–2024 949 TE 1 STITUNG IIN EERINGN IVIL E D CN G AIN ILDU AL BN ATIO IAN N VENLO E SH F T S O EAR TY-FIVE Y SEVEN ark eaves a M hat L ledge T SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS OF THE SLOVENIAN NATIONAL BUILDING now AND CIVIL ENGINEERING INSTITUTE 1949–2024 K Knowledge That Leaves a Mark Seventy-five Years of the Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute 1949–2024 Editors: doc. dr. Aleš Žnidarič, Ema Kemperle, dr. Maja Kreslin, mag. Nina Gartner, Metka Ljubešek, Tamara Želimorski Photographs: ZAG archive Proofreader: Catherine Earles Original title: Znanje, ki pušča sled Published by: Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute Ljubljana, October 2024 Design, layout: Birografika BORI, d. o. o. First electronic edition URL: http://www.zag.si/dl/ZAG-bulletin-2024.pdf Also published as a printed publication. ISBN 978-961-7125-12-2 (PDF) This publication is not intended for sale. © 2024 Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International licence. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/. Kataložni zapis o publikaciji (CIP) pripravili v Narodni in univerzitetni knjižnici v Ljubljani COBISS.SI-ID 213793027 ISBN 978-961-7125-12-2 (PDF) Contents The Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute in 2024 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Milestones 1949-2024 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Directors Through History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Interview with mag. Damijana Dimic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Research and Development for a Sustainable Built Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Leading Experts on Current Topics in Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Advanced Materials in Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Balancing People’s Needs with the State of the Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Fire Safety in a Sustainable Built Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Safe and Durable Constructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Challenges in Geotechnics and Transport Infrastructure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Calibration of Measures to Ensure their Comparability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 ZAG's Contribution to Solving Social Challenges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Heritage Science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Digital Fabrication Hub – 3D Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Digital Transformation of Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 X-ray Computed Microtomography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Circular Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Smart Buildings and Home with Wood Chain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Fire Safety of Solar Power Plants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Manipulating Microplastics for a Sustainable Future . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 200 Years of Cement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 External Quality Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 Technical Observation of Barriers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 Contents Who We Are and What We Do . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Department of Materials Laboratory for Stone, Aggregates and Recycled Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98 Laboratory for Concrete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Laboratory for Metals, Corrosion and Anti-corrosion Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 Laboratory for Polymer Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Section for Functional Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Laboratory for Cements, Mortars and Ceramics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Department of Building Physics Laboratory for Building Physics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Department for Fire-Safe Sustainable Built Environment Fire Laboratory and Fire Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 Fire Research and Innovation Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 Department of Structures Section for Building Structures and Earthquake Engineering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 Section for Bridges and Engineering Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118 Section for Metal and Polymer Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 Section for Timber Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 Laboratory for Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124 Department of Geotechnics and Infrastructure Section for Geotechnics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 Section for Road Maintenance and Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 Laboratory for Asphalts and Bitumen-Based Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130 Laboratory for Metrology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132 Certification Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135 Service for Technical Assessment and Approvals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136 Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136 Supportive Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138 10 THE SLOVENIAN NATIONAL BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING INSTITUTE IN 2024 The beginnings of the Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute (ZAG) date back to 1949, when the then People's Republic of Slovenia established the Building and Civil Engineering Institute of Slovenia. In 1952, it was renamed the Institute for Testing and Research in Materials and Structures (ZRMK), which was then divided into a public part and a private part in 1994. The laboratories and most of the research activities were transferred to the public research institute. One of the fundamental goals of the new Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute was to continue the tradition of research and professional work upheld by ZRMK, which had been the central construction institute in Slovenia at the time. After three decades, it is clear that ZAG has successful y fol owed the path set, as we are now recognised both at home and abroad and are entirely comparable to the best related institutes in the countries of the European Union. ZAG has been developing successful y throughout, the key having been the integration of research and professional work. Investing in new content, close cooperation with domestic and foreign industries, and the successful acquisition of research projects has paid off. Over the past five years, progress gained additional momentum as a result of the new Scientific Research and Innovation Activity Act (ZZrID), which gave greater autonomy to public research institutes and significantly accelerated investment in research and development, with progress further spurred by high economic growth – also in the construction industry, as one of the key economic sectors. Construction in the European Union generates approximately 6.2% of the gross domestic product, with related activities contributing considerably more. In Slovenia, the share of construction has also increased significantly in recent years – reaching 7.5% in 2023, which is the third-highest share across EU countries. 11 Activities ZAG carries most of its work as research and professional activities, which, in recent years, have been represented in roughly equal proportions. In 2023, we renewed the strategy of our operation, including our vision and mission. We defined five areas of our operation, which we implement in the context of research and professional activities: 1. The sustainable use of resources in the construction industry 2. Energy efficiency of the built environment 3. The safety, resilience and adaptability of the built environment 4. A healthy living/ built environment 5. New test methods and digitalisation in the construction industry We pay special attention to facilities with special requirements, such as infrastructure relating to transport and energy, landfills - including those for radioactive waste - and cultural heritage. We increasingly devote ourselves to digitisation, without which development of the wider construction field is no longer possible. Scientific research activity Scientific research and development activity is a key component of our operation. We maintain direct contact with the latest scientific findings in many areas, which we publish in the most important international journals. Most of the research is part of international projects financed through various Horizon mechanisms, which proves that they are important for the development of science in a broader sense. We are currently either leading or involved in 105 research projects, a good half of which are international. At a national level, we conduct the research programs Building Structures and Materials and Forest-wood Value Chain and Climate Change: Transition to Circular Bioeconomy, supported by the infrastructure program Testing of Materials and Structures. 12 The Horizon ERA Chair project FRISSBE, concerned with a fire-safe sustainable built environment, is one of the few successful European ERA Chair projects in Slovenia and is of key status for ZAG. In addition to the internationalisation of the Institute’s operations, resulting from the large share of new colleagues from abroad, thanks to the FRISSBE project we have modernised a large part of the business, which has had a positive knock-on effect on our many daily activities. We were also partners in the Center of Excellence InnoRenew, the first European Teaming project won by Slovenia which was coordinated by the University of Primorska. Both the scientific research activity and the general operation of ZAG were greatly influenced by ZZrID, which enabled many positive changes. We have increased the number of young researchers fourfold. Within the framework of the development pillar, we encourage the international exchange of researchers. Each year, we prepare tenders for internal breakthrough projects, through which we train younger colleagues to manage research projects. We also conduct numerous courses for researchers and support staff, which strengthens the competencies of our staff in various fields and significantly contributes to the excellence of ZAG’s scientific research activities. In addition to constant research and development in traditional construction areas, such as materials, geotechnics, structures and building physics, we have also significantly expanded into new areas of operation. We began to deal more comprehensively with cultural heritage, as part of which we joined the European network E-RIHS (European Research Infrastructure for Heritage Science) and became more closely connected with complementary institutions. The field of circular economy has developed intensively and has successfully obtained many research projects, including through EIT RawMaterials. In the field of microtomography, we have strengthened the team with internationally established researchers and purchased the largest and most modern microCT instrument in Slovenia. We have made substantial progress in the field of digitisation and digital production, through the development of materials for 3D printing of building elements as well as methods for scanning and digitally inspecting structures using drones. Following the opening of a new laboratory and the start of the FRISSBE project, the Fire Research and Engineering department was rewarded with a new impetus and international recognition. New areas have also been introduced, including the fire resistance of batteries, photo voltaic panels for solar power plants and larger facade elements. In highly-specialised fields, we successfully cooperate with other research institutions, including the Universities of Ljubljana, Maribor and Koper, the Geological Survey Institute of Slovenia, the Institute for Metal Materials and Technologies, the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Heritage of Slovenia, the Center of Excellence InnoRenew, the Chemical Institute of Slovenia and the Jožef Stefan Institute. We have taken a big step forward in increasing the recognition of our work. In addition to organising events, including workshops, summer schools, and Open Days, we have strengthened the public relations department, which has increased our visibility and led to our achievements being presented in the media several times. A more detailed description of each of our research activities is given below. 13 Professional activities Another key area of activity in the Institute is professional activities. In the broader field of construction, we carry out tests and prepare technical opinions and analyses, studies, investigations, measurements, controls, observations and detailed inspections, supported by investigations and analyses regarding the condition of buildings, transport devices and transport infrastructure. We certify construction products, issue Slovenian and European technical assessments and approvals and environmental product declarations, and calibrate measures of force, torque, pressure, hardness, impact energy, length and temperature. We also perform external controls as an independent third party for the most important national infrastructure projects, such as the construction and renovation of road and railway networks and energy infrastructure. In 2024, we took over leadership of the Strategic Development Industrial Partnership (SRIP), ‘Smart Buildings and Home including Wood Chain’. Professional activities are primarily based on, and influenced by, the results of our scientific research. We actively participate in various bodies and often represent the country of Slovenia at the European level. Our expertise, breadth of knowledge, and the fact that we hold the largest number of accredited methods in the construction field across Slovenia should be our competitive advantage. Still, for most projects, we must compete in public tenders with other providers. Unfortunately, tenders often contain insufficient technical requirements, even in areas where we develop internationally comparable methodologies, technologies and investigation procedures. Despite the legally foreseen green orders, the lowest price, rather than the quality of the service, remains the key criterion for choosing a service, although this leads to significantly higher construction and management costs over the lifetime of a product. Unfortunately, such practice also slows the speed at which results from research are implemented into practice and consequently hinders the technological progress of Slovenia. 14 Employees Like the rest of Slovenia and across the developed world, we face challenges in the employment field. Due to the critical lack of technical personnel with higher education in the labour market, retirements, and lower salaries in the public sector, it is difficult to compete with the private sector. Nevertheless, the number of employees reached 254 at the end of 2023, with the proportion of employees with a university education being 80%. In the field of research, the main reason for the growth in staff numbers was greater success in obtaining international and domestic research projects. As a result, we increased the number of employees with doctorates to 71. In marketing activities, we strengthened the external control activities for state clients, increased the number of technical assessments and approvals and environmental product declarations and certificates, and opened up new areas of research. ZAG is committed to the principles of social responsibility, which are deeply rooted in our operations and policies and reflected in the advanced Socially Responsible Employer certificate we obtained in 2024. In addition to the positive ethics of our business practices, our integration into the community, our care for the environment and innovations for the social good, we have primarily committed ourselves to the well-being of our employees. We actively strive for their health, safety and professional development. As a result, we constantly improve the working environment to encourage personal and professional growth and to ensure all employees are valued and respected. We have significantly increased the number of various training courses for employees and facilitated more flexible working hours, with a greater share of work now being done from home. We have also established the Youth Council, through which younger employees, who are not in managerial positions, develop their views and present them to ZAG’s management. Graph 1: Number of ZAG employees by level of education 15 Business The Institute has operated successfully throughout its history. We cooperate with many partners, with more and more of them now coming from abroad. The most important partners represent the state. As a public research institute, we get just under a quarter of our income from stable funding. The other three-quarters of the revenue is obtained from the market. About a quarter of the total is from research, development and other projects financed by various European mechanisms and the Public Agency for Research and Innovation of the Republic of Slovenia (ARIS). A large number of the remaining market projects are obtained through tenders from state clients, such as the Motorways Company of the Republic of Slovenia, the Directorate of Infrastructure of the Republic of Slovenia, the Slovenian Railways, 2TDK and the Agency for the Management of Radioactive Waste. For these projects we carry out the quality control of works and conduct main and detailed inspections for key transport and energy infrastructure. We cooperate with many other partners on concrete projects and within the Strategic Development Industrial Partnerships framework. We are intensely involved in international cooperation. I highlight our cooperation in FEHRL (the Forum of European Highway Research Laboratories), ENBRI (the Association of European Network of Building Research Institutes) and EOTA (the European Organization for Technical Approvals). In 2022, we joined the European Research Infrastructure for Heritage Science (E-RIHS). We are active in the European technology platforms for construction, the built environment and energy-efficient buildings (ECTP) and road transport, (ERTRAC), as well as the Knowledge and Innovation Center EIT RawMaterials. In each of these organisations, our representatives work in management bodies. We actively participate in international workshops, conferences, congresses, associations and committees. Without this kind of active cooperation, fewer research projects would be obtained, and, as a result, there would be less exchange of knowledge and reduced progress. The result of the activities listed above is stable business, with growth that slowed down only in the first year of the COVID epidemic, which significantly impacted ZAG’s market revenues. Graph 2: ZAG revenue streams 16 Infrastructure Over the last five years, excluding the investment in the new fire laboratory in Logatec, we have spent EUR 4.5 million – equating to 6.7% of our operating income – to purchase and modernise research and testing equipment and infrastructure. About a third of this was financed by ARIS and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation (MVZI). As a result, we now have modern laboratories and testing equipment, enabling employees to carry out high-quality research and marketing activities. During this period of investment, we completed several important projects. In 2021, we opened a new business unit in Maribor. The residential premises where the previous unit had operated since 1972 had long ceased to be suitable. Our new modern premises with laboratories in Dobrovci, near Maribor, will enable further expansion and allow us to strengthen our presence in the eastern cohesion region. In 2022 we opened one of Europe’s most modern fire laboratories in Logatec. MVZI provided almost half the funds for the construction of the building, while part of the equipment costs were funded by the InnoRenew operation through European cohesion funds. The remainder of the funds were covered by our operating surpluses from previous years. The new premises enable the research and testing activities of the fire engineering department to expand into new areas. The fire laboratory in Logatec is also home to the ERA Chair project FRISSBE, which significantly increases ZAG’s visibility in the international environment. After resolving the ownership issues at our headquarters in Ljubljana, we con-verted several previously abandoned premises into laboratories and accompanying facilities. We have regularly renovated the offices and other laboratories. In 2022, with the help of national investment funds from MVZI, we bought the last facility we did not own - the concrete laboratory. Renovation of this laboratory and relocating from the current premises will boost development in the field of one of the fundamental building materials. Finally, over the past five years, we have bought some important research equipment, either fully funded by ourselves or with co-financing from the ARIS. These include the largest microCT in Slovenia, a robotic arm for 3D printing, furnaces and cleaning equipment in the fire laboratory, a modern laser scanner, and drones. We have also procured several pieces of equipment in cooperation with other JRZs. 17 Conclusions The Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute has developed and operated successfully over the past five years. We are proud that, according to the most important indicators, we remain comparable to the best related institutes in more developed European countries. This has only been possible with the outstanding commitment of all our employees, researchers, experts and support staff, to whom I would like to express my sincere gratitude. The last decade has proven that knowledge and technological development are essential for the survival of individual parts of the economy and the overall well-being of citizens. In this sense, it is key that Slovenia has preserved most of its national research institutes – which, on the international stage, prove that we are comparable with the best. Transferring our results into practice is somewhat more difficult. I hope that new legislation, which puts a much greater emphasis on innovation, will accelerate progress in this direction. I also trust that most players in the construction field, rather than only exceptions, will realise that a successful future requires greater investment in research and development. With its highly qualified personnel and modern equipment, the Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute will certainly play its part in helping to move in this direction. Ljubljana, 18/10/2024 Dr. Aleš Žnidarič, Director 18 Milestones 1949–2024 1949: The Government of the People’s Republic of Slovenia establishes the Slovenian Construction Institute. Its primary activities are research, testing and development in construction and the construction materials industry. 1953: The Construction Institute is transformed into the Institute for Testing and Research in Materials and Structures (ZRMK). 1972: A unit is established in Maribor to carry out activities in the north-eastern region of Slovenia. 1984: A seven-storey facility is built with new laboratories and office space. 1986: The fire laboratory in Gameljne, near Ljubljana, starts to operate. 1991: ZRMK becomes a public institute in the new country of Slovenia. 1994: Part of ZRMK is restructured into a public research institute, the Building and Civil Engineering Institute – ZRMK, and becomes a member of the Forum of European National Highway Research Laboratories (FEHRL). 1996: The Building and Civil Engineering Institute – ZRMK is renamed the Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute (ZAG). 1999: Slovenian Accreditation (SA) and the Swedish Board for Accreditation and Conformity Assessment (SWEDAC) accredit the first eight laboratories. ZAG acquired the research programs Structural Engineering and Building Materials. 2000: ZAG becomes a member of ENBRI, the European Network of Building Research Institutes. 2003: ZAG becomes the Slovenian authority for technical assessment and represents the Republic of Slovenia in the European Organisation for Technical Assessment (EOTA). 2007: The Slovenian Institute of Quality and Metrology (SIQ) grant ZAG certification for a quality management system according to ISO 9001:2000. ZAG is one of the cofounders of the platform Energy efficient Buildings (E2B). 2008: In partnership with the companies DDC and DRC, ZAG organises the largest European conference in the field of road transport, the Transport Research Arena (TRA), in Ljubljana. The Metrology Institute of the Republic of Slovenia designate ZAG as the holder of the reference standard for the units of force, hardness and the quantity of matter for cement. The Director of ZAG, Dr. Andraž Legat, becomes vice president of the association FEHRL. 19 2009: ARRS grants ZAG funding for the infrastructure program ‘Testing of Materials and Construction’. ZAG director Dr. Andraž Legat is appointed president of the European association ENBRI. 2011: ZAG takes over management of the TIGR Competence Centre for Sustainable and Innovative Construction. 2012: The Ministry of Economic Development and Technology designate ZAG as an authority for technical assessment. The Slovenian Environment Agency accredit ZAG as a body for noise assessment using calculations/ modeling. 2013: The Ministry of Agriculture and the Environment designate ZAG as an authorized expert for radiation and nuclear safety. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Spatial Planning authorise ZAG to issue energy performance certificates. ZAG fulfils the scope of activities as a notified body in accordance with the Construction Products Regulation. 2014: The Ministry of Infrastructure and Spatial Planning authorize ZAG to carry out professional and technical inspections of cableway instal ations. 2015: ZAG becomes a member of the association EIT RawMaterials e.V. (EIT RM) and obtains funding for the first projects. 2016: An extension to the Laboratory for Structures is built with European funding. As part of the Teaming project, ZAG is a cofounder of the Centre of Excel ence for research and innovation in the field of renewable materials and a healthy living environment (InnoRenew CoE). 2017: ZAG is a cofounder of four strategic development-innovation partnerships (SRIPs). 2021: ZAG opens a new business unit in Dobrovci. ZAG acquires the FRISSBE ERA Chair project. 2022: ZAG opens the largest and most modern fire laboratory in this part of Europe in Logatec, built using European, Slovenian, and ZAG’s own funds. 2023: The Director of ZAG, Dr. Aleš Žnidarič, becomes president of the association FEHRL. 