Papers

@article{alvarado-vicencio_clogging_2026,

title = {Clogging effects on a polyurethane-based permeable pavement under controlled laboratory settings},

author = {Reginald Alvarado-Vicencio and Volker Linnemann and Alvaro Garcia and María A. Pimiento-Avella and Juan Naves-García-Rendueles and Jose Anta-Álvarez and Maximilian P. Born and Thomas Wintgens},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214509526005619},

doi = {10.1016/j.cscm.2026.e06310},

issn = {2214-5095},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-12-01},

urldate = {2026-08-17},

journal = {Case Studies in Construction Materials},

volume = {25},

pages = {e06310},

abstract = {Permeable pavements are a well-established green solution for mitigating urban runoff, but their implementation in cities has been limited due to their low load-bearing capacity. Previous studies of a new polyurethane-based mixture, named Polyurethane Bound Permeable Mixture (PBPM), reported good resistance to heavy loads such buses and trucks. Nevertheless, PBPM remains susceptible to clogging caused by sediment accumulation transported by runoff. Consequently, this study investigated three mixtures under various clogging conditions: two PBPM mixtures with aggregate sizes of 8 mm (PBPM8) and 5 mm (PBPM5), and one bitumen-based mixture with an aggregate size of 8 mm (PA8) as control. Laboratory experiments were conducted using a rainfall simulator and real sediments to evaluate the impact of sediment particle size, sediment load, and rainfall intensity on the hydraulic conductivity (Kv). Three experiments were conducted: Experiment 1 determined the combination of rain intensity and sediment particle size distribution (PSD) that caused maximum clogging; Experiment 2 assessed Kv reduction with increasing sediment loads (applied in multiple steps) at a fixed rainfall intensity; and Experiment 3 examined Kv changes under different combinations of sediment loads (applied in one step) and rainfall intensities. PBPM exhibited superior clogging resistance, maintaining ∼40% of its initial Kv at 2000 g/m², outperforming PA8 and other bitumen-based mixtures. Clogging was exacerbated by shorter rains and specific sediment size distributions, whereas lower-intensity rainfall yielded inconsistent effects. Overall, Kv decreased proportionally with increasing sediment loads. These findings demonstrate that clogging severity is governed by rainfall characteristics (duration and intensity) and sediment properties (size, load, and application method); however, comparisons with previous research suggest that porosity is a greater influence than aggregate size. This study provides a framework for developing representative laboratory-scale clogging protocols and optimizing permeable pavement mixture designs.},

keywords = {Clogging, Hydraulic conductivity, Permeable pavement, Polyurethane, Rainfall simulation, Sediments, SUDS},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{sanchez-pinero_rapid_2026,

title = {A rapid HPLC–FLD method using a monolithic column for the determination of priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in bioaccessible PM10 fractions},

author = {Joel Sánchez-Piñero and Veronica Corradini and María Fernández-Amado and Jorge Moreda-Piñeiro and Purificación López-Mahía and Marcela A. Segundo},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0026265X26021193},

doi = {10.1016/j.microc.2026.118916},

issn = {0026-265X},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-09-01},

urldate = {2026-08-18},

journal = {Microchemical Journal},

volume = {228},

pages = {118916},

abstract = {In recent decades, increasing attention has been given to the fraction of particulate matter (PM)-bound compounds that can be released into simulated lung fluids (SLFs) to estimate their inhalation bioaccessibilities, providing a more realistic basis for assessing potential health risks. In this work, a rapid and reliable analytical methodology was developed for the determination of 14 USEPA priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in inhalation bioaccessible fractions of PM10, obtained using two widely applied SLFs: Gamble's solution and artificial lysosomal fluid (ALF). The proposed approach combines a 1 min vortex-assisted liquid–liquid microextraction (VALLME) with a 10 min HPLC–FLD method using a monolithic column, achieving good precision (RSDs <20%) and acceptable recoveries (80–120%) for most target PAHs in both SLFs. The methodology was applied to 40 urban PM10 samples collected from two cities in the Southwestern Atlantic European region to assess PAHs inhalation bioaccessibility by in vitro physiologically based extraction tests (PBETs). Bioaccessibilities were systematically higher when ALF was used compared with Gamble's solution (increases of 50 and 30% for 4- and 5-ring PAHs, respectively), also showing an inverse relationship with PAHs hydrophobicity (log Kow). Negative correlations between 4- and 5-ring PAHs bioaccessibilities and combustion-related PM markers (equivalent black carbon (eBC) and UV-absorbing PM (UVPM)) further suggest reduced PAH release from combustion-dominated PM. These findings indicate that the composition of SLFs influences PAH bioaccessibility. They also highlight the importance of selecting appropriate SLFs according to the targeted lung region, with potential implications for the assessment of inhalation exposure and associated health risks.},

