Many areas of knowledge converge in the building industry and therefore research in this field necessarily involves an interdisciplinary approach. Effective research requires strong relation between a broad variety of scientific and technological domains and more conventional construction or craft processes, while also considering advanced management processes, where all the main actors permanently interact. This publication takes an interdisciplinary approach grouping various studies on the building industry chosen from among the works presented for the 2nd International Conference on Construction and Building Research. The papers examine aspects of materials and building systems; construction technology; energy and sustainability; construction management; heritage, refurbishment and conservation. The information contained within these pages may be of interest to researchers and practitioners in construction and building activities from the academic sphere, as well as public and private sectors.

This book provides a collection of recent research works related to building pathologies, recycled materials, case studies and practical advices on implementation of sustainable construction. It is divided in seven chapters that intend to be a resume of the current state of knowledge for benefit of professional colleagues, scientists, students, practitioners, lecturers and other interested parties to network. At the same time, these topics will be going to the encounter of a variety of scientific and engineering disciplines, such as civil, mechanical and materials engineering.

The book presents recent research and practical insights relating to building pathology. As such it contributes toward the systematization and dissemination of knowledge regarding structural and hygrothermal pathologies, durability and diagnostic techniques, while at the same time, demonstrating the latest advances in this domain. It includes new developments in the field of building pathology and rehabilitation, bridging the gap between current approaches to the surveying of buildings and the detailed study of defect diagnosis, prognosis and remediation. It also features a number of case studies and a detailed list of references and suggestions for further reading. Providing an overview of the current state of the art in the field, the book will appeal to scientists, students, practitioners and lecturers. Furthermore, the topics covered are relevant to a variety of scientific and engineering disciplines, including civil, materials and mechanical engineering.