Francesca Tittarelli

Marche Polytechnic University | Università degli Studi di Ancona · Department of Materials, Environmental Sciences and Urban Planning SIMAU

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) and early warning systems (EWSs) play a pivotal role in enhancing seismic resilience for both buildings and occupants. This paper introduces a monitoring platform that collects electrical impedance data from scaled concrete beams undergoing load and accelerated degradation tests. Artificial Intelligence (AI) algor...

The combined need to propose new solutions for the structural reinforcement of existing buildings and for the reduction of CO 2 emissions is leading to the development of more sustainable composite materials, such as those based on alkali-activated mortars (AAM). In this study, different formulations of AAM, based on metakaolin or fly ash, have bee...

Adding photocatalytically active TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) to polymeric paints is a feasible route toward self-cleaning coatings. While paint modification by TiO2-NPs may improve photoactivity, it may also cause polymer degradation and release of toxic volatile organic compounds. To counterbalance adverse effects, a synthesis method for nonmetal (P,...

This paper proposes a non-destructive approach based on the Equotip hardness tester to assess weathering deterioration in a protected sandstone monument located in the historic centre of Camerino (Italy). The approach is tested on one sandstone column, where various forms of weathering, such as discolouration, scaling and loss of stone volume, are...

Lightweight, metal‐free, sustainable, and reusable adsorbent materials are of paramount significance in addressing the challenges of wastewater treatment. Accordingly, semi‐crystalline nanocellulose (NC) is extracted from tissue paper waste and used to modify polyacrylonitrile (PAN) to produce electrospun nanowebs with strand diameters from ≈180–30...

Structural Health monitoring (SHM) strategies can play a pivotal role in the perspective of enhancing structures and infrastructures life cycle and maintenance operations. A plethora of sensors and technologies can be employed in this field; in a seismic context, vibrational tests are particularly relevant, being able to give an insight on the dyna...

In a seismic context, it is fundamental to deploy distributed sensor networks for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM). Indeed, regularly gathering data from a structure/infrastructure gives insight on the structural health status, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies can help in exploiting this information to generate early warnings useful...

The combined need to propose new solutions for the structural reinforcement of existing buildings and for thereduction of CO2 emissions is leading to the development of more sustainable composite materials, such as thosebased on alkali-activated mortars (AAM). In this study, different formulations of AAM, based on metakaolin or flyash, have been ev...

Modal analysis is an effective tool in the context of Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) since the dynamic characteristics of cement-based structures reflect the structural health status of the material itself. The authors consider increasing level load tests on concrete beams and propose a methodology for damage identification relying on the compu...

Mortar specimens containing conductive additions (i.e., biochar and recycled carbon fibres – both alone and together, and graphene nanoplatelets) were characterized from a metrological point of view. Their piezoresistive capability was evaluated, exploiting the 4-electrode Wenner’s method to measure electrical impedance in alternating current (AC);...

The aim of this paper is to present a monitoring system for the built environment based on electrical impedance sensors, together with the development of an early warning system to support decision-making processes in a seismic context. In particular, preliminary data were collected on mortar specimens embedding stainless-steel electrodes for the p...

The possible use of industrial by-products as carbon-based fillers and/or fibers to produce Multifunctional Cement-based Composites (MCC) with piezoresistive behavior for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) was investigated. As fillers, Used Foundry Sand (UFS) and Gasification Char (GCH) were compared with commercial Graphene Nanoplatelets (GNP). As...

Biochar (BCH) and recycled carbon fibres (RCF) were used as carbonaceous additions in low-resistive mortars/concretes. Their effects on mechanical, electrical, and durability properties were investigated. Tests were performed both during curing and accelerated degradation. The combined use of RCF and BCH decreased the electrical impedance of cement...

The sensing of volatile organic compounds by composites containing metal oxide semiconductors is typically explained via adsorption-desorption and surface electrochemical reactions changing the sensor's resistance. The analysis of molecular processes on chemiresistive gas sensors is often based on indirect evidence, whereas in situ or operando stud...