keywords = {Inhalation bioaccessibility, Monolithic column, Particulate matter (PM), PBET, Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, Simulated lung fluids},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{espinoza_numerical_2026,

title = {Numerical analysis of the integrated hydrology of a hillslope regulated river basin},

author = {Jesús E. Espinoza and Francisco Padilla and Pablo Rodríguez-Vellando-Fernández-Carvajal},

url = {https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-026-13056-3},

doi = {10.1007/s12665-026-13056-3},

issn = {1866-6299},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-07-01},

urldate = {2026-08-18},

journal = {Environmental Earth Sciences},

volume = {85},

number = {13},

pages = {311},

abstract = {The limited availability of hydrometeorological records in mountainous regions severely constrains the technical management of water resources in river basins. In response to this limitation, this study presents a methodological framework for estimating both surface and groundwater discharges in scarce-data basins, applying an integrated hydrological numerical model, based on the finite element method, to the Casacay River catchment in south-western Ecuador. The MELEF-FSW model was employed to simulate the coupled flows of groundwater and surface water under transient conditions, incorporating processes of overland flow, infiltration, soil water content, groundwater recharge, actual evapotranspiration and water management. The Casacay catchment is characterised by steep topography, pronounced seasonal variability, and intensive water abstraction facilities for human consumption. Given the dispersed nature of the available data, multiple information sources were integrated, including field observations, satellite-derived, hydromorphological analyses, and GIS-based tools. The model configuration involved the definition of high-resolution meshes in critical zones, assigning calibrated hydrogeological parameters, and applying realistic boundary conditions and scenarios of water consumption extraction and recharge, during a 3 years calibration period. No validation period was performed due to the scarcity of actual observed data. The local analysis of the results indicates a limited soil water storage capacity, a cumulative decline in groundwater reserves, and a strong seasonal variability in streamflow. Therefore, the proposed methodology demonstrates technical robustness and potential replicability in hydrological catchments with similar characteristics, providing a valid alternative for local water resource assessment in the absence of conventional monitoring networks.},

keywords = {Casacay River Basin, Finite element method, Integrated hydrological modelling, MELEF-FSW, Mountainous catchments, Scarce-data catchments, Surface–groundwater interaction},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{cantero_comparative_2026,

title = {Comparative assessment of binary alkali-activated mortars incorporating construction and demolition waste under dry and CO₂ curing conditions},

author = {Blas Cantero-Chaparro and Lucas Sequeira and Jorge Brito and Miguel Bravo},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0950061826015369},