2024: ZAG becomes an associate partner within the inter-university program, »International Master of Science in Fire Safety Engineering« (IMFSE). ZAG assumes leadership of the SRIP, ‘Smart Buildings and Home including Wood Chain’ (PsiDL) 20 Directors Through History Marjan Ferjan 1949–1951 (Director of the Institute) prof. Viktor Turnšek 1951–1954 (Director of the Institute), 1954–1975 (Director of ZRMK) Franc Čačovič 1976–1980 (Director of ZRMK) prof. dr. Jože Vižintin 1980–1986 (Director of ZRMK) Borut Gostič 1986–1992 (Director of ZRMK) prof. dr. Roko Žarnić 1992–1993 (Acting Director of ZRMK) mag. Damijana Dimic 1993–1995 (Acting Director of the IRPK OU), 1995–1996 (Acting Director of the BCV Institute – ZRMK) akad. prof. dr. Miha Tomaževič 1996–2005 (Director of ZAG Ljubljana) izr. prof. dr. Andraž Legat 2005–2019 (Director of ZAG Ljubljana) 21 22 In 2024, in addition to the 75th anniversary of ZAG, we also commemorate the 200th anniversary of Aspdin's patent of Portland cement - a material that caused a revolution in construction and still dom-inates as a construction material today. Associated with the intriguing combination of cement’s and ZAG’s anniversaries, a now petite lady with fiery hair comes to mind for many of ZAG employees. In her achievements, she is anything but petite; in her old age she remains very sharp-minded and has a good memory, is evasive, critical, pervasive, curious, and a sovereign expert. She is the leading author of an article in the famous scientific journal, Cement and Concrete Research, the author of two independent chapters in the RILEM report, ‘Application of admixtures in concrete: state-of-the-art report’, and the author of more than fifty studies, reports on the results of investigations. Some words about her, cement and ZAG. "When I came to work for ZRMK, my boss, the late engineer mag. Stane Droljc, put a research proposal on my desk that had been sent to Belgrade: ‘The development of expansive cement’. This was my first assignment. I had no idea about cement whatsoever.” Mag. Damijana Dimic, chemist, long-time head of the cement laboratory at The Boris Kidrič Fund Award was awarded to the the Institute for Research of Materials and Structures researchers and developers mag. Stane Droljc and (ZRMK), was the only woman to hold the director’s mag. Damijana Dimic in 1984. It was an award for position at the Institute. Since 1993, she led the or- important scientific works that had been published in ganizational unit Institute for Research and Quality the previous year and was split into four categories: Assurance at ZRMK, and after the restructuring of natural and mathematical sciences, technical scienc- ZRMK, she was the acting director of the newly es- es, biotechnical and medical sciences, and social and humanistic sciences. Droljc and Dimic received tablished Construction Institute from 1995 to 1996. the award for their research work investigating the synthesis and characterization of calcium sulfoalumi- I actually graduated in polymers, but there nates as the basic mineral component of expansive were no jobs at the time, and I waited three and non-shrinking cements, as well as for research or four months to get a job. I had a lot of success into the hydration processes. The justification for the with expansive cement. My boss, engineer mag. award was that the merit of the work was original Stane Droljc, and I even received an award from the reasoning, with thoroughly designed experiments, Kidrič Fund for the development of this material. It through which the authors explained the reaction was used in hydroelectric power plants, you know.” mechanism and established data that had not yet 23 been published in the literature. The authors present- its status so that it was independent. We weren’t ed their work at the 7th International Congress of independent at the time because we had semi- Cement Chemistry (ICCC) in Paris in 1980, in five industrial production and renovations, which saved papers on research work over the years 1978-1983, us in the previous regime, where we were not funded and in six public publications. The special merit of by the state but through market activity. The research the authors was that they put the results of their re- was financed by the Federal Fund for Scientific search work into practice: a device for the annual Research in Belgrade, so we sent our proposals for production of 2,000 tons of non-shrinkable and ex- research there, and I must say that our institute was pansive cements was under construction, and they very well known in Yugoslavia - ZRMK was also the also introduced the use of these cements for con- first institute to be established in Yugoslavia. The struction of the hydropower plant (HPP) Solkan on Ruđer Bošković Institute in Zagreb and the Institute the Soča river and the use of non-shrinkable cements of Civil Engineering in Belgrade were also very good. of other types in the construction of HPP Zlatoličje Later, smaller institutes were also established, in and HPP Vuhred on the Drava river. Banja Luka and Skopje, I think. We did quite a lot of research that was paid for, and the rest we The big problem in concrete has always earned on the market. It was primarily research for been concrete shrinkage – although this development, less basic scientific research." is less apparent today because materials have already been developed to prevent it. At ZRMK, we With involvement in the market, it was easier to de- developed expansive cement for hydropower plants, termine the direction of research and development and we developed an expansive additive for pre- - the needs were clear. tensioned cables, known as Ikaton. This one really paid off, because at that time the cables were not We were the ones identifying the needs and yet so well protected. The need for protection was not proposing topics. The construction industry noticed back then either, because the roads were not itself did not recognize the needs, especially not the salted as much, and there was also less prestressed construction materials industry. This is because, concrete. The first structure on which the application at that time, there were so few building materials of Ikaton was implemented was the Verd viaduct. on the market that they did not feel the need to The contractor was Mostogradnja from Belgrade, and develop new ones. That's how we imposed the trend. our technical director, Slovenian, engineer Marjan We produced a lot of products and semi-finished Ferjan, knew their director. He hinted to Ferjan that products in Gameljne, and this brought us a lot of they needed such an additive - and we developed it, finance, as since we knew the market, and what and we succeeded. It was quite a successful project. the industry needed, we always found a product. At After this, it was expansive cement’s turn …” that time, imports were very problematic - in fact, there were no imports at all. The management, who At that time, the Institute's activities were predomi- were more familiar with the trends and needs of nantly market-based, and research activities were the construction industry, gave us hints as to what financed by the state, through project applications. needed to be researched and developed. And that's Due to the requirements of Europe, the activities of how we developed. There was a lot of development the Institute had to be redirected and the production in the construction of highways and hydropower activity abandoned. plants.” The Institute then became a national Despite the closed borders, the equipment in the la-institute, and it was necessary to adjust boratories was good. 24 We had our own workshops. At that time, Suddenly, the salaries were lower than before. Half the problem was the import of equipment a year later, a call for the director was announced, through closed borders. We had a mechanical work- but I was about to retire, and I said that a candidacy shop and a carpentry workshop, and they did every- from me would not make any sense. It was better thing for us. When we said we would like to mea- for me to help someone else get started on the job. sure the expansion of the grout for the pre-stressing My offer was then accepted by dr. Miha Tomaževič.” cables, they did a little digging in the literature – Her story with cement and ZAG did not start after which, of course, we had - and they designed and graduating from college, but a little earlier: made the measuring set. We even had a glass blow- er. When the two institutes were separated, all of I was on an internship at ZRMK in my third that ended with the justification that it is no longer year of study. At the Laboratory for Cement profitable. Today, it is easier to get equipment, there to be precise. And I felt good there. Wonderful are more funds, but I think that development and people." the laboratory still need this kind of support. You can't buy every glass flask on the market. It is better The positive atmosphere during her time at the In- if you can go to the workshop and say what exactly stitute cannot be overlooked, as it emanates from you need, and they blow it for you.'' her words. She also comments on faster job changes being a feature of modernity. Successful innovation and development were repla- ced by standards, and a civil engineer stepped into I think that things used to be a little the shoes of a chemist ... well, heels, actually ... different back then. As employees, we felt a greater sense of belonging to the institution, to Later on, we had to abandon market pro- the company where you went to earn your living. duction because that part was assigned There wasn't that much staff turnover. Colleagues of to another institution. We were more concerned mine were younger, because the institute was also with what Europe demanded - with new standards. young and it was nice to work with them, we were a I must say that within this framework we travelled really nice team. The situation changed in that, the a lot - or at least I, personally, did. We attended demands of Europe ... everything fell apart. In its CEN meetings, where we started as observers, best years, as many as 800 people were employed because we were not yet members, then later we at the Institute. Then the number dropped because were allowed to participate in standardization. This there wasn't as much business." is how we came to the new directive on construc- She cannot, and does not, hide her devotion to the tion products, which I translated, and that was a Institute. bit blasphemous. At that time, the Slovenian Insti- tute for Standardization felt they were an authority ZRMK was actually my life. Everything in this field. My translation was primarily intended happened there. I never thought about as preparation for the changes to come - because doing anything else", these were significant changes. In 1995, the two institutes (ZAG and ZRMK AN) finally separated. I says Dimic, with sparkles in her eyes. Perhaps these was the acting director for so long that we adopted sparks promise to ignite the next 75 years of ZAG all the statutes and regulations. We had to fight for and another 200 years of cement. If not more. salaries because they were dictated by the ministry. Ana Brunčič 25 26 t for ent en nvironm evelopm uilt E Dnd le B rch a stainab eseaR a Su 28 As a credible partner, we create and transfer cutting-edge knowledge for the development of a sustainable built environment. The Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineer- The scientific research vision of the ing Institute is a public research institute whose Slovenian National Building and fundamental activity is scientific research. In recent Civil Engineering Institute years, our multidisciplinary perspective has been replaced by a transdisciplinary approach, with re- In 2022, the Institute's scientific council formed a searchers combining knowledge from various fields new vision for the scientific research activities of to surpass the boundaries of individual disciplines. ZAG for the period up to 2027, including the mis- Quality research work, the ability to connect differ- sion and priority areas of knowledge development ent disciplines, and the integration of fundamental and research, which states: and applied research to address real-world chal- • We will be recognised for our scientific lenges all contribute to the growing recognition of excellence in Slovenia and beyond the Institute. • We will be a valued partner in research projects • We will present at prestigious conferences and be part of reputable professional associations • We will actively particpate in the development of national and international policies • We will successfully transfer our knowlege to the economy • We will cultivate knowledge inclusively, through interdisciplinarity and mutual collaboration. In fulfilling our scientific research mission we are guided by the values of reliability, cooperation, su- perior knowledge, mutual respect, usability, sus- tainable development, learning, independence, eth- ics, interdisciplinarity, self-initiative, responsibility and honesty. 29 As part of its renewed strategy, the Institute has identified five priority research areas: Sustainable use of resources in construction: this area 01 focuses on innovative principles of circular construction, promoting material efficiency, waste evaluation, industrial symbiosis, cascade recycling, the replacement of critical and hazardous substances, the sustainable use of natural materials, the digitalization of value chains and the development of circular business models to shape the future of construction. Energy efficiency of the built environment in the 02 construction sector: research in this field aims to efficiently manage energy in the built environment. Col aborating with partners, the Institute develops innovative solutions for utilizing and managing renewable energy sources, thereby contributing to a sustainable future. Safety, resilience and adaptability of the built 03 environment: the Institute explores new ways to ensure the mechanical and fire resistance of buildings and transportation infrastructure. Solutions are designed to prevent damage from constant and frequent influences such as weight, earth pressures, traffic and wind, as well as to enhance safety during exceptional events like earthquakes, fires, landslides, storms, and floods. Adaptation to climate change and urban mobility requirements are also considered. Healthy living/ built environment: to create conditions for 04 healthy living environments, key environmental components - such as air quality, water, noise, heat, humidity, vibrations and ergonomics - need to be addressed. The Institute investigates and discovers new approaches to removing harmful factors from the environment. New test methods and digitisation in construction: 05 research in this area focuses on the development and implementation of novel testing methods, observational techniques for construction objects and infrastructure and analytical tools that can be used to leverage new information and communication technologies. 30 The priority areas of research outlined above are the overview of the number of projects and funding ac- pil ars of our research work, their interconnection, quired through the European Union’s research and and the research freedom afforded to our research- innovation framework programs is given in Graph 1. ers. These open up new research questions and In addition to projects in the framework program, chal enges, al owing us to build a safer and more staff at ZAG are involved in research projects funded sustainable society through the development of new by other sources. At the time of writing, in the first methods and technologies and by observing the so- half of 2024, 105 projects are currently underway, ciological aspects of living. While individual research with at least 10 additional projects expected by the areas yield exceptional scientific results, highlighting year-end. Over the past five years, the number of pro- ZAG as a key partner for research, other areas excel jects has increased by more than 20%. The success in applied outcomes, making ZAG an important col- of ZAG researchers is evident not only in the projects laborator for industry engagement. obtained from new programs but also by the fact that we have secured coordinating roles in significant in- Research projects itiatives. The distribution of projects by funding pro- Slovenia has been involved in European Union re- gram and year is illustrated in Graph 2. search and innovation framework programs since Despite the increasing number of projects, it is pos- the third framework program (FP3) ran between itive that the proportion of domestic or international 1990 and 1994. The first projects by ZAG were car- projects never exceeds 60%. This balanced approach ried out under the fourth framework program (FP4), ensures sustainable development and provides more fol owing several COST actions. Since then, funding stable research funding, even during periods when for research and innovation has steadily increased. framework programs and strategies change. We are currently in the midst of the ninth frame- work program (Horizon Europe), by the end of which Among the international projects currently underway we expect revenue to have exceeded €9 mil ion. An at ZAG, we highlight the FRISSBE project (Fire-Safe Graph 1: Number of research projects and funds obtained under the framework programs of the EU, source: Horizon Dashboard Country Profiles (source: https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/horizon-dashboard, 29. 7. 2024) 31 Graph 2: Number of research projects by programs in the years 2018–2024 Sustainable Built Environment), which was selected Within the research programs, activities are carried for funding under the H2020 WIDESPREAD ERA out in all the five strategic areas mentioned above, Chair cal . FRISSBE is one of the most successful as well as in horizontal research activities such as ERA Chair projects in the region, employing 10 re- built cultural heritage, additive technologies, digital- searchers, most of whom are foreign, and support- ization and microtomography amongst others. In all ing the development of new scientists in the field of research activity - both within strategic areas and in fire-safe sustainable built environments through vis- horizontal activities or other cross-sectional internal its from student researchers from around the world. projects - the emphasis is on a scientific approach. The importance of our research results is evidenced Research within ARIS funding by the number of publications and citations, which have significantly increased in recent years. In 2022, a significant portion of the funds from the Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency (ARIS) Graph 3 il ustrates the number of scientific publica- transitioned to stable funding. On one hand, the tions, the proportion of original scientific articles, and autonomy gained through ZZrID has imposed great the number of citations between 2013 and 2023. responsibility on the recipients, but on the other hand it also allows us the freedom to carry out important activities that were previously hindered. ZAG conducts two research programs under stable funding: Building structures and materials (P2-0273) as an independent performer and Forest-wood value chain and climate change: transition to circular bioec- onomy (P4-0430) as a partner, with the leading part- ner being the Slovenian Forestry Institute. Both re- search programs are supported by the infrastructure group Testing of Materials and Structures (I0-0032). 32 With stable funding, ZAG has significantly expan- Research program P2-0273: ded its research activities, both in terms of the ove- Building structures and materials rall resources allocated and the proportion of labor costs within those resources. Since 2022, we have The research program ‘Building structures and ma- actively increased the number of young researchers, terials’ serves as a central driver of scientific re-intentionally strengthening the strategic workforce search at ZAG. It connects all five strategic research necessary for us to continue our delivery of excel- areas, all six scientific research departments, and lent scientific research. various horizontal research groups. New research Graph 3: Bibliographic indicators of research performance (source: COBISS.SI/COBIB.SI database, 10. 7. 2024). domains often emerge from close collaboration be- necessary flexibility and a comprehensive approach tween program members and their integration into to addressing challenges. both Slovenian and international research environ- ments. By combining diverse groups of researchers, Research program P4-0430: we achieve synergistic effects in specific, narrow- Forest-wood value chain and climate er fields. The importance and relevance of our re- change: transition to circular bioeconomy search areas are confirmed by our numerous sci- entific publications and successful participation in The research program ‘Forest-wood value chain and international and national projects. ZAG research- climate change: transition to circular bioeconomy’ ers excel in various research and technological do- addresses current challenges within the forest-wo- mains on a global scale. Thanks to the supportive od value chain (from standing trees to final produ- environment provided by our infrastructure program cts). It connects three research organizations: the and the collaborative staff in support services, we Slovenian Forestry Institute, as the leading partner, stay abreast of the latest global research. The free- and the Slovenian National Building and Civil En- dom afforded by stable funding allows us to swiftly gineering Institute and the Biotechnical Faculty of adapt our research to changing technological con- the University of Ljubljana as co-executors. Rese- ditions and societal and environmental needs. Our archers provide an interdisciplinary and innovative transdisciplinary group of researchers ensures the approach to achieving the goals set and connect 33 the group with the industry. The scientific research by the Project Support Service and the Public Rela- work focuses on finding optimal solutions based on tions Service, which ensure the establishment of a our existing knowledge and available resources (la- knowledge management system and organize Open boratories and databases). Day events and other promotional activities. The Slovenian National Building and Civil Enginee- International collaborations ring Institute plays an important role in researching and developing an optimal process for the protecti- Through its transdisciplinary work in various con- on of non-biocidal wood, especially for domestic struction areas, and by connecting fundamental and wood species, which can prevent biological decay applied research to address real-world problems, ZAG without altering the positive properties of the wood. has become recognized both at home and abroad. Additionally, we seek solutions to improve its fire resistance. We are also heavily involved in resear- In terms of research activities, ZAG primarily col abo- ching massive wooden structures made from glued rates with partners from European associations such wood, such as glued laminated timber (GLT) and as ENBRI (European Network of Building Research cross-laminated timber (CLT), largely supported by Institutes) and FEHRL (Forum of European Nation- the infrastructure program. al Highway Research Laboratories). Notably, ZAG’s director is the current president of FEHRL, serving Infrastructure program I0-0032: from 2023 to 2026. Additional y, ZAG’s involvement Testing of materials and structures in technological platforms like ECTP (European Con- struction Technology Platform), ERTRAC (European This infrastructure program supports scientific re- Road Transport Research Council), and E2BA (Ener- search work, including research programs as well as gy Efficient Buildings) has been beneficial. Further- Slovenian and international research projects. The more, as a partner in EIT KIC (European Institute activities of the research program encompass several of Technology, Knowledge and Innovation Centre) specific goals, including maintaining and monitoring RawMaterials, ZAG strengthens its ties to the EU re- progress in research equipment, supporting pro- search landscape and col aborates with universities grams, projects, state and government bodies, train- and industry partners. Overal , in terms of the key ing staff, connecting to infrastructure networks and indicators (EU research integration, participation in living laboratories, transferring knowledge and popu- technical committees and university-industry con- larizing science. The support activities are distribut- nections), ZAG’s performance aligns wel with other, ed across departments, connected, and encouraged similar research institutes across Europe. t urren n C ts o struction xper on E ding ics in C Lea Top 36 Advanced Materials in Construction dr. Alenka Mauko Pranjić Head of the Department of Materials What activities is your department undertake considerable activity in X-ray 3D imag- currently engaged in? ing techniques, where ZAG, with its excellent team and equipment, is becoming more and more rec- In the Department of Materials, we cover various ognized, both in Slovenia and around Europe. This materials and many topics in which ZAG’s scientists year, many activities took place in the field of cul- and experts are top of their field, including products tural heritage – a topic that has always been pres- from secondary raw materials, new functional ma- ent in the department but, in view of the research terials, the corrosion of metallic materials, additive and professional needs in modern construction, has technologies, environmental technologies, new ce- never been a central topic. Regardless, important ments and CO capture in construction materials, 2 developments were certainly seen in this area this and the pathology of materials. We work a lot on year (e.g. the organization of an international sum- circular construction, with the aim of making re- mer school on the topic of non-destructive tools search useful in practice, such that new products in cultural heritage, involvement in E-RIHS.si and and technologies can be placed on the market. We the LINXS infrastructure networks, new research 37 projects and new publications). The pathology of the source used for activation, the risk of leaching building materials has also been a relevant topic for must always be checked e.g. the leaching of heavy many years, both professionally and in the field of metals in an alkaline medium. research, and in some areas we are the only ones who can give comprehensive answers to our clients You participate in many research in Slovenia as to why certain damage to construc- projects. Which would you highlight? tion materials and construction works has occurred. Some of the more recent topics we have been work- It is true, we participate in many international re- ing on include, amongst others, the hydrogen em- search innovation projects as an alternative funding brittlement of steel, the photocatalytic conversion for our research work - from those where we develop of solar energy into energy products such as hydro- new construction materials and technologies (e.g. in gen and methane and the simultaneous capture of programmes like Horizon, M-ERANET and ERAMIN), CO , sensors based on mesoporous silica, the im- to those that are more applied or marketable, with 2 provement of air quality through the conversion of a higher Technology Readiness Level (TRL), e.g. in volatile organic components via photocatalysis, and programmes like EIT Raw Materials and LIFE. Some improving the durability and fire properties of wood of our projects are aimed at the development of in- through mineralization. novation ecosystems and proposals for improving regulation and legislation or education and capac- Which materials could reduce CO ity building (e.g. cross-border projects, regional In- 2 emissions the most? terreg programmes, EIT RawMaterials educational programmes and integrated LIFE programmes). The Apart from steel, cement and concrete contribute topics relate to recycling, circular construction and most to the high carbon footprint of the construction sustainability, additive technologies, the promotion sector, so a lot of activity is being directed towards and design of programmes for lifelong education the development of new, more sustainable cements and academic education on new topics that are not and concretes using supplementary cementitious yet included in conventional education systems, the materials based on recycled waste, alternative field of new functional materials and technologies, binders and mineral carbonation, whereby binders and materials in highly demanding environments. based on cement, ash or other additives in building We are currently contributing in the development of composites bind CO . We are researching alternative new materials and technologies for storing energy, 2 primary (e.g. dolomites as a potential source of Mg- hydrogen and other energy products. In short, we based cements) and secondary (various wastes such are involved in the entire construction value chain, as Ca-rich ash) raw materials, and the mechanical- and we aim to connect the stakeholders of the inno- physical and chemical properties of new binders vative ecosystem built by research institutes, indus- and composites, which must be evaluated in the try, educational institutions, decision-makers and context of their intended use (e.g. changes in the general public. Regarding the latter, I must high- strength and durability, binding mechanisms, risk light some projects where citizens also have a great of leaching potentially hazardous substances). For influence on research, i.e. citizen science, such as many years we have been working on geopolymers, involving cyclists in the dynamic monitoring of air or alkali-activated materials, which are a very good quality, for example, or citizens collecting data on alternative to cement composites, but depending on the quality of drinking water. 38 How does artificial intelligence or Is the comfort of living in our dwellings digitization affect your work? better due to the improved properties of materials? This is an area that cannot be neglected, either in research methods, in the design and development One of the trending actual topics for building mate- of new materials and technologies, or in decision- rials is the use of natural and traditional materials, making. Digitization and artificial intelligence are such as straw, hemp, and clay, in a more modern now part of our everyday, be it an advanced technique way e.g. using additive manufacturing or 3D print- for the reconstruction of X-ray tomographic images ing technologies. An important shift in the use of or the development of digital passports or online natural materials in society is the use of not only marketing material. There are many challenges wood, but also natural fibers and biobinders in the for us in this field, including employing suitable construction industry, replacing conventional poly- personnel to work on digital topics and materials. mer binders in composites, also for structural pur- poses. I think that in the so-called circular bioeco- What improvements to materials do you nomy this will be given even more emphasis in the think would most increase the resistance coming years. of construction works to flooding? What investigations will the recently We were not very involved with flooding in our de- purchased microtomograph allow you partment last year, perhaps only with the problem to perform? concerning the spread of various pollutants in indi- vidual areas of flooding, and the generation of large It will allow us to see better (i.e. at a higher resolu- quantities of potential construction materials, e.g. tion), faster (i.e. a faster scanning time and resolu- rocks, gravel and sand, which were moved and de- tion) and wider (i.e. a more diverse range of mate- posited elsewhere as a result of flooding. Above all, rials). Compared to the device we have been using I think that we should look for systemic construction for the last 10 years, we can now analyze larger solutions, create more green areas in cities (which pieces of material, view objects at a higher resolu- also reduces urban heat islands) and aim for urban tion, perform faster analyses in different scanning areas that quickly drain water in the case of flooding modes, and create better reconstructions from 3D (also with permeable materials) -managed not only scans (also with AI tools). Above all, our integration by the material, but by a complete drainage system internationally is intensifying, both with industry as able to prevent municipal water from mixing with well as with research and educational institutions potable water. In this area, we want to make the around the world. We recently became involved with general public aware of the potential dangers of the one research project because of our ability to per- built environment in the event of or after catastroph- form microCT characterization of post-Li batteries, ic natural events, e.g. the handling of asbestos roof which can have the same or better energy storage tiles and other hazardous construction materials capacity as Li batteries but are not explosive. Such in the event of hail. As far as climate impacts are storage systems are also less dependent on the crit- concerned, we also work in the field of wastewater ical raw material, lithium, which is only produced in treatment, ensuring that the water, as well as the small quantities in Europe and is largely dependent waste generated in the process, are both reused. on imports from geopolitically unstable countries. 