS contacts: Helena Ramos.

Product Description: Modular Ultra-Thin Concrete Shells.

Application: Modular ultra-Thin concrete shells for permanent or temporary assembled structures. Prefabricated shells produced with UHPC concrete to achieve ultra-reduced thicknesses. Shells are produced in independent modules to facilitate transport and assembly in a few hours. For temporary structures shells disassembly is also possible. Limitless applications are possible for these structures, especially if multiple combinations are used.

Research partners: CERIS/IST, FCT-NOVA, FCT-UC, IPL, ISEC, SPRAL.

CERIS contacts: Eduardo Cavaco, Ana Tomé, Eduardo Júlio.

Product Description: Structural hyper-resisting element for threatening earthquake risk (SHELTER).

Application: Shelter solution for apartments in buildings, such as houses, offices, etc. To develop a seismic shelter solution for apartments in buildings, considering the significant vulnerability of building stock in many countries in the world, including in various Portuguese regions.

Research partners: IST-ID, LNEC.

CERIS contacts: João Gomes Ferreira.

Product Description: Modular houses (AdaptHouse).

Application: Houses with different levels of expansion and comfort. To develop an innovative modular construction concept by integrating design, functionality, customization, ecoefficiency and adaptability features in one product which will go beyond what’s currently available in both national and international markets.

Research partners: CERIS/Coimbra.

CERIS contacts: António Tadeu.

Product Description: New heated eco-pools.

Application: Innovative heated pools with reduced thermal losses and integration of smart energy and water management systems. To develop solutions to minimize energy losses, mitigate water leaks, integrate renewable energy production and storage systems and control energy and water systems in a predictively and intelligently way will make a decisive contribution to its sustainability.

Research partners: CERIS/Coimbra, ITELMATIS Lda, Universidade do Algarve.

CERIS contacts: António Tadeu.

Product Description:Large Spans Flooring Steel Grid.

Application:Structural solution for a modular metal floor to bridge large spans (up to 15 m), with integrated technical infrastructures, featuring pre-assembled, configurable, and quickly installable components.

Research partners: CERIS/Coimbra, A400 – Projectistas e Consultores de Engenharia, Lda.

CERIS contacts: António Tadeu.

Product Description: Megasolar outdoor conversion platform.

Application: Outdoor conversion platform for the interface controlled, coordinated and optimised for the network of renewable sources and storage. To increase the competitiveness in the field of photovoltaic inverters, with the main focus on increasing the power of the equipment and introducing a modular approach, in order to sustain business growth in the segment of power plants above 50 MW and respond to a set of requirements more demanding in interconnection.

Research partners:CERIS/Coimbra, EFACEC – Engenharia e Sistemas, Universidade do Minho.

CERIS contacts: António Tadeu.

Product Description: Super energy efficient radiant floor systems.

Application: Current radiant floor systems. Innovative radiant floor system, constituting a substantial advance in the evolution of radiant water systems, both for heating and cooling environments.

Research partners: CERIS/Coimbra, IPV – Instituto Politécnico de Viseu.

CERIS contacts: António Tadeu.

Product Description: Smart roofs system.

Application: Advanced roofs waterproofing system. To develop an advanced roof waterproofing system with thermal reflectance capability.

Research partners:CERIS/Coimbra, Têxteis Penedo S.A., CITEVE – Centro Tecnológico das Indústrias Têxtil e do Vestuário de Portugal, CeNTI – Centro de Nanotecnologia e Materiais Técnicos Funcionais e Inteligentes.

CERIS contacts: Nuno Simões.

Product description: Pontalumis – 10.5 m span pedestrian bridge with GFRP beams and a fiber reinforced concrete slab.

Application: S. Silvestre Bridge in Ovar, Portugal, built in 2 hours.

Research partners: CERIS/IST; ALTO; UM.

CERIS contacts: José Gonilha; João Ramôa Correia; Fernando Branco.

Product description: Pontalumis – 10.5 m span pedestrian bridge with GFRP beams and a fiber reinforced concrete slab.

Application: S. Silvestre Bridge in Ovar, Portugal, built in 2 hours.

Research partners: CERIS/IST; ALTO; UM.

CERIS contacts: José Gonilha; João Ramôa Correia; Fernando Branco.

Product description: S. Mateus bridge – 13.3 m span pedestrian bridge, with steel girders and a GFRP multicellular deck.

Application: S. Mateus Bridge in Viseu, built in 1.5 days.

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

CERIS contacts: Mário Sá; Augusto Gomes; João Ramôa Correia; Nuno Silvestre.

Product description: REHAB-GFRP – Lightweight high-performance glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) sandwich panel produced by vacuum infusion.

Application: Rehabilitation of building floors.

Research partners: CERIS/IST; UM.

CERIS contacts: Mário Garrido; João Ramôa Correia; Fernando Branco.

Product description: Modular system for multi storey buildings.

Application: Collective Housing, Single Family, Hospitality or Commercial buildings – two single family buildings and a Hotel (two six storey buildings with a total gross area of 3,000 m2) have already been built.

Research partners: CERIS/IST; BMM; MSB arquitectos; BETAR.

CERIS contacts: António Sousa Gago; Jorge Proença.

