This article contains the results of identifying the potential of coniferous trees to act as bioinspiration for the structural design of columns in single-story warehouses subjected to high wind velocity and severe seismic action. This study starts by analyzing the biomechanics of coniferous trees, continues with an abstraction of the relevant features, and ends with the transfer of a design methodology for long reinforced and prestressed concrete columns. To verify the applicability and validity of the mathematical relationships extracted from the bibliographic study to characterize the biomechanics of coniferous trees, a study site is conducted for Norway spruce trees felled by the wind in the Bilbor area. The design methodology for long reinforced and prestressed concrete columns bioinspired by the Norway spruce trees is experimentally validated using two case studies. The first case study deals with the effect of centric prestressing on long concrete columns, and the second on the influence of the walnut shell powder on the adhesion of the reinforcement in concrete. The case studies presented aim to transfer some characteristics from trees to reinforced concrete to improve the performance of long columns under horizontal forces. The results obtained indicate a good approximation of the trees’ structural behavior for this site and for ones investigated by other researchers in different forests.

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.

The aim of this paper is to present the way of reconstruction of historical monuments of Romanesque architecture by reusing and highlighting the original component materials, related to the subassemblies of the construction, respectively the recycling of those components that have lost their historical value. The Romanesque buildings are part of Romanian national cultural heritage and have been through controversial historical periods, and therefore have undergone important modifications or structural losses. The reconstruction or rehabilitation of the Romanesque historical buildings is a way of sustainable development by adapting the buildings to the new conditions of use.

Research on carbon dioxide capture and storage technologies through accelerated carbonation of cement-based materials, is gaining increasing interest in the construction sector. This study aims to present the capacity of carbon dioxide (CO₂) capture and storage, as well as the effects of the carbonation on the physical and mechanical behaviour of precast vibrated plain mass concrete elements. The analysis includes various methods to enhance the efficiency of the carbonation process and accelerate it, emphasizing the importance of optimizing reaction conditions. The research findings suggest that the carbonation process can significantly improve the mechanical performance of these precast elements, making them more durable and efficient. Critical parameters, such as water content, sample size, environmental pressure, and temperature, considerably influence the efficiency of carbon dioxide capture. Furthermore, the study proposes directions for implementing rapid CO2 sequestration technologies, highlighting their potential to contribute to decarbonization. The research aims to open new perspectives for the use of plain mass concrete precast elements while facilitating the exploration of innovative solutions in the context of sustainable development. In conclusion, the carbonation of precast concrete elements proves to be a promising approach in the fight against climate change, with direct applications in the construction industry and beyond.

The durability of cementitious materials is essential for the development of sustainable construction, and the integration of self-healing mechanisms can reduce damage and maintenance costs. This paper analyzes the self-healing capacity of masonry mortars reinforced with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers and crystalline additives, when exposed to repeated wet-dry cycles. Four mortar mixtures were investigated, including two control mixtures and two mixtures modified with self-healing agents. The experimental program included determination of density, water absorption, compressive strength, and flexural strength, as well as monitoring the evolution of microcracks during the healing process. The results showed that modified mortars exhibited complete surface crack sealing under the applied wet-dry conditioning regime, including an initial crack width of 346 μm, which was completely sealed within 48 h. The observed crack-sealing behavior may result from the combined contribution of autogenous healing processes, PVA-fiber crack bridging, and the crystalline admixture; however, their individual contributions and possible synergistic effects cannot be distinguished from the present experimental design. The results indicate the potential of the investigated modified mortars to improve crack-sealing performance and contribute to enhanced durability. However, no direct environmental or life-cycle assessment was performed in the present study; therefore, potential sustainability benefits associated with service-life extension and reduced repair demand require further quantitative assessment.