39 What are the biggest challenges and innovation between excellent science and ex- in your work? pertise, which we have already partially tackled, by being a protagonist of development in industry and Multitasking and lack of staff. I’m always proud of not just providing industry with our services. This our researchers and what they can do, but I know is, of course, a challenge in itself, as it is a difficult that it’s hard to be a scientist trying to be scientifi- path. It’s no coincidence that the area between tech- cally excellent, while at the same time getting fund- nological readiness levels 5 and 8 is called the “val- ing and being an expert in the market. This means a ley of death”, since many innovations peter out here very interesting way of working, as we adhere to the and do not penetrate into the marketplace. For us, ZAG tradition that our scientists are anchored in real the challenge is slightly different – namely, through problems, that we know the field perfectly and are testing in real environments, including the develop- not somewhere high in the scientific spheres, but ment of pilot technologies, we can obtain funds and it can also be very stressful and tiring, with a great develop knowledge, products and technologies, but responsibility towards funders (public or private), it is more difficult for us to market these products our customers and the general public. At the same or even go on an independent entrepreneurial path. time, of course, we all take care of our private lives and families, which can sometimes be a challenge, How do you see your department in despite all the favourable conditions offered by ZAG 10 years? (e.g. work from home option, a flexible work sched- ule, excellent infrastructure etc). I think that we are There are many variables that will affect this. When at a turning point as an institution, whereby we have I assumed my position I said that our goal was for a lot of potential both in marketing and research one or more of our researchers to receive funding work, but this means new management challeng- from the European Research Council (ERC) in es. There is a Japanese saying that stagnant water the next 5 years. In the future, I see professionals starts to stink. Progress is a natural process - how who can successfully solve even the most difficult we do it to make growth as sustainable as possible challenges. I see satisfied employees who enjoy is probably up to all of us. I definitely see opportuni- their work and their successes and know how to ties for us in near-to-market research and transition take care of themselves and their colleagues. I’m of our solutions to market, as well as development happy to be part of this exciting voyage. 40 Balancing People’s Needs with the State of the Environment doc. dr. Katja Malovrh Rebec Head of the Department for Building Physics What are the main activities your depart- ment is currently involved in? The Department of Building Physics is currently fo- cusing on a wide range of activities, including inter- national and national research projects in teams of renowned scientists as well as professional work, standards-compliant testing in the laboratory and field work. We measure and calculate the thermal characteristics of materials and building elements. We also test windows and shading systems for the purpose of reporting their water tightness and wind resistance. In the acoustics laboratory, we measure the acoustic characteristics of building elements. We study, measure and calculate how building ma- to our measurements. We are actively shaping the terials affect acoustic comfort, and we also evaluate domestic and international market for Environmen- spatial acoustics and field measure the properties of tal Product Declarations (EPDs). These certificates surfaces to reduce noise. For more complex build- provide transparency and environmental informa- ings, we prepare detailed building physics calcula- tion to the public. Our team members are involved tions. Recently, we have started to work intensively in national and international associations. Two cur- on measuring the response of people to different rent team members are continuing their education indoor conditions, using advanced data capture and at PhD level, with a third to be joining us shortly, analysis combined with machine learning. We have and we are particularly proud of them. The head set up a new laboratory and added the evaluation of the unit teaches the compulsory course, 'Energy of lighting conditions and direct human responses Efficient Buildings Design' at Master’s level. 41 Which parameters of building physics have Data is captured by sensors and managed by digital improved the most in the last 100 years? twins, with decisions informed by feedback loops. In particular, the related understanding of the inter- What improvements do you think would play of what we understand as building physics has make buildings more resilient? improved: heating/ cooling, air quality, acoustic and lighting conditions, energy use and related financial Improving the resilience of buildings to climate and environmental aspects, and the overall comfort change, in particular to increases in the average and wel -being of people in buildings. We are now temperature, is becoming a focus of our research. able to predict with much greater confidence how Specifical y, we are considering adjustments to the buildings wil behave once they are built. There is no design and materials used in a building, for example doubt that over the last 100 years there has been for insulation and shading, which have a significant an unprecedented improvement in the way we ap- impact on reducing the demand for cooling. Cooling proach how to insulate buildings, which has led to and air quality are becoming more of a concern than more energy efficient buildings, a smal er environ- heating. We are also considering future building de- mental footprint, and also increased the comfort for signs that could make much better use of natural people inside the buildings. Advanced materials and shading, passive cooling and ventilation. The instal- elements that effectively improve thermal, lighting lation of green roofs and facades that absorb heat and acoustic conditions have been developed, thus and improve the microclimate is becoming more and increasing the comfort of people indoors. We are more understood. The use of smart technologies to integrating systems to make buildings increasingly optimise the performance of systems is also impor- autonomous. We know more about the durability tant. In view of recent extreme weather events, resil- and sustainability of materials, which have an im- ience is also enhanced by improved rainwater drain- pact on the lifetime of buildings and can reduce the age systems. Regular inspection and maintenance need for renovation and lower our environmental of facilities to detect and repair damage is likely footprint. There has also been a significant change to become more important. Again, here, I cannot in terms of the use of standards and regulations overlook the crucial aspect of cooperation between over the last 100 years. We have introduced sys- different disciplines and the building of trust. In or- tematic testing of building elements and materials, der to address the complex chal enges related to the al owing the assessment and comparison of their future of resilience, it will be necessary to involve performance to be better and fairer. 100 years ago, experts from different disciplines. building design was very different from today, and we have learned to connect and communicate with Are you currently involved in any interest- each other much better. We use approaches such ing projects? as Building Information Model ing (BIM), a process underpinned by a range of tools, technologies and We are currently involved in several research pro- contracts that involve the creation and manage- jects, both Slovenian and international. One project, ment of digital models to describe the physical and for example, focuses on improving circular building functional characteristics of the built environment. practices, with the aim of reducing the consumption 42 of natural resources and reducing emissions. We analyses, then to adapt buildings accordingly, so have also developed a guideline that is particularly that buildings of the future can meet the needs of useful for public procurers. In another international users with the optimal use of resources. project, we are creating a digital building logbook based on a decentralised knowledge graph. It is What are the biggest chal enges in designed to improve construction quality, increase your work? efficiency and reduce environmental impacts and footprints. Another international project focuses on The chal enge for our team members is to effectively the development and implementation of innovative balance management, research, teaching and family solutions for healthy and environmentally-sound commitments. We therefore focus a lot on effective buildings, particularly in terms of the development of organisation and developing the ability to prioritise. building technologies and the testing and standard- Our team motto is to listen to each other, respect isation of these technologies. We are also working each other and put a lot of emphasis on relation- with local scientists to develop technical guidelines ships. Building physics is a rapidly evolving field, so for four-pane glazing. Furthermore, we are involved it is necessary to constantly keep up with new devel- in a study on the thermal performance and environ- opments and learn and adapt our approaches. We mental impact reduction throughout the lifetime of also focus a lot on skill building, which enables us to alternative building elements. These are just a few obtain funding for research projects. All team mem- of the projects our group is currently working on. bers are encouraged to build on their leadership and communication skil s. Some of us are also involved How do we focus on measuring people's in teaching work at partner institutions. This means response to indoor building physics pa- further aligning the interests of students, faculty and rameters in breakthrough research? industry to ensure a relevant and quality education. In my opinion, the biggest chal enge of our time is As people spend most of their time inside buildings, to find a balance between the different demands. To it is important to provide conditions that are comfort- me, building physics seems to be a meeting point, able and resource-efficient, and bear the health and where we see societal changes such as climate general wel -being of the occupants in mind. Light- change and sustainable development, and we have ing, for example, provides both visual comfort and a responsibility to help with the solutions we urgent- other benefits to the occupants of a space. Lighting ly need for the future. This requires flexibility and directly affects the secretion of hormones that help innovation. It also requires trust in ourselves and in us maintain our circadian rhythms, but, in the long our fel ow human beings. term, an imbalance can cause depression and an in- creased incidence of certain cancers. Human beings' What would be your ideal house? perceptions of thermal, acoustic, light and other in- door conditions are connected. The needs of individ- My ideal house adapts to the different needs we al uals can vary considerably depending on their age, experience as we move through life. It grows bigger background, type of work and so on. It is therefore and smal er as needed, and materials and elements important to learn how to measure direct responses are reused and adapted to be reused even when and to extract people's responses through advanced they are no longer built into this house. It al ows 43 me to work, explore, think, rest and play. It means lish cutting-edge scientific papers and write books, a lot to me that it is in harmony with the environ- which we wil be proud to promote at various events ment and that it has minimal impact on the environ- and conferences. We will actively participate in pro- ment. My ideal house is also a testing ground for jects focusing on sustainability and environmental advanced and less standard solutions, such as pas- aspects of the built environment, and help to ensure sive approaches to heating, cooling and ventilation, that occupants of buildings experience superior con- and has a wel -thought-out design for the translu- ditions in terms of the building physics (heat, light, cent parts of the façade, including location-specific acoustics). We will work with a wide range of nation- shading systems, and the use of a solar chimney. al and international institutions and companies. We will be known as a first-class, impartial and reliable How do you see your department in partner. Business leaders and public institutions wil 10 years? rely on our results and look to us for expert opin- ions. In addition to sustainable solutions that enable In 10 years' time, the Department of Building Phys- quality living on Earth, we will be key members of ics will have a world-class team of experts and a the teams that wil create the first Lunar Vil age and new building where our laboratories are combined facilities for extended travel and stays in space. We with state-of-the-art equipment. The team mem- will be able to demonstrate our wealth of knowledge bers of the Department of Building Physics will be in the field of human responses to different param- top scientists and experts in their field who regularly eters of the built environment. In this way, we wil receive the most prestigious awards for their work, contribute to scientific development, in addition to both at home and abroad. We will regularly pub- improving the living environment for al . 44 Fire Safety in a Sustainable Built Environment prof. Grunde Jomaas Head of the Department for Fire-safe Sustainable Built Environment Can you give a brief description of the department? The main location of the Department for Fire-safe Sustainable Built Environment is ZAG’s Fire Labo- ratory in Logatec. In total, the department has 25 the current priorities on a European level, such as employees, split across two sections. The Fire Lab- Green Deal, RePowerEU, New European Bauhaus oratory and Fire Engineering Section, led by Friderik and the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. Knez, has 15 employees, while the Fire Research What are the biggest challenges and Innovation section, led by Aleš Jug, has 10 em- in your work? ployees. We have col aborators and clients from all of Europe, and even some from other continents. It Currently, there is considerable pressure for the fast is therefore an asset that the personnel in the de- implementation of new construction solutions. As partment speaks more than 10 languages. a result of the fast development, many suggested solutions cannot be tested or assessed according to What are currently the main activities the existing methods. Every test therefore requires in the department? more planning and discussion, as without standards We carry out two main activities in the department - to follow, we end up giving recommendations in our namely research and accredited fire testing (reaction reports, rather than classifications. Thus we must be to fire and fire resistance). As the name of the de- even more careful in our work, as we must be sure partment implies, we focus on research for a fire-safe that our recommendations are applicable generally. sustainable built environment. The main experimental What are the strengths of the research topics are related to photovoltaics, batter- department? ies, biobased materials and mass timber. We are also involved in desktop research related to fire safety and We have state-of-the-art facilities and outstanding sustainability. As such, our work is wel -aligned with personnel to carry out the projects and testing. The 45 ZAG fire laboratory, which opened in 2022, was de- which is achieved through numerous round-robin signed with knowledge based on ZAG’s 50 years of studies to make sure that test results from labora- experience in fire testing and research. Our staff in- tories across Europe are aligned. Furthermore, our cludes a mix of very competent technicians and en- researchers in the department are involved in many gineers with significant experience and researchers European projects and this creates good visibility, with PhDs in many different fields. This combination both directly through experimental work and indirect- al ows us to take on chal enging and highly-complex ly through dissemination activities (e.g. conferences R&D projects. and webinars) and word-of-mouth. Final y, we see that our webpages, which are continuously updated, How do you share the knowledge that along with our active use of LinkedIn, create very you generate in the department? good visibility, and have resulted in us getting work We share the findings from our work through pop- with international clients, even beyond Europe. ular and scientific articles, in seminars and work- Would you like to mention an interesting shops, in newspaper and television interviews, at event that has shaped your career? conferences and in webinars, as well as through guidelines. The seminars and workshops are often I think that, more so than specific events, my career co-arranged with SZPV (the Slovenian Fire Pro- has been shaped by my mobility, and my wil ing- tection Association) and many times also with the ness to move to explore new chal enges and oppor- Protection and Rescue Training Center in Ig near tunities. After studying in two different educational Ljubljana. It is very important for us to work with programs and cities in Norway, I moved to the US, other Slovenian stakeholders so that we ensure our where I again studied in two different programs knowledge can make a difference here in Slovenia. and cities. After the completion of my PhD, I have Dissemination of information on a national level is worked in France, Denmark, Australia and Slovenia, also done through Požar, the main publication relat- and it is the sum of all these experiences and the ed to fire safety in Slovenia, which is published by people that I have met and worked with along the SZPV four times per year. Final y, we also contribute way that shape me as a researcher and a leader. at many conferences around the world. How do you see your department How do you market a fire laboratory in 10 years? in a small town like Logatec for In 10 years, I hope that, based on the timeliness and international clients? quality of our work, we are recognized as a leading Actual y, it is easier than you would think. Some of it lab for fire research and testing, as wel as for the ex- comes very natural y, through ZAG’s long and solid pertise that our staff offers. As a result of this, we wil history with respect to fire testing, which is further have steady operations with a balance of national and supported by its membership of EGOLF (European of international research projects, R&D partners and cli- Organisations for Fire Testing, Inspection and Certifi- ents for accredited testing. We will also have expand- cation). An important aspect of EGOLF is close col ab- ed our range of operations to offer a larger range of oration with respect to sharing knowledge and skil s, services, so that we can serve and advise companies as well as a continuous effort towards excel ence, and governments even better than we do today. 46 Safe and Durable Structures dr. Iztok Klemenc Head of the Department of Structures What are the main activities of your national transport infrastructure, we carry out both department at the moment? extraordinary and regular inspections for DARS and provide condition assessments on bridge structures. About half of our resources are directed into various Through technical approvals and certification proce- research and development projects in the broader dures we are involved in placing construction prod- field of civil engineering. Traditional y, we continue ucts on the Slovenian and European markets. our multi-year research to reduce the seismic risk of masonry and concrete buildings. Research into mul- Which projects do you find particularly ti-storey timber buildings is currently underway, as is interesting that you would like to research into the use of timber in composites and the highlight? potential of alternative adhesives. In the infrastruc- ture segment, we are researching the safety and du- In terms of providing support for decision-makers, rability assessments of existing bridges and, fol ow- we would like to highlight the CRP ARIS research ing the trend towards a circular economy, developing project, "Strategic basis for reducing the seismic risk the reuse of old bridge elements. In the professional of judicial buildings in Slovenia", co-funded by the field, we prepare condition assessments of buildings Ministry of Justice, in which 49 selected courts are as the basis for rehabilitation or seismic strengthen- being categorized according to their seismic risk. As ing, whilst in the construction and maintenance of part of this project we carry out in-situ investiga- 47 tions and non-linear static analyses of the existing some bridges col apsing during floods. Quite coinci- state as well as of the strengthened state according dental y, at that time we happened to be studying to different design options. Within the project, we these issues in the European projects oVERFLOW will also evaluate the financial aspect of the various and CROSScade, which developed methods for as- options for building reinforcement. The professional sessing the flood vulnerability of bridges. project, "Quality Assurance in Sustainable Timber Construction", is important for enhancing the techni- In your opinion, is the issue of seismic cal culture in the field of quality timber construction. safety in the built environment still Another interesting research project is CIRCUIT, in relevant today? which we are developing an integrated approach Of course, stronger earthquakes are expected in Slo- to promote the circular economy of transport infra- venia, but they are often forgotten due to their in-structure. Together with our partners we will build a frequent occurrence. Stronger earthquakes will affect new bridge in Črna na Koroškem, using beams from bridges. Although we do not expect large-scale bridge an existing bridge set for demolition. col apses in Slovenia, some damage wil certainly oc- How do you perceive the impact cur, which can have a serious impact on the fluidity of climate change and recent storms of transport infrastructure, so proper assessment and on structural damage? decision-making are essential for the safe use of in- frastructure. At ZAG, we started to assess the seis- Weather patterns have changed in recent years, as mic risk of building stock decades ago, when seismic reflected in the volume and intensity of rainfal , with loads were still very much underestimated. Over time, more frequent hailstorms and high wind speeds. regulations concerning the need for an earthquake-re- Storms reveal the vulnerability of older buildings in sistant design have advanced significantly, and as a particular. A few years ago we carried out a project result, the strengthening of many older buildings is on this topic, "Roofing Damage in Summer Storms", necessary! Over 10 years ago, alongside our partners, in which we realised that the state of the building we developed and then repeatedly upgraded the PO- before the storm occurred should also be considered TROG model to assess the seismic risk of buildings for when assessing the damage. Damage to buildings in earthquake protection and rescue planning. As part of storms cannot be avoided completely, but it can be this project, the "Assess Your Building" app was also mitigated with minor measures, such as the instal-developed, which al ows owners to get an indicative lation of additional anchoring for the roof structure. assessment of the damage that would occur to their That said, the resilience of buildings to storms de- building during a design earthquake. pends not only on their structural design but also on their siting, with landslide and flood-prone are- The use of timber as a building material as being particularly problematic. Prolonged heavy is experiencing a renaissance, but the rainfall and torrential downpours cause sharp ris- origins of timber construction at ZAG are es in the levels of watercourses; last year's storms said to go back much further? showed that a combination of il -considered designs and the intensification of erosion by debris are key The field of timber structures was recognized as im- factors in the development of severe damage, with portant four decades ago, when the Section for Tim- 48 ber Structures was created. At that time, timber was systems maintenance and asset management. In the the primary load-bearing material for roof structures future, the design, condition assessment and main- and temporary buildings. Our building inspection ac- tenance of load-bearing structures will be strongly tivities have evolved into industry liaison, in the form linked to digitalization and artificial intel igence, thus of a wide range of mechanical laboratory tests, while improving efficiency and safety, enabling innovation, today we also play an important role in the areas of and leading to the development of more sustainable technical approvals and certification. We have always building solutions. In addition to these advantages, been in contact with educational institutions, we are we also need to be aware of the limitations, in that strengthening our cooperation with domestic and for- irresponsible use can lead to incorrect results for fu- eign research institutions through projects, and our ture decision-making. competencies are also recognized by ministries, who have entrusted us with implementation of the pro- In your opinion, is the topic of load- jects "Storm Damage" and "Quality Assurance in Tim-bearing structures overshadowed by the ber Construction". We continue to support the pop- energy renovation of buildings and the ularization of timber construction, but on the other green transition? hand we are also aware of the specificity of timber as The focus of European building renovation policy a material and the complexity of timber construction, over the last 15 years has been on energy renova- which is often not given enough attention in practice. tion. Given the increased seismic risk in Slovenia, this What will be the impact of digitization type of renovation on existing buildings usual y first and artificial intelligence in the field of requires further, more comprehensive construction load-bearing structures? work, including structural strengthening. Not without good reason, mechanical resistance and stability are When analyzing buildings, digitized documentation the first essential requirements to be met by each can save us a lot of time in identifying the design structural element, as well as by the structure as a and modifications to the structure. We expect ma- whole. In this context, we also identify the provisions jor advances in the tools and systems used for in- of the Building Act to be problematic, as they al ow specting and monitoring facilities, especial y for for buildings of longer standing to be legalized mere- those with higher risks or negative consequences in ly on the basis of their age, without verifying their the event of their failure. Digitalization and artificial mechanical resistance and stability or their potential intel igence are noticeable in the development of threat to neighboring buildings and the surrounding measuring and testing equipment for the execution area, especial y in dense built-up areas. and processing of measurements, the deployment of smart sensors and advanced measurement tech- Which structures have improved the nologies, as well as in the processing and use of most over the last 100 years? spatial data. Artificial intel igence is enabling greater capabilities in research tools, while the impact of Over the last 100 years, there have been huge digitization is reflected in the increased availability advances in our understanding of the behaviour of a variety of measurement data, enabling more of structures under different loads. Standardized advanced research and increasing the efficiency of guidelines have been introduced for the design and 49 construction of structures, and developments and tion of the motorway network began almost three advances have been made in terms of building sys- decades ago, with external quality control conduct- tems with different materials and technologies. Here ed by experts from ZAG, whose knowledge and ex- we are referring to the appearance of reinforced con- perience helped the supervisors, the investor and, to crete and prestressing technology, which have made a certain extent, the designers. the shapes and dimensions of today’s modern bridg- es possible, whilst there have also been huge ad- What are the most challenging aspects vances in masonry construction. Final y, it is worth of your work? mentioning the leap forward in timber construction, All sections of the department carry out their test- with the rapid development of cross-laminated CLT ing in the Laboratory for Structures, which places panels, which, either alone or in combination with considerable pressure on the al ocation of laboratory steel and reinforced concrete, make it possible to resources, making it a constant chal enge to fulfil all construct buildings of dimensions that were previ- priorities. We are faced with constraints in the labor ously unimaginable. market in terms of staff availability, which will pose a barrier to the transfer of knowledge and experience Do you consider that the level when our long-standing col eagues retire and sub- of supervision in the construction sequently make it difficult to maintain high quality of facilities is sufficient? standards. A significant chal enge is how to integrate Due to developments in materials, and the complex- the different issues of load-bearing structures into ity of modern construction, designers, contractors current cal s for the Green Transition and a Circular and supervisors require a good knowledge of all are- Economy. It should be noted that the experimental as, and are often faced with specific tasks for which testing of structural elements and systems is very they do not necessarily have sufficient knowledge or costly and time-consuming, requiring large, realistic experience. In these cases, it is particularly danger- samples, and a modern testing infrastructure with ous to reduce the scope of supervision, as this can experienced experts to carry out the tests and in- have a negative impact on the quality of construc- terpret the results. In general, legislation associated tion - we therefore advocate the establishment and with a public procurement system remains a daily maintenance of strict standards and the consistent chal enge, with low prices still prevailing over pro- application of supervision, including external quality fessionalism – even though the lowest price typical y control and revision of project documentation. This negates the extent and quality of the service, which was the approach adopted by DARS when construc- general y require more time and better materials. 