The increase in concrete structures’ durability is a milestone to improve the sustainability of buildings and infrastructures. In order to ensure a prolonged service life, it is necessary to detect the deterioration of materials by means of monitoring systems aimed at evaluating not only the penetration of aggressive substances into concrete but al...

Slash and burn is a land use practice widespread all over the world, and nowadays it is formally recognized as the principal livelihood system in rural areas of South America, Asia, and Africa. The practice consists of a land rotation where users cut native or secondary forest to establish a new crop field and, in some cases, build charcoal kilns w...

In this study Natural Hydraulic Lime (NHL) was combined with clay and lime, the main cementitious materials used in ancient buildings, to develop a new render more suitable for applications on raw earth substrates. Nanoclay and nanolime have been separately added to a commercial NHL-based ready-mixed powder. Pure and nano-additivated NHL renders ha...

Production of sustainable nanomaterials (NMs) through the valorization of heterogeneous wastes is of high importance due to escalating environmental sustainability and depletion of natural resources. Following this motive, in this paper, TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) were green-synthesized (GS) using metal ions reducing potential of secondary metabolite...

In this paper, a newly developed cement and two recycled carbon-based materials, namely gasification char (GCH) and recycled carbon fibres (RCF), were used to manufacture new sustainable and low-resistivity cement-based composites. GCH was added at 0.5% and 1.0%, whereas RCF at 0.2%, on the total mortar volume. Microstructural, mechanical, electric...

This paper aims to evaluate the effect of carbon-based conductive recycled additions, i.e., recycled carbon fibres (RCF) and gasification char (GCH), on the mechanical, electrical, and durability properties of concretes. The obtained results show that the compressive strength of concrete is not affected by conductive additions, whereas electrical i...

An urban biorefinery can involve the recovery of cellulosic materials as a starting point, representing a good example of resource recovery in the circular economy concept. Cellulose recovery from municipal wastewater maintains previous practices, only the focus is shifted from the removal to the recovery point. Rotating belt filters (RBFs) with fi...

The continuous monitoring of cement-based structures and infrastructures is fundamental to optimize their service life and reduce maintenance costs. In the framework of the EnDurCrete project (GA no. 760639), a remote monitoring system based on electrical impedance measurements was developed. Electrical impedance is measured according to the Wenner...

Purpose This paper presents the outcomes of the international project “Protecting Landscape Heritage: a requalification project as an instrument for the re-birth of Quang Tri Old Citadel in Vietnam”, achieved with scientific cooperation between the Università Politecnica delle Marche (Italy) and Hue University of Sciences (Vietnam) funded by the It...

This work focuses on the characterisation of the heritage building materials (plasters, mortars, bricks and glazed tiles) of the Tsogt Palace’s ruins located in the Bulgan Province of Mongolia. In addition, contribution is also given to a preliminary evaluation of their state of conservation in consideration of the climate conditions to which the s...

The paper deals with effects of two different widespread extraction methods (conventional extraction and Soxhlet extraction) and four different pre-treatments (homogenization with pressure and with blades, sonication, and impact with glass spheres) on the extraction yields and properties of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) extracted from biomass coming f...

Production of cost-efficient composite materials with desired physicochemical properties from low-cost waste material is much needed to meet the growing needs of the industrial sector. As a step forward, the current study reports for the first time an effective utilization of industrial metal (inorganic) waste as well as fall leaves (organic waste)...

Carbon-based fillers from industrial wastes and commercial ones were compared to improve the properties of lime-based mixes. As commercial fillers, graphene nanoplatelets and activated carbon were used, whereas as industrial wastes a char obtained by the gasification of biomasses and a used foundry sand were chosen. Carbon-based wastes were found t...

This paper aims at discussing an automated measurement system for detecting carbonation depth in concrete sprayed with phenolphthalein. Image processing and Convolutional Neural Networks strategies are exploited to accurately separate the carbonated and non-carbonated areas and to remove those aggregates on the carbonation front that could bring to...

