This book gathers peer-reviewed contributions presented at the 3rd RILEM Spring Convention and Conference, held at Guimarães and hosted by the University of Minho, Portugal, on March 9-14, 2020. The theme of the Conference was “Ambitioning a Sustainable Future for Built Environment: comprehensive strategies for unprecedented challenges”, which was aimed at discussing current challenges and impacts of the built environment on sustainability. The present volume is dedicated to the topic “New materials and structures for ultra‐durability”, which covers current scientific and technological developments aimed at improving knowledge about degradation mechanisms in construction materials, as well as to the development of new materials with extreme durability. Novel special materials for extreme environments or extreme loading conditions are also included, as well as novel approaches to improve the performance and durability of currently common construction materials. The following subtopics are included: general purpose, constructions, infrastructures and facilities; extreme environments and extreme events; transport and deterioration mechanisms, characterization and mitigation; Supplementary Cementitious Materials, admixtures, additions and other emerging material optimization strategies; smart materials for durable structures.

This book gathers peer-reviewed contributions presented at the 3rd RILEM Spring Convention and Conference, held at Guimarães and hosted by the University of Minho, Portugal, on March 9-14, 2020. The theme of the Conference was “Ambitioning a Sustainable Future for Built Environment: comprehensive strategies for unprecedented challenges”, which was aimed at discussing current challenges and impacts of the built environment on sustainability. The present volume is dedicated to the topic “Service life extension of existing structures”, which covers the most recent scientific and technological developments in the understanding of the evolution and degradation of construction materials and structural systems. Analytical and numerical, as well as experimental approaches, aimed at characterizing, modelling and predicting the evolution of the physical, chemical and mechanical properties of construction materials and structural systems are regarded. Multiphysics models are also considered, as well as other strategies that contribute for an accurate characterization and prediction the service life and the evolution of existing and novel construction materials under normal or extreme environmental exposure or loading conditions. New strategies to promote the smart repairing or the recovery of material properties, as well as the service life extension, are also considered. The following subtopics are included: service life models and multiphysics approaches; smart structures, innovative monitoring and intervention strategies; management and optimized maintenance strategies; integrated rehabilitation and strengthening approaches.

This book gathers peer-reviewed contributions presented at the 3rd RILEM Spring Convention and Conference, held at Guimarães and hosted by the University of Minho, Portugal, on March 9-14, 2020. The theme of the Conference was “Ambitioning a Sustainable Future for Built Environment: comprehensive strategies for unprecedented challenges”, which was aimed at discussing current challenges and impacts of the built environment on sustainability. The present volume is dedicated to the topic “Shift to a circular economy”, which is focussed on sustainability and covers the research and recent technologies on the use and development of sustainable materials and structural systems, as well as on recycling and reusing. It also covers the implementation of industrial processes leading to minimized waste, including digital fabrication and deconstruction, as well as integrative approaches that lead to the achievement of the concept of circular economy. Additionally, this topic covers research on novel or existing construction materials and systems based on local resources and regional practices. The following subtopics are included: industrialized construction systems minimizing waste; recycling and reuse of materials and components; 4Ls: local constructions with local materials through local approaches for local development; Digital Manufacturing; design for deconstruction; smart demolition techniques; timber structures; Life-Cycle Assessment of construction materials and technologies; recycling of pavements and materials in roads.

This book gathers peer-reviewed contributions presented at the 3rd RILEM Spring Convention and Conference, held at Guimarães and hosted by the University of Minho, Portugal, on March 9-14, 2020. The theme of the Conference was “Ambitioning a Sustainable Future for Built Environment: comprehensive strategies for unprecedented challenges”, which was aimed at discussing current challenges and impacts of the built environment on sustainability. The present volume is dedicated to the topic “Strategies for a resilient built environment”, which covers the current and emerging approaches that lead to an optimized design and maintenance of constructions and systems. It includes the development of service life models and life cycle design, in order to maximise longevity and level of service while minimising the environmental impact of constructions and systems. It also includes the analysis and design of larger systems, such as communities, cities or regions, aiming at reducing risk and increasing resilience. The following subtopics are included: resilience and robustness of the built environment and communities at local and global scales; risk based inspection and maintenance; life cycle analysis and service models; performance based design; improved design strategies by integrating materials and structures.

This book gathers peer-reviewed contributions presented at the 3rd RILEM Spring Convention and Conference, held at Guimarães and hosted by the University of Minho, Portugal, on March 9-14, 2020. The theme of the Conference was "Ambitioning a Sustainable Future for Built Environment: comprehensive strategies for unprecedented challenges", which was aimed at discussing current challenges and impacts of the built environment on sustainability. The present volume is dedicated to the topic "Shift to a circular economy", which is focussed on sustainability and covers the research and recent technologies on the use and development of sustainable materials and structural systems, as well as on recycling and reusing. It also covers the implementation of industrial processes leading to minimized waste, including digital fabrication and deconstruction, as well as integrative approaches that lead to the achievement of the concept of circular economy. Additionally, this topic covers research on novel or existing construction materials and systems based on local resources and regional practices. The following subtopics are included: industrialized construction systems minimizing waste; recycling and reuse of materials and components; 4Ls: local constructions with local materials through local approaches for local development; Digital Manufacturing; design for deconstruction; smart demolition techniques; timber structures; Life-Cycle Assessment of construction materials and technologies; recycling of pavements and materials in roads.

A fascinating portrait of the life and ideas of the great Indian writer and public intellectual, U.R. Ananthamurthy. Between 2012 and 2013, Ananthamurthy shared his personal experiences in a series of lively conversations with academic and writer Chandan Gowda, and reflected on issues that would preoccupy him until the end. Besides the vivid accounts of his childhood, friendships, the evolution of his intellectual life, and public involvements, his passionate ideas on tradition, on India's political culture, and on language and writing make the conversations an engaging and valuable document. A Life in the World -- perhaps the first exercise of its kind done with an Indian writer -- will enthral both general readers as well as admirers of Ananthamurthy's works.