Product description: Hi-Tech-Concrete-Design – Precast elements in advanced cementitious materials.

Application: Urban furniture in Lagoa das Sete Cidades, designed by Souto de Moura (Pritzker prize winner 2012).

Research partners: CERIS/IST; ISEC.

CERIS contacts: Eduardo Júlio.

Product description:Technical wall – Infrastructure wall for modular housing.

Application: Solution for public infrastructures to the auto-assisted housing construction program for the private sector.

Research partners: IST/CERIS; UM.

CERIS contacts: Miguel Amado; Tânia Lopes.

Product description: Constructed wetlands experimental facility – System to improve the design of constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment.

Application: Domestic wastewater treatment.

Research partners: IST/CERIS; SIMTEJO.

CERIS contacts: Ana Galvão; José Saldanha Matos.

Product description: Sludge drying beds experimental facility – System to improve design for sludge drying beds.

Application: Sludge drying beds planning, design and management.

Research partners: IST/CERIS.

CERIS contacts: Osvaldo Moiambo; Filipa Ferreira; José Saldanha Matos.

Product description: Low cost, low skilled monolithic wall building technology based on earth, air lime and reed, with light wood bracing.

Application: Building technology for small buildings – Experimental prototype.

Research partners: FCT NOVA; FRADICAL; CAS Studio; CERIS/IST.

CERIS contacts: Paulina Faria.

Product description: Behaviour of two typical stents towards a new stent evolution.

Application: Medical Engineering.

Research team: M. Simão; J. M. Ferreira; J. Mora-Rodriguez; J. Fragata; H. M. Ramos.

CERIS contacts: Helena Ramos.

Product description: System for identification of DVT diseases using numerical simulations.

Application: Diagnosis and understanding of the vein blockage induced by a deep venous thrombosis.

Research team: M. Simão; J. M. Ferreira; J. Mora‑Rodriguez; H. M. Ramos.

CERIS contacts: Helena Ramos.

Product description: System to model irrigation networks to quantify the potential energy recovery.

Application: Energy recovery in irrigation systems.

Research team: M. Pérez-Sánchez; F.J. Sánchez-Romero; H. M. Ramos; P. A. López-Jiménez.

CERIS contacts: Helena Ramos.

Product description: Compressed air vessel to control the pressure surge in water networks: CFD and experimental analysis.

Application: Hydraulic design of pipe systems.

Research team: M. Besharat; R. Tarinejad; M.T. Aalami; H.M. Ramos.

CERIS contacts: Helena Ramos.

Product description: Aerial transport system made of hybrid airship with flexible design, berthing tower and mooring mechanism, and modular cabin (people and cargo).

Application: Transport, Surveillance, Communications, Flying Lab (weather).

Research partners: IST/CERIS; UBI.

CERIS contacts: Rosário Macário; Vasco Reis.

Product description: Rehabilitation solution to remove longitudinal steel reinforcement in RC beams and replace it with GFRP bars.

Application: Rehabilitation of concrete beams and slabs.

Research partners: IST/CERIS; UMa.

CERIS contacts: Paulo França; Patrícia Escórcio.

Product description: Sustainable assessment certification model to select cost-effective environmentally-sound (factor 2, 4 and 10) solutions, using the LiderA system.

Application: Urban zones (Belas Clube Campo) and buildings: Environmental Demonstration and Education Center Torres Vedras municipal protocol; Green Houses at Bairro Pelame, Beja municipal protocol.

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

CERIS contacts: Manuel Duarte Pinheiro.

Product description: Model for sustainable tourism management and destinations, using the LiderA System.

Application: Setúbal Municipality and local tourist agents including the refurbishment of Eco Camping Outão (Setúbal).

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

CERIS contacts: Manuel Duarte Pinheiro.

Product description: New construction system for roofs and façades.

Application: Construction of “all-in-one” building roofs and façades, with discontinuous tiles for a one-way complex geometry achieved by overlapping two curved tiles with one axis of rotation and inner insulation.

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

CERIS contacts: Mafalda Batista Pacheco.

Research objective: Fire protection systems for carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) strengthening systems.

Application: Strengthening of existing structures.

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

CERIS contacts: João Pedro Firmo; João Ramôa Correia; Mário Rui Arruda

Materials developments

Research objective: New green building products – more eco-efficient self-compacting concrete.

Application: Innovative low carbon high fluid concrete with high incorporation of recycled materials in both aggregate and binder phases. New technology towards reducing workforce and environmental impact of concrete, adapting the self-compacting technology to the low carbon targets of concrete industry.

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

Research team: J. A. Bogas; Adnan Al-ganad; A. Carriço.

CERIS contacts: José Alexandre Bogas.

Research objective: New green building products – earth blocks with high incorporation of recycling materials.

Application: Compressed earth blocks stabilized with low carbon recycled cement and over 25% replacement of earth with construction and demolition waste. Improved mechanical and durability properties of vernacular earth construction without affecting its eco-friendly nature.

Research partners: CERIS/IST; CERENA; CeFEMA; Universidad de Alicante (UA).

Research team: J. A. Bogas; M. Glória Gomes; Sofia Real; R. Cruz; M. F. Costa Pereira (Cerena); Mafalda Guedes (Cefema); António Tenza Abril (UA).