50 Challenges in Geotechnics and Transport Infrastructure doc. dr. Karmen Fifer Bizjak Head of the Department of Geotechnics and Traffic Infrastructure What are the common challenges in transportation infrastructure in urban areas means in- geotechnics and transport infrastructure novative solutions and technologies are required that in the future? minimize disruptions to both residents and existing structures. Sustainable construction relies on the use The fields of geotechnics and transportation infra- of advanced technologies and recycled materials. structure face several common chal enges that need to be addressed to ensure the safety, sustainability, How do you integrate the principles and efficiency of infrastructure projects. With the of sustainable construction into your increasing impact of climate change, in addition to research? ensuring soil stability and load-bearing capacity, it is also necessary to consider the effects of extreme Extensive research is being conducted on new weather events. The increased frequency of climatic bridge constructions with supports that ensure the events such as intense rainfal , floods, droughts, and stability of the bridge even during periods of extreme high temperatures affects the stability of soil and the river flow, as experienced during the floods last year. durability of infrastructure. The limited space for new The technology to construct bridge supports from 51 reinforced soil has been successful y transferred recent years. The development and application of from laboratory investigations to a real-world envi- new materials is particularly chal enging in terms of ronment with the bridge over Pavlovski potok in the the dynamic loads involved and the long-term re- municipality of Ormož. This technology is now be- liability and stability of the railway track. There is ing enhanced with the use of recycled materials to also a desire to ensure all the materials are reused. incorporate the construction sector into the circular Within the LIAISON project, we are developing a economy. This new concept for bridge construction track bed using recycled stone aggregate mixed with has gained international recognition through publi- aggregate from recycled waste car tires. A track bed cations in prestigious scientific journals. Within the modified in such a way can still provide sufficient EU project Circuit, a reinforced soil bridge support load-bearing capacity and stiffness, while also re- will also be constructed in the municipality of Črna ducing the noise and vibration emissions in the envi- na Koroškem, using only recycled materials. ronment. Reducing the noise around transportation infrastructure significantly enhances the quality of Do you face any regulatory constraints life for residents living nearby. These new materi- in this regard? als, and the improved track bed, will be used in a demonstration project within the LIAISON project. Environmental directives regarding the use of recycled materials in construction are very strict, necessitating Does the old and burdened transportation extensive research at both the macro and microscop- infrastructure for our roads and railways ic levels to prove the environmental acceptability of require thorough renovation or even such materials, which are mainly used for backfil s replacement? and embankments. Adding alkaline activators and other recycled products significantly increases the Reliable data on the condition of transportation in- strength characteristics, so future development wil frastructure is crucial for making informed decisions. focus on stabilizing weak load-bearing materials with Significant progress has been made in recent years additives developed by recycling waste from the con- in developing technologies for collecting various in- struction industry. Preserving natural resources is es- frastructure data as well as advanced methods for sential for future generations, as is the reuse of waste processing this data. Technologies such as remote that would otherwise end up in landfil s, which are sensing, satel ite monitoring, mass data collection, already overcapacity. These materials have been de- vehicle-to-infrastructure communications, advanced veloped and successful y used in the construction of data processing, and internet support significantly demonstration projects in the EU projects Paperchain assist the detection of critical infrastructure locations and Cinderela, while current research is focused on and appropriate actions. By utilizing new methods and developing materials for flood protection embank- technologies, the road and railway administrations ments as part of the LIFE IP Restart project. can better manage the transportation infrastructure. What is the state of the rail infrastructure? Are you introducing new methods? The construction and modernization of the railway Yes, we have tested new methods in the INFRACOMS infrastructure in Slovenia has been in full swing in project (Innovative & Future-proof Road Asset Condi- 52 tion Monitoring Systems). These methods, however, it also incorporates recycled materials, due to nu- need to be careful y adapted to specific environments, merous environmental and economic advantages. such as tunnels, high bridges, dams, large-span via- Such additives are not always suitable for practical ducts and steep, inaccessible slopes in the vicinity. use, so our research focuses on finding the optimal Developing tools to detect structural damage remains composition of natural and recycled substances in a chal enge, but we are addressing this by develop- asphalt mixtures. This can provide environmental ing machine learning algorithms for detecting damage benefits and cost savings for contractors and road in structures of particular importance. Our goal is to network operators. The fact that we are address- develop our own tools for ful y automating the detec- ing these chal enges, alongside the results from our tion of damage in hard-to-reach structures, which research, place our laboratory amongst those most are chal enging from the perspective of worker safety recognized in Europe. during inspections and traffic disruption or diversions. Incorporating modern remote sensing as a method for Finally, could you outline the work of assessing the safety and functionality of critical struc- your department and your aspirations for tures will help al eviate traffic jams and reduce driver the future? frustration due to road closures. Our work requires a comprehensive and interdiscipli- What adjustments will be needed with nary approach, involving col aboration between geo- the introduction of autonomous vehicles? technical engineers, civil engineers, chemists, phys- icists and environmental experts. With numerous Regardless of the level of autonomy, autonomous ve- European projects underway, we are already firmly hicles require the establishment and implementation embedded in the domain of European research, and of new concepts and support solutions in the areas we aim to strengthen this activity even further. Close of physical (transport), digital, and communication in- ties with the industry enable us to quickly transfer frastructure. It is necessary to test in closed areas, new technologies and knowledge into practice. Our in traffic, and through traffic simulations to verify the researchers achieve outstanding success: this year, effectiveness of solutions with respect to the function- the Head of the Asphalt and Bituminous Products al safety of transportation infrastructure, traffic safety Laboratory has been invited to the Science and Tech- and efficiency, driver behaviour, the environmental nology in Society (STS) Forum, where 130 young footprint, and the reliability of services in traffic. This leaders from research departments and laboratories is addressed in the international research project, Aug- around the world have been selected for a special mented CCAM (Augmenting and Evaluating the Phys- meeting with Nobel laureates. The diverse composi- ical and Digital Infrastructure for CCAM deployment). tion of staff at ZAG al ows us to push the boundaries How can the quality of asphalt, which of development in the field of construction. We aim significantly affects driving comfort, be to introduce more new, advanced research, and col- improved? laborate in the development of technologies that are crucial for addressing these chal enges and ensuring Asphalt used in road transportation infrastructure is a safe, sustainable, and accessible transportation heavily exposed to climatic conditions. Increasingly, infrastructure. 53 Calibration of Measures to Ensure their Comparability dr. Miha Hiti Head of the Laboratory for Metrology Why is metrology important? is to carry out the calibration of measuring devices, thus ensuring their comparability, be it between us- Metrology is constantly present in all areas of our ers in Slovenia or those around the world. lives, both private and business. If we want to eval- uate something, compare it, or establish consisten- How do artificial intelligence and cy, we must first measure it. And as soon as we talk digitalization affect metrology? about measurement, we enter the field of metrolo- gy. Every measuring device used for measurement Performing a calibration is basical y a relatively must show correct values, which is ensured by cal- simple process - the indication of an unknown ibrating it, that is, comparing it with a reference instrument is compared with a reference instrument measure - the standard. Without calibration, the - but in many areas, the automation of this process measuring devices would be incomparable to one is difficult to implement. The presence of a person, another. The mission of the Metrology Laboratory who transports the measuring equipment, connects 54 it, and also manual y controls the measuring for force, hardness and torque, together with the devices, is general y still required. Some of the test reference standard for the amount of substance. machines we calibrate are older than 75 years, and Unfortunately, we lost our official status in 2009, in such cases it is difficult to talk about the use but we still maintain reference standards for force of digitization and artificial intel igence. In recent in the laboratory, which are of the highest level years, however, digitization has gone mainly in the in Slovenia. During all this time, we have regular- direction of digital calibration certificates, which ly upgraded and expanded the scope of reference will be exchangeable, readable and comprehensible standards, thus ensuring comparability with for- by machines. With this system, the user of a piece eign calibration laboratories and national institutes of measuring equipment will be excluded from of metrology. We can say that we carry out activi- the process, with our computer able to directly ties as if we were officially designated as a national upload the calibration results into the measuring standard in the field of force: we provide the best equipment and thus ensure the correct indication. calibration and measurement capabilities, organ- Machine learning algorithms are interesting for ize interlaboratory comparisons, conduct training, more demanding calibrations, where we would like perform research and publish scientific papers, to model the reference measuring equipment, such participate in international research projects and that the model can be used to correct the values more. measured according to any unwanted influences during the calibration itself, thereby reducing What are the biggest challenges measurement uncertainties. in your work? The biggest chal enge in our work is the constant Are you currently involved in any checking and control of the integrity of our interesting projects? measurements or our work. Each of our results Last year, we completed a four-year international re- and calibration certificates guarantees metrological search project related to force measurement under traceability to a large number of measurements, dynamic conditions i.e. those that mostly occur in meaning one wrong result from us can cause a practice. The goal of the project was to provide ade- domino effect - all further results will be wrong. quate metrological traceability and appropriate pro- Sometimes we feel like we spend more time and cedures for dynamic force calibration. Despite the energy checking our work than actual y performing development of new methodologies and proposals the calibrations. Each of our calibrations must be for standardized procedures, many open questions correct and reliable, i.e. one that we trust. Another still remain. big chal enge is to demonstrate the importance of calibration results to the users, so that they know In which area does metrology have how to use them correctly and take advantage of the greatest impact on safety? the potential they offer. It is important that they are seen as a validation of the process or an opportunity Between 2004 and 2009, the laboratory was rec- for improvement, rather than just an unnecessary ognized as the holder of the reference standard expense. 55 What do you think your lab will look however, we will expand the calibration procedures like in 10 years? to dynamic forces and the field of torque calibration, which goes hand in hand with the field of force, as I don't think the laboratory will change significantly well as the field of hardness. Otherwise, we would in 10 years. Apart from the digitization of the be happy if the Metrology Institute of the Republic calibration certificates, which I mentioned already, of Slovenia would finally recognize our reference most of the reference equipment will remain the machines as national standards, and we would same, and we will still need personnel to perform appreciate as much international cooperation and calibrations and working space for the reference as many interesting research and development equipment. 10 years is a rather short time in our projects as possible. field - to justify low measurement uncertainties, our reference equipment only proves its stability over time. Based on the experience of recent years, olving o S lenges ontribution t hal 's C C ZAG Social 58 Heritage doc. dr. Sabina Dolenec Science dr. Mateja Golež Ana Brunčič The treatment of heritage is one of the permanent ronment of vil ages, squares and cities, and, within activities at ZAG, and this is currently dealt with as these, to individual buildings currently in existence part of the internal, transdisciplinary group of re- - the values of these must necessarily, therefore, searchers, sHERezad: Sustainable Built Heritage. influence the construction of new buildings. When Diversity and width, extensive experience, interna- it comes to understanding and preserving heritage tional connections and a wide range of skil s and and its sustainable use, its documentation, study, equipment ensure the competence and credibility of integration into modern life, and safe use are of key the group. importance, as are enabling access, education, pop- ularization and integration into interdisciplinary de- Cultural heritage reflects the identity of diverse cul- velopment projects. tural environments, meaning it should be preserved holistical y and managed as a source of sustainable ZAG is a distinctly interdisciplinary research institu- development. The field of heritage science is rapidly tion, and through the 75-year history of its opera- developing into an independent science that requires tion it has acquired rich national and international a distinctly interdisciplinary approach. The founda- experience in the field of cultural heritage research tions of its development originate from the natural and heritage science. Modern trends in society are sciences, in close connection with the humanities, oriented significantly more towards the renovation both of which are today connected with modern of building heritage than in the past, as seen by digital technologies. Slovenia has a rich and diverse the New European Bauhaus, the Green Deal and heritage, which is closely related to the built envi- other programs in the field of cultural heritage, and in light of this we strive to transfer the results of our research work into everyday practice. At the same time, we strive to connect science, art and the economy even more strongly, in a way that will be reflected in space by renovating and thus pre- serving more cultural heritage buildings which is key to preserving our historical space and identities in the future. The heritage science at ZAG covers the characteri- zation, synthesis and analysis of materials and sys- tems for strengthening, structural systems and their load-bearing capacity and resistance, load-bearing analysis, implementation technology, geomechan- ics, environmental impact analysis, digitization, and 59 earthquake and fire resistance. Recently, we have processes that affect the preservation of heritage. been more and more involved in analysing the im- In addition to a wide range of activities in the field pact of climate change on the condition of herit- of cultural heritage research, we also place a strong age objects, and have introduced non-invasive and emphasis on education. As such, at the beginning non-destructive techniques to characterize or mon- of July this year we organized our 1st International itor their condition. By combining a wide range of Summer School (2024), entitled "In situ techniques approaches, we ensure that heritage is treated in in the preservation of architectural heritage". a holistic way: i.e. the development of techniques, methods and ways of characterizing and monitoring 60 The group is an active co-creator of heritage the European Construction Technology Platform/ science, through publications as well as through our Cultural Heritage Area (ECTP C). We are also membership with several organizations, including the regularly involved in solving professional heritage European Research Infrastructure of Heritage Science problems, and participate in national exhibitions and (E-RIHS), the International Council for Monuments research projects, both at home and abroad. and Monumental Areas (ICOMOS), the Association of The group aims to deliver sustainable solutions Conservators of Cultural Heritage of Slovenia (SKD), to real-world cultural heritage problems through the Slovenian Society for Conservation-Restoration cross-disciplinary research and innovative knowl- (DRS), the Slovene Association of Historic Towns, edge transfer. With access to modern and cut- Global Heritage Stone, the Scientific Advisory Board ting-edge scientific facilities, the project provides for X-ray MicroCT Activity at the VisionLab and a full range of analytical techniques and scientific methods and enables their application to real-world heritage challenges. The inclusion of a wide team ensures that expertise is drawn across many disci- plines - not only from within the Institute, but also from within the distributed research infrastructure network E-RIHS, a community of experts with an interest in cultural heritage work. The group ad- dresses one thousand and one stories captured across 4 crucial research themes: 1) heritage sci- ence, 2) heritage risk and resilience, 3) modern and contemporary heritage, and 4) future heritage. Heritage science is a rising cross-disciplinary research area that combines understanding of the past with the management of heritage. It is enabled by state- of-the art infrastructure, equipped with material science instrumentation, some of which – such as non-destructive techniques – are portable, so can be employed in situ with heritage stakeholders. The inclusion of imaging and analysis techniques enables visualization of an artifact, object or building, detailing their structure and the composition of surfaces. One part of heritage science is citizen heritage science i.e. bringing heritage closer to the public. Heritage risk assessment and ensuring the resilience of heritage objects to various phenomena, from fire to earthquakes, is necessary for heritage practition- ers to manage, interpret, and enhance heritage. It 61 includes the development of novel and integrative methodological and theoretical frameworks and addresses participatory heritage management, her- itage-led sustainable development, energy and herit- age, heritage values and heritage in conflict. Modern and contemporary heritage deals with ma- terials that have made new forms of artistic expres- sion possible and demonstrate key scientific ad- vances of the last 150 years. Focus is placed on identifying materials, understanding degradation processes, developing conservation strategies, and understanding and communicating the significance of these objects. Future heritage deals with heritage that does not yet exist, and may require new approaches to the way heritage is theorized, curated, and protected. It seeks to explore the ways in which heritage can contribute to society successful y adapting to a warmer, more complex, and more uncertain world. 62 Digital Fabrication Hub – 3D Printing dr. Lucija Hanžič Efforts to digitalize the construction sector began in materials and extrusion. Selective binding utilizes ei- the 1990s, when the increasing amount of data col- ther inert or reactive granular materials spread across lected digital y, in addition to the widespread use of the printbed in thin layers. This application of layers software tools, spurred the need for efficient storage is fol owed by the passing of the printer head, which and access to generated data. This led to the devel- either selectively applies the binder or activator or, in opment of BIM (Building Information Modeling) and the case of metal powders, selectively melts the metal digital twins. Global shortages in the labour market, powder with, for example, a laser beam. In contrast to however, alongside the ambition to rationalize the use selective binding, extrusion printing requires cohesive, of material resources, have incited the construction plastic materials. These are materials whose internal industry to also implement digital tools in fabrication cohesive forces ensure the unity of the mixture and its processes. Following recent advancements, the de- suitability for plastic shaping by pressing it through a ployment of autonomous robots and human-robot col- nozzle. The digital y-control ed device, i.e. the printer, laboration is becoming feasible even in the dynamic deposits the extruded filaments layer by layer, before conditions of construction sites, thereby transforming the transition from plastic to solid state occurs. Rigid- the way we think and how we build urban environ- ification of the extruded filaments stems from chem- ments. ical or physical processes, such as the hydration of cement or the drying of clay. ZAG recognized the potential of digital fabrication in construction and responded by forming a 3D printing ZAG’s team operates three printers for research pur- group in 2018. Due to rapid development and grow- poses: one that uses selective binding of granular ing interest, the group was transformed into a Digi- materials and two extrusion printers. The printer for tal Fabrication Hub (DFHub) project team in 2023. the selective binding of granular materials, a ZPrinter Our team brings together over 20 ZAG researchers 310, has a 200 mm × 250 mm printbed with a print from different areas of expertise to comprehensively height of 200 mm. This printer is suitable for printing address various aspects of digital fabrication - from with fine-grained reactive powders, onto which the materials, technological aspects and the mechanical, print head drips the activator. The smal er of the two physical, and fire-related properties of products to the extrusion printers, a Delta WASP 40100, features a development of new methods for testing and assess- 400 mm diameter print surface with a clearance of 1 ing digital y-fabricated elements. The group's current m. The printer has two interchangeable print heads: a gravity-driven head suitable for cement mixtures and a focus is digital additive manufacturing, commonly pressurized head for clay materials. The larger printer known as 3D printing, which is the type of digital fab- is actualized in the Robotic Station for Digital Fabrica- rication with the foremost implementation potential. tion, the central part of which is an articulated robotic The most suitable techniques for 3D printing con- arm, the KUKA KR240 R2700, with six degrees of struction elements are selective binding of granular freedom, a reach of 2.7 m, and a payload of 240 kg. 63 A print head for one-component (1K) printing, with a raw materials. Our team at ZAG has successful y de- fixed round nozzle, is attached to the robotic arm. The veloped a formulation for selective binding from waste material is fed to the printhead and pressed through gypsum and a formulation for extrusion printing that the nozzle with a MAI 2PUMP Pictor 3D pump. includes red mud from the production of aluminium Given the large quantities of materials used for the and waste dust from stone-cutting operations. The production of buildings and infrastructure objects, it is sustainable use of natural resources is also possible by imperative to source materials available local y. At the utilizing materials with reversible properties or those same time, the use of such large quantities opens up from renewable sources. An example of the former is new avenues to utilise waste from other industries as construction with earth, whose use is currently limited 64 due to the lack of technology. ZAG has demonstrated the feasibility of using loam in 3D printing through the fabrication of a scaled-down model of a pavilion. Our researchers have also studied the use of renewable materials, investigating filaments made from polylac- tic acid combined with wood fil er. The transferability of knowledge to other areas of community activities is most notable in printing with metal materials, where ZAG have participated in the development of al oys for 3D-printed dental implants and inserts. ZAG's expertise and research capabilities, which en- able not only the fabrication of printed components but also the characterization of inputs and outputs on a micro and macro scale, are recognized by both industry and the research community in Slovenia as well as abroad. In 2024, our active projects involving 3D printing are Circuit, Transition, and 2F-3D Print. In the Circuit project, which is funded through Horizon Europe, ZAG have partnered with the Municipality of Črna na Koroškem to construct a pilot bridge over the Meža River. In addition to other innovative solutions, such as geo-reinforced earth abutments and a modu- lar superstructure made from reused beams and pre- fabricated slabs, the safety railing on the bridge will be made from 3D-printed elements. In the Transition pro- ject, funded by M-ERA.NET, ZAG is involved in devel- oping a pre-blended dry mixture containing oil shale ash which is suitable for extrusion 3D printing. 2F-3D Print is a national project in which a new type of ex- trusion printer will be developed in col aboration with an industry partner and the University of Ljubljana. 65 ZAG's DFHub researchers are also active members of various international associations. Most notably, our team has participated in inter-laboratory studies as part of two RILEM's technical committees: namely, 303-PFC, "Performance requirements and testing of fresh printable cement-based materials" and 304- ADC, "Assessment of additively manufactured con- crete materials and structures." The purpose of both of these studies was to prepare guidelines for testing methods were also investigated, such as assessing cement-based materials so as to evaluate their suita- the rheological properties through the size and shape bility for extrusion printing. of extruded filaments, and a portable device for meas- In addition to studying the mechanical characteristics uring the increase in load-bearing capacity of extruded and resistance to environmental degradation, new layers was developed. 