Structural health monitoring to assess the safety, durability and performance of structures can be performed by non-destructive methods such as the measurement of impedance in self-sensing cement-based elements. Cement-based materials, like mortars and concretes, generally have high electrical resistivity but the addition of carbon-based fillers an...

This paper aims at analyzing the state-of-the-art techniques to measure electrical impedance (and, consequently, electrical resistivity) of mortar/concrete elements. Despite the validity of the concept being widely proven in the literature, a clear standard for this measurement is still missing. Different methods are described and discussed, highli...

This paper discusses the electrical impedance behaviour, measured according to the Wenner’s method, of three different concrete mixes during accelerated degradation tests. Being a first attempt to move from laboratory to in-field applications targeted to long-term monitoring, the same electrode array configuration and set-up (AC current at 10 kHz)...

The possibility of producing high-volume fly ash (HVFA) recycled aggregate concrete represents an important step towards the development of sustainable building materials. In fact, there is a growing need to reduce the use of non-renewable natural resources and, at the same time, to valorize industrial by-products, such as fly ash, that would other...

Common alkali-activated materials (AAMs) are usually manufactured with highly alkaline solutions. However, alkaline solutions are dangerous for workers who must wear gloves, masks, and glasses when handling them. This issue makes common (or two-part) AAMs not user-friendly and problematic for bulk production if no safety procedures are followed. In...

A new generation of smart building materials, able to passively improve the indoor environment and the comfort of occupants owing to their interaction with the surrounding environment, can be addressed. This paper investigates the use of three highly porous aggregates to manufacture hydraulic lime-based multifunctional mortars to be used as indoor...

The work presents the corrosion behavior of bare and galvanized steel rebars embedded in metakaolin alkali-activated and traditional cement-based mortars belonging to the same mechanical strength class (R3 class with R-c >= 25 MPa, according to UNI EN 1504-3). Tests were conducted evaluating both the corrosion potential and the polarization resista...

There is an increasing interest towards the development of alternative binders for the manufacture of sustainable mortars and concretes. Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) is the most commonly used material in construction, even if its production process is highly polluting. Both calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) and alkali-activated cements (AAC) are poten...

The paper aims to provide a comprehensive study on the compositional optimization of high-conductive multifunctional fiber-reinforced cement mortars (FRCMs). Therefore, the effects of three different fiber types: virgin carbon fibers (VCFs), recycled carbon fibers (RCFs), and brass-plated steel fibers (BSFs), added at a broad range of concentration...

This paper reports a study on 8 unconventional hydraulic lime-based mortars able to improve indoor air quality by acting as passive systems. Mortars have been prepared with commercial sand or highly adsorbent materials as aggregates with/without TiO 2 as photocatalytic agent, to test also the decomposition of airborne pollutants. Mechanical propert...

Already from the beginning, 50 years ago, the first nucleus of researchers establishing the research group, was convinced that the construction sector was the best option for the valorization of industrial by-products as “secondary raw materials”. In fact, this sector is probably the largest consumer of resources and the largest waste generator, co...

This paper is aimed to show the impact of bitumen roofing production waste (BTw) on the properties of cement mortars in terms of mineral composition, microstructure, setting rate, physical and mechanical properties and durability (water absorption, freeze-thaw resistance). To this aim, mortar specimens were manufactured by replacing 0%, 2%, 4%, and...

The recovery of cellulose in toilet paper from municipal wastewater is one of the most innovative actions in the circular economy context. In fact, fibres could address possible new uses in the building sector as reinforcing components in binder-based materials. In this paper, rotating belt filters were tested to enhance the recovery of sludge rich...

This article presents how concrete properties would change if part of a coarse aggregate (granite crushed stone) were replaced with bitumen roofing production waste (BTw). BTw is a huge ecological problem because these wastes are generated in large quantities when replacing old bitumen-based roof tiles. Wastes are also produced during the productio...