CERIS contacts: José Alexandre Bogas.

Research objective: New, more eco-efficient hydraulic binder and high-quality recycled sand.

Application: Development of two high-value eco-friendly products retrieved from construction and demolition waste (CDW) – recycled binder; high-quality sand – aiming the exploitation of new green building cement-based products (further information in https://cdwvalue.eu/)

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

Research team: J. A. Bogas; M. Glória Gomes; Mafalda Guedes (CeFEMA); M. F. Costa Pereira (Cerena); Sofia Real; A. Carriço.

CERIS contacts: José Alexandre Bogas.

Product Description: Recycled Inorganic Polymer Concrete: Towards a cement-free and fully recycled concrete.

Application: Municipal solid waste incinerator bottom ashes as an alkali-activated binder for non-structural concrete elements.

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

Research team: Rui Vasco Silva; Jorge de Brito.

CERIS contacts: Rui Vasco Silva.

Research objective: Developing ready-mixed recycled aggregate concrete and dry recycled aggregate mortars for industrial partners.

Application: Use construction and demolition waste as secondary raw materials for cementitious materials, decreasing environmental impacts and cost.

Research partners: .c5Lab, CIMPOR, LNEC, IST and SECIL

Research team: Jorge de Brito; João Pacheco; Inês Flores-Colen, José Silvestre; António Tadeu.

CERIS contacts: João Pacheco.

Product Description: Polyeva resins – Bio-based unsaturated polyester resins partially derived from renewable resources for manufacturing more sustainable FRP composites.

Application: Production of bio-based FRP composites, by vacuum infusion or pultrusion, for multiple industries and end-products, including the construction industry.

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

Research team: Mário Garrido; João Ramôa Correia.

CERIS contacts: Mário Garrido.

Research objective: Methodology for restoring a heritage building in exposed concrete.

Application: Interventions of conservation of exposed concrete surfaces of built heritage, considering mechanical, physical, chemical, and aesthetic compatibility between original and restored surfaces.

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

Research team: Jónatas Valença; Judite Botas; Hugo Costa; Eduardo Júlio.

CERIS contacts: Jónatas Valença.

Research Objective: Long-term behavior of multi-recycled reclaimed asphalt pavement mixtures.

Application: Production of recycled bituminous mixtures with high incorporation of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) to be used in road maintenance and rehabilitation

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

Research team: Vitor Antunes; José Coelho Neves.

CERIS contacts: José Coelho Neves.

Product Description: Sustainable development of cement-based materials: application to recycled aggregate concrete.

Application: Production of concrete with high volumes of Fly Ash (60%) replacing cement and Recycled Concrete Aggregates (100% RCA) replacing natural fine and coarse aggregates for structural concrete elements.

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

Research team: Jorge de Brito; José Dinis Silvestre; Rawaz Mohammed Saleem Kurda.

CERIS contacts: Jorge de Brito.

Product Description: Innovative composites with powder incorporation resulting from limestone cutting sludge (DUST+).

Application: New composites based on stone powder from the residual sludge that results from the processing of limestone incorporating hydraulic or polymeric binders.

Research partners: CERIS/Coimbra, CeNTI.

Research team: António Tadeu, Gina Matias, João Almeida, Inês Simões, Isabel Torres.

CERIS contacts: António Tadeu.

Product Description: Cementitious Composites with Rice Husk for Prefabricated Solutions of Multilayer Panels and Acoustic Barriers.

Application: Pre-fabricated elements for the construction industry produced from innovative cement-based composite materials and of high functional value, integrating agro-industrial by-products, such as rice husk, in its composition.

Research partners: CERIS/IST and CERIS/Coimbra.

Research team: Jorge de Brito, Julieta António, Inês Flores-Colen, Rita Nogueira, José Bogas, José Silvestre, Gina Matias, João Almeida, Inês Simões, Joana Prata, António Tadeu, Nuno Simões.

CERIS contacts: Jorge de Brito, Julieta António.

Product Description: Sustainable composites based on hydraulic binders and mineral wool residues.

Application: The use of mineral wool residues for the production of new mortars and concrete, leading to the development of new cement and hydraulic lime-based thermal mortars containing cork granulates, new pre-dosed lightweight concretes incorporating expanded clay aggregates, as well as projected mortars.

Research partners: CERIS/Coimbra, Volcalis – Isolamentos Minerais S.A.

Research team: Gina Matias, Inês Simões, António Tadeu.

CERIS contacts: João Almeida.

Research objective: High-performance green concrete – Evaluating the feasibility of reintroducing recycled concrete aggregates in the precast industry.

Application: High performance concrete mixes without natural aggregate incorporation (patent request).

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

CERIS contacts: Diogo Pedro, Jorge de Brito; Luís Evangelista.

Research objective: Concrete with recycled aggregates (RA) from construction and demolition waste (CDW) from various Portuguese recycling plants.

Application: Concrete buildings.

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

CERIS contacts: Miguel Bravo; Jorge de Brito; Luís Evangelista.

Research objective: Repair products based on TEOS-dicarboxylic acids for consolidation of carbonate stones.

Application: Consolidation treatment of carbonate stones.

Research partners: CERIS/IST; CQE/IST; CQFM/INN/IST.

