Rebound hammer is the most frequently used non-destructive method for estimation of concrete strength. Measurement results are influenced by various factors (components and composition of concrete, humidity or age), which are well known for normal-weight concrete. High-strength concrete (HSC) differs in quality and the question is to which extent these factors influence the test results. Knowledge about influence of aggregate and results of measurements with Schmidt rebound hammer is stated. Test results and evaluation of compressive strength are considerably influenced by the strength of parent material from which the coarse aggregate is made. Influence of granulometric curve is less important and for aggregate with strength over 90 MPa, it is negligible. To determine compressive strength of HSC with Schmidt rebound hammer, it is necessary to elaborate special calibration relationships for aggregate with various strength of parent rock. Use of calibration relationships elaborated for normal-weight concrete for determination of strength of HSC is problematic (different properties of aggregate and upper limit of calibration relationships is 70 MPa). Shifting the upper limit of calibration relations for normal-weight concrete up to the maximal rebound number measured at testing HSC is not recommendable; values of compressive strength calculated in accordance with adjusted formulas are smaller than real strength of HSC.

This paper discusses the fracture-plastic material models for reinforced concrete and use of this model for modelling of reinforced concrete beams. Load-displacement relations and bearing capacity of reinforced concrete beams will be evaluated. A series of original (own) experiments - the beam and data from completed experiments - have been chosen for the numerical modelling. In case of the original experiments - reinforced concrete beams, stochastic modelling based on LHS (Latin Hypercube Sampling) will be carried out in order to estimate the total bearing capacity. The software used for the fracture-plastic model for reinforced concrete is ATENA.

The use of superabsorbent polymers (SAP) in construction is a relatively new trend, and not a completely explored area. However, SAP itself has been on the market for over 80 years. SAPs have a cross-linked three-dimensional structure, thanks to which they have the unique ability to absorb extreme amounts of water, up to a hundred times their weight. By using this property, it is possible to prevent water losses, which is important at the time of maturation in cementitious building materials. When there is a lack of water needed for hydration processes, the physical and mechanical properties deteriorate. The subject of this article is to determine the possible positive effect of the presence of SAP in the cement matrix in order to optimize the parameters of silicate composites for 3D printing. For this purpose, a special methodology was compiled consisting of tests through which it is possible to assess the suitability of the tested mixtures for 3D printing. This methodology consists of determining consistency, volumetric weight, ultrasonic analysis, buildability, X-ray diffraction, flexural tensile and compressive strength. For determining of buildability and ultrasonic analysis new methodologies were created in this research in order to be suitable for the 3D printing materials. Last but not least, efforts are also being made to increase the incorporation of secondary raw material (fly ash) in order to reduce the environmental impact of industrial production and, conversely, to increase its sustainability while maintaining or improving the mechanical–physical parameters of building materials. From the results presented in this paper it is apparent, that created methodology is efficient for determining properties of 3D printable mixtures. SAPs also significantly influenced properties of these mixtures. Mainly buildability and flexural tensile strength (by up to 30%) were increased and volumetric weight was decreased (by up to 5%).

The paper deals with the application of combined nondestructive method for assessment of compressive strength of calcium silicate bricks. In this case, it is a combination of the rebound hammer method and ultrasonic pulse method. Calibration relationships for determining compressive strength of calcium silicate bricks obtained from nondestructive parameter testing for the combined method as well as for the L-type Schmidt rebound hammer and ultrasonic pulse method are quoted here. Calibration relationships are known for their close correlation and are applicable in practice. The highest correlation between parameters from nondestructive measurement and predicted compressive strength is obtained using the SonReb combined nondestructive method. Combined nondestructive SonReb method was proved applicable for determination of compressive strength of calcium silicate bricks at checking tests in a production plant and for evaluation of bricks built in existing masonry structures.