The investigation reported in this paper is an evaluation of the mechanical behavior of full-scale ecological mortar slabs manufactured with a mixture of expanded clay and recycled concrete aggregates. The composite mortars form a compressive layer over laminated wooden joists to form a single construction unit. To do so, full-scale flexural tests are conducted of the composite laminated wood-ecological mortar slabs with different types of mortar designs: reference mortar (MR), lightweight mortar dosed with recycled concrete aggregates (MLC), and lightweight mortar dosed with recycled mixed aggregates (MLM). The test results showed that the mortar forming the compression layer and the laminated wooden joists worked in unison and withstood a higher maximum failure load under flexion than the failure load of the wooden joists in isolation. Moreover, the laboratory test results were compared with the simulated values of the theoretical model, generated in accordance with the technical specifications for structural calculations contained in the Spanish building code, and with the results calculated by a computer software package. From the analysis of the results of the calculation methods and the full-scale laboratory test results, it was concluded that the safety margin yielded by the calculations validated the use of those methods on this type of composite slab. In this way, a strong mixed wood–mortar slab was designed, contributing little dead-load to the building structure and its manufacture with recycled aggregate, also contributes to the circular economy of construction materials.

Nowadays public administrations are promoting policies of urban regeneration and recovering the city centers, where are located buildings with unique values. It is necessary to find a balance between protection and regeneration, so the building maintains the patrimonial elements complying with the current habitability standards. The objective of the study is to propose a methodology to determine the conservation status of buildings, with a multidisciplinary approach. For this purpose we have evaluated a protected building located in the Historic Center of Burgos, Spain. We analyse the existing wooden structural framework, the foundation, the roof and the walls. In the first place, physical and mechanical injuries have been mapped. Measurements of wood moisture were also taken. Then we have studied the pathologies, according to norm UNE 41805-8IN. Subsequently, structural analysis is carried out, evaluating the structure, the bearing capacity of the bricks walls, wooden structure and foundations. The analysis has been completed by studying mortars and foundations, with dynamic penetration tests and trial pits. In conclusion, the damaged elements have been established in a qualitative and quantitative way. Thus we have a real and technically reliable image of the physical state of the building, in order to propose its reform.

The construction industry and all those related to cement consume a lot of natural resources. The extraction of natural aggregates used to manufacture mortars and concretes is an increasing problem, due to the exhaustion of the quarries and the increasing regulatory requirements, such as environmental impact.Cement related industries, all those related to prefabricated structural elements for use in building and civil engineering, provide industrial and technological development of a country, being indispensable in the construction process.In Spain there are a lot of companies of precast structural and non-structural concrete. These companies generate waste as a result of the manufacturing process.The use of these wastes for incorporation back to the supply chain saves money and contribute to the sustainability. If you also apply the latest modern technology, the self-compacting concrete, the result can be unbeatable.The research develops an experimental study of a real case of a company of structural precast concrete, in which we studied the incorporation of waste as recycled aggregate, self-compacting concrete in order to manufacture new precast elements. The experimental study involves several states crushing precast rejected components recycled aggregate characterization and mix design of the new selfcompacting concrete.The experimental study evaluates the mechanical properties and durability of the concrete with percentages of incorporation as 20%, 50% and 100% of recycled aggregate.To validate the experimental laboratory study also on industrial testing in the factory itself with the environment and manufacturing usual methods and with the dosages employed is carried out. A study of several assembled parts is also performed, checking structural behavior, flexural, splitting, cutting and deformation.Finally, an economic study of concrete made with recycled aggregates is performed, raising it several options for obtaining the resulting aggregate in the factory itself, or with the intervention of a nearby treatment plant.

La Universidad de Burgos afrontó el curso 2010-2011 el reto de iniciar un nuevo Grado en Ingeniería de la Edificación, que consistía en la adecuación de los estudios de Arquitectura Técnica en España según el Sistema de Bolonia. Uno de los objetivos era introducir criterios de sostenibilidad en esta titulación académica, por lo que se impartieron tres nuevas materias: Construcción Sostenible, Eficiencia Energética y Gestión Integrada de Calidad, Seguridad y Medio Ambiente. Como novedad los programas de estas asignaturas incluyen temas tan importantes como: Evaluación del Ciclo de Vida, Herramientas de Evaluación de la Sostenibilidad, criterios de sostenibilidad ... Este nuevo enfoque de los estudios no se ha limitado solo a las nuevas asignaturas. Fundamentos de los Materiales, por ejemplo, plantea nuevos contenidos, como la gestión de residuos o el reciclaje. En la asignatura de Construcción Sostenible  como metodología se emplea el método de enseñanza-aprendizaje cooperativo, mediante el estudio crítico de edificios sostenibles existentes para, posteriormente, transformar un edificio convencional en uno sostenible.

Uno de los principales desafíos de la educación superior es saber adaptar la formación del alumnado a la continua necesidad de innovación e investigación,  un pilar fundamental en nuestra educación, empleándose como elemento diferenciador y de valor. La llegada del plan Bolonia proporcionó nuevos cambios en la gestión y planificación universitaria, logrando clases con mayor porcentaje práctico, consiguiendo de esta manera complementar el aspecto científico o normativo y el técnico. En las asignaturas de Construcción se emplea el método de enseñanza-aprendizaje cooperativo, proporcionando al alumno un mayor grado de autonomía, implicación y responsabilidad. El trabajo con los alumnos de manera cooperativa en las asignaturas de construcción se centra sobre todo en las clases prácticas donde se plantean casos de estudio en los que se realiza una simulación de problemas reales ante los que el alumno debe plantear y seleccionar soluciones entre las que considere más apropiada