The reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, introduced by the European Union, opened the possibility of conducting experimental works on a new generation of materials—ecological and environmentally friendly ones. Such materials include those which combine raw natural resources with waste subject to disposal. The objective of the performed investigations was an assessment of the influence of fly ashes on selected parameters of building materials. The paper proposes a method of the enrichment of clay with fly ash, which would lead to the neutralization of heavy metals in the burnt matrix, possible oxidation of organic substances present in the ashes, or the destruction of pathogens, as well as an increase of the resistance of the clay ceramics to low temperatures. Clay samples were prepared with the addition of the fly ash from three sewage treatment plants. The experiments encompassed investigations of physical and chemical properties of the fly ash, as well as bending strength tests of the beam-shaped samples heated at temperatures of 20, 300, 500, and 700 °C. The beam halves, resulting from the destruction of the samples during these tests, served for testing the compressive strength. The collected results allowed a comparison of the properties of the samples. The obtained test results confirm the possibility of manufacturing a product modified with the fly ash from the thermal treatment of sewage sludge. The obtained compressive strength of the samples amounted 0.3–2.6 MPa.

The European Union’s initiative to reduce carbon dioxide emissions has paved the way for the exploration of innovative building materials that are environmentally friendly and meet all requirements of durability and strength. These criteria can be met by combining natural resources used in the production of building materials with waste materials that would otherwise be landfilled, having a negative impact on the environment. This study focuses on such materials and presents the results of recent research conducted at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences. The aim was to develop a new generation of materials fully compliant with the principles of the circular economy and sustainable development. Simultaneously, these materials should have no adverse effects on human health and be strong enough to carry the required loads. This study proposes the combination of a natural raw material—in the form of clay—with fly ash from the incineration of sewage sludge to produce a new generation of materials. Several samples were prepared using fly ash from two sources and then were fired at 950 °C. The resulting composites underwent physico-chemical and strength tests. These tests not only confirmed the high strength and durability of the obtained product but also the neutralization of the heavy metals originally present in the fly ash.

The paper addresses an issue of a modernization of farm buildings in case of a replacement of an asbestos roofing. The introduction points out the current state of implementation of the asbestos removal program in Poland and perspectives of its realization in the oncoming years. It has been presented an example of a farm building with a build-up area under 400 m2 where the modernization had been planned during the replacement of asbestos-cement roof panels. A comparison of costs depending on the selected scope of implementation has been made. The costs were determined by averaging the prices offered by local entrepreneurs operating in the construction industry. The quantities of materials and required services have been determined according to the Catalogues of Material Outlays based on the in situ inventory of the facility or on the technical design of the reconstruction, depending on the option. The assessment allowed to state that in the case of replacement of asbestos roofing along with the replacement of the roof load-bearing structure it is justified to consider the possibility of its thorough modernization as a way to restore or increase the functionality of the usable area and space.

Existing structures and masonry structures are subjected to heavy loads, and dynamic vibration is well reflected in the generated processes. These vibrations can affect the condition of the works by reducing the comfort of people working there, as they can reach a level that endangers the structural safety. The effect of vibration on the structure primarily manifests as an additional stress in the present section, which contributes to the stress caused by static loads. In addition, there are often effects of climate-related environmental changes, including fatigue and dynamization destruction of the object. Dynamic loads can have devastating effects on buildings of various types of construction, leading to catastrophic destruction.This article presents a modern methodology for non-invasive testing of masonry structures using vibration processes. Here, the feasibility of using modal analysis methods to assess the state of damage to elements and masonry is demonstrated through the process of vibration and vibration measurement. This is a new approach, utilizing innovative research methods supported by information technologies, to examine the suitability of building materials and the conditions for constructing a diagnostic agent.

Konstrukcje budowlane i ich elementy muszą spełniać wymagania dotyczące stateczności, sztywności i nośności. Są to warunki decydujące o bezpieczeństwie konstrukcji zarówno w okresie budowy, jak i eksploatacji. Ocena bezpieczeństwa odbywa się na podstawie badań diagnostycznych mających na celu kontrolę jakości wykonania wznoszonych obiektów lub zlokalizowanie uszkodzeń elementów konstrukcji powstałych podczas eksploatacji. W artykule skupiono się na eksperymentalnej analizie modalnej SISO ceramicznych elementów murowych. Doświadczenie przeprowadzono na dwudziestu próbkach cegły pełnej, z czego celowo uszkodzono połowę z nich, aby możliwa była ocena przydatności zastosowanej metody w postawionym problemie badawczym.