Textile reinforced concrete (TRC) is a cementitious‐based material where reinforcement consists of high‐strength noncorrosive textile fabrics. Due to the use of a noncorrosive reinforcement, cover requirements can be limited to minimum static values and the amount of clinker in the cement can also be notably reduced. In addition, the simplicity to arrange the fabrics in complex formworks makes the material suited for thin shells or folded structures (typically with thicknesses ranging 10–20 mm). Due to the savings in material and to the lower amounts of clinker used for its production, TRC has a higher sustainable potential than conventional reinforced concrete, with a significantly lower CO2 footprint. To encourage an extensive use of TRC in practice, several topics need however further development. They comprise aspects related to the material and structural response of TRC, but also to the design and to the possibilities to integrate TRC within the architecture and building‐physics. In the present research, results of a 4‐year research program on TRC performed by researchers in civil engineering and architecture are presented. The response of the material is first investigated in tension, bending, and shear. On this basis, considerations on the potential of TRC for construction are drawn and an example of application is presented with the construction of a full‐scale pavilion entirely in TRC.

Cómo citar este artículo/Citation: Escolano-Sánchez, F., Bueno-Aguado, M., Fernández-Ordoñez, D. (2015). The Finite Elements Method (FEM) versus traditional Methods (TM), in the estimation of settlement and modulus of soil reaction for foundation slabs design on soils with natural or man-made cavities. Informes de la Construcción, 67(537) ABSTRACTDirect foundations with continuous elements, such as slabs, provide more advantages than direct foundations with isolated elements, such as footings, and deep foundations, such as piles, in the case of soil with natural or man-made cavities. The slabs are usually designed by two-dimensional models which show their shape on the plant, on a lineal elastic support, represented by a modulus of soil reaction. Regarding the settlement estimation, the following article compares the Finite Elements Method (FEM) versus the classical Method (CM) to select the modulus of soil reaction used to design foundations slabs in sensitive soils and sites with possible cavities or collapses. This analysis includes one of these cavities in the design to evaluate the risk of fail.Keywords: Settlement; modulus of soil reaction; slabs design; active area; finite elements method. RESUMEN Las cimentaciones directas con elementos continuos «losas», tienen ventajas sobre las cimentaciones directas con elementos aislados «zapatas» y sobre las cimentaciones profundas «pilotes», frente a la presencia de terrenos problemáti-cos. Las losas se diseñan de forma habitual con modelos bidimensionales

No abstract

No abstract

In the Iberian Peninsula there are many masonry bridges enduring over time that require inspection and maintenance. In 2007 it was carried out a restoration project on the bridge of Sant Andreu de Terri (Girona, Spain). Prior to this intervention, the bridge did not meet the safety and comfort requirements for the crossing of people and the walls showed loss of masonry stones and material from joints. The surface was cleaned and replaced the existing metal rail. The board was replaced; waterproof and longitudinal drainage pipes were installed to prevent water infiltration. As result of this action a historical, artistic and architectural heritage construction was recovered re-offering the use for which it was conceived.