CERIS contacts: Ana Paula Pinto.

Research objective: Nanorender – Thermal render with subcritical based aerogel and natural lightweight co-aggregates.

Application: Multifunctional and innovative renders prototypes for energy efficiency buildings’ facades (patent request).

Research partners: CERIS/IST; CFQM/IST.

Research team: A. Soares; I. Flores-Colen; M. Júlio; L. Ilharco; J.G. Martinho; J. de Brito.

CERIS contacts: Inês Flores-Colen.

Research objective: Use of bacteria to produce biocement for the improvement of mechanical properties of construction materials (soils, masonry, stone and concrete).

Application: Biocementation of soils and crack sealing by biodeposition.

Research partners: CERIS/IST; IBB/IST; INESC-MN/IST.

CERIS contacts: Rafaela Cardoso.

Research objective: Insulation boards based on bio-wastes (corncob, olive lump, rice husks, plant fibers) and natural glue.

Application: Thermal and acoustic insulation.

Research partners: FCT NOVA/CERIS; REQUIMTE; CENIMAT; LNEC.

CERIS contacts: Paulina Faria.

Research objective: Use of rubber tire as mortar aggregates.

Application: Eco-efficient lime-based mortars for screeds.

Research partners: FCT NOVA/WASTE@NOVA/CERIS.

CERIS contacts: Paulina Faria.

Research objective: Earth-natural fiber-based healthy and durable mortars.

Application: Eco-efficient plasters for new construction.

Research partners: FCT NOVA/CERIS; LNEC; FA UL.

CERIS contacts: Paulina Faria; Tânia Santos.

Research objective: Thermal insulation and sound absorption material based of fibres extracted from pine needles.

Application: Environmental comfort in buildings.

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

CERIS contacts: Albano Neves e Sousa.

Research objective: Mortars incorporating aggregates from construction and demolition wastes and non-compliant fly ash.

Application: Use of aggregates from construction and demolition wastes and non-compliant fly ashes in non-structural mortars.

Research partners: FCT NOVA/CERIS.

CERIS contacts: Fernando Pinho.

Research objective: Environmental-friendly concrete and mortar produced with hydraulic recycled binders from waste cementitious materials.

Application: Building renders with 100% recycled binder of similar mechanical properties as hydraulic lime. Partial cement replacement for more sustainable and environmental-friendly concrete.

Research partners: CERIS/IST; CERENA/IST.

Research team: J. A. Bogas; M. Pereira.

CERIS contacts: José Alexandre Bogas.

Research objective: Structural lightweight aggregate concrete.

Application: Normal and self-compacting low to high performance concrete for buildings and special structures.

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

CERIS contacts: José Alexandre Bogas.

Research objective: High-performance cementitious materials reinforced with nanomaterials.

Application: Innovative cement based materials with incorporation of nanomaterials, such as nanosilica and carbon nanotubes, with improved physical, mechanical and durability performance.

Research partners: CERIS/IST; CeFEMA/IPS.

Research team: J. A. Bogas; M. Guedes; H. Hasan.

CERIS contacts: José Alexandre Bogas.

Research objective: Warm-mix asphalt concrete containing by-products (recycled asphalt; crushed concrete) – Warm mix asphalt AC20 bin/base 35/50.

Application: Base and binder layers of road pavements.

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

CERIS contacts: Luís Picado Santos; Fernando Martinho; Silvino Capitão.

Research objective: Warm-mix stone mastic asphalt (WMA SMA) with reclaimed bituminous materials.

Application: Surface layers of road pavements.

Research partners: CERIS/IST; ISEC/PC.

CERIS contacts: Silvino Capitão; Luís Picado Santos.

Research objective: Nano-modified bituminous binders with improved performance and resistance to aging.

Application: Layers of flexible pavements; highways and airport pavements.

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

CERIS contacts: João Crucho; José Neves; Silvino Capitão.

Software solutions

Software Description: FreeHyTE – Direct Boundary Methods.

Application: FreeHyTE Direct Boundary Method Toolbox is a new computational framework for solving interior and exterior boundary value problems in two dimensions using three classes of direct methods: the Boundary Element Method, the Method of Fundamental Solutions, and the Trefftz-Herrera Method. The toolbox, currently including solvers for Laplace and Helmholtz boundary value problems, is straightforward to use, featuring a simple graphical user interface and automatic mesh generators, and amenable to extension, as it provides modular computational procedures directly applicable to other types of boundary elements and differential equations. The toolbox supports the definition of simply or multiply-connected domains, boundary elements of any order, complex wavenumbers, and Dirichlet, Neumann, and Robin boundary conditions. FreeHyTE Direct Boundary Method Toolbox is freely distributed under the GNU General Public License and supported by manuals to get new users started quickly.

Research partners: CERIS/IST (collaboration with the Rzeszow University of Technology, Poland)

CERIS contacts: Ionut Dragos Moldovan.

Software Description: FreeHyTE – Solid Transient– a hybrid-Trefftz solver for transient problems defined on elastic continua. (https://www.sites.google.com/site/ionutdmoldovan/freehyte).

Application: The FreeHyTE – Solid transient module uses the solid displacement model of the hybrid-Trefftz finite elements to solve transient solid elasticity problems in two dimensions. Plane strain or plane stress conditions are assumed.

