In the alkaline environment of the concrete covering a thin layer of invisible ferric oxide (Fe₂O₃) is created at the steel surface, which protects the steel against corrosion. A drop in the concrete pore fluid pH to the value of 11,8 results in destruction of the passive layer, which in turn increases the rate of corrosion.
Ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl) contained in industrial waste of the artificial nitrogenous fertiliser plant is reacting with all phases of the concrete covering. Changes in the cement grout phase composition and migration of chloride ions inwards concrete deteriorate protective properties of the concrete covering and increase probability of the reinforcing steel corrosion. Protection of the concrete material surface and structure is frequently related to introducing polymer additives to cement. Thanks to that, a significant improvement in the concrete mixture quality and concrete usefulness have been achieved.

The traditional approach to mechanically characterize materials is to perform destructive tests. When material properties are known, the displacement field of a specimen generally loaded and constrained is univocally defined. This paper suggests an innovative methodology in order to determine mechanical characteristics (E, ν) of new materials for an inverse solution of the elastic problem. A hybrid approach based on the combination of phase-shifting electronic speckle pattern interferometry (PS-ESPI) and finite element analysis is utilized. An innovative algorithm, implemented in the numerical model, automatically executes several optimization loops varying E and ? in order to minimize the objective function based on the difference between displacements evaluated by means of ESPI and the same predicted by FEM analysis. Three-pointbending experimental tests are carried out on titanium alloy and Selective Laser Melting (SLM) specimens.

In the experimental mechanics the Moiré technique has developed to an established method. At the Chemnitz University moiré methods were investigated since 1965.

With the planned construction of the fixed link across the straits known as the Fehmarn Belt, which will connect the island of Fehmarn in Germany with the Danish island of Lolland, a heavy increase in traffic is predicted on the Fehmarnsund Bridge, built in 1963. For this reason, it became necessary to verify available or new mathematical load bearing calculations against assessments acquired through measurement. This paper describes only the execution of measurements and their evaluation or interpretation; however, it does not determine any results nor does it derive any conclusions with regard to utilisation.

The technology of platform anchorage systems has been developing quickly nowadays. Due to the oil extraction in deep waters, the traditional mooring types, such as anchor cable/wire rope/anchor cable in catenary shape, were replaced by a “Taut-Leg” geometry. This type, characterized by an anchor cable/synthetic cable/anchor cable, operates in a straight mode, reducing weight and modifying the mooring operation. Therefore, the synthetic ropes for offshore platform anchorage are long and robust, with large number of sub-ropes arranged in parallel mode in order to increase mechanical strength. Petrobras has used this new form of technology with polyester cables since the beginning of the last decade; despite this fact, there is a lack of knowledge of the behavior related to structural integrity (residual life).
In 2001, with the support of PETROBRAS, the laboratory was created and started studying and researching about synthetic ropes for offshore mooring application. Our study started with yarns (polyester multifilaments) and now we begin to learn about ropes architecture as well as rope and sub rope tests.
POLICAB is a laboratory focused on the study of stress, strain and strength regarding synthetic ropes. POLICAB is part of the Engineering School at Federal University of Rio Grande.