doi = {10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2026.146630},

issn = {0950-0618},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-07-01},

urldate = {2026-08-18},

journal = {Construction and Building Materials},

volume = {530},

pages = {146630},

abstract = {Construction and demolition waste (CDW) has attracted increasing attention as a potential precursor for alkali-activated materials, although its heterogeneous nature often limits mechanical performance. This study investigates the behaviour of binary alkali-activated mortars manufactured with different types of CDW: recycled concrete (RC), recycled brick (RB) and recycled tile (RT). The combination of these precursors with 30% fly ash (FA) as a supplementary precursor was also investigated. The mixes were subjected to two curing conditions—dry and CO₂—in order to evaluate the influence of precursor mineralogy and curing regime on their mechanical and physical performance. Compressive and flexural strengths, dynamic modulus of elasticity, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), porosity, shrinkage and carbonation depth were determined. The results showed that precursor reactivity governs the overall behaviour. Tile-based systems (RT) achieved the highest strengths and lowest water-accessible porosity, followed by RB, whereas RC exhibited limited reactivity. Under CO₂ curing, RT70 reached 20.3 MPa at 28 days, representing a 53.9% increase compared to dry curing. In addition, CO₂ curing reduced water-accessible porosity by up to 15%. For a comparable compressive strength, CO₂-cured mixes exhibited higher flexural strength and dynamic modulus of elasticity than those cured under dry conditions. In contrast, RC systems showed a 21.5% reduction in compressive strength at 28 days under CO₂ curing, indicating that early carbonation may adversely affect low-reactivity, calcium-rich residues. The incorporation of 30% FA mitigated this effect, increasing the 28-day compressive strength under CO₂ curing from 7.7 MPa (RC100) to 14.3 MPa (RC70). Correlation analysis confirmed an exponential relationship between mechanical performance and water-accessible porosity, highlighting the governing role of pore structure. Overall, the combined use of FA and controlled CO₂ curing offers a viable strategy for enhancing selected CDW-based alkali-activated systems.},

keywords = {Alkali-activated mortars, CO₂ curing, Construction and demolition waste, Mechanical properties, Sustainable construction materials},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{montero-lamas_bus_2026,

title = {Bus travel time prediction in mixed traffic: a multisource big data approach with multiple modelling strategies},

author = {Yaiza Montero-Lamas and Alberto Fernández-Sánchez and Marcos Gestal-Pose and Margarita Novales-Ordax and Alfonso Orro-Arcay},

url = {https://doi.org/10.1186/s12544-026-00815-3},

doi = {10.1186/s12544-026-00815-3},

issn = {1866-8887},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-07-01},

urldate = {2026-08-17},

journal = {European Transport Research Review},

volume = {18},

number = {1},

pages = {57},

abstract = {This study examines the prediction of bus travel times within urban corridors, using an extensive dataset from transit management databases and on-street sensors. The analysis focuses on a range of variables, including corridor configuration, general traffic conditions, and intrinsic bus transit factors. Employing Multiple Linear Regression (MLR), Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), Support Vector Regression (SVR), and Random Forest (RF), bus travel times are modelled across four distinct urban corridors in A Coruña, Spain, considering dynamic variables like traffic flow rate, general travel time, and average stream patronage per bus stop, with patronage showing the strongest influence on bus travel time in three of the four corridors, similar to the sum of all general traffic variables. Furthermore, these models are applied to a joint dataset encompassing all corridors, incorporating static variables such as bus stops per kilometre, and, for the first time in the field, the percentage of corridors with adjacent parking and percentage with one lane, both considered as an interaction. This allows predictions of bus travel time changes due to corridor modifications and travel times for new bus routes in unserved areas. Findings reveal that, for our dataset, none of the three ML approaches has consistently proven to be preferable in bus travel time predictions, while MLR provides competitive results, balancing accuracy and interpretability despite its flexibility constraints. The study underscores the importance of selecting models based on data range and transit context, advocating for simplicity in constrained scenarios. This developed methodology provides a valuable planning tool for transport agencies, adaptable to other urban contexts, and highlights the benefits of optimising corridor configurations to enhance bus travel time performance.},

keywords = {Bluetooth sensors, Bus travel time prediction, Inductive loops, Linear Regression, machine learning, Transit planning},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{lopez-chao_patterns_2026b,

title = {Patterns in perceptions of learning to draw with guidance and conceptual scaffolding: Insights from a multi-cohort self-reported study},

author = {Vicente A. López-Chao},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1871187125003013},

