Innovative applications of composite materials, such as GFRP and CFRP, were investigated; breakthroughs in concrete and mortars technology were experimentally validated; mortars and concrete formulations with nanomaterials were performed; studies on the energy efficiency of different materials, building components and construction systems, such as active and glazing facades, shading devices and green roofs and walls, were conducted;
Risk-informed quality, safety, and environmental management in construction related research was included in various national and international actions, including normative work;
New theories on sustainability in construction were developed: the use of traditional techniques and materials (earth, wood, stone, brick), implementation of selective demolition and recycling maximization (i.e., recycled aggregates in concrete and mortars production), and strategies of passive design and acclimatization;
Life-cycle management systems were developed (i.e., inspection, diagnosis, maintenance, and rehabilitation); conservation of historical building heritage was investigated; other projects included sensors in structures, technological innovation, and assessment of complex structures;
Seismic rehabilitation of masonry buildings was investigated, including experimental and numerical analysis of timber-framed masonry walls subjected to monotonic and cyclic loading; strengthening of timber-framed masonry walls with elastoplastic dampers, reinforced render, or steel plates; experimental and numerical analysis of ordinary masonry walls subjected to in-plane and out-of-plane loading; seismic strengthening of ordinary masonry walls with carbon fiber reinforced render or transverse hinge connectors.
