The study focuses on two basalt composite laminate panels for cladding, produced by means of vacuum bagging technique. In particular, unidirectional and random basalt fabrics, with different areal weights, using epoxy resin as matrix, were used. According to the ISO 15686 methodology for the evaluation of durability, samples were subjected to cycles of artificial aging in climatic chamber and outdoor exposure, carrying out mechanical (i.e. quasi-static and dynamic) and calorimetric tests. The results show the effectiveness over time of produced basalt composite laminates and the initial increase of the mechanical performances after the first steps of accelerated aging
This paper exemplifies several methods for retrofitting existing housing through four case studies, representative of the historical centre of Enna, a small town in Sicily, according to the requirements of static safety, typological adaptation and indoor comfort. These buildings were mostly built in the nineteenth century, up to three floors based on load-bearing masonry, iron joists and hollow tile floors and wooden roofs. A typological and construction analysis of these buildings was carried out to identify the stratigraphy of the different technical elements. Static and energy audits had been previously undertaken to understand the gap between the current state of the buildings and Italian standards and to develop appropriate interventions taking into account the site characteristics and the energy and seismic risk class pre-and post-retrofit intervention. The analyses and the retrofit interventions were performed in compliance with Italian standards and laws and strove to reach the minimum level. The study supports the planning of structural and energy retrofit interventions designed for historic load-bearing masonry buildings. Finally, the study simulates a strategy of action to provide subsidies and tax relief related to effective seismic and/or energy improvement that could be relevant for owners/builders as well as for local authorities.
One of the ways that surfaces can be self-cleaning is by repelling water so effectively that water-borne contaminants cannot attach-by being superhydrophobic. This is demonstrated particularly well by the Indian Lotus, Nelumbo nucifera, which has leaves that remain clean in muddy water. The leaves can be cleaned of most things by drops of water, an effect that has been patented and used in technical systems [1]. 1.1 Superhydrophobicity 1.1.1 Introducing Superhydrophobicity Superhydrophobicity is where a surface repels water more effectively than any flat surface, including one of PTFE (Teflon R). This is possible if the surface of a hydrophobic solid is roughened; the liquid/solid interfacial area is increased and the surface energy cost increases. If the roughness is made very large, water drops bounce off the surface and it can become self-cleaning when it is periodically wetted. To understand more about this type of self-cleaning it is necessary to consider how normal surfaces become wetted and become dirty. The effect has been a focus of much recent research and has been reviewed recently [2-7]. A good mathematical explanation can be found in a recent book chapter by Extrand [8].
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