This study examines the performance of mat foundations in 13 blocks of eight-story concrete-walled residential buildings. Topographic monitoring bolts were used to monitor the slab’s construction, which was 0.35 m thick and comprised an area of 225 m². Using the collected data, a retro-analysis of the modulus of elasticity was conducted to obtain the geotechnical parameters for forecasting the settlement using the elasticity theory. A nonlinear approach for construction modeling and soil–structure interactions showed that the earthworks at the start of construction had a significant role in settling. Blocks in landfills settled faster than those in land-cut zones. The partial execution of building levels was found to be critical in terms of angular distortions and stresses in the concrete slab. The partial lifting of the foundation plate was confirmed in blocks with partial building floor execution, demonstrating the importance of assessing the foundation’s behavior at this stage. The modulus of elasticity dropped as construction progressed, with landfill parts being particularly vulnerable. Creep settlements contributed significantly, accounting for about 20% of the total settlements in some blocks. The numerical staged construction model accurately replicated the behaviors observed in the monitoring data, confirming the hypothesis of the partial raising of the foundation during the building process, which resulted in higher angular distortions. Based on the results obtained, the authors strongly recommend that the simultaneous consideration of soil–structure interactions and construction effects be commonly used in foundation designs.

Despite the advances observed over the last decade, Brazil still suffers from the scarce use of recycled construction and demolition waste (RCDW). On the other hand, most of the roads in the country are unpaved and present low loading support. In this context, the construction of geosynthetic reinforced unpaved roads with RCDW could stimulate the market of recycled materials and increase the performance of these roads. This study aims to evaluate the mechanical damage of two types of geogrids due to in-field cyclic loading of RCDW. The simulation of three scenarios of damage revealed specific reduction factors for each geogrid, which could be easily used in project design. This study reinforces the importance of carrying out investigation of geogrid damage using the specific conditions (material, construction method and loading) of each work. Based on these findings, sustainable development can be implemented using RCDW and provide roads to the society with better operational performance.

Soil-structure interaction (SSI) evaluates how soil or rock deformability imposes on the structure a different load path in a hypothesis of fixed supports, altering the loads acting on the structural elements and the ground. This paper discusses the results of the SSI effects in two buildings with a reinforced concrete structure and shallow foundations in a rock mass. The settlements were monitored by field instrumentation in five stages of their construction, making it possible to estimate through interpolation curves the settlements values of some points. The numerical modeling and structural analysis of the buildings were obtained for two different cases of soil-structure interaction. The structure was considered having fixed supports (non-displaceable) and displaceable supports (with stiffness spring coefficients K). The results reveals the occurrence of SSI effects, with a load redistribution between the columns that occurred differently for the different construction stages. Structural modeling proved to be quite representative, pointing to higher vertical load values than the average values present in building edge zones, which contradicts the conventional idea that central columns are more loaded than the edge columns. The soil-structure interaction analyses resulted in different behaviors regarding both towers; pointing out that low settlements and building symmetry in plan minimize the effects of interaction, with no tendency of load redistribution between columns as the structure rigidity increases, as construction development.

The civil construction sector is crucial to global economic development, influencing GDP and driving innovation with Industry 4.0 technologies such as BIM and IoT. However, how these technologies can be effectively aligned with the principles of Sustainability 4.0 within the framework of Construction 4.0 remains unclear. This paper aims to identify the barriers and drivers related to the impact of adopting Industry 4.0 enabling technologies on Sustainability 4.0 in the construction sector. To achieve this, we conducted a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) using articles from the Web of Science and Scopus databases, focusing on the period from 2021 to 2025. The methodology applied enabled a comprehensive analysis of 50 articles, highlighting challenges, barriers, and potential facilitators in the adoption of Sustainability 4.0 practices. Among the key findings, advanced technologies such as BIM and IoT have shown positive impacts on sustainability dimensions, like reducing energy consumption; yet, practical implementation still encounters significant barriers, including high costs and insufficient public policies. Only 30% of the reviewed articles discuss adoption in less developed regions, indicating geographical disparity in the application of these technologies. The paper provides valuable insights for managers and policymakers on overcoming existing barriers, emphasizing the importance of innovative business models and the need for cultural and educational adaptation. The study suggests that, with a collaborative approach and adequate support policies, Industry 4.0 technologies can transform sustainable practices in civil construction, fostering a more balanced and environmentally responsible economy.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has become a key methodology for transforming the construction sector, yet its integration into higher education remains a global challenge. In Brazil, despite national policies promoting BIM adoption, most universities still face cultural, technological, and pedagogical barriers to curricular implementation. This study aims to assess and characterize the BIM maturity level of the Civil Engineering program at the Polytechnic School of the University of Pernambuco (POLI/UPE), applying the BIM Maturity Matrix for Higher Education Institutions (m²BIM-HEI). Self-assessment questionnaires were administered to program coordination, faculty members, the Structuring Teaching Nucleus, and the Information Technology Division. The results show an intermediate BIM maturity level (56.5%), with notable progress in research and student training but limitations in faculty qualification, technological infrastructure, and institutional vision. The originality of this research lies in its contextualized diagnostic approach, applying a maturity model to a public Brazilian university and revealing specific challenges of BIM adoption in developing contexts. The findings highlight the need for structured institutional policies, faculty development programs, and curricular integration strategies, offering insights that can guide similar initiatives in Latin American higher education.

Com os efeitos do clima em mudança, as áreas urbanas de planícies costeiras apresentam riscos climáticos iminentes quanto ao aumento na ocorrência e intensidade de precipitações extremas e à elevação do nível do mar. Além disso, outro fator relevante está associado à subsidência do terreno, que representa o rebaixamento superficial atrelado à aplicação de cargas e/ou explotação de água subterrânea. Tal situação já caracteriza algumas localidades do Recife, em Pernambuco, e a conjuntura dessas peculiaridades, num cenário de clima alterado, fragilizará ainda mais o desempenho de parte da infraestrutura de drenagem urbana. Nesse aspecto, este estudo avalia os alagamentos ocorridos numa avenida situada às margens de canal, associadas a: subsidência da avenida, aumento da impermeabilização no entorno, aumento da intensidade das chuvas e elevação do nível do mar. Além disso, traz uma análise expedita da situação futura, considerando mudanças no clima (chuvas intensas e marés), condições geotécnicas e atividade antrópica.