In this work pre-operating tests of low-cost building structures have been presented. A hybrid experimental-numerical methodology has been used to determine the influence of an external, environmental load on the overall endurance of a hangar made of self-supporting metal-plates. Numerical simulations carried out on a FEM model have been consequently verified by measurements of the structure performed with the 3D Digital Image Correlation method and as a result, a detailed, calibrated FEM model of the structure has been developed.

The paper presents the results of research on the properties of fly ashes from the process of flue gas denitrification by selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR), consisting of dosing urea into the coal combustion chamber. The research was carried out on two types of fly ash: Silica fly ash from flue gas denitrification and ash from a traditional boiler without the flue gas denitrification process. The scope of comparative studies included physicochemical and structural features of ashes, as well as slurries and mortars with the addition of ashes. Fly ash from denitrification, whose ammonia content at the time of sampling was 75 mg/kg at the maximum, was examined. Our own research has shown that fly ash from flue gas denitrification is characterized by a higher value of losses on ignition and ammonia content in comparison to ashes without denitrification. It was shown that the ammonia content in the analyzed range does not limit the use of fly ash as an additive to cement and concrete.

Optics as the enabling technology is applied in many applications of engineering, medicine, multimedia and conservation of cultural heritage. Most of these applications require close cooperation with the end user and often they enforce modification and enhancement of an optical tool. In the paper we show how optical metrology, specifically the application of digital image correlation method is implemented to two completely different tasks: performing preoperating tests of low cost building structures subjected to loading conditions which simulate the natural load e.g. introduced by the weight of snow and monitoring of canvas paintings for tracking humidity-induced deformations, which may appear in museum (or other location of a piece of art e.g. church). The presented examples are the background for a general discussion on different measurement scenarios with application of DIC method, as well as the required enhancements and modifications which have been introduced.