Fluidized bed combustion fly ash (FBCFA), notably different from regular (coal) fly ash, is a promising industrial side stream to be used as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM). Peat and wood are important sources of biomass for energy production in Nordic countries and generate formidable amounts of un-used ash yearly. Two FBCFAs from the...

One of the most innovative applications for a circular economy approach is the recovery of cellulose fibres from municipal wastewater. Recovered cellulose fibres from the wastewater could bring benefits to the construction industry in terms of reducing the amount of non-renewable raw materials and increasing sustainability. Rotating belt filter was...

The behavior of lightweight cement-based and alkali-activated mortars after exposure to temperatures of 500, 750, and 1000 °C was compared. In cement-based mortars, cement was partially replaced (40 vol%) by several refractory fillers (coal fly-ash, biomass fly-ash, cocciopesto, metakaolin). In alkali-activated mortars, metakaolin was partially sub...

The article focuses on the development of innovative and multifunctional mortars with low environmental impact for indoor applications acting as passive systems to moderate extremes of humidity and to lower the concentration of pollutants. Mortars are manufactured by keeping constant the water/binder ratio, using sand as reference aggregate, and by...

This study investigates the effects of the addition of two different types of particles on morphological, thermo-hygrometric and mechanical properties of thermal insulating sprayed polyurethane foams. Platelet nanoclay and spherical silicon dioxide microparticles were poured into two different foams with a density of 15 Kg/m³ and 30 Kg/m³, respecti...

This work investigates the hydration behaviour and the physico-mechanical properties of mortars based on calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cements and fly ash-based geopolymers (GEO) as alternatives to ordinary Portland cement. According to the EN 1504-3, mortars were prepared in order to reach three compressive strength classes, namely R1, R2 and R3 (R...

The possibility of recycling mixed colour waste glass as it is for manufacturing decorative architectural mortars, has been investigated. In mortars, the 0–33–66–100% of calcareous gravel volume has been replaced with recycled glass cullets, with no other inorganic addition. To mitigate the possible alkali–silica reaction, mixes with a hydrophobic...

This paper presents the resistivity and piezoresistivity behavior of cement-based mortars manufacturedwithgraphenenanoplateletfiller(GNP),virgincarbonfibers(VCF)andrecycledcarbon fibers (RCF). GNP was added at 4% of the cement weight, whereas two percentages of carbon fibers werechosen,namely0.05%and0.2%ofthetotalvolume. Thecombinedeffectofbothfillerand...

This paper presents the resistivity and piezoresistivity behavior of cement-based mortars manufactured with graphene nanoplatelet filler (GNP), virgin carbon fibers (VCF) and recycled carbon fibers (RCF). GNP was added at 4% of the cement weight, whereas two percentages of carbon fibers were chosen, namely 0.05% and 0.2% of the total volume. The co...

The total substitution by volume of natural coarse calcareous aggregate by coarse recycled brick aggregate (RBA) and coarse recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) has been investigated to produce more sustainable and environment-friendly mortars. Aggregates were also partially substituted by their fines at 12.5% by volume. Mortars have been tested in te...

This work investigates the impact of long-term climate change on heritage sites in Latin America, focusing on two important sites in the Panamanian isthmus included in the World Heritage List: the monumental site of Panamá Viejo (16th century) and the Fortresses of Portobelo and San Lorenzo (17th to 18th centuries). First of all, in order to suppor...

The report defined and explored the raw materials playing field as an input for developing the raw materials roadmap towards 2050. An analysis was performed of the current RTD and Innovation system related to primary and secondary raw materials. The report converges the societal challenges and the corresponding future needs of EU industries and glo...

Rising damp is one of the most relevant cause of deterioration in historic buildings and its presence may trigger and intensify damage processes such as biodeterioration and decohesion linked to freeze-thaw and salt crystallization cycles. Treatment against rising damp is generally advised and several products are currently available in the market,...