66 Digital Transformation of Buildings doc. dr. Katja Malovrh Rebec Construction is on the threshold of a major trans- and functional characteristics of the built environ- formation, driven by digitalisation. Over the next ment. Together with solutions such as the Digital decade, digitilisation i.e. different technologies and Log Book, the Materials Passport and the Materials practices that aim to increase efficiency, sustaina- Cadastres at City Level, BIM will enable a com- bility and the overall results of projects, will fun-plete transformation of the construction industry. damental y reshape the industry. The key trends in Better collaboration between architects, engineers, digitisation are as fol ows: contractors and others involved in the construction process will result in significantly better buildings Quality communication through in the future. We will reduce errors and rework, advanced tools dramatically increase the efficiency and quality of projects, and achieve a significantly better match Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a pro- between the intended/ modelled performance and cess supported by a range of tools, technologies the actual performance. and contracts that involve the creation and man- agement of digital models to describe the physical Advanced data capture and analysis, including through machine learning The Internet of Things (IoT) is already revolution- ising construction today by connecting different devices and sensors to collect data in real time. This data can provide alerts and insights to help manage construction sites, existing buildings, and their components (e.g. shading devices, solar pow- er plants) more efficiently. Digital twins, i.e. virtu- al replicas of physical structures, are also gaining ground. These allow the continuous monitoring of a building's performance, using sensors to moni- tor various indicators, such as energy use and air quality. In the future, predictive maintenance with feedback loops will bring about a much more trans- parent and efficient use of resources. The periodic capture of spatial data, point clouds, using laser scanners combined with photometry, where the scanners can be used in conjunction with drones, is also becoming extremely important. Big data cap- 67 ture, storage, and advanced analysis will become a Growth in robotics and automation normal part of building processes. Predictive analyt- ics will also open the door for optimising schedules The use of autonomous vehicles and drones to mon- and decision-making based on actual user needs. itor construction sites and deliver materials will be- The market for artificial intelligence or machine come more common, streamlining operations and learning in the construction industry is growing in reducing labour costs. Increasingly, robots are likely leaps and bounds. The same is true for the data to perform repetitive and difficult tasks. We might market, which is just getting off the ground. witness an increase in advanced prefabricated solu- tions designed with environmental considerations in mind. We will improve the precision of execution, 68 while increasing the safety of workers on construc- can monitor factors such as occupancy levels, tem- tion sites. The use of col aborative robots (cobots) perature preferences, lighting adjustments and even working alongside human workers is particularly biometric data in order to gain insights into people's promising. responses and their wel being or even regulate their emotions. By analysing the data obtained from sen- New skills, smart cities and renovations sors, buildings can either be designed or upgraded to adapt to individual preferences and needs. Data Modernising the existing built infrastructure is a col ected from sensors and feedback from occu- major chal enge, as is updating the skill set of con- pants can be analysed with artificial intel igence and struction sector workers to meet smart city stand- machine learning algorithms to identify patterns and ards. Older buildings and infrastructure may need optimise building performance. This can then be extensive renovations to incorporate IoT devices, combined with data col ected by other devices, such improve energy efficiency and increase connectivity. as smartwatches and ear buds, that measure brain Construction companies will need to develop spe- activity, blood oxygen levels, heart rate and user cialised expertise in retrofitting. The rise of smart movement. Integration wil further improve the precities in construction automatical y means the de- diction of occupancy patterns, forecast maintenance velopment of innovation, which will encourage the needs and enable recommendations to be made to industry to adopt advanced technologies, prioritise improve energy efficiency. As the digitisation of peo- durability and sustainability, and develop new skil s. ple's responses in the built environment involves the It wil , however, also bring a number of chal enges. col ection and analysis of personal data, it is crucial Digitising human responses to address data privacy and security issues. Robust data protection measures need to be put in place Sensors in buildings are already being used to col- and clear communication made regarding data use lect real-time data on users' behaviour, preferences and user consent protocols in order to ensure the and interactions with the built environment. Sensors responsible and ethical use of this data. 69 70 dr. Lidija Korat Bensa dr. Miha Hren X-ray Computed dr. Rožle Repič dr. Alenka Mauko Pranjić Microtomography dr. Lucia Mancini The Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering cal and chemical-mineralogical processes and prop- Institute is the only research institution in Slovenia erties. One of the advanced techniques used is 3D that has been working in the field of X-ray comput- X-ray imaging. X-ray imaging is an extremely power- ed microtomography for more than 10 years, and ful technology that has already been used for years the only one that uses this technology in the field in medical diagnostics and for the quality control of construction materials. The high-tech research of industrial parts. The biggest advantage of X-rays equipment in the Department of Materials enables is their ability to penetrate into material, enabling 2D, 3D, and 4D analyses of various materials and non-invasive imaging and the ability to obtain infor- their structures as well as changes in their structure mation inaccessible to either the naked eye or other depending on time, temperature, or applied stress. imaging techniques. The technological significance of X-ray imaging has led to the rapid development of The materials we encounter daily, which are used high-performance X-ray detectors and related imag- for a variety of purposes, respond differently to ing applications. environmental factors such as temperature, hu- midity, stress, and aging. The mechanical-physical X-ray computed microtomography (microCT) is one and chemical-mineral processes in materials are type of three-dimensional (3D) X-ray imaging tech- extremely important for their properties and per- nique that al ows new achievements and insights in formance and also influence their microstructure. the field of materials, groundbreaking innovations, In recent years, there has been increasing use of and development in both science and industry. It is advanced techniques for the observation of micro- one of the most up-to-date non-destructive meth- structure and how it changes. It can be monitored ods, enabling researchers and professionals to in different ways, and its impact can be determined open up new areas of innovation and development with various technologies. The observation of micro- and fostering scientific and innovation excellence. structure can be used to predict mechanical-physi- Laboratory X-ray microCT differs from industrial to- mography in that it achieves high spatial resolutions (up to a few 100 nanometres). The technology is based on a computer-aided 3D reconstruction of two-dimensional (2D) images (projections) of the sample acquired from different angular views, which are created based on the detection of X-rays trans- mitted by the sample. The intensity of the beam on the detector depends on the absorption of X-rays in the sample material, which is dependent on the chemical composition of the materials, as well as their density and thickness in the sample. 71 At ZAG, we have two different instruments. The trast imaging, mosaic CT and dynamic CT). The de- ZEISS XRadia MicroXCT-400 system has a built-in vice can be used with numerous additional modules, X-ray microfocus source with the possibility of set- such as environmental and mechanical chambers, ting the source voltage between 40 and 150 kV and for in-situ and operando experiments (4D CT), with the power up to 10 W. This robust table al ows the minimal restrictions with respect to electrical and analysis of samples up to 12 cm in diameter and ap- other connections. A powerful computer al ows us prox. 15 cm high, with Verta mass of up to several to reconstruct and analyze large data sets produced kilograms. The combination of geometric and optical by CT systems such as these. The technical features magnification al ows the observation of materials at mentioned above offer us the ability to conduct X-ray a spatial resolution of less than 1.0 micrometers, imaging and analysis of static and dynamic phenom- with the final resolution depending on the size and ena, which are important to investigate a number of type of the material. The EasyTOM XL Ultra instru- phenonema, including, amongst others, mechanical ment from RX Solutions is a versatile instrument failure dynamics, fluid transport properties, the ef- equipped with an X-ray nanofocus source operat- fect of thermal and mechanical treatments or ageing ing between 20 and 160 kV, a maximum power of experiments, the impact of the application of consol- 32 W and two different detectors: a large flat-panel idant materials, as well as enabling the execution of detector (16-bit, 2560 x 2048 pixels, with an ac- electrochemical studies. tive area of 31.74 x 25.39 cm2) and a water-cooled high-resolution CCD camera (14-bit, 4008x2672 As well as within the field of construction, the X-ray pixels, with an active area of 36x24 mm2). In this microCT method is also used at ZAG in mineralogy, device, we can accommodate samples weighing up volcanology, reservoir rocks, heritage science, ener- to 80 kg, with a diameter of up to 730 mm and a gy storage, wood science and technology, pharma- height of up to 940 mm. The highest achievable cy, biology, sensor technology and dental medicine. resolution is 0.4 micrometers. The device al ows the The method can be used for the analysis of various instal ation of additional X-ray sources and detec- materials, and in addition to determining the distri- tors and, together with the advanced accompanying bution of different mineral phases or the chemical software, enables use of the most modern scanning composition, it can detect various deformations, in- methods (e.g. helical CT, laminography, phase-con- clusions, pores, fibers, cracks, and manufacturing 72 defects that affect the behaviour and durability of a material. Individual components can be analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. For image pro- cessing and analysis, which al ows the separation of individual components/ materials and their spatial and size distribution to be visualized and quanti- fied, we use advanced computer programs working in the 3D and 4D domain, such as the commercial software Avizo Fire (Thermo Fisher Scientific) and observed and 3D capture is performed. In addition, Dragonfly (Comet Technologies Canada Inc), and we can run experiments in real time and in operan- research codes in the Fiji and PyPore3D libraries. do mode using the EasyTOM XL Ultra tomograph. With image processing, in addition to individual im- Subsequent image analysis al ows us to determine ages, we can export a 3D model in various formats the location of the failure, the occurrence of damage (e.g., raw, tiff, .stl, and .obj), which can then serve as a function of load or the rate and time of loading. as the basis for 3D printing, modeling, the exam- The environmental chamber can be used to monitor, ination of tomographic images, or for determining among other things, the deformation of wood in the the deviation of a CT image from an ideal 3D CAD Brinell hardness test, where a pressure chamber is model. After processing, quantitative data can be used to press a ball into the material. The data ob- extracted from the CT data, including the porosity tained in such a test not only al ows us to accurate- and pore structure (proportion of pores within the ly measure the deformation, but also shows when material, pore size distribution, pore connectivity), and under which conditions (stress, displacement) density measurements (variations in density), crack a particular phenomenon occurs, and - in certain and fiber analysis (volume, length and width, orien- cases - the reasons why the deformation or failure tation), material composition (phase identification, occurred. Such analyses can be used to understand homogeneity, structural integrity), thermal expan- complex changes, as they al ow us to observe the sion, and microstructural features (particle distribu- situation of failure processes and thus contribute to tion, analysis of the interfacial zone, grain structure the improvement of materials. and pattern analysis). MicroCT is an indispensable method in other fields With the special y-designed Deben 500N HRC as wel . As a non-destructive method, it is useful chamber (Deben UK Ltd.), we can simulate realis- in the digitization of museum artifacts, as sam- tic environments by varying the temperature or me- ples are not destroyed during the analysis. Some chanical loading of the sample e.g. conduct tempo- interesting examples we have analyzed at ZAG in- ral monitoring of hydration processes in cement or clude the oldest Neanderthal flute from the Divje the growth of cracks in concrete under compressive Babe site, Egyptian amulets from the col ection at loading. 3D images of the sample are captured be- the Slovenian Ethnographic Museum, rattles from fore, during and after mechanical loading.The occur- Dežman's pile dwel ings, a Paleolithic point from the rence of changes in the microstructure can be mon- Ljubljanica, cave bear paw prints in cave sediment, itored by capturing 2D image cross-sections – the an Enigma cypher machine, and a wooden head of test is then stopped at the point where changes are John the Baptist from Bohinj. 73 We col aborate with various experts from indus- try. In the development of temperature sensors and electric motors, for example, we compare defects between the product and the CAD mod- el. With dental experts, we analyse damage to pins and dental appliances and create 3D print- ing matrices for teeth. With biologists we analyse different organisms, such as bees, bugs, crusta- ceans and plants. With palaeoanthropologists we study human evolution through virtual histological analysis of bones and teeth, and in electrochem- istry we col aborate to develop new energy stor- age devices with reduced environmental impact and improved safety. We also work with artists to Science (LINXS, Sweden) and European Research visualise artworks. In the field of microtomography, Infrastructure for Heritage Science (E-RIHS). ZAG actively col aborates with national and foreign As a non-destructive, high-resolution material char- universities, museums and research institutes, in- acterization tool, X-ray microCT is becoming an cluding Agency for Radioactive Waste Management indispensable method. With the development of (ARAO, Slovenia), the Ministry of the Interior, the technology and related software tools, including the University of Ljubljana, the University of Maribor, use of Machine Learning and Deep Learning ap- the University of Antwerp (Belgium), Politecnico di proaches, the interest and awareness of stakehold- Milano (Italy), Sapienza University of Rome (Italy), ers regarding advancements in this field have also the National Institute of Geology and Volcanology increased, and we expect a similar trend to continue (INGV, Italy), Central European Institute of in the future. In addition to the benefits mentioned Technology (CEITEC,Czechia), Federal Institute for above, microCT enables a 3D insight into the micro- Materials Research and Testing (BAM,Germany) structural properties of the object examined, giving and Delft University of Technology (Netherlands). access to its external and internal features, which As a reliable and professional partner, we par- is not possible with other, existing optical methods ticipate in a wide variety of activities, including, (with the exception of neutrons, high-frequency, and amongst others, microCT analyses of various items ultrasound). In addition to laboratory-based X-ray (e.g. objects damaged in accidents), studying rein- microCT, ZAG researchers are also experienced in forcement in steel for the purpose of nuclear waste other techniques and operate at large-scale facilities storage, replacing lead and bismuth inclusions in such as the Elettra (Trieste, Italy) and APS (Il inois, aluminum to improve material properties, studying USA) synchrotron laboratories and the ILL neutron the thickness of thin layers on metal, determining source (France), where X-ray and neutron tomogra- the taxonomy of early Triassic ostracods and fo- phy set ups are available. These imaging techniques raminiferas, and investigating the ageing behavior and experimental set ups complement each other of rechargeable Zn-air batteries. We are part of the and al ow the best results to be obtained as a func- the Lund Institute for advanced Neutron and X-ray tion of specific scientific or industrial applications. 74 Circular dr. Alenka Mauko Pranjić dr. Primož Oprčkal Construction dr. Vilma Ducman Why circular construction? construction and management of construction facil- ities. The use of robotic and automated techniques Construction is a material-intensive economic sector for the more accurate, faster and safer demolition, that consumes more than half of all extracted raw renovation and construction of buildings is also in- materials in the world. Economic forecasts show creasingly present. an increase in the productivity of the construction sector (e.g. up 35% by 2030), which will further How to put construction products based increase the amount of raw materials needed for the on secondary raw materials on the market? construction sector in the future. OECD forecasts show that, by 2060, the global amount of natural Construction products from secondary raw materi- aggregate needed as a basic building material will als, i.e. from recycled waste or by-products, must double, to 55 gigatonnes. Ensuring sufficient quan- meet the regulatory requirements of environmen- tities of materials will be a major chal enge for the tal legislation with respect to terminating the sta- construction industry in the future, especial y giv- tus of waste or -products, and must be placed on en the limited supplies of natural raw materials and the market under the same conditions as products the requirements for a reduction in greenhouse gas made from primary raw materials. They must meet emissions and decarbonisation of the economy. all the requirements for properties that affect the As a society, therefore, we must work out how to basic requirements of construction works, according live within the natural limits of the planet, making to their intended use, in accordance with European it imperative for us to look for alternative, more and national legislation and regulations on con- sustainable sources in the form of secondary raw struction products and construction. In 2024, we materials, which are created by recycling waste actively contributed to the preparation of legislation or using by-products through industrial symbiosis. concerning the creation of conditions for terminat- In addition, it is important to ensure the easy de- ing the status of certain waste products suitable for commissioning and reuse of construction products, processing and subsequent use in the construction thereby prolonging their life cycles through the sen- industry, and we are also fol owing changes in leg- sible and systematic design of construction materi- islation at the European level - such as proving the als and the design of buildings and infrastructure. seventh basic requirement for construction works, Recently, the development of digital tools in the con- for example, which cal s for the sustainable use of struction industry has also increasingly contributed primary raw materials in the construction industry, to this. Examples of such are tools for increasing with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tools, where the traceability and the flow of information e.g. digital use of local secondary raw materials can have a sig- product passports and digital logbooks, and the use nificant impact on reducing the environmental im- of building information models (BIM) for the design, pact of buildings. 75 New technologies and new materials mental y-acceptable construction products in suffi- from secondary raw materials ciently large quantities. Such products can replace conventional products made of natural and artificial At the Slovenian National Building and Civil materials. When processing different types of waste, Engineering Institute, we have been actively working or using by-products for construction purposes, we for many years on the development and use of new must also be careful not to release substances that construction products made from secondary raw are potential y dangerous to the health of people, materials. A good knowledge of the microstructure, animals or the environment. mineral composition, chemical processes and phys- ical properties of various wastes and by-products, Using our experience, the advanced analytical meth- as well as that of the final products, is key here. ods available at ZAG, and in-depth knowledge of We always try to close material loops local y, using the properties of these materials and recycling pro- simple, sufficiently-robust and efficient processing cesses, we can ensure that the final products will procedures with the lowest environmental footprint be safe and technical y usable once they are put on that can provide technical y adequate and environ- the market. Over recent years, we have gained new 76 experience in the effective management of material flows e.g. in the selective elimination of high-qual- ity materials from those with inadequate physical properties in relation to their intended use, espe- cial y through cooperation in major projects related to (transport) infrastructure. We are developing and improving a number of construction products from secondary raw materials. A few examples of those we are currently researching include recycled aggre- gates from the processing of construction and dem- olition waste, manufactured aggregates from the processing of waste or by-products generated from thermal processes in metal urgy (e.g. slag, foundry sands, ashes), alternative hydraulic and/or pozzolan- ic binders in the form of geotechnical composites with calcium-rich ashes, used as substitutes and ad- ditives for Portland cement in hydraulic/ pozzolanic bound soils and cement composites, additives from secondary raw materials for asphalts, and geopoly- mer composites or alkali-activated materials as an alternative to concrete. We place great emphasis on the research and development of construction prod- ucts with carbonation processes. Materials based on steel slag, certain ashes or recycled concrete are rich in calcium minerals and, under certain condi- tions, permanently bind CO , meaning they can con- 2 tribute to the decarbonisation of the construction sector. Products of this type can be used for earth- works or to produce concrete prefabrication units, pavers and bricks. In addition to new materials, we are also developing various green technologies e.g. for the treatment and reuse of wastewater, technol- ogies for the treatment of hydrometal urgical waste and the enrichment of economic compounds, as well as processes for the immobilization of heavy metals and other pol utants in the soil. We also pay special attention to cascade or sequential recycling, with the prior elimination of valuable and/ or critical raw materials (e.g. phosphorous from the value chain of 77 municipal wastewater), al owing the residues to be results of which are gradual y being transferred to processed for other uses fol owing extraction, e.g. in ZAG services i.e. in addition to being the author- the construction industry. Important new technology ity for awarding type III Environmental Product that we are developing in this field is the so-cal ed Declarations (EPDs), we are introducing procedures bioleaching of critical raw materials from various to also become an authority for the verification of wastes with the help of bacteria and the bioremedi- environmental technologies. Our experts and scien- ation of contaminated soils or other materials. tists are present in the creation of new guidelines and standards in the field of testing and evaluating What about environmental labelling environmental technologies and products in the con- and verification? struction industry, e.g. on the TC CEN 350 technical committee, ‘Durability of Building Structures’. With New environmental technologies have the potential our knowledge, we can also help companies with to successful y verify environmental claims based sustainable reporting, according to the newly-creat- on the ISO-standardized procedure 14034 for ed European Directive EU 2023/2772, and we also Environmental Technology Verification. In 2024, we participate in the creation of new regulations and completed the European LIFEProETV project, the legislation in the field of circular construction. 78 What are our next steps? There is considerable potential for research and de- velopment in circular construction, including new binders based on secondary raw materials; more du- rable and sustainable products, with a zero or even net-negative carbon footprint; effective environmen- tal technologies, both in terms of the identification and selective extraction of valuable and/ or potential y hazardous raw materials, as well as the remediation of contaminated soil; the development of knowledge and new methods for monitoring the status of water, soil and air pol ution; the use of biomaterials (e.g. residues from agriculture) in construction, modular construction, the reuse of materials, and improving the traceability of materials. These are just some of the topics we will continue to research in the future. On the basis of their knowledge and experience in the field of materials (primary and secondary) and on chemical, mechanical and physical processes, as well as through active cooperation with stakehold- ers both at home and around the world, our experts successful y support a more sustainable construction sector in Slovenia and help towards a successful green transition, establishing stable, safe and reliable material supply chains and a final market with clearly identifiable components of sustainability. 79 Further important projects in the field of circular construction ARIS J7-50228 (ARIS, 2024–2027, ZAG coordinator) Mining the technosphere for efficient use of resources and improving state of the environment ReBuilt (Interreg Central Europe, 2023–2026, Circular and digital renewal of central Europe construc- ZAG coordinator) tion and building sector LIFE IP RESTART (LIFE, 2022–2030, coordinator Boosting waste recycling into valuable products by set- MOPE (SI), ZAG partner) ting the environment for a circular economy in Slovenia VIRIDI (Interreg Slovenia - Austria, 2023–2026, Enhancing joint transition to circular and resource coordinator Chamber of Commerce of Carinthia (AT), efficient economy through holistic and digital support ZAG partner) of SMEs in cross border region SI-AT. LIAISON (Horizon Europe, 2023–2027, coordinator Lowering transport envIronmentAl Impact along the TECNALIA (ES), ZAG partner) whole life cycle of the future tranSpOrt iNfrastructure CO2TREAT (ERAMIN, 2022–2025, coordinator VITO Accelerated CO treatment of alkaline residues for 2 (BE), ZAG partner) low carbon binders ASHCycle (Obzorje Evropa, 2022–2026, koordinator Integration of underutilized ashes into material cycles Univerza v Oulu (FI), ZAG partner) by industry-urban symbiosis ARIS N2-0320 (2023–2026, ZAG coordinator) Waste to alkali-activated binders (WIN) ARIS J1-4413 (2022–2025, ZAG coordinator) Study on hydraulic characteristics of ashes from various thermal processes and the enhancement of the reactivity for their use as an immobilization additive ARIS J1-3029 (2021–2024, ZAG coordinator) Holistic sustainability evaluation of critical raw materi- als - closing gaps and developing new methodological approaches ARIS L7-3185 (2021–2024, ZAG coordinator) Investigation of interconnected processes for sustaina- ble management of sewage sludge for the purpose of its material recovery and recycling LIFEProETV (LIFE, 2020–2024, coordinator IETU (PL), Promotion and implementation of ETV as an EU ZAG partner) voluntary scheme for verifying performance of environmental technologies EIT RawMaterials, RIS, WEEE-NET9 (2022–2024, Improving CRMs extraction capacities in RIS WEEE ZAG coordinator) recycling EIT RawMaterials, RIS, EPICENTER (2024–2026, Educational Platform lIfe Cycle assEssmeNt coordinator Riga Technical University (LT), ZAG partner) sTRucturEs LIFE HIDAQUA (LIFE, 2019– 2025, ZAG coordinator) Sustainable water management on high water demanding industries EIT RM GEORIS (EIT RawMaterials, 2022–2024, Innovative technologies for waste processing in coordinator ENALOS (GR), ZAG partner) ESEE Region 80 Smart Buildings and Martina Murko Gajšek Home with Wood Chain doc. dr. Sabina Jordan A living and working environment for the future that is sustainable, healthy, environmental y- and user-friendly, connected and energy self-sufficient - based on Slovenian knowledge and industry. This is the vision of the Strategic Development and Innovation Partnership, Smart Buildings and Home with Wood Chain - SRIP PSiDL. Slovenia is home to several strategic innovation and development partnerships that bring together companies, research organisations, the government and municipalities alongside integrators, users and non-governmental organizations. These partner- ships organise a development and innovation eco- system aimed at penetrating the global market and fol ow the priority areas of the Slovenian Smart Sustainable Specialisation Strategy, S5. One of the SRIP partnerships, Smart Buildings and Home with Wood Chain, operates within ZAG in co-operation with two consortium partners - the Association of the Wood and Furniture Industry at the Slovenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the TECES innovation cluster. Goals and vision management based on user requirements, as well The SRIP PSiDL partnership is based on the focus as manufacturers and other stakeholders involved in areas "construction of buildings", "interior elements", innovative design and planning. "building supply and management, including connec- Through the SRIP PSiDL, we are therefore realising tivity with smart communities" and "smart, nearly our vision to establish a lasting partnership that ena-zero-energy buildings". Through these focus areas, bles the development of comprehensive solutions for the project engages Slovenian manufacturers of ma- building a smart, sustainable, healthy, environmental- terials and solutions for construction industry, man- ly- and user-friendly, connected and energy self-suf- ufacturers of interior elements and manufacturers of ficient living and working environment for the future, devices, systems and services that enable building based on Slovenian know-how and production. 81 Comprehensive support for business and industry The vision and objectives of the SRIP PSiDL are further confirmed by its renewed Strategic Plan. This gives the partnership an even clearer focus on strengthening the support environment for the members of SRIP PSiDL. As part of the strategic plan, the partnership aims to continue and build on projects such as the planning and development of Home24h, which has been a successful project in previous phases of SRIP PSiDL. The partnership is involved in the development of demonstration build- ings, wooden buildings and pilot projects to validate technology. It invites members to participate in its activities as much as possible, providing a platform for them to expand their own activities. SRIP PSiDL also provides its members with a network of rel- evant and up-to-date information and professional events in their individual field of activity. The PSiDL SRIP is made up of 67 organisations. This includes companies, public and private institutions and associations. Membership brings active partic- Our aim is to create an open, operational and rapidly ipation in a number of areas, including shaping the adaptable support environment that, by connecting country's development focus and future investments, and creating synergies, will stimulate companies contributing to joint product development and shar- and other stakeholders to achieve high productivity ing a joint presence in domestic and foreign mar- and successful y commercialise competitive prod- kets, establishing and strengthening supply chains, ucts and solutions in the field of smart buildings in integrating products and rationalising supply chains, both the European and global markets. conducting joint demonstration projects, establishing new business models and marketing strategies, and providing support for internationalisation, entrepre- neurship and the development of human resources. 