Research partners: CERIS/IST (Project PTDC/EAM-GTC/29923/2017), Nova University of Lisbon

CERIS contacts: Ionut Dragos Moldovan.

Software Description: FreeHyTE – Biphasic transient – a hybrid-Trefftz solver for transient saturated porous media problems. (https://www.sites.google.com/site/ionutdmoldovan/freehyte).

Application: FreeHyTE – Biphasic Transient uses the solid displacement-fluid seepage (u-w) model of the hybrid-Trefftz finite elements for the solution of transient biphasic poroelasticity problems in two dimensions. Biphasic poroelasticity problems are defined on saturated porous media. The medium is formed by a solid phase (the solid matrix), fully permeated by a fluid phase with a flow governed by Darcy’s law. Both phases are considered compressible. Plane strain conditions are assumed.

Research partners: CERIS/IST (Project PTDC/EAM-GTC/29923/2017), Nova University of Lisbon.

CERIS contacts: Ionut Dragos Moldovan.

Software Description: FreeHyTE – Triphasic transient – a hybrid-Trefftz solver for transient unsaturated porous media problems. (https://www.sites.google.com/site/ionutdmoldovan/freehyte).

Application: FreeHyTE – Triphasic Transient uses the solid displacement-fluid displacement model of the hybrid-Trefftz finite elements to solve transient problems in two dimensions, defined on unsaturated porous media (triphasic poroelasticity). The medium is formed by a solid phase (the solid matrix), fully permeated by a wetting fluid (typically water) and a non-wetting fluid (typically air). All phases are considered compressible. Plane strain conditions are assumed.

Research partners: CERIS/IST (Project PTDC/EAM-GTC/29923/2017), Nova University of Lisbon

CERIS contacts: Ionut Dragos Moldovan.

Software Description: FreeHyTE – 3D Biphasic transient – a hybrid-Trefftz solver for transient saturated porous media problems in three dimensions.

Application: FreeHyTE – 3D Biphasic transient uses the solid displacement-fluid seepage (u-w) model of the hybrid-Trefftz finite elements for the solution of three-dimensional transient biphasic poroelasticity problems. Biphasic poroelasticity problems are defined on saturated porous media. The medium is formed by a solid phase (the solid matrix), fully permeated by a fluid phase with a flow governed by Darcy’s law. Both phases are considered compressible.

Research partners: CERIS/IST (Project PTDC/EAM-GTC/29923/2017), Nova University of Lisbon

CERIS contacts: Ionut Dragos Moldovan.

Software Description: App4SHM – A smartphone application for the structural health monitoring of bridges. (https://www.app4shm.com/).

Application: App4SHM is a smartphone application for structural health monitoring (SHM) of bridges or other civil structures to assess their condition after a catastrophic event or when required by authorities and stakeholders. The application interrogates the phone’s internal accelerometer to measure structural accelerations and applies artificial intelligence techniques to detect damage in almost real-time.

Research partners: Lusófona University of Lisbon, CERIS/IST

CERIS contacts: Elói Figueiredo, Ionut Dragos Moldovan.

Software Description: Layup – FRP composite laminate properties calculation and analysis (https://clt-coregroup.herokuapp.com).

Application: Determining the properties of FRP laminate layups using rules of mixtures and Classical Lamination Theory and analyzing their progressive failure according to analytical failure criteria.

Research partners: CERIS/IST

CERIS contacts: Mário Garrido.

Software Description: A new damage progression model for fiber-reinforced composites was developed and coded in a User Material (UMAT) to be used with the commercial software package ABAQUS for the FEM simulation of composite structures.

Application: Using this UMAT allows for modeling the damage progression of complex 3D structures/components, allowing us to predict their strength. It was very challenging owing to the previously available damage formulations’ limitations (planar analysis). The model has already proved to be able to simulate several design situations.

Research partners: CERIS/IST, IDMEC/LAETA/IST, EESC/USP.

CERIS contacts: José Gonilha.

Software Description: DAM 4.0 – Smart Monitoring of Cracking in Dams.

Application: Automatic monitoring and characterization of cracks in surfaces of concrete Dams, based on deep learning.

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

CERIS contacts: Jónatas Valença; Bruno Santos; Eduardo Júlio.

Software Description: Pumped hydropower energy storage solution.

Application: Developed hybrid energy solutions with pumped storage for intermittent renewable sources integration.

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

CERIS contacts: Helena Ramos; Mariana Simão.

Software Description: Building Information Modelling(BIM)-a based tool developed in C# language that uses a Revit application programming interface (API) platform and includes an information delivery manual (IDM) and a model view definition (MVD) for the environmental and economic life cycle assessment (BIMEELCA) of buildings.

Application: Integration of life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle costing (LCC) with BIM for the streamlined or complete environmental and economic assessment of buildings.

Research partners: CERIS/IST

CERIS contacts: António Aguiar Costa; José Dinis Silvestre; Rúben dos Santos.

Software Description: Web-based platform (C+D), available to the public in Portuguese and English, and serves as a marketplace for Construction and Demolition Waste (CDW).