doi = {10.1016/j.tsc.2025.102053},

issn = {1871-1871},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-06-01},

urldate = {2026-08-18},

journal = {Thinking Skills and Creativity},

volume = {60},

pages = {102053},

abstract = {This study explores how a multi-cohort sample of students perceived learning to draw in a first-year course on environment drawing and concept art, taught from the field of architectural graphics within a Bachelor’s degree in Digital Creation, Animation, and Videogames. The course applies a scaffolded, theory-integrative approach in which analytical case studies precede visual production, and drawing is developed through phased workflows that mirror professional design processes. A mixed-methods, multi-cohort analysis was conducted with 245 undergraduate students across five academic years, based on post-course self-reports of perceived starting competence in drawing, motivational engagement, and the perceived value of structured drawing and the relevance of theory in drawing practice. Using clustering and ANOVA, three exploratory perception-based learner profiles were identified: Enthusiastic Experts, Conceptual Learners, and Low-Engagement Learners. Students who began with lower self-assessed competence but placed greater importance to theoretical guidance and phased process reported the highest perceived drawing improvement, suggesting that reflective interaction with theory and workflow shapes how learning through drawing is experienced. While findings are limited to retrospective self-reports, the study provides exploratory evidence of how learner perceptions align with scaffolded and theory-integrative drawing pedagogy. These insights contribute to understanding drawing as a cognitive and reflective practice, offering an empirical basis for adaptive and perception-informed strategies in early-stage design education.},

keywords = {Analogical reasoning, Design cognition, Design education, Drawing(s), Learner diversity},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{lopez-chao_patterns_2026,

title = {Patterns in perceptions of learning to draw with guidance and conceptual scaffolding: Insights from a multi-cohort self-reported study},

author = {Vicente A. López-Chao},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1871187125003013},

doi = {10.1016/j.tsc.2025.102053},

issn = {1871-1871},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-06-01},

urldate = {2026-08-18},

journal = {Thinking Skills and Creativity},

volume = {60},

pages = {102053},

abstract = {This study explores how a multi-cohort sample of students perceived learning to draw in a first-year course on environment drawing and concept art, taught from the field of architectural graphics within a Bachelor’s degree in Digital Creation, Animation, and Videogames. The course applies a scaffolded, theory-integrative approach in which analytical case studies precede visual production, and drawing is developed through phased workflows that mirror professional design processes. A mixed-methods, multi-cohort analysis was conducted with 245 undergraduate students across five academic years, based on post-course self-reports of perceived starting competence in drawing, motivational engagement, and the perceived value of structured drawing and the relevance of theory in drawing practice. Using clustering and ANOVA, three exploratory perception-based learner profiles were identified: Enthusiastic Experts, Conceptual Learners, and Low-Engagement Learners. Students who began with lower self-assessed competence but placed greater importance to theoretical guidance and phased process reported the highest perceived drawing improvement, suggesting that reflective interaction with theory and workflow shapes how learning through drawing is experienced. While findings are limited to retrospective self-reports, the study provides exploratory evidence of how learner perceptions align with scaffolded and theory-integrative drawing pedagogy. These insights contribute to understanding drawing as a cognitive and reflective practice, offering an empirical basis for adaptive and perception-informed strategies in early-stage design education.},

keywords = {Analogical reasoning, Design cognition, Design education, Drawing(s), Learner diversity},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{garcia-mira_does_2026,

title = {Does decarbonisation lead to psychological De-territorialisation? An emerging challenge for a just transition in coal and carbon-intensive regions across EU countries},

author = {Ricardo García-Mira and Nachatter Singh-Garha and Christian Klöckner and Andrei Holman},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0272494426001854},

doi = {10.1016/j.jenvp.2026.103084},

issn = {0272-4944},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-06-01},

urldate = {2026-08-18},

journal = {Journal of Environmental Psychology},

volume = {112},

pages = {103084},

abstract = {Decarbonisation of economies has become a major policy focus in many European countries to meet carbon emission targets as outlined in the Paris agreement. However, the discontinuation of large-scale carbon intensive industries may cause a local disruption of the economy and reduce the source of income and employment for a large part of the population in coal- and carbon-intensive regions, which in turn will accelerate the process of de-territorialisation as indicated in citizens leaving the regions. The European commission has promised a just transition for these regions, so that nobody feels left behind in this transition, but the actual impact of decarbonisation measures on the psychological level still requires more scrutiny. In this paper, we will analyse the psychological impact of decarbonisation measures and their relation with place attachment on people's intentions to migrate from these regions and their level of overall life satisfaction, which are important driving factors for the de-territorialisation process. We also explore the impact of gender, age, education, nativity and duration of stay in the region on their decision to migrate and their level of life satisfaction. We use data from a quantitative survey (n = 2892) in 13 coal- and carbon-intensive regions in 9 European countries and employ a structural equation modelling approach with subgroup analyses. In the analyses, we find that the place attachment plays an important role in increasing life satisfaction and reducing the intention to relocate, while perceived stress and financial threats have an opposite impact.},

