Climate change (CC) is predominantly connected to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the construction sector. It is clear how it is necessary to rethink construction materials in order to reduce GHG emissions. Among the various strategies proposed, recent research has investigated the potential of smart materials. This study in particular aims to develop an innovative building component that combines high energy performance with reduced thickness and weight. For this reason, the potential of Phase Change Materials (PCM) in cement-based mixes is investigated, comparing the performance of a traditional mix with two innovative mixes made with the addition of 3% and 7% PCM. This work characterizes the new material, analyzing its mechanical and thermal performance, highlighting how the mix strength decreases as the PCM ratio increases; however, both mixes may be considered suitable for masonry structures and may be classified as M5 and M15. Furthermore, from the analysis of the thermal performance, it emerges that the mix presents good behavior in terms of insulating properties.

In the structural safety assessment process of existing structures, knowledge of the mechanical properties of the materials is key. Different experimental activities carried out on materials extracted from existing reinforced concrete buildings show a high strength variability, especially concrete. In the past, the lack of standardized quality control for materials and workmanship caused nonuniform and homogeneous properties within the same structure. The most accurate and reliable experimental technique consists of performing direct tests on the materials, but these are considerably expensive and invasive. In this paper, alternative indirect methods that estimate material properties by correlating different physical measures were proved to reduce invasive inspections on existing buildings and infrastructures, especially in built heritage. A complete experimental activity concerning destructive and nondestructive tests was conducted on elements (four portions of a column and a beam portion) removed from an Italian school building built in 1940. Destructive and nondestructive methods were compared and appropriate correlation laws developed to predict the main mechanical properties of the studied material. Reliable correlations were identified considering the pull-out test, Sonic–Rebound (SonReb) combined method and ultrasonic pulse velocities (UPVs). The latter were mapped by tomography, which highlighted the compression properties of concrete in the different structural sections.