Application: Calculating the economic and environmental (2E) impacts and benefits of each alternative for reuse, recycling, and processing of CDW and promoting deconstruction and re-use of building materials.

Research partners: CERIS/IST and NORSUS (Norwegian Institute for Sustainability Research)

CERIS contacts: José Dinis Silvestre.

Software Description: A software with a graphical user interface (GUI) to guide the user in determining the geometrical parameters of scouring patterns. 

Application: Determination of the geometric parameters of 3D scour patterns from Structure from Motion models. Patterns include eroded volume, deposited volume, longitudinal and transversal profiles, etc. It includes a 3D visualization tool for geometry.

Research partners: CERIS/IST; FEUP.

CERIS contacts: Rui Aleixo.

Software Description: Aerial Crack View (ACV).

Application: Crack monitoring in concrete bridges through multi-spectral image processing acquired by unmanned aerial vehicles.

Research partners: University of Coimbra, IF – Infraestruturas de Portugal, S.A., LNEC, Engineering, Armando Rito, S.A., SkyEye, Ingeniarius.

CERIS contacts:Eduardo Júlio, Jónatas Valença.

Software Description: Platform for estimation, control and optimisation of wastewater treatment plants.

Application: An integrating platform, made up of hardware and software modules, which can be installed in most medium and large wastewater treatment plants, with the hardware module made up of analysers/sensors available on the market and the software module developed with the skills and criteria defined in this project.

Research partners: CERIS/Coimbra, ISR – Instituto de Sistemas e Robótica.

CERIS contacts:João Almeida.

Software Description: Service Life Prediction for a risk-based Building Management System – Software for inspection data acquisition related to building envelope’s pathology and for the service life prediction of the component based on the inspection data.

Application: The software generates a preliminary report with all the data collected during the inspection, which will support the surveyor’s technical advice to the decision-maker.

Research partners: IST/CERIS.

CERIS contacts: Jorge de Brito.

Software Description: Buildings’ Envelope SLP-based Maintenance: Reducing the risks and costs for owners – Software for the management of maintenance activities of the building envelope elements (façades, window frames and roofs).

Application:The software is a web-based tool that offers robust functionality, allowing access to all data in real time through internet access, the user only needs to have access to a computer or a mobile device (e.g. cell phone or tablet). This tool includes a database (stored in the cloud), a decision-making module, and users’ manual.

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

CERIS contacts: Ana Silva.

Software Description: HLS software.

Application: A user-friendly software tool was produced in the framework of the HOLLOSSTAB European project (“Overall-Slenderness Based Direct Design for Strength and Stability of Innovative Hollow Sections”). This software implements the operations and procedures involved in the application of the design methodologies developed and can be downloaded from https://www.steelconstruct.com/eu-projects/hollosstab/software/. The CERIS research team developed the executables for hollow sections subjected to combined axial load and biaxial bending, (i) the elastic critical local buckling load parameter, and (ii) the plastic load parameter.

Research partners: CERIS/IST, Bundeswehr University Munich, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine (London), Université Laval (Québec), Convention Européenne de la Construction Métallique, Centre Technique Industriel de la Construction Métallique–Saint Aubin (CTICM), CONDESA Conducciones y Derivados

CERIS contacts: André Dias Martins, Rodrigo Gonçalves, Dinar Camotim

Software Description: HiSTAV – HPC software for large-scale hydrodynamic modeling of shallow flows under arbitrary and time-evolving geometries.

Application: Simulation of flooding of any origin (storm, tsunami, dam collapse) with potential geomorphological impact. HPC allows faster-than-real-time simulation, promoting the integration of Civil Protection decision systems and scenario building for project purposes.

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

CERIS contacts: R. Ferreira; Ana Margarida Ricardo; Daniel Conde.

Software description: CENDYGEO – Coupled numerical-experimental procedure for the reliable dynamic characterization of geomaterials.

Application: The procedure and the supporting software will be bundled with bender element kits for the automatic interpretation of the output signal.

Research partners: CERIS/IST; UM.

CERIS contacts: Ionut Dragos Moldovan.

Software description: HYBRIS – Hybrid and Trefftz finite element platform for acoustic, thermal and structural applications.

Application: A user-friendly, open-source software aimed at becoming a ‘community platform’ among hybrid finite element users and developers.

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

CERIS contacts: Ionut Dragos Moldovan.

Software description: SimPlas (www.simplas-software.com) – Nonlinear and nonsmooth finite element product created as a direct-use simulation package and also as a software library for custom implementations.

Application: Newton-Raphson-based Finite Element (FE) package for nonlinear and non-smooth problems of solid mechanics. Simulation of finite strain behaviour, realistic constitutive laws, frictional contact, nonlinear multiple-point constraints and fracture (both brittle, quasi-brittle and ductile cases).

Research partners: CERIS/IST; University of Bauhaus.

CERIS contacts: Pedro Areias.

Software description: AEROSept – Simulation of aerobic and septic conditions and its impacts in sewer systems.

Application: Support water utilities for forecasting water quality impacts and options of rehabilitation and management procedures.

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

CERIS contacts: José Saldanha Matos; Filipa Ferreira; Rita Matos.

Software description: TRUST&GO – Software guidance tool for assessment of Urban Water Cycle Systems (UWSC) current situation and future scenarios.