keywords = {carbon-intensive regions, de-territorialisation, Decarbonisation, Europe, Life satisfaction},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{souto-muino_determinantes_2026,

title = {Determinantes urbanos de la salud en A Coruña: marcos de política pública, enfoques de planificación y brechas en la implementación local},

author = {Óscar Souto-Muiño and Francisco Alberto Varela-García},

url = {https://recyt.fecyt.es/index.php/CyTET/article/view/121926},

doi = {10.37230/CyTET.2026.228.4},

issn = {2659-3254},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-06-01},

urldate = {2026-08-18},

journal = {Ciudad y Territorio Estudios Territoriales},

volume = {58},

number = {228},

pages = {594–621},

abstract = {This article analyses the relationship between urban determinants and health in A Coruña, conceptualising the city as a non-neutral socio-spatial ecosystem in which factors such as housing, mobility, environmental quality and urban design shape health outcomes unevenly. Through a critical review of the international urban health framework and its comparison with experiences from other Spanish cities, the study examines the local context. The findings reveal sectoral advances developed in a fragmented manner and lacking an integrated urban health strategy. The article concludes by emphasising the need to strengthen indicators and to move towards a Healthy Urban Agenda that embeds health as a cross-cutting principle of local planning.},

keywords = {A Coruña, Ciudades saludables, Equidad territorial, Movilidad activa, Salud urbana},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{figueiras_velo_viscoplastic_2026,

title = {Viscoplastic analysis of salt caverns under time-asymmetric pressure cycling: definition and validation of a dimensionless operational rule with real case data},

author = {Francisco Figueiras-Velo and Andrés Soage-Quintáns and José París-López and Ignasi Colominas-Ezponda and Luis Cueto-Felgueroso-Landeira},

url = {https://hdl.handle.net/2183/48705},

issn = {2363-8419},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-06-01},

urldate = {2026-08-18},

publisher = {Springer Nature},

abstract = {[Abstract]: Operational asymmetry is a characteristic feature of underground gas storage systems—particularly in salt caverns—where injection phases are typically longer and steadier than withdrawal phases, which are shorter and more abrupt in response to fluctuating energy demand. Although large-scale hydrogen storage in salt caverns remains under development, similar operational patterns are expected once such facilities reach commercial maturity. Understanding how this temporal imbalance influences the mechanical behavior of the cavern is therefore important for assessing long-term performance and supporting the development of robust operational strategies for future hydrogen storage systems. This study introduces a dimensionless parameter, 𝜒 , to quantify the temporal asymmetry of cyclic operation. 𝜒 accounts not only for the residence times at high and low pressure but also for the different durations required to reach and leave these states. It is defined as the ratio between the effective durations of the high-pressure and low-pressure stages, including both the holding and ramp phases. The numerator represents the total effective time under high-pressure conditions, which includes half of the filling ramp (0.5𝜏fill ), the full high-pressure holding phase (𝜏WGP ), and half of the withdrawal ramp (0.5𝜏withd ). The denominator represents the complementary effective time under low-pressure conditions, consisting of half of the withdrawal ramp (0.5𝜏withd ), the full low-pressure holding phase (𝜏CGP ), and half of the filling ramp (0.5𝜏fill ). This formulation expresses the relative exposure of the rock mass to stabilizing (high-stress) versus creep-promoting (low-stress) conditions. A viscoplastic numerical model is developed to reproduce the time-dependent deformation of salt under cyclic pressure loading. Two measurable indicators are analyzed: the vertical displacement at the cavern roof and the volumetric shrinkage associated with viscoplastic mechanical closure. Results show that temporal asymmetry exerts a dominant control on the long-term mechanical response. When 𝜒 > 1 — indicating longer effective residence under high pressure — the cavern evolves toward a steady-state equilibrium; when 𝜒 < 1, viscoplastic deformation accelerates, promoting mechanical cavern closure. Comparison with operational data from three underground natural gas storage facilities in the United States is consistent with the 𝜒 ranges associated with the stability trends identified numerically. The proposed parameter 𝜒 thus provides a physically grounded and practical first-order indicator for interpreting long-term mechanical behavior in future hydrogen storage caverns, within the scope of a viscoplastic mechanical framework that does not explicitly account for damage, fracture, or permeability evolution.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{suarez-riestra_experimental_2026,