82 Fire Safety of Solar Power Plants Nik Rus Photovoltaic (PV) systems are proving to offer an product level, but there is a need to consider the affordable and quick way of moving away from car- risks that emerge at a system level when all the ma- bon-based fuels as an energy source, especial y terials, parts and products are ful y assembled. To considering the sustainable goals being encouraged il ustrate the gap in risk assessment, a fire safety global y. Their instal ation on the roofs of buildings, concepts tree has been designed (a simplified ver- however, inevitably brings new fire risks. The risk sion is shown in the scheme below). The left-hand to the building on which a PV system is instal ed is side represents the parts that are already covered, greater, due to both the increased likelihood of igni- to a certain extent, by various regulations and stand- tion and the more severe negative consequences of ards for products and components of PV systems. PV-related fires. The increased probability of ignition In contrast, the right-hand side corresponds to what results from the potential failure of any of the nuhas not yet been considered sufficiently to prevent merous electrical components of the PV system. The and mitigate the negative consequences of PV- negative consequences are exacerbated by the fact related fires. that the fire department's work is hindered and that For safety measures to be implemented effectively, a PV system on a flat roof enables the fire to spread they must be based on sound scientific evidence, in both faster and over a larger area. the form of either experimental or statistical data. A group of researchers from the Fire Research and The published guideline is based on the latest scien- Innovation Unit at the Department for Fire-safe tific findings and supported by in-house experiments Sustainable Built Environment (FRISSBE) have iden- conducted for clients and internal projects, involving tified the gap in assessing the overall risks of PV sys- experiments with various scales, materials, parts, tems and published a rooftop PV guideline aiming to and geometries. highlight it. Some existing standards and regulations already address risk mitigation at the material and Avoid large consequence from PV fire on roof Minimize ignition frequency and power Minimize fire spread rate and extent Minimize Minimize SYSTEM level effects Minimize PRODUCT COMPONENT level failures level failures 83 Results have shown that, in the case of fire, the ma- terials of roof membranes and the type of PV panels play less of a role than the geometry of the system and the type of insulation materials used. Wherever the PV panels were mounted at an inclined angle, the fire was able to spread across the entire roofing area below the instal ed panels and caused an ex- tensive heat load on both the roofing material and the system. These outcomes prove that systemic aspects, such as the panels' geometric orientation, the size of the arrays, and the distance between them, play an im- portant role in the behaviour of PV-related fires. This research study forms a solid scientific basis for the development of robust solutions for PV systems that are better prepared for fires in the future. In addition to the use of appropriate materials, implementing good instal ation and maintenance practices is cru- cial for risk reduction, with the quality and design of the roof structure being the other cornerstones for reducing the consequences of fire and improving firefighter safety. 84 Manipulating Microplastics for a Sustainable Future doc. dr. Branka Mušič ZAG is constantly developing, as it is committed to the advancement of knowledge and addressing con- temporary social issues, where one of the current focuses is also the environmental chal enge of mi- croplastics. By investing in research and innovation, we aim to develop sustainable solutions to mitigate the impact of microplastics on our environment. The management of plastic waste is a global chal enge for researchers, policymakers, citizens, and other stakeholders. Environmental factors, such as chang- es in temperature, UV radiation, and abrasion, cause plastic waste to degrade into smal er particles (micro- and nanoplastics), which pose a threat to all forms of life. The rapid production and accumulation of plas- tic in the natural environment results from its indis- criminate use, inadequate recycling, and subsequent disposal of such material in uncontrol ed landfil s. Consequently, microplastics are leaking into terrestri- al and aquatic ecosystems at an alarming rate. The image on the right shows waste plastic products that can weather under environmental conditions to form microplastics (scanning electron microscope image). ZAG addresses the social chal enges regarding the pol ution of natural ecosystems with micro- or na- noplastics through national and European research projects. These initiatives support a higher rate of recycling of plastic waste and promote a circular economy. Such are, for example, "Returning waste insulating polyurethane foams to composite facade panels" and "Incorporating recycled waste rubber into geopolymer composite pavers" earned the silver award from the SRIP (The Strategic Research and Innovation Partnership) for the Circular Economy. In 85 the picture on the next page, you can see alkaline-ac- ing the use of artificial, accelerated aging techniques. tivated metakaolin-based pavers with rough-cut rub- We employ advanced analytical methods to charac- ber waste incorporated into the walking surface. terize (micro)plastics and mechanical, physical and chemical changes in the properties of polymer ma- By reusing waste polyurethane foam and waste rub- trices, including changes in the size and shape of ber, which, at the end of their life cycle, often end up particles, the density, thermal response, hardness in landfil , where they degrade into microplastics or and cleavage of chemical bonds, and the leaching of await incineration, we have eliminated one potential pol utants from microplastics. We are proud of our source of microplastics. cooperation with esteemed Slovenian institutions, We are aware that the formation of microplastics including the Biotechnical Faculty and the Faculty of cannot be avoided completely, which is why ZAG Chemistry and Chemical Technology, with whom we clearly emphasizes the importance of understanding also col aborate in this field in assessing the impact the development of ecological y acceptable (polymer- of microplastics on living organisms, according to es- ic) materials, as well as the importance of evaluating tablished standard methods. the formation of microplastics from plastic - includ- 86 Achievements in the form of publishing scientific ar- ZAG is also one of the leading promoters of aware- ticles are also considered successes. In col abora- ness about microplastics in the construction sector. tion with our partners, we disseminate the results of We actively co-create care for nature by connecting original scientific research to the public, addressing with other experts and forge long-term partnerships, current issues while they are still in their early stag- through which we promote progress and under- es. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, standing and as such co-create a cleaner living en- we investigated the impact of the drastic increase vironment, as policy makers often rely on findings in the use and disposal of protective masks on the reported in scientific papers. environment. Our article, "Environmental hazard of polypropylene microplastics from disposable med-In 2024, the ZAG team will be further strengthened ical masks: acute toxicity towards Daphnia magna in this area by an excel ent young researcher, with the and current knowledge on other polypropylene mi- aim of consolidating a key role in our social y benefi- croplastics," explores the environmental impact of cial and social y responsible initiatives. This will not microplastics from medical masks as a new source of only advance engineering practices, but also contrib- environmental burden. Shown below are represent- ute significantly to the wel -being of the community. ative light microscope images of a large water flea ZAG is aware of the need to raise awareness and (Daphnia magna) after 48 hours of exposure to med- educate the entire community, encouraging them to ical mask microplastics. The image on the left shows help reduce (micro)plastic pol ution and use alterna- microplastic from the middle filter layer of a medi- tives to plastic. Addressing (micro)plastic pol ution is cal mask attached to the body surface of D. magna, a global chal enge that must be prioritized, requiring while the right image presents microplastic from the col ective action across all sectors. inner frontal layer of the medical mask in the gut of D. magna (doi: 10.1186/s43591-021-00020-0). Thank you to everyone who has previously contribut- This research revealed that plastic microparticles are ed to our efforts in advancing microplastics research, entering the food chain, raising significant concerns to those involved in our current and upcoming pro- about their long-term effects. jects, and to everyone who trusts and supports us. 87 88 200 Years doc. dr. Sabina Dolenec Ana Brunčič of Cement Lina Završnik This year marks the 200th anniversary of the pat- first cement plant in our region opened in Trbovlje enting of Portland cement, which was introduced in 1876. It was one of the first cement plants in to the world on October 21, 1824 by the British Europe and was built at almost the same time as patent BP 5022, ‘An Improvement in the Mode of the first cement plant in the USA (1871). In 1921, Producing an Artificial Stone’. The invention had a the cement factory in Anhovo also started produc- great impact on modern society. tion. In the past, there was another cement factory in Slovenia, operating in Dovje/ Mojstrana, which Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) is the most com- started producing cement in 1893. The consump- mon type of cement used worldwide, as the main tion of cement is closely related to the economic component of concrete as well as in some other development of a region or country. construction products, such as mortars and grouts. Portland cement did not become the most wide- Cement both enabled and caused the evolution of ly used material on Earth by accident. Cement is construction, replacing bar steel and wooden struc- basical y composed of oxides of silicon, aluminum, tures consisting of a multitude of joined elements iron, calcium, sodium, potassium and magnesium, with concrete, which can be cast. The dominance which make up more than 98% of the Earth's crust. of the use of cement materials in the construction This enables us to produce cement almost anywhere industry began in 1880. With the invention of rein- in the world, using raw materials available local y. forced concrete (1984), and later prestressed con- Fundamentally, minerals containing other elements crete and concrete and steel composite structures are not available in the quantities necessary to meet (1930), concrete only consolidated its position as the global demand for cementitious materials. The the leading construction material. Concrete was re- soundingly presented as a modern material through the works of the French architect, Le Corbusier, who was a pioneer of the modern movement of the 20th century. The range of use of cement-based materi- als and concrete in Slovenia can be detected after the earthquake in Ljubljana in 1895, when a new craft appeared in 1886 - namely the production of artificial stone and concrete products, which were significantly cheaper than natural stone. Concrete, in cooperation with built-in iron arch supports, was the basic construction material used for the Dragon Bridge, built in 1901, which is said to represent a turning point in the evaluation of concrete in terms of its visual appearance. In the Ljubljana region, 89 concrete only became established as an material tars). The quality of cement is important and funda- equivalent to stone between the two world wars, mental for active construction works, so we carry out when, in particular, it was used for bridges designed chemical and physical-mechanical testing of cement by the architect Jože Plečnik. It is worth highlighting in the laboratory for the purposes of certification and that the works of Plečnik, in which he used concrete production control, while the experts of the laboratory as building blocks, were entered into the UNESCO also act as authorized persons for the certification of World Heritage List in 2021. cement and cement-based products and as leading experts for technical evaluations and consents. The Cement plays a vital but often overlooked role in laboratory has been accredited according to ISO EN/ modern day-to-day life. It is mainly used as a binder IEC 17025 since 2001. From 2009 to 2023, the in concrete, which is the second most-used material laboratory was appointed by the Bureau of Metrology on Earth (after water), and is the primary material as the holder of the national standard for the field of used in the infrastructure for most human activities. bulk substances in cements and was a member of It is a versatile and reliable building material with a EURAMET – the European Association of National wide range of uses. In addition to the use of cement Metrology Institutes. Between 2004 and 2020, for the production of concrete, where it represents we were involved in the international association between 10 and 15% of the volume, cement is also NanoCEM - an industrial-academic network for ce- used in mortars for masonry structures, plasters and ment and concrete research, which brought together injection grouts, as well as for soil stabilization. the most important European institutions in the field. The Laboratory for Cements, Mortars and Ceramics Within our work, we primarily investigate and study at the Slovenia National Building and Civil Engineering types of cement from the OPC family and calcium alu- Institute - the only laboratory of its kind in Slovenia - is minate cements (CAC). In recent years we have also dedicated to the study of cements, the development been developing new low-energy and low-carbon ce- of new mineral binders and the testing of cements and ment clinkers and cements. We study the chemical cement-based materials (adhesives, grouts and mor- processes of cement hydration, the influence of min- 90 eral and chemical additives on the hydration of ce- secondary raw materials, it is particularly important to ment minerals, cements and mortars, the chemical consider the leaching of toxic substances from prod- resistance of mineral building materials to aggressive ucts. For this purpose, we are also developing pro- media, the penetration of chloride ions into mortars cedures to determine the concentrations of elements and concrete, and more. Over the 75-year history of in leachates, using the inductively-coupled plasma ZAG, the laboratory has developed, amongst other method (ICP). Recently, however, we have also been things, expansion cement for Slovenian hydroelectric devoting ourselves to the development of one of the power plants and an additive to prevent shrinkage more promising new types of cement, LC3, which is in potting compounds used for prestressing cables. achieved through the addition of calcined clay and fine We deal with the use of secondary raw materials for limestone in place of the clinker. In this light, we are construction materials and products. We also work researching the reactivity of various clays from sites in the field of cultural heritage. around Slovenia, developing cements with this min- eral additive and studying the carbonation processes Compared to other construction materials, cement of these cements. Cement and/ or cement-based ma- is a sustainable material, as it has low energy and terials can also represent a large reservoir for captur-low carbon footprints - the problem is mainly caused ing carbon, hence certain studies also focus on the by the sheer amount of cement produced, as we possibility of carbon sequestration and carbonation use over 10 times more of it than any other building processes. This has the added benefit of improving material. For some time, development in the field of the properties of some waste materials, e.g. calcium cement has been strongly focused on reducing the ashes and steel slag, which, until now, were not suit- carbon footprint, which is mainly achieved by using able for use as mineral additives for cement. local y-available non-carbonate secondary raw mate- rials, by replacing the clinker in cement with mineral In the laboratory, we determine the composition of additives, or by developing alternative binders that unhydrated cements and study the course of hy- are prepared by partial y replacing conventional OPC dration and the formation of hydration products, clinker or by removing it altogether. The use of min- as well as the microstructure of cements and ce- eral additives, many of which are also secondary raw ment-based products. We use a variety of advanced materials, both al ows the acquisition of a sustaina- analytical techniques, including X-ray fluorescence ble binder and contributes to a circular economy. A spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction analysis and large part of research in the laboratory over recent the Rietveld method, Raman microspectroscopy, years has focused on the development of alkali-acti- thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron vated binders and subsequent construction products, microscopy with EDS, while pore development can as well as new types of cement clinker or cements, be determined by mercury porosimetry and gas such as belite-calcium sulphoaluminate cement. Al sorption, as well as computed microtomography. these cements have their advantages and limitations, In order to explain the mechanisms of hydration, the latter primarily being the (lack of) availability of we are also developing a method for extracting and raw materials for wider production. As a result, such determining the chemical composition of pore wa- cements tend to have limited use, or exhibit special ter. The use of thermodynamic modeling in cement properties not comparable to OPC, thus further lim- systems is also key, as it al ows parameters to be iting their application. When investigating the use of changed quickly and easily, enables the composition 91 of groups of hydration products to be predicted un- der different conditions, and can be extrapolated to represent longer periods of time, which also helps in experimental studies. Among other things, cement is also one of the most widespread materials that comes into contact with drinking water. For visual and hygienic reasons, and to protect the concrete, cement-based materials or the products are used as coatings in reservoirs, mineral additives on the fresh properties of cement where they remain in constant contact with water. mixtures, the influence of temperature on the cohe- We participated in the preparation of a guidance doc- siveness of cements in the early stages of hydration, ument, ‘Recommendations for evaluating the suitabil- and active control of the rheological properties of ity of materials and products that come into contact cements with magnetic particles, which would be with drinking water’, according to which it is also pos- sible to certify metal, cement, organic and combined useful for moving the material. materials that come into contact with drinking water. Additional y, we contribute to the development of Cement is also important in the immobilization of low biomineralization processes - as a biological y-in- and medium radioactive waste. We are involved in spired and sustainable approach to the preservation EURAD 2 – the European Partnership on Radioactive of cultural heritage and the self-healing of cementi- Waste Management – which is concerned with the tious materials. In connection with the Biotechnical innovative and sustainable design, optimization and Faculty of the University of Ljubljana, we are inves- upgrade of processing and conditioning materials for tigating the self-healing ability through microbiologi- the preliminary disposal of problematic waste. As part cal y-induced precipitation of calcium carbonate in of the project, our team participates in the production the cement matrix, with a particular focus on the of materials for the construction of a repository for study of alkali-tolerant extremophilic fungi suitable low- and medium-level radioactive waste (NSRAO). for this purpose. With the development of new technologies, such as Final y, we are active in several national and in- 3d printing, the study of the properties of cements ternational associations, including the Slovenian in their fresh state - including the consistency, co- Institute for Standardization (SIST) - Mineral binders hesiveness, workability and setting time - is at the and masonry, and various technical committees of fore. This can be achieved using isothermal calorim- RILEM, where we are currently part of the fol owing etry and rheometer methods, amongst others. Early committees: PHC (Performance testing of hydraulic hydration involves complex chemical and physical cements), EBD (Performance testing of hydraulic ce- processes that control the behaviour of fresh con- ments), UMW (Upcycling Powder Mineral “Wastes” crete, concrete setting and hardening, and also af- into Cement Matrices), PFC (Performance require- fect the mechanical properties and durability of the ments and testing of fresh printable cement-based final product. In cooperation with the Laboratory for materials) and MPA (Mechanical properties of alka- Concrete, we are studying the influence of various li-activated concrete). 92 External Laura Vovčko Quality Control dr. Borut Petkovšek The Unit for External Quality Control of Works and tention to potential impacts that could cause the Materials connects various departments. Our pur- accelerated degradation of materials, consequently pose is to align the scientific and professional knowl- shortening the lifespan and usability of structures. edge of ZAG researchers with the needs of the coun- By visiting construction sites, we check the exe- try, striving for high-quality construction in the most cution of construction works, the competence and important infrastructure projects. equipment of construction contractors, and, above al , the operation of their internal quality control. By As an independent body and the largest construc- performing quality control, we promptly identify ir- tion institution in Slovenia, we verify the quality of regularities and thus crucial y contribute to the sus- construction products, such as concrete products, tainability and long life of structures. steel products and wooden or concrete sleepers. With the instal ation of materials, we also pay at- We provide clients with professional support in all ar- eas of construction, offering advice on how to resolve various technical problems. Our professional support is most effective when we are involved in the project in a timely manner and where communication is es- tablished between all participants involved. Our work began in 1994, with the start of the con- struction of the highways (which is still ongoing, and continues with the renovation of highways and expressways), and has since expanded to include the major sections of state roads. We are now also engaged with quality control in the construction of earth and concrete dams, in the construction and reconstruction of railway connections in our coun- try, and in other infrastructural projects of special importance - such as signal transmitters for railways (GSMR) and telecom systems, TE Šoštanj, the Slovene disposal site for low and intermediate-lev- el radioactive waste, Brnik Airport, and the Port of Koper, amongst others. We procure our work through the private sector, re- lating academic knowledge - acquired at universities and enhanced through participation in international 93 research projects - with the needs of the state and special waste disposal sites, transmission lines and its agencies, administrations and companies. underground storage, the construction of the 2nd block of the Krško Nuclear Power Plant and residen- Currently, we have ongoing work within the fol ow- tial construction. ing major infrastructure projects: • Construction of the 2nd railway track between Koper and Divača, • Construction of the second tube of the Karavanke tunnel, • Construction of all sections of the expressway in the northern part of the 3rd Development Axis, • Both construction and reconstruction at the Maribor–Šentilj and Brezovica–Borovnica railway sections, • Construction of the waste disposal site for low and intermediate-level radioactive waste from the Krško Nuclear Power Plant, and a storage site at Brinje, where the Triga reactor operates. The vision of the unit is to maintain ZAG’s leading position for external control in Slovenia, deepen cooperation with major investors, and expand our activity to other segments of construction, such as 94 Technical Observation of Barriers dr. Pavel Žvanut At the Slovenian National Building and Civil • measurements of the inclinations of dam Engineering Institute, we perform technical observa- structures tion or monitor the behaviour of the fol owing large • measurements of the performance of individual dam structures in Slovenia: cracks and expansion joints • all 10 concrete hydroelectric dams on the Drava • measurements of piezometric levels and uplift River (Dravograd, Vuzenica, Vuhred, Ožbalt, pressures Fala, Mariborski otok, Melje, Zlatoličje, Markovci • measurements of specific electrical and Formin), for the company Dravske elektrar- conductivities and water temperatures ne Maribor • measurements of drainage flows • 5 concrete hydroelectric dams in the Sava River • measurements of water levels in the reservoir basin (Završnica, Moste, Mavčiče, Medvode • measurements of air temperatures and Vrhovo), for the company Savske elektrarne • measurements of the ground acceleration Ljubljana • thermo-graphic measurements • all 3 concrete hydroelectric dams on the Soča For a better insight into the condition of the dam River (Ajba, Podsela and Solkan), for the com- structures, measurement of the important parameters pany Soške elektrarne Nova Gorica has been automated, and, over the years, the techni- • the Vogršček embankment dam, for the com- cal observation systems have also been updated. pany Hidrotehnik The data obtained through technical observation As part of the technical observation, both regular of the dams are also used for 3D numerical analy- and extraordinary inspections and measurements are carried out. The latter are performed after high water levels and stronger earthquakes. Visual inspections, which, in recent years, have been assisted by drones, include: • geological-geomechanical inspections of the banks of reservoirs and derivation channels • inspections of concrete, with additions made to cadastres of cracks and other damages • diving inspections The measurements evaluate deformation of the dam, groundwater filtration around the dam and the external load of the dam, and include: • measurements of the vertical and horizontal displacements of the geodetic points observed 95 ses, namely for the calibration of numerical models for calculating the static and dynamic safety of the dams. We have conducted such analysis for three dams over recent years (Vrhovo, Završnica and Moste). oDe hat WW and Are e W ho W 98 Laboratory for Stone, Aggregates and Recycled Materials The laboratory operates across a broad spectrum of research and development, spanning the fields of circular construction, sustainable resource use, environmental acceptability, and the technical suitability of materials from secondary raw materials. At the same time, it maintains the tradition of investigating the conventional construction materials of stone and aggregates, as well as recycled materials. Both at the scientific level and within applied research, our work is directed towards the implementation of good practice, as derived from experience and in-depth engineering knowledge. We closely cooperate with research institutions and various branches of industry. The core of the laboratory brings together a multidisciplinary team of researchers and engineers in the fields of geology, construction, chemistry and the environment, including leading experts for the preparation of technical assessments and approvals, and authorized persons for product certification. Head of laboratory: dr. Primož Oprčkal, univ. dipl. inž. geol. 99 Activities • Investigation of natural, manufactured, and recycled aggregates • Investigation of natural, agglomerated, and armour stones • Investigation of potential use of recycled materials and industrial by-products for construction products, including the assessment of their environmental acceptability and technical suitability • Investigation of materials in the area of cultural heritage • Development of life cycle analysis models for recycling processes • Mineralogical, petrographic, and microstructural analyses of aggregates and recycled materials • Microtomographic analyses of materials • Chemical analyses of construction products and materials • Analyses of the presence of asbestos in construction materials, air filters, water, and environmental samples Research & development • Methods and technologies for the remediation of contaminated soils, materials and water • Cascade recycling, including the extraction of critical raw materials • Implementation of recycled waste into construction products and structures • Research into the pathology and potential y harmful processes associated with the use of aggregates and secondary raw materials in cement matrices and construction products • Research into air pol ution as a result of particulate matter • Development of circular models and business systems • Modeling environmental impacts within the life cycle of recycled materials, techno-economic analyses • Digital construction (BIM) and tracking flows from waste generation to incorporation • Microtomography of materials and 3D image analysis • Research into materials and the preservation of cultural and industrial heritage Projects • ReBuilt – Circular and digital renewal of central Europe construction and building sector (Interreg Central Europe, 2023–2026) • LIFE HIDAQUA – Sustainable water management on high water demanding industries (LIFE, 2019–2025) • LIFE IP RESTART – Boosting Waste Recycling into Valuable Products by Setting the Environment for a Circular Economy in Slovenia (LIFE, 2022–2030) • CO2TREAT – Accelerated CO Treatment of alkaline residues for low carbon binders (ERA MIN, 2 2022–2025) • ZnOrgBat – Rechargeable Zinc-organic batteries (EIT RawMaterials, 2024–2025) • WEEE-NET9 – Improving CRMs extraction capacities in RIS WEEE recycling (EIT RawMaterials, 2022–2024) Horizontal activities • Col aboration with the group for material investigations in cultural heritage, Sherezad • Col aboration with the microtomography group • Col aboration with the 3D printing group 100 Laboratory for Concrete