Application: Support of water utilities to establish a strategy to manage a transition to more sustainable UWSC.

Research partners: CERIS/IST; ADDITION.

Researcher team: A. Galvão; A. Monteiro; J. Pisoeiro.

CERIS contacts: Ana Galvão.

Software description: STAV2D – HPC software for large-scale hydrodynamic modelling under arbitrary and time-evolving geometries.

Application: Simulation of flooding of any origin (storm, tsunami, dam collapse) with potential geomorphological impact. HPC allows for faster-than-real-time simulation, promoting integration on Civil Protection decision systems and scenario building for project purposes.

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

Researcher team: R. Ferreira; R. Canelas; D. Conde.

CERIS contacts: Rui Ferreira

Software description: GBTUL 2.0 – A free tool for research works on thin-walled member analysis and disseminate Generalised Beam Theory (GBT).

Application: A user-friendly freeware code for linear buckling and free vibration analysis of thin-walled members using GBT.

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

CERIS contacts: Rui Bebiano; Dinar Camotim.

Software description: Higher Order Beam Model – Software for the analysis of thin-walled structures.

Application: Analysis and design of thin-walled steel members with a focus on buckling phenomena.

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

CERIS contacts: Ricardo Vieira; Francisco Virtuoso; Eduardo Pereira.

Software description: System for life-cycle management of maritime works.

Application: Maritime works.

Research partners: Nuno Marujo; WW Staff; Advantis solutions; Fred Lehodey.

CERIS contacts: António Trigo Teixeira.

Software description: XLWAT – MS-Excel add-in with mathematical models for hydrologic simulation, using monthly, weekly or daily time steps.

Application: Hydrological studies and water resources management plans, namely climate change impacts assessment studies, river basin management plans and environmental impacts assessment studies.

Research partners: CERIS/IST; Bluefocus.

CERIS contacts: Rodrigo Proença de Oliveira.

Software description: Statwat – MS-Excel add-in with statistical tools for hydrologic data analysis.

Application: Hhydrological studies and water resources management plans, namely flood risk and drought risk assessment studies.

Research partners: IST/CERIS and Bluefocus.

CERIS contacts: Rodrigo Proença de Oliveira.

Software description: Determination of the efficiency of pumping systems.

Application: Efficiency measurement of water supply pumping systems.

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

CERIS contacts: Dídia Covas; João Delgado; João Paulo Ferreira.

Software description: PENGUIN (PipE Network Graphical User Interface) – Calculation of hydraulic transients.

Application: User friendly tool for the calculation of hydraulic transients in pressurized multi-pipe systems in with different components.

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

CERIS contacts: Dídia Covas; João Delgado; João Paulo Ferreira.

Software description: Tool to determine indicators of accessibility and attractiveness of pedestrian built environment – IAAPE.

Application: Evaluation of the walkability of urban built environment and support urban planning and decision-making.

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

CERIS contacts: Filipe Moura; Paulo Cambra; Alexandre Gonçalves.

Special experimental tests

Objective of the test: Sensors for soil suction measurement incorporated in samples during oedometer and triaxial tests.

Application: Experimental testing in unsaturated soils.

Research partners: CERIS/IST; INESC-MN/IST; CQFM/INN/IST.

CERIS contacts: Rafaela Cardoso.

Objective of the test: Bridge load tests with spring deflectometer for measurements in spans over water.

Application: Several bridges.

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

CERIS contacts: João Gomes Ferreira; Fernando Branco.

Product description: Evaluation of cover deviation and resistance of steel anchorages in masonry walls.

Application: Structural rehabilitation of stone masonry walls.

Research partners: FCT NOVA/CERIS.

CERIS contacts: Fernando Pinho; Válter Lúcio.

Objective of the test: Experimental evaluation of flat slab-column connections under combined gravity and horizontal cycling loading.

Application: Study on the behaviour of flat slabs under cyclic and seismic loading.

Research partners: FCT NOVA/CERIS.

CERIS contacts: António Pinho Ramos.

Objective of the test: Diagonal Tension Shear (DTS) method – Characterization of shear properties of low-density core materials used in lightweight sandwich panels.

Application: Material characterization experiments.

Research team: M. Garrido; J.R. Correia; F. Branco.

CERIS contacts: Mário Garrido; João Ramôa Correia.

Software description: Methodology to estimate the compressive strength of low-strength mortars by the drilling resistance test.

Application: Lime-based and ancient masonry mortars (pointing, bedding and plasters or renders for wall covering).

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

CERIS contacts: Rita Nogueira.

Objective of the test: Dynamic pile loading test.

Application: Pile industry (Portugal, Angola and Brazil).

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

CERIS contacts: Jaime Santos.

Objective of the test: Combined resonant column and bender elements to evaluate soil stiffness.

Application: Several applied projects with the industry.

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

CERIS contacts: Jaime Santos.

Software description: Non-invasive in-situ seismic tests to measure ground stiffness.

Application: Several applied projects with the industry.

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

CERIS contacts: Jaime Santos; Rui Gomes; Isabel Lopes.

Product description: TEAGE – Prototype for simulation of long-term aging of bituminous mixtures due to weather exposure.

Application: Study the effects of aging on the performance of materials.

