The formation of biofilms on cementitious building surfaces can cause visible discoloration and premature deterioration, and it can also represent a potential health threat to building occupants. The use of embedded biofilm-resistant photoactivated TiO₂ nanoparticles at low concentrations in the cementitious composite matrix is an effective method to increase material durability and reduce maintenance costs. Zone of inhibition studies of TiO₂-infused cementitious samples showed efficacy toward both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.

Crystalline admixtures embedded in concrete may react in the presence of water and generate thin crystals able to fill pores, capillaries and micro-cracks. Once the concrete has dried, the crystalline chemicals sit dormant until another dose of water starts the crystallization again. The research aims to analyses the early age self-sealing effect of a crystalline admixture at a dosage rate of 1–3% of the cement mass. Specimens made with two types of gravel were pre-loaded with three-point bending to up to 90% of the ultimate capacity, and conditioned through wet–dry cycles. Micro-crack closure was measured with a microscope after pre-loading, and after 1 day, 4 days, 8 days, 14 days and 20 days of wet–dry exposure. The results show that an admixture content of 3% achieves the best early self-sealing performance. These results are also confirmed by probabilistic analyses, which also emphasize the self-sealing potential of lower ICW contents.

Intending to investigate the challenges that have emerged in the Building Technology and Management area, as well as to promote the development of Master’s degree programmes which can be able to sustain the preparation of competent specialists who will easily adapt to the new market demands, a research on Educational marketing was conducted during the 2011-2012 academic year. As part of the research, a set of specific questionnaires used as an instrument of surveying was distributed to final-year students, representing university graduates from both Bachelor’s and Master’s degree studies. This Paper presents an analysis of the Educational Programmes offered to Bachelor-graduate students from ‘Civil Engineering’ and ‘Engineering and Management’ lines of study. The obtained data and information according to the survey are meant to be taken into account during the periodical curriculum review of the Programmes.

In today’s rapidly changing demands of commercial buildings, designers, manufacturers, contractors, and installers face the necessity to advance their methods, to improve techniques, and generally to stay competitive under all constraints of time, budget, codes and client desires. Building with precast concrete elements provides quick and cost-efficient production, along with flexible, independent interior design. The show-window of the investigated commercial building is divided into several glass panels. Having only upper and lower grip, the glass window panels with very tall heights, are subject to deformation. In order to resist, panels are provided with U-shaped profiles or/ and perimeter rails. The critical points are the glass panels’ support, so the ceiling and floor fastenings have to be very solid, as well as qualitatively superior designed and executed. This paper aims to highlight some relevant aspects regarding the investigation of the metal fixing system designed to connect show-window panels to prestressed concrete ceiling beams at a commercial building.