This review presents "a state of the art" report on sustainability in construction materials. The authors propose different solutions to make the concrete industry more environmentally friendly in order to reduce greenhouse gases emissions and consumption of non-renewable resources. Part 1-the present paper-focuses on the use of binders alternative...

The paper represents the "state of the art" on sustainability in construction materials. In Part 1 of the paper, issues related to production, microstructures, chemical nature, engineering properties, and durability of mixtures based on binders alternative to Portland cement were presented. This second part of the paper concerns the use of traditio...

This work presents calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cement and geopolymeric binder (GEO) as environment-friendly alternatives to ordinary Portland cement (OPC). Mortars based on these binders were tested and compared at the same non-structural strength class (R2 ≥ 15 MPa, according to EN 1504-3). Binder pastes were preliminarily prepared to study their...

In Europe, the total amount of Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) waste is increasing. In order to valorise GRP dust (GRPd) waste and to reduce the consumption of nonrenewable resources in building materials, GRPd has been already investigated in cementitious materials where it gives even an improvement in some performances of the final products. Valor...

The present paper aims to evaluate the performance of photocatalytic lightweight indoor hydraulic limebased finishing mortars, with Portland cement-based finishing mortar as a reference. Two different types of aggregates, expanded glass and expanded silicate, are utilized to achieve the lightweight character and their contributions are investigated...

The presence of water and rising damp in particular is the most relevant cause of decay in historic buildings. Damage processes such as biodeterioration, frost and salt crystallization arise or are intensified in the presence of rising damp and its relevance is expected to increase in the future, due to climate changes. Treatment against rising dam...

The project, VERAM "Vision and Roadmap for European Raw Materials", aims to deliver a mapping of on-going initiatives on non-food, non-energy raw materials (including metals, industrial minerals, aggregates and wood) at European, Member State, and regional levels both from the Research and Innovation (R&I), industry, and policy perspectives. Moreov...

Polymer nanocomposites synergistically combine the good thermal properties of the hosting polymer matrix with the high mechanical performance of the fillers, providing a new class of materials with superior properties. The present study aims to evaluate in a multidisciplinary way the enhancement in mechanical and thermal-hygrometric properties of l...

The corrosion behaviour of bare and galvanized steel reinforcements in geopolymeric and cementitious mortars, at three strength classes, has been investigated throughout the curing period and exposure to wet-dry cycles in 3.5% NaCl solution. During the curing, the high alkalinity of geopolymers prolongs the active state of both bare and galvanized...

Used foundry sands (UFSs) represent the highest amount of solid wastes generated by foundries. Classified by European Union regulations as nonhazardous waste, they represent a relevant source to be reused in several industrial sectors, in building construction primarily. In this chapter, the physical and chemical properties of UFSs have been report...

In the current paper, the effect on Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) of two commercial acrylic-based paints were compared: one (Paint A) for indoor applications, the other (Paint B) for indoor/outdoor applications. Both were applied on an inert and on a real mortar substrate. The possibility of Paint B to passively improve IAQ was also investigated when ad...

The combined addition of a Shrinkage-Reducing Admixture (SRA) with a CaO-based expansive agent (CaO) has been found to have a synergistic effect to improve the dimensional stability of cement based materials. In this work, aimed to further investigate the effect, mortar and self-compacting concrete specimens were prepared either without admixtures,...

The effect of a new passivation treatment, obtained by immersion of the galvanized reinforcements in a trivalent chromium salts based solution, on the chlorides induced corrosion has been investigated. To investigate also the effect of cement alkalinity on corrosion behaviour of reinforcements, concretes manufactured with three different European c...

The "Fornello" viaduct in the Italian Orte-Ravenna highway (E45) is seriously damaged. In this paper, the concrete of the reinforced slab has been widely characterized to evaluate the level of damage and to identify the causes of degradation. No-destructive tests, as those based on ultrasonic waves, as well as chemical, physical and mechanical dest...