The laboratory is a state-of-the-art laboratory for research and development in concrete and concrete technology. The laboratory provides technical and professional support to producers and users facing problems or questions related to concretes, their preparation, instal ation and quality proofing. Head of laboratory: dr. Aljoša Šajna, univ. dipl. inž. grad. 101 Activities • Quality control of concrete, concrete products and other cementitious composites • Quality control of the execution of concrete works • Concrete testing and analysis • Testing of concrete products • Inspections, opinions, expert opinions • Training Research and development • Introduction of new technologies, e.g. digital manufacturing or 3D printing, of cement composites • Research on the rheological properties of fresh concrete • Research on special concretes and other cementitious composites (self-compacting, micro-reinforced, high-grade, drainage concretes) • Implementation of recycled secondary raw materials in concretes • Research on advanced sustainable concretes and mortars for rapid, durable and sustainable construction, rehabilitation and protection of AB structures • Non-destructive testing of cultural heritage concretes Important research equipment • Digital production or 3D printing station for cement composites (software, mixer, pump, arm) • Viscometer for measuring the rheological properties of fresh concrete... • Equipment for measuring the pore distribution of fresh concrete Air Void Analyser AVA 3000 • Confocal-metal ographic microscope for determining the size distribution and pore characteristics in hardened concrete (according to SIST EN 480-11) • Isothermal calorimeter for measuring the hydration heat of concretes • CO chamber for accelerated determination of the resistance of concrete to carbonation 2 • Equipment for measuring the air permeability of concrete (Torrent) Projects • CIRCUIT – Holistic approach to foster circular and resilient transport infrastructures and support the deployment of green and innovation public procurement and innovative engineering practices (HORIZON, 2023–2027) • L2-50045 – Two-filament 3D Printing with Concrete and Earth (ARIS, 2023–2026) • TRANSITION – Transforming waste into high-performance 3D printable cementitious composites (M-ERA. NET, 2023–2026) Horizontal activities • Managing the 3D printing group • Participation in the group for investigations of materials in cultural heritage – Scheherazade 102 Laboratory for Metals, Corrosion and Anti-Corrosion Protection In the laboratory we combine professional excel ence with the latest advancements in development and research, utilizing cutting-edge equipment. We provide comprehensive technical and professional support in the areas of metals, corrosion, and anti-corrosion protection. We col aborate with industries, companies, and individuals who face chal enges or have inquiries related to metals. Our laboratory brings together researchers and experts from diverse fields, including metal urgy, chemistry, mechanical engineering, physics, and civil engineering. Our team is actively involved in a range of domestic and international research projects, professional associations and working groups. Head of laboratory: dr. Tadeja Kosec, univ. dipl. kem. 103 Activities • Investigations into and testing of metal materials, products and systems • Investigations into and testing of metal ic and non-metal ic corrosion protections • Non-destructive investigations of defects and damages in metal elements, welds and other joints • Assessments, opinions, expertise, inspections and controls • Consulting and education Research and development • Development and fabrication of sensors for monitoring corrosion in various applications • Monitoring corrosion and repassivation processes in different environments • Stress corrosion cracking mechanisms and the hydrogen embrittlement mechanism • Corrosion processes in water supply systems • Corrosion and tribocorrosion of new materials • Study of corrosion and protection of objects of cultural heritage • Material degradation in deep geological nuclear waste repositories Projects • Understanding H-embrittlement mechanisms in additive manufactured stainless steels (CEA, 2024–2025) • ACES – Improved assessment of NPP concrete structures toward ageing (H2020, 2020–2024) • CastQC – A novel cast ultra high specific strength quasicrystal Al al oy (EIT RawMaterials, 2022–2024) • EURAD II European joint programme on Radioactive waste management (HORIZON, 2024–2028) Horizontal activities • Cooperation of the group for investigations of materials in cultural heritage - Sherezad • Participation in the microtomography group • Participation in the 3D print group 104 Laboratory for Polymer Materials The laboratory is primarily focused on the applied use of cutting-edge knowledge in the field of materials and testing of materials. We regularly cooperate with industrial partners and we always strive to offer relevant services that are important for them to operate successfuly. The services that our partners can expect include support in the development of innovative products and in placing these products on the market, as well as assistance with various chal enges they face in their operations or wherever they need an expert opinion or further support. In our work, we also rely on our extensive expertise on the legislation of construction products, at both the Slovenian and European level. The laboratory is also involved in the external quality control of materials used in the construction of roads, railways and other infrastructure objects in Slovenia, as well as in the certification of construction products. Head of laboratory: Gregor Strmljan, univ. dipl. inž. kem. inž. 105 Activities • Cooperation with industrial partners and support in their activities • Testing the mechanical properties of polymers and other composite materials • Quality control of polymeric building materials • Preparation of European Technical Assessments (ETA) and Slovenian Technical Approvals (STS) for construction products • Involvement in the certification of construction products Research and development We have state-of-the-art testing equipment to offer a wide range of services to our clients. We also draw on many years of experience in testing various materials and knowledge of building and other legislation. The services we provide include, but are not limited to: • Development of new test methods tailored to specific customer needs • Consulting and support in the development of new products • Consulting and support in placing products on the market Supporting horizontal activities • We advise col eagues from other laboratories in the field of materials and materials testing • We develop and perform advanced test methods 106 Section for Functional Materials The section primarily deals with scientific research work focused on the development and analysis of advanced, renewable and functional materials that are mainly used in the construction industry. We introduce new, advanced investigations and technologies, participate in educational processes at faculties and advise industrial partners in the field of functional materials, cooperate with development-research and educational institutions in Slovenia and abroad, actively participate in important domestic and international conferences and symposia and regularly publish articles in international scientific journals. Head of section: Gregor Strmljan, univ. dipl. inž. kem. inž. 107 Activities • Research activities and the development of new functional materials • Active participation in the scientific community • Cooperation with industrial partners in the development of innovative, functional materials • Execution of advanced analyses • Support the research activities Research and development • Development of new materials for a healthy living environment: research and development of indicators/ sensors for the qualitative and quantitative identification of relative humidity, volatile organic substances, carbon dioxide and pathogens in the air inside buildings • Research on advanced renewable composite materials: modification of wood materials and composites to increase their fire resistance and durability • Use of nanomaterials in construction: research into advanced photocatalytical y active materials for the purification of water and air and to obtain energy-rich compounds • Development of functional coating systems to provide durable and efficient building surfaces • Development of innovative solutions for the strengthening and protection of materials used in cultural heritage objects, including hardeners, impregnations, and coatings • Research into the impact of microplastics on the environment • Studies investigating the possibility of using waste polymers in the construction industry and the development of technological procedures for recycling Research projects • J7-50231 – GROWTH, Growth potential and the properties of wood from selected tree species of different origin: possibilities of protection by modification and chal enges in responding to climate change (ARIS, 2024–2027) • J7-50226 – NextGenHS, Next-generation analytical tools for heritage science (ARIS, 2024–2027) • CRP, Preparation of a proposed methodology for assessing the risk to human health associated with the release of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds from construction and finishing materials and equipment into the air inside premises (VOC, 2023–2024) • J2-4424 – An integrated approach towards the preservation of wall paintings of cultural heritage (ARIS, 2022–2025) • 4-4546 – Protein adhesives for high-performance wooden structures used indoors ARIS, 2022–2025) • J2-4441 – Dual-acting Nb2O5 and Nb2O5-TiO2 materials for the simultaneous reduction of CO and 2 oxidation of organic substances into compounds with added value (ARIS, 2022–2025) Horizontal activities • Participation in the Cultural Heritage Materials Investigation Group, Sherezad • Participation in the microtomography group • Participation in the 3D Printing Group 108 Laboratory for Cements, Mortars and Ceramics The laboratory provides technical and professional support with respect to a wide range of materials, including mineral binders and additives, mortars, ceramics and certain secondary raw materials. The laboratory col aborates with all branches of industry, as well as representatives of other institutes and faculties active in this field. It brings together experts and researchers from various complementary fields (chemistry, civil engineering, geology, amongst others). Our staff are the leading experts of the Service for Technical Approvals, and authorised people for the certification of this type of products. We are actively involved in national and European projects and associations, such as RILEM, COST, SIST, KIC and NEB, amongst others. We present the results of our work at national and international conferences and in scientific publications and monographs. Head of laboratory: dr. Vilma Ducman, univ. dipl. inž. kem. inž. 109 Activities • Investigation of mineral binders, mineral additives, mortars, chemical admixtures for concrete, cementitious adhesives and grouts • Investigations on brick products • Testing of road de-icing salts • Determination of water aggressivity for concrete • Determination of the slip resistance of floor surfaces • Petrographic-mineralogical investigation of building materials • Microtomographic analyses of materials, especial y those used in construction • Assessments, opinions and training Research and development • Alkali-activated materials • Low carbon cements and hydration processes • Carbonization and sequestration • Artificial aggregates based on various waste • Earth-based products (unfired clay) • Use of secondary raw materials in the building materials industry Projects • AshCycle – Integration of Underutilized Ashes into Material Cycles by Industry-Urban Symbiosis (HORIZON, 2022–2026) • GEORIS – Innovative technologies for waste processing in ESEE Region (EIT RawMaterials GEORIS, 2022–2024) • STILLMETAL – Sustainable slag process to obtain a valuable metal (EIT RawMaterials, 2022–2024) • WIN – Waste Utilisation for Alkali Activated Materials (SI-AT WIN, 2023–2026) • TRANSITION – Turning waste into a high-value cementitious composite for 3D printing (M-ERA.NET, 2023–2026) • J1-50032 – Geological and litho-geochemical characterisation of Slovenian dolomites coupled by trial magnesium extraction (ARIS, 2023–2026) • J7-50226 – Next Generation Analytical Tools for Heritage Science project (ARIS, 2024–2027) Horizontal activities • Leading the Cultural Heritage Materials Investigation Group, Sherezad • Participation in the microtomography group • Participation in the 3D Printing Group 110 11 Laboratory for Building Physics Researchers and experts from the laboratory combine knowledge from the fields of heat, light, acoustics, humidity and air quality with respect to the physical-construction processes in the built environment, the efficient use of energy and renewable energy sources in buildings and influences on the health of users, analyses on the life cycle of buildings, the impact of construction products on the environment and evaluating the sustainability of buildings. Through our rich experience, and the continuous acquisition of new knowledge in the areas listed, we ensure professional excel ence and successful y cooperate with industry, companies and individuals, offering them extensive professional and technical support in the construction process and helping them meet the legislative requirements of the construction industry. Head of laboratory: doc. dr. Katja Malovrh Rebec 111 Activities • Laboratory tests and investigations • Field measurements and testing • Numerical simulations • Assessments, professional opinions, expertise • Analyses of the life cycle of buildings • Evaluating the sustainability of buildings • Education Research and development We research and develop in the field of thermal and sound insulation materials, multifunctional building elements (especial y the building envelope), comprehensive energy renovations and the efficient use of energy, functioning of buildings from the perspective of sustainability, and use of sustainability indicators to evaluate buildings both in Slovenia and abroad. We are engaged in research related to environmental noise, specifical y on roads, with our research work directing user-oriented concepts for infrastructure and services in cities. Through our activities, we connect with other research institutes, work with associations and cooperate in research projects. The results of our research and development work are regularly published in both domestic and foreign journals and presented at conferences. In addition to assessing the responses of elements and materials, we measure direct responses of individuals to building conditions, especial y with respect to light and warmth. In 2023 we organised an international doctoral summer school through IPERION HS, entitled “Environmental impact on built heritage and its digitalization”. Projects • BUILDCHAIN – BUILDing knowledge book in the blockCHAIN distributed ledger (HORIZON, 2023–2025) • CirCon4Climate – Circular Construction Practices for Climate Action (EUKI, 2022–2025) • MEZeroE – Measuring Envelope systems for Zero Energy buildings (H2020, 2021–2026) • E-RIHS – European Research Infrastructure for Heritage Science Implementation Phase • N2-0258 – Study of thermal properties and lifetime impact reduction of alternative hybrid eco-nanomaterials in a low pressure environment (ARIS, 2023–2024) • Development of technical guidelines for quadruple glazing • V4-2270 – Faster transition to a climate-neutral society by exploiting the potential of wood in the context of green public procurement (ARIS, 2022–2023) 112 11 Fire Laboratory and Fire Engineering The laboratory has been testing fire properties of products and structures in construction and shipbuilding for 50 years. We carry out both standard and non-standard tests as wel as research and development in the field of fire, including reaction to fire and fire resistance, smoke and heat extraction and facade fire. We also perform analyses of real fire sites and studies of fire safety in buildings. Our team is involved with procedures relating to the placement of construction products on the market. We are also an active member of the European association of fire laboratories (EGOLF) and other international bodies, including EOTA and CEN. Research primarily concerns the fields of fire - with an emphasis on the behaviour of wood and wood-based composites in fire - and sustainable construction, focussing on the development of both sustainable products and system solutions for the implementation of sustainable construction in practice. Head of laboratory: Friderik Knez, univ. dipl. fiz. 113 Activities • Testing fire properties of various products used in construction and shipbuilding • Implementation of modified, non-standard target development tests for industry in both, Slovenia and wider Europe • Preparation of expert opinions on the fire properties of various products, fire safety problems, the causes, origin and spread of fire, and inspection and assessment of structures damaged by fire • Preparation of fire safety studies according to the requirements of Slovenian legislation • Research supporting a systemic approach to sustainable construction in Slovenia and the EU • Development of guidelines and pilot systems to mitigate radon in buildings with elevated indoor concentrations Research and development • Research in the field of toxicity and ecotoxicity of fire affluents • Research concerning sustainable construction in connection to fire • Research on the behaviour of wood and wood-based composites in a fire, specifical y concerning the initial phase of a fire (i.e. reaction to fire) • Research into the fire properties of products made from secondary materials • Research with respect to fire risk, building materials, products and constructions made of wood and other natural materials • Development of guidelines and research with respect to protecting buildings against the harmful effects of radon at both, a national and international level Projects • FRISSBE – Fire-safe Sustainable Built Environment (H2020, 2021–2026) • MEZeroE – Measuring Envelope systems for Zero Energy buildings (H2020, 2021–2026) • GREEN LOOP – Sustainable manufacture systems towards novel bio-based materials (HORIZON, 2022–2025) • STAR-track – Support and networks To Accelerate the construction and Renovation innovation track to market (Obzorje 2020, 2024–2027) • LIFE IP CARE4CLIMATE – Boosting greenhouse gas emissions reduction by 2020 with a view to 2030 (LIFE IP in MOP, 2019–2026) • POCYTIF – A POsitive Energy CITY Transformation Framework (H2020, 2019–2024) • RENOINVEST – Roundtables enhancing smart investments in sustainable renovation of buildings (LIFE, 2023–2026) • L2-50046 – Assessing and improving the fire performance of building envelope systems – with a focus on etics systems (ARIS, 2023–2026) • J2-50063 – Sustainable long-term use of timber structures - fire and post-fire deterministic and probabilistic solutions (ARIS, 2023–2026) 114 Fire Research and Innovation Unit The unit deals with various types of fire research and aspects of safety. The unit was established as a result of a successful project application to the ERA Chair Horizon 2020 cal , which formed part of the 'Spreading Excel ence and Widening Participation' work programme. The unit aims to create and support an intense R&D centre concerned with fire safety and a sustainable built environment, focussing on Southern and Central Europe. We also aim to foster networking in the field of fire research in Slovenia and strengthen cooperation with the industry. Head of unit: ddr. Aleš Jug, univ. dipl. oec., var. inž. 115 Activities • Investigating the causes of fires: Analysing how and why fires start, including research into different combustible materials, ignition sources, the conditions that contribute to fire, and the circumstances in which fires most commonly occur. • Fire modeling and simulation: We develop and use computer models and simulations to predict fire behaviour in different environments. This includes modeling flame spread, smoke and heat. • Fire dynamics research: We study the physical and chemical processes during a fire, such as combustion, flame propagation and smoke formation. • Testing of materials and building elements: We test different materials and building elements to assess their fire resistance, including laboratory tests and experiments under control ed conditions. • Fire safety development: We develop guidelines, standards and regulations to improve fire safety in buildings, infrastructure objects and other environments. This includes research into fire protection measures, such as fire alarms, sprinkler systems and fire barriers. • Education and training: We organise seminars and trainings for fire safety professionals and raise public awareness regarding fire safety. Research • Fire research in the study of ETICS facade systems • Fire research on the combustion dynamics of Li-ion batteries • Numerical methods in fire (multi-scale modeling, modeling of the combustion process and mechanical analysis) • Hybrid and advanced experimental methods in fire (numerical/experimental integration, toxicity analysis methods, the progression of fire through facades) • Emission analysis, toxicity and ecotoxicity in fire (determining the composition of combustion flue gases, biomass burning) • Fire research related to solar power plants (different roof types, combustible and non-combustible insulation, different solar panel layouts) • Fire research on structures (wood, geopolymers and composite structural elements in fire) • Fire research into materials (bio-based composites, advanced thermal insulation, geopolymers) Projects • FRISSBE – Fire-safe Sustainable Built Environment (H2020, 2021–2026) • MEZeroE – Measuring Envelope systems for Zero Energy buildings (H2020, 2021–2026) • L2-50046 – Assessing and improving the fire performance of building envelope systems – with a focus on etics systems (ARIS, 2023–2026) • Ti-Rex – Framework for smart condition reassessment of Reclaimed Timber to extend the service life of long-lived wood products using non-destructive testing and automated data postprocessing (ForestValue2, 2024–2027) 116 11 Section for Building Structures and Earthquake Engineering The section covers a broad subject area related to ensuring the mechanical resilience of buildings and their load-bearing structures. With the wide knowledge gained through decades of experience from several generations of structural engineers, our section provides support to industry and decision-makers both at home and abroad. The section is engaged in research on structural behaviour and the development of structural elements, systems and buildings. It develops methodologies and guidelines to reduce the seismic vulnerability of the built environment. Based on in-situ and laboratory investigations, and computational analyses of existing structures, our team offers expert guidance in the renovation or rehabilitation of buildings in the context of design or emergency response. It also participates in the preparation of technical approvals and prepares other demanding expert reports related to the safety and reliability of load-bearing structures. Head of section: dr. Meta Kržan, univ. dipl. inž. grad. 117 Activities • Structural condition surveys, computational analyses and seismic performance assessments of existing buildings (e.g. for guidance in renovation, emergency response measures) • Laboratory and in-situ experimental investigations of structural elements, assemblies and structures • Seismic risk analyses of building stock • Structural load tests in various building structures • Geodetic and other technical monitoring • Participation in the preparation of standards, technical assessments and compliance verifications • Expert services and opinions Research and development • Behaviour of building and engineering structures under seismic loading • Effectiveness of systems for the seismic strengthening of existing building structures • Seismic performance of new structural elements and systems • Experimental testing and analytical methods to determine the behaviour of structural elements or systems • Basis for the development of strategies to reduce the seismic risk related to specific building stock Projects • CRP ARIS V2-2257 – Strategic Basis for the Reduction of Seismic Risk of Judicial Buildings in Slovenia (ARIS and Ministry of Justice, 2022–2025) • GreenRenoV8 – Cost-effective building stock decarbonization and seismic resilience: Incorporating EPBD implementation in renovation plans and passports (LIFE, 2024–2027) • Expert bases for preparing the Action Program for Enhancing Earthquake Safety based on the Resolution on Earthquake Safety Enhancement until 2050 (Ministry of Natural Resources and Spatial Planning, 2024–2025) • POTROG4 – Upgrade of the seismic risk assessment and response system to support the earthquake protection and rescue service in the Republic of Slovenia (Ministry of Defence, 2019–2020) 118 Section for Bridges and Engineering Structures Our vision is to integrate research and high-level professional work in the field of bridge management in order to meet the applied needs of the industry. Most of us are experts in the field of structural engineering. We perform periodic and special inspections of complex structures, safety assessments of existing structures, comprehensive structural monitoring, load testing of bridges, vibration measurements, and more. We also participate in the preparation of technical guidelines and technical approvals. Through our long-standing, recognized, and successful research work, we col aborate with domestic and international researchers, provide industry support in development, and are active in national and international organizations and associations. Head of section: dr. Andrej Anžlin, univ. dipl. inž. grad. 119 Activities • Different types of bridge inspections • Laboratory and field tests of bridges • Safety assessment of existing bridges • Load testing of infrastructure structures • Vibration measurements of structures • Expert services and opinions • Participation in the preparation of standards, action plans, technical assessments and compliance verification Research and development • Safety and sustainability of bridges • Monitoring of structures • Weigh-in-motion • Digital bridge inspection • Reuse of old/existing load/bearing elements • Flood and seismic vulnerability of bridges • Modeling the static and dynamic behaviour of bridges Major items and equipment • Equipment for measuring structural responses and monitoring long-term structural health monitoring (measurement of accelerations, rotations, displacements and strains) • Equipment for non-destructive in-situ investigations of structures • Equipment for measuring vibrations according to DIN 4150-3 (velocity sensors and remote-access measurement system) • Unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) • Software for the structural analysis and data processing of measurements Projects • BIM4CE – Bridge monitoring using real-time data and digital twins for Central Europe (Interreg Central Europe, 2022–2025) • CIRCUIT – Holistic approach to foster CIRCUlar and resilient transport InfrasTructures and support the deployment of Green and Innovation Public Procurement and innovative engineering practices s (HORIZON, 2023–2027) • CrossCade – Cross-border cascading risk management for critical infrastructure in Sava river basin (UCPM, 2022–2024) • J7-5009 – Improving B-WIM performance with big data and Artificial Intel igence BrAId (ARIS, 2023–2026) • Development projects with respect to digitalizing the process of monitoring the condition of bridges managed (DARS in DRSI) • Monitoring the condition of bridges on roads managed by DARS – principal and special inspection • Development and Research Activities on the SiWIM Bridge Weigh-in-Motion system 120 Section for Metal and Polymer Structures The section unites researchers and experts with many years of experience in various specialties of civil and mechanical engineering. We co-operate with industry representatives and companies facing problems or dilemmas in any of our areas of expertise. Furthermore, we develop and introduce new testing methods in the field of non-standard testing. A Control Body for Cableway Instal ations (Type C in accordance with the standard SIST EN ISO/IEC 17020:2004) also operates within the scope of the section. Head of section: dr. Iztok Klemenc, univ. dipl. inž. grad. Head of the Control Body for Cableway Installations: Milan Grkman, univ. dipl. inž. str. 121 Activities • Technical and professional support for the introduction of new technologies and the implementation of new regulations in the field of metal and polymer structures, as well as for ground anchors, rock bolts and soil nails • Field measurements, inspections and condition assessment of building structures and structural elements in-situ (steel bridges, poles, transmission line pylons, etc.) • Involvement in tasks for ZAG’s Technical Assessment and Approval Service in the preparation of European Assessment Documents (EADs), European Technical Assessments (ETAs) and Slovenian Technical Approvals (STSs) • Coordination, consultancy and guidance; processing and analysing the results of various laboratory tests, investigations and measurements of structural assemblies, elements and construction products • Preparation of expert assessments, opinions and expertise, based on inspections, surveys and/or prior documentation • External quality control of steel structures, ground anchors, rock bolts and soil nails within infrastructure (motorways, roads, railways, hydroelectric power plants, etc.) • Performing tasks for ZAG’s Certification Service, in its capacity as an authorised body for construction products, within the scope of the section’s activities • Conducting magnetic inductive testing of steel wire ropes on cableway and mining instal ations • Carrying out technical inspections of cableway instal ations, inspections and tests of their subsystems within the framework of the Control Body for Cableway Instal ations • Education and training Development • Developing and introducing new methods and technologies for testing the behaviour of metal ic and polymeric structures under static and dynamic loads • Load testing and condition assessment of prestressed ground anchors, rock bolts and soil nails • Condition assessment, observation and rehabilitation of ground anchors and existing steel assemblies, structures and structural elements Equipment • Electro-magnetic inductive wire rope testers for inspecting steel cables • Wire rope tensiometer for measuring tensile forces in loaded