/library/oar/handle/123456789/469 Previously known as Faculty of Architecture and Civil Engineering 2025-11-09T08:50:57Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/140649 Title: Reverse design for mixture proportion of asphalt concrete in high-temperature regions based on the materials informatics Authors: Zhang, Derun; Peng, Chenhui; Ma, Junjie; Wang, Wei; Borg, Ruben Paul; Lewis, Odette Abstract: With the development of economy and living quality, the requirements of high-temperature performance of asphalt mixture are constantly increasing. However, the traditional asphalt mix design method is difficult to meet these requirements due to its cumbersome and blind nature. This study aims to implement the concept of materials informatics to the design of asphalt concrete in high-temperature regions. Firstly, the data of asphalt binders and mixtures containing modulus and conventional property information were obtained from an open database, and outliers were detected and removed. Every feature was redefined based on materials informatics and selected based on prior knowledge. Six machine learning models were then employed to develop forward design models, including ridge regression, K-nearest neighbor regression, support vector machine regression, multilayer perceptron, random forests, and the stacking model, which established the mapping relationship from input to output for the reverse mix design. Finally, by leveraging the stacking model and genetic algorithm, the multi-objective optimization was conducted to achieve a trade-off between dynamic modulus and cost of the asphalt mixture. The results indicate that the feature selection based on prior knowledge was feasible. All forward design models can achieve promising prediction accuracy, among which the stacking model has the best generalization ability, with the lowest variance and bias. Lastly, the multi-objective optimization method based on materials informatics could efficiently identify the feasible ranges of key design parameters for low-cost asphalt mixtures that reach the requirements of target service performance, providing a valuable solution to dilemmas existing in the mix proportion design of asphalt concrete in the high-temperature regions. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/140325 Title: Standards and frameworks supporting circular construction Authors: Borg, Ruben Paul; Cervantes Puma, Genesis Camila; Sciberras, Faye; Bellia, Andrea Francesca; Pesta, Jan; Bragança, Luís Abstract: Circular Economy is a crucial factor in addressing sustainability. It is also on top of the agenda of the European Union and at a global scale. For Circular Economy to be successful in the construction industry, however, standardisation is a vital requirement. This document refers to an overview on the need for standardisation in Circular Economy. It further refers to national level standards and standardisation, together with a review of European and International level standards. To this effect, following a review of the state of the art in standardisation, key components were identified, and a questionnaire was designed and conducted across 19 countries with experts and practitioners in Circular Economy in Construction. The objective of the questionnaire was to assess and understand the level of implementation and standardization of Circular Economy across different countries. The assessment conducted was intended as a review of the perception of standards and their implementation across Europe by the participants of the survey as practitioners in Circular Economy. A review of standards in Circular Economy at a European and International level was carried out to define gaps to be addressed, together with opportunities in standardisation, to support Circularity in the Construction Industry. Case studies in implementation of standardisation are presented with respect to Deconstruction, Recycled Aggregate and Reuse of products. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/140324 Title: National policies and the challenge of coherence Authors: Andabaka, Ana; Basarac Sertić, Martina; Yiatros, Stylianos; Nisiforou, Olympia; De Simone, Marilena; Tambovceva, Tatjana; Atstāja, Dzintra; Cudečka-Puriņa, Natālija; Borg, Ruben Paul; Iordachi, Victoria; Muntean, Neli; Trombeva Gavriloska, Ana; Mihajlovska, Teodora; Tavares, Vanessa; Nadaždi, Ana; Laban, Mirjana; Huttmanová, Emília; Chovancová, Jana; Jiménez-Pulido, Cristina; Sahmaran, Mustafa; Griffiths, Philip; Buzatu, Raluca; Pešta, Jan; Tsikaloudaki, Katerina; Baltov, Milen Abstract: This chapter explores the complexities of aligning national policies with the European Union’s objectives in transitioning to a circular economy within the construction sector. While EU directives establish general frameworks, national governments encounter challenges in adapting these directives into coherent and context-specific regulations. The chapter identifies key obstacles to effective policy implementation, including fragmentation, institutional overlap, and inconsistent terminology. Additionally, it examines how governance structures, planning traditions, and institutional cultures influence policy coherence. The analysis is based on survey results collected in 2023. Although subsequent policy and regulatory changes have occurred in the past two years, the data remain relevant, as they capture the main trends and challenges that continue to shape national approaches to circular construction. By analyzing case studies and examples from various member states, the chapter emphasizes the necessity for enhanced multilevel coordination, harmonized regulatory frameworks, and knowledge-sharing platforms. Bolstering policy coherence is crucial to ensure that national initiatives make meaningful contributions to the EU’s circular economy goals and the broader sustainability agenda. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/140323 Title: Shaping circular transitions in the built environment : from barriers to enablers Authors: Bragança, Luís; Cvetkovska, Meri; Ungureanu, Viorel; Tsikaloudaki, Katerina; Marchesi, Marianna; Andabaka, Ana; Borg, Ruben Paul; Cervantes, Camila Abstract: This open access book explores how to operationalise circular economy principles in the built environment by turning barriers into enablers of systemic change. Drawing on research from the COST Action CircularB, it examines technical, regulatory, economic, and cultural obstacles while highlighting the enabling role of digital tools, innovative business models, and harmonised indicators. The book examines how circularity is integrated into European and national policies, public procurement, and urban strategies, offering a comparative analysis of best practices and policy gaps. It also addresses the need for standardised terminology and frameworks to support the integration of circularity in design, assessment, and construction. Featuring a curated glossary of over 400 terms, the book fosters shared understanding across disciplines. Combining critical analysis with actionable insights, it equips professionals and policymakers with tools to support a regenerative and resource-efficient transition in the construction and urban sectors. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z