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

CERIS contacts: João Crucho; Luís Picado Santos; José Neves; Silvino Capitão.

Objective of the test: Study the fish movement behaviour under hydropeaking conditions in an artificial flume at IST.

Application: Development of structural mitigation measures downstream a hydropower dam.

Research partners: ISA; COOKE LAB; CERIS/IST.

CERIS contacts: Isabel Boavida; António Pinheiro.

Objective of the test: Test-Hydro – Innovative pipe-rig for testing small power hydraulic turbomachines fully equipped with a state-of-the-art instrumentation.

Application: Energy recovery in water supply systems using pumps running as turbines.

Research partners: CERIS/IST; LMH-EPFL.

CERIS contacts: Dídia Covas; João Delgado.

Expert studies

Research objective: Technical specification for the incorporation of fine and coarse recycled aggregate produced from precast elements on high-performance concrete.

Application: This specification complements LNEC’s specification E 471.

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

CERIS contacts: Diogo Pedro; Jorge de Brito; Luís Evangelista.

Research objective: Technical specification for the use of fine recycled aggregates (RA) obtained from construction and demolition waste in concrete production.

Application: This specification complements LNEC’s specification E 471.

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

CERIS contacts: Miguel Bravo; Jorge de Brito; Luís Evangelista.

Research objective: Partial safety factors for recycled aggregates concrete design in compliance with the target reliability indices of Eurocode 0.

Application: Concrete industry; EU’s Directive 2008/98/EC on waste.

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

CERIS contacts: João Pacheco; Jorge de Brito; Carlos Chastre Rodrigues; Luís Evangelista.

Objective of the test: Bridge Static and Dynamic Testing.

Application: Several bridges.

Research partners: CERIS/IST.

CERIS contacts: Fernando Branco; João Gomes Ferreira; João Ramôa Correia.

Objective of the test: Experimental testing of full-scale recycled aggregates concrete structures (http://barpinp.tecnico.ulisboa.pt).

Application: Concrete industry; EU’s Directive 2008/98/EC on waste.

Research team: J. de Brito; J.G. Ferreira; J. Pacheco; D. Soares.

CERIS contacts: Jorge de Brito; João Gomes Ferreira; João Pacheco.

Patents

Zorro, S.; Macário, R.; Silva, J. (2021): “Hybrid Seat for Air Transportation of People With Reduced Mobility”, National Patent n.º PT 110364 B, INPI-Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial.

Pereira, V.; Gomes, G.; Júlio, E. (2021): “Connector for Explosion Protection System for Constructions”, National Patent n.º PT 115138, INPI-Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial.

Flores-Colen, I.; Ilharco, L. M.; Júlio, M.; Soares, A.; de Brito, J. (2019): “Argamassas térmicas de revestimento com aerogel subcrítico à base de sílica e co-agregados naturais leves”, National Patent n.º PT 108864, INPI-Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial.

Moldovan, I.; Correia, A.G. (2018): “Processo de caracterização dinâmica de geomateriais utilizando modelos computacionais redutíveis às fronteiras”, National Patent n.º PT 109549, INPI-Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial.

Neves e Sousa, A; Pedroso, M. (2017): “Manufacture procedure for thermal insulation and sound absorption mat,” National Patent n.º PT 108169, INPI-Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial.

Santos, P.; Branco, F.; Neves e Sousa, A (2015): “Bloco de alvenaria duplo constituído por dois blocos (de cerâmica ou betão) fixados paralelamente, fixados a uma camada de isolamento térmico e acústico, constituída por parte de plásticos (poliestireno ou polietileno ou polipropileno ou poliuretano) ou cortiça, e por outra parte de lã (natural ou mineral)”, Modelo de Utilidade Nacional n.º 11055, Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial.

Rodrigues, F.; Evangelista, L.; Brito, J. de (2013): “Método para a determinação da absorção de água de agregados finos reciclados”, Patente de Invenção Nacional n.º PT 105921, Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial.

Jorge Reis Silva (2021): “Assento Híbrido para pessoas com mobilidade reduzida no transporte aéreo”, National Patent n.º PT 110364, INPI-Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial.

Eduardo Júlio (2021): “Sistema de Proteção de Construções Contra Explosões”, National Patent n.º PT 115138, INPI-Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial.

Rosário Macário, Vasco Reis, Jorge Silva (2022): “Sistema de Transporte Aéreo Multifuncional”, National Patent n.º PT 108532, INPI-Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial.

Válter Lúcio (2023): “Conetor dissipador de energia de explosões”, National Patent n.º PT 116658, INPI-Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial.

R. Kurda, J. Silvestre, J. de Brito (2023): “Recycled aggregate concrete with high incorporation of fly ash”, Modelo de Utilidade Nacional Nº 12102, INPI-Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial.

José Alexandre Bogas (2021): “Process for separating the components of hardened concrete waste for producing recycled cement”, National Patent n.º PT 116130, INPI-Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial.

José Alexandre Bogas (2023): “Process for separating the components of hardened concrete waste for producing recycled cement”, International Patent n.º EP4112577A1. European Patent Office.

Rafaela Cardoso (2023): “Método para sequestração de CO2 em solos”, National Patent n.º PT 118754. INPI-Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial.

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