steel cables • Pul -out test kit for soil nails and rock bolts (self-dril ing grouted anchors, rebar bolts/SN anchors and hydraulic expansion friction anchors) 122 Section for Timber Structures The section intertwines comprehensive professional and research work in the field of timber structures, paying attention to the base material, wood, and various wood-based products, as wel as to other important materials/ products of sustainable construction. We successful y cooperate with domestic and foreign industry partners in the field of product testing, and this is now being further upgraded with joint development and research activities. We actively participate in national and international projects, sit on standardization committees, carry out various interdisciplinary project orders in the fields of research and education, and successful y cooperate with recognized universities both at home and abroad. The department's experts cover complementary areas of timber construction, and through joint development/research work and publication of our work we actively contribute to the development of the profession and science at a domestic and international level. Head of section: dr. Tomaž Pazlar, univ. dipl. inž. grad. 123 Activities • Technical and professional support in the introduction of new materials and technologies and enforcement of regulations in the field of wood-based products and timber structures • In-situ inspection and assessment of timber structures • Various laboratory tests, tests and measurements of various construction products based on timber and structural assemblies • Assessments, expert opinions, expertise, inspections and controls, and quality control • Involvement in the preparation of technical assessments and certification • Education Research and development • Strength grading of timber • (Non-destructive) methods for the assessment of timber structures • Development of innovative glued and mechanical joints in timber structures • Innovative structures made of wood-based materials • Use of recycled/re-used wood-based materials as a raw material for new products • Improving the mechanical, physical and durability properties of wood and wood-based materials Projects • V2-2350 – Ensuring the quality of sustainable timber construction (ARIS, MGTŠ, 2023–2024) • J4-4546 – Protein adhesives for high-performance interior wooden structures (ARIS, 2022–2025) • N2-0280 – DIAMONDS - DIAgnostics and Mechanical tests Of aged adhesive layers used in joiNts of wooDen structureS (DIAMONDS) (ARIS, 2023–2026) • J7-50231 – GROWTH Growth potential and wood properties of selected tree species of various provenances: modification options, prospects and chal enges in response to climate change (ARIS, 2024–2027) • InnoCrossLam – Innovative Solutions for Cross Laminated Timber Structures (ForestValue, 2019–2022) • Participation in the program group “Forest-wood value chain and climate change: transition to circular bioeconomy” 124 Laboratory for Structures The laboratory, with its modern testing and measuring equipment, enables the most demanding mechanical tests to be set up and carried out on structural and other elements under static or dynamic loading. The professional and high-quality execution of tests is guaranteed by an interdisciplinary team with competencies in various fields. The laboratory's activities also include field inspections and tests using advanced non-destructive methods. Head of laboratory: Uroš Ristić, mag. inž. grad. 125 Activities • Carrying out various static and dynamic tests on structural and non-structural elements, with a maximum static load of up to 5000kN, a maximum dynamic load of up to 1000kN and frequencies up to 100Hz • Field inspections, including the geodetic measurement of displacements and deformations and the sampling of instal ed materials • Non-destructive testing of structural and other elements Research and development • Development of measurement methods for static and dynamic testing • Introduction of non-destructive methods for detection structural health • Development of optical methods for contactless measurement of displacement Key equipment • 14 x 26 m testing floor with a load-carrying capacity of 1000 kN/m2 together with a 10 x 10 m strong floor, a 6 x 7 m reaction wall and a modular system of structural steel elements • servo-hydraulic system al owing simultaneous loading for up to 8 hydraulic cylinders with capacities between 16 and 1000 kN • single-component shaking-table with a 2.0 x 3.2 m platform (maximum payload: 5000 kg, maximum acceleration: 5 g) • ZWICK universal testing machine with a capacity of 2500 kN • axial-torsional dynamic test frame for combined axial/torsional loads (up to 25 kN/ 200 NM), equipped with an environmental test chamber • several optical measurement systems for contactless measurement of displacements • wide range of equipment for non-destructive testing: ultrasonic tomograph, GPR, Ferroscan, ultrasound, impact echo, etc. • Zeiss precise levels, theodolites, optical plumbs, and total measurement stations 12 1 6 2 Section for Geotechnics Using up-to-date equipment, and with the help of experienced professionals, we provide technical and professional support in earthworks, geotechnical surveys and monitoring. Our experts carry out national and international research projects and actively participate in professional associations and technical committees at a national and international level. We are responsible for the comprehensive quality control of materials and earthworks, conduct geological-geotechnical observations and plan the geological-geomechanical design of road and rail infrastructure, energy facilities and other complex geotechnical structures. Head of section: dr. Stanislav Lenart, univ. dipl. inž. grad. 127 Expert activities • Geomechanical ground investigations for buildings and civil engineering structures, including tunnels • Geomechanical laboratory tests • Geomechanical field investigations • External quality control of earthworks • Technical monitoring of structures such as dams, tunnels, retaining structures and embankments • Geological-geomechanical design Research work • Research into the dynamic behaviour of soils in earthquakes or due to traffic • Geomechanical investigations of unsaturated soil problems • Geological and geomechanical investigation of rocks • The use of geosynthetics in earthworks • The use of secondary and waste materials in earthworks • The resilience of infrastructure under different climatic conditions Projects • GEOLAB – Enhancing Europe’s Critical Infrastructure (H2020, 2021–2025) • CIRCUIT – Holistic approach to foster circular and resilient transport infrastructures and support the deployment of green and innovation public procurement and innovative engineering practices (HORIZON, 2023–2027) • LIAISON – Lowering the environmental Impact of transport over the whole life cycle of future transport infrastructure (HORIZON, 2023–2026) • Academics4Rail – Building a community of railway scientific researchers and academia for ERJU and enabling a network of PhDs (H2020, 2023–2025) • SAFETY4TMF – Prevention and disaster management activities for Tailings Management Facilities (INTERREG DANUBE, 2024–2026) • BRIDGITISE – Industrial Doctoral Network on Bridge Digitalised Integrity Management (HORIZON MSCA Doctoral Networks, 2024–2028) • UPGRADE – Upgrading geomaterials: from waste to resource (HORIZON MSCA Staff Exchanges, 2025–2029) 128 Section for Road Maintenance and Management The section provides technical and professional support in the maintenance and management of roads and conducts the characterisation of road surfaces. We apply and integrate non-contact measurement methods in transport infrastructure and its surroundings. We determine and evaluate the initial condition and geometry and monitor changes in the surface and condition of roads as well as changes in the natural environment. We col aborate with various experts in international and national research and development projects and actively participate in specialist conferences and meetings, both at a national and international level. Head of section: mag. Darko Kokot, univ. dipl. inž. grad. 129 Activities • Measurement of the characteristics of road surfaces, including unevenness, skid resistance, macrotexture and surface distress • Management of transport infrastructure, the impact of road infrastructure on the environment, the energy consumption of transport, and greenhouse gas emissions • Laser scanning to recognise infrastructure elements and built and natural spatial objects, as well as changes in their position and shape • Expertise and consulting for road network operators and other investors • Integration of the results from field measurements into management systems to optimise the al ocation of financial resources for road maintenance • Integration of new knowledge and research equipment into our daily work • International networking with researchers and experts from various fields of work Research and development • Road infrastructure management • Comparison of methods and equipment for monitoring various road surface characteristics • Skidding properties to improve road safety • Environmental impact of road construction and maintenance • Non-contact laser measurement methods for recording and monitoring the condition of infrastructure, structures and the environment, and the protection of road infrastructure • The digitalisation and management of infrastructure data Projects • AUGMENTED CCAM – Augmenting and Evaluating the Physical and Digital Infrastructure for CCAM Deployment (HORIZON, 2022–2025) • INFRACOMS – Innovative & Future-proof Road Asset Condition Monitoring Systems (CEDR, 2022–2024) • CoDEC – Connected Data for Effective Col aboration (CEDR, 2019–2021) • Assets4Rail (H2020, 2018–2021) • RAGTIME – Risk based approaches for Asset inteGrity multimodal Transport Infrastructure ManagEment (H2020, 2016–2019) • ROSANNE – ROl ing resistance, Skid resistance, ANd Noise Emission measurement standards for road surfaces (FP7, 2013–2016) 130 Laboratory for Asphalts and Bitumen-Based Products In the laboratory we bring together experts with extensive experience in construction and chemistry. In addition to our research work, which we conduct in close col aboration with industry partners, we perform field and laboratory tests for investors and asphalt contractors. We also develop and introduce new methods for the non-standardized testing of bitumen and asphalt. We carry out more than 80 standardized tests in the areas of bitumen, asphalt, and waterproofing, 36 of which are accredited. Head of laboratory: dr. Lidija Ržek, univ. dipl. inž. grad. 131 Activities • Field measurements, inspections, and evaluations of asphalt and waterproofing works • Preparation of expert opinions • Quality control of completed works, both domestical y and abroad • Advanced testing of bitumen, asphalt, and bituminous waterproofing • Preparation of Slovenian technical regulations in the field of asphalt • Introduction of asphalt production at reduced temperatures • Technical and expert support in exploring the use of asphalt granulates Research and development • Impact of aging on conventional road construction and polymer-modified bitumen • Influence of the type and properties of asphalt on its resistance to fatigue and low temperature cracking • Modeling the laboratory compaction of asphalt samples • Impact of asphalt compaction on its durability • Use of secondary raw materials in asphalt • Correlations between bitumen properties and the behaviour of asphalt Projects • Comprehensive quality control of asphalt and bituminous products for DARS • Representing Slovenia in CEN TC 227 WP 1 (testing and verifying the conformity of asphalt mixtures) • Participation in several RILEM projects (International Union of Laboratories and Experts in Construction Materials, Systems and Structures) 132 Laboratory for Metrology The team performs calibrations and the verification of measurement and testing equipment in the laboratory, as well as on-site at clients’ locations. The laboratory is accredited by the Slovenian accreditation according to the standard SIST EN ISO/IEC 17025 for the calibration of measuring instruments in the fields of force, torque, pressure, hardness, testing machines, impact strength meters, weighing scales, and temperature, amongst others. As the leading Slovenian calibration laboratory in the field of force and hardness, we assure the traceability of testing instruments for a wide range of users, from scientific research institutions to industry, both in Slovenia and abroad. Through cooperation with foreign national metrology institutes and universities, as well as membership in international metrology organizations, we contribute to the development of metrology at an international level. Head of laboratory: dr. Miha Hiti, univ. dipl. inž. el. 133 Activities • Maintenance of reference standards for force and hardness • Calibration of measuring and testing equipment (mechanical quantities, length, temperature) • Organizing and carrying out interlaboratory comparisons • Inspections of measuring and testing devices and metrological maintenance • Training in the field of metrology • Participation in international metrological associations and co-preparation of guides and standards Research and development • Development of reference standards • Research in the field of force and hardness calibration • Research and development related to measurement instrumentation • Analyzing and improving the uncertainty of calibration procedures Projects • TracInd BVK-H – Traceability for Indentation Measurements in Brinel -Vickers-Knoop Hardness (EMPIR, 2023–2026) • ComTraForce – Comprehensive traceability for force metrology services (EMPIR, 2019–2023) 134 13 Certification Service As a certification body (CB ZAG), ZAG's Certification Service focuses on continuous improvement of the quality of its services. For this purpose, a quality management system has been established according to the requirements of the standard EN ISO/IEC 17065. The effectiveness of this system is demonstrated by the international y-recognised accreditation document, CP-002, issued by the organisation Slovenian Accreditation. CB ZAG is registered with the EU Commission as a certification body (identification number NB 1404) in accordance with the EU Construction Products Regulation (No. 305/2011), and has further been appointed as a certification body for all technical specifications outlined in Article 5 of the Slovenian Construction Products Act (ZGPro-1). The core of the Service is an interdisciplinary team of six employees, who cooperate with more than 30 experts from other departments in the institute as well as with various laboratories, both at home and abroad. Head of service: mag. Egon Milost, univ. dipl. inž. grad. Activities • Certification of products and production controls related to the mandatory and voluntary certification of construction products • Certification of other products, both regulated and voluntary • Certification of initial test results for construction products and others • Certification of the properties of construction products and other products • Voluntary certification of various processes and services • Voluntary certification of completed works Development of new schemes • Contributing to the establishment and upgrade of legislation, standardisation and conformity assessment procedures • Considering the needs, wishes and problems of manufacturers, retailers and consumers of construction products, as well as those of designers and building contractors, and creating customised ZAG certification schemes Key milestones • 1996 – ZAG's Certification Service is established • 1998 – First certificates of conformity are issued • 2003 – CB ZAG becomes accredited according to the standard EN 45011 (CP-002) • 2004 – ZAG is given the status of an EU notified body (No. 1404) according to the Construction Products Directive (89/106/EEC) and assumes the role of Slovenia’s representative in the Advisory Group of Notified Bodies (AG GNB) • 2006 – CB ZAG takes over leadership of the National Mirror Group for Conformity Assessment Bodies • 2013 – ZAG fulfils the scope of activities to be an EU notified body in accordance with the EU Construction Products Regulation No. 305/2011 • 2015 – Upgrade of accreditation to the standard EN ISO/IEC 17065 • 2016 – Fulfils accreditation criteria for the purpose of notification according to the EU Construction Products Regulation No. 305/2011 • 2019–2022 – The head of ZAG’s certification body is President of the European Group of Notified Bodies for Construction Products (GNB CPR) 135 135 The Service for Technical Assessments and Approvals The service performs activities related to the award of Slovenian Technical Approvals, European Technical Assessments and Environmental Declarations for construction Products. In 2003, ZAG was designated as an authorised body for Technical Approvals, and as such acquired the right to issue Slovenian Technical Approvals (STS) and European Technical Approvals (ETA). In 2012, ZAG was designated as an Authority for Technical Assessment according to Regulation No. 305/2011/EU, thereby acquiring the right to prepare and issue European Technical Assessments (ETA). Since 2013, the service has also prepared Environmental Product Declarations (EPD). Ownership of an EPD represents a good insight into the environmental parameters associated with the sustainability of construction products. In many European countries, this data is already mandatory or otherwise regulated. Head of service: mag. Franc Capuder, univ. dipl. inž. grad. Activities SLOVENIAN TECHNICAL APPROVALS (STS) An STS is granted at the request of a manufacturer who places a construction product on the market in the Republic of Slovenia which is not covered by the harmonised technical specification under the Slovenian Construction Products Act (ZGPro-1). EUROPEAN TECHNICAL ASSESSMENTS (ETA) An ETA is issued at the request of a manufacturer who places a construction product on the market in EU countries, when no harmonized standard exists for the product in question. The basis for the issue of an ETA is a European Assessment Document (EAD), which is prepared by the Technical Assessment Body (TAB) and approved by the European Organisation for Technical Assessment (EOTA) and the European Commission. ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCT DECLARATIONS (EPD) An EPD provides a description of the product and the associated emissions over its entire life cycle. The EPD is based on the results of a life cycle assessment (LCA) and, although complex, represents a necessary and reliable basis for sustainable construction. Memberships • EOTA – European Organisation for Technical Assessment • ECO PLATFORM – an association of European organisations that issue Environmental Product Declarations 136 13 Library Our special library works in the field of science and has more than seventy years of tradition within our institution. It provides a public library service, intended for users of the parent institution as well as external visitors. It is registered in the library system of Slovenia, under the siglum/ISIL SI-50214. Our mission is to carry out library, information and documentation activities, and management of the bibliography of our col eagues, wherewith we are actively involved in the scientific research and innovation activities of ZAG. With a rich col ection and modern services, we strive to support the scientific research and professional work of our researchers, experts, and students in their scientific research, professional and pedagogical work. We also offer the general public access to our col ections of materials and information resources. Our vision is to perform work professional y, quickly and efficiently, in close connection with the needs of our users. We strive to cooperate with partner institutions and fol ow the latest guidelines of the librarian profession within the framework of the national library information and research system. Head: Metka Ljubešek, univ. dipl. bibl. in soc. kult. 137 Library collection and access to electronic resources The library's professional work started at the beginning of the institute's establishment, enabling us to keep a rich library col ection. This includes monographic and serial publications, standards and other regulations from the wider field of construction and for similar natural and technical sciences. Today we provide an extensive and high-quality col ection of printed and electronic publications. We strive to provide access to as many scientific and professional publications and relevant electronic resources as possible, which enables our users to access the latest information in their field. With consortium integration in the acquisition of international scientific literature, we fol ow the modern concept of scientific information. We have membership with CTK consortia through services such as ScienceDirect and SpringerLink, thus providing our users with access to ful -text electronic resources and the possibility to publish in open access free of charge in publishers' hybrid journals. Active member of the COBISS system - Co-operative Online Bibliographic System & Services We have been a full member of the national library information system for almost three decades. With the col ection of library materials and the bibliographies of ZAG’s researchers and experts, we are actively building a COBIB union bibliographic and catalogue database, which is updated daily. In addition, we also offer a range of other services within the framework of the COBISS system and provide access to multidisciplinary bibliographic databases with citation indexes. Active member of the DiRROS repository - Digital repository of Slovenian research organizations For the past two years, we have actively devoted ourselves to publishing in the institutional repository DiRROS, where we provide access to electronic versions of scientific and professional works, publications, publishing activities, research data, and other research results created by ZAG employees. This also ensures that the achievements of our researchers are widely accessible and visible both to the scientific community and the general public. 138 13 Supportive environment Head: dr. Urška Kropf, univ. dipl. inž. živil. tehnol. We recognised the importance of quality support for the research process here at ZAG over a decade ago and started planning changes in the organisation of the support environment accordingly. Over the last five years, we have created two new units and renamed certain units to better capture the scope of the work carried out by each service. When planning the organisational changes and introducing new areas of work in the Administrative Sector, we drew on the guidelines for the European Research Area, as some of the main guiding principles of ZAG are to foster research excel ence, recruit excel ent researchers, and provide quality support for their work. With this in mind, we applied for an ERA Chair project at ZAG in the latter half of the last decade. The FRISSBE project also represents an important turning point for the Administrative Sector at ZAG. With the funds from this project, we have been able to strengthen the staffing of the Public Relations Service, the Legal and Human Resources Unit, the Secretariat, and the Knowledge Transfer Service, and have established a bilingual working environment. The numerical strengthening of the Administrative Sector has coincided with the overall growth of ZAG, yet the number of people in the Administrative Sector as a proportion of all staff has increased from 14% to 17% over the past 10 years. The change in generations and the high number of retirements over the last five years have led to a reduction in the average age of staff in the Administrative Sector by 4 years, while the education level has risen sharply. With the Research and Innovation Act (ZZrID), which came into force in 2022, all public research institutions were given the autonomy to manage their stable funding. ZAG al ocates part of the so-cal ed Development Pil ar (RSF) to strengthening support activities - more specifical y the quality, openness and transfer of knowledge, the promotion of science and community involvement. These funds are used to organise training courses to improve the competencies of researchers and support staff in various fields, including project management, intel ectual property management, the promotion of science and artificial intel igence. This year, the Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency (ARIS) is adopting a general act on the evaluation and implementation of stable funding for scientific research, which sets out three evaluation criteria. The Administrative Sector make an important contribution to the Viability criterion (sometimes referred to as Vitality and Sustainability), in the fol owing areas: • the quality of human resource management, staffing structure and equal opportunities • respect for the implementation of open science • the effectiveness of knowledge transfer measures • the quality of scientific communication • the quality of administrative and management structures, processes and business support We were already conscious of the need for development in these areas, so are now embarking on further activities with all the more impetus. In 2021, the Administrative Sector developed a Gender Equality Plan (GEP), which has since been reviewed and updated annual y. This enables researchers to participate in Horizon cal s, while actively responding to the needs of our staff. The gender structure at ZAG has been wel - balanced for many years, so we are focusing more on other areas where progress can be made. More and more employees are able to better and more easily balance their work and private life by being able to work 139 from home. The introduction of a bilingual working environment al ows for the equal integration of foreigners into the ZAG working environment. The Welcoming Committee facilitates the recruitment and integration of foreigners into both ZAG and the Slovenian environment. The epidemic of Covid-19 2020 Establishing work at home for employees (also in the administrative sector) project FRISSBE - introduction of a bilingual working environment Action plan for gender equality 2021 Establishment of the Knowledge Transfer Service Scientific Research and Innovation act (ZZrID) Strengthening of the Human Resources Service - career plans and committee for the reception of foreign employees 2022 Strengthening of the Public Relations Service Strengthening of the ZAG Library Regulation on Open Science Project ROAD3P - strengthening of the Project Support Office 2023 Project SPOZNAJ Project KTO3 - strengthening of the Knowledge Transfer Service Strengthening of the ZAG Library - data manager 2024 Strengthening of the Legal Service In September 2021, we established a Knowledge Transfer Service, which continues to strengthen in terms of its staff. Due to our cooperation with stakeholders, and the many innovations and inventions we successful y transfer to the economy, the area of intel ectual property management is of great importance to ZAG. Civil engineering is an applied science at its core and ZAG has always helped to address current chal enges in society. Strengthening the Human Resources Service has enabled us to gradual y introduce career development planning for ZAG employees - both researchers and support staff - from 2022 onwards. Fol owing the strengthening of the Legal Service, we have also been very successful in obtaining investment funds for the construction of new buildings and the renovation of existing ones. Our own Maintenance Service is of great importance in the implementation of construction works. We have developed and implemented various software tools to support our business, using our own development team at the IT Centre along with the help of subcontractors. Many of these tools are accessible to ZAG staff via the ZAG portal and facilitate their daily work. We are proud of the fact that, during the COVID-19 epidemic, homeworking was successful y established for the majority of staff in a very short time. In 2022, we recruited an additional Open Science Officer in the ZAG Library to actively ensure compliance with the 'Decree on the conduct of scientific research work in accordance with the principles of open science', which was adopted in 2023. In 2024 we are recruiting a Data Manager, who will promote the publication of research data in Open Access and set up databases at ZAG, thus acting as a bridge between the Library, the IT department and researchers. By strengthening the Public Relations Service, ZAG has significantly increased its visibility and recognition in the Slovenian and international arena and raised the quality of scientific promotion. In recent years, we 140 have regularly organised Open Days to present ZAG's activities to the wider public and to strengthen our cooperation with businesses and research institutions. The Main Office, the Secretariat and the Mail Room, as well as the Finance, Accounting and Purchasing Department, are extremely important parts of the common services that enable the smooth day-to-day running of the whole organisation. Our own large fleet of cars includes several specialist vehicles, al owing our staff to efficiently perform fieldwork. Throughout the last decade, the Project Support Service has assisted researchers in obtaining and carrying out research projects and implementing innovations stemming from the ZZrID, related sub-legislative acts, and the Resolution on the Scientific Research and Innovation Strategy of Slovenia 2030 (REZRIS30). Unlike over the previous five-year period, the Joint Services col aborators now apply for and implement their own projects. These projects represent an important financial resource and al ow employees to strengthen their numbers and add value in terms of the development of knowledge. Staff competencies are also strengthened through individualised training plans, as well as through regular in-house training. In this way, we offer quality support for the research process and make an important contribution to the viability of ZAG. The Quality Management Service is an independent unit and is not part of the ZAG's administrative services, but it is an important part of the institution's support environment. Together with all employees, it ensures that the various certifications and accreditations (ISO 9001, ISO/IEC 17025, ISO/IEC 17065) and authorisations (Notified Body) are obtained and maintained. ZAG is also the proud holder of the Social y Responsible Employer certificate since 2022. We combine all the requirements into an integrated quality system, while constantly striving to keep the administrative structure as simple as possible and to optimise work processes. 141 142