title = {Experimental investigation and proposal of a simplified analytical approach for the evaluation of the long-term behaviour of TCC beams (floors)},

author = {Félix Suárez-Riestra and Emilio Martín-Gutiérrez and Dolores Otero-Chans and Pepe Vázquez-Rodríguez},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352710226011848},

doi = {10.1016/j.jobe.2026.116363},

issn = {2352-7102},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-06-01},

urldate = {2026-08-18},

journal = {Journal of Building Engineering},

volume = {127},

pages = {116363},

abstract = {A new methodology is proposed for analysing the long-term behaviour of composite timber-concrete composite beams (TCC) exposed to changing and cyclical environmental conditions. Conventional predictive methodologies are typically developed based on the evaluation of changes in the properties of constituents (timber, concrete and connection media) over time. They are unable to adequately define fluctuations due to environmental changes. Based on the instantaneous deflection resulting from the loading process, the analytical proposal enables the establishment of a deflection timeline, taking into account the humidity (RH) and temperature (T) conditions at each instant. The proposal is applied to specimens with different span to depth ratio, in lengths of 6.0, 7.2 and 8.4 m, exposed to an uncontrolled environment and continuous loading for a period of 1000 days. Relative humidity and ambient temperature controls were carried out continuously and, at the same time, direct moisture contents in timber were determined. In this way, the measured deformations are correlated with the evolution of environmental conditions and the effect on the materials. The proposal developed is capable of reflecting the relationship between these changing environmental conditions, their cyclical nature and the oscillation in the value of the deformation characteristic of these climatic exposures. The accuracy of the analytical proposal allows its predictive nature to be established based on the differences obtained in relation to the measurement taken, with variations at 1000 days ranging from −0.73 mm (−4.42%) to +0.29 mm (+1.62%).},

keywords = {Cyclical, Environmental, Long-term, Timber-concrete, Time},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{martin-gutierrez_flexural_2026,

title = {Flexural behaviour of an innovative cross-laminated timber-concrete composite structural flooring system},

author = {Emilio Martín-Gutiérrez and Félix Suárez-Riestra and Dolores Otero-Chans},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352012426008064},

doi = {10.1016/j.istruc.2026.111857},

issn = {2352-0124},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-06-01},

urldate = {2026-08-18},

journal = {Structures},

volume = {88},

pages = {111857},

abstract = {Timber-Concrete Composite (TCC) systems are one of the most interesting strategies for slab construction, both for structural performance and environmental considerations. In the latter sense, some research proposed the use of recycled aggregates and locally sourced timber, as well as the reduction of adhesive consumption. This paper analyses the performance of a TCC system in which the timber-concrete connection is achieved by drilling holes in the web, the concrete contains 20% recycled aggregates, and Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) made from locally source timber is used. Four-point bending tests were developed with a span of 6 m and a height to span ratio of 1/20. In addition, 3D FEM models were calibrated with the experimental results, and used for a better understanding of the failure modes. The samples showed a strength between 4.22 and 4.83 times that required for loads of public use. Furthermore, in service situation they showed a stiffness that amply satisfies the usual regulatory requirements, with deflections between 1/664 and 1/770 of the span. In addition, the ultimate deformation was found to be approximately 6.4 times the service deformation, suggesting sufficient ductility for use in building structures.},

keywords = {Cross-laminated timber, Full-scale testing, Recycled aggregate concrete, shear connection, Timber-concrete composite floors},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{munoz-ibanez_suction-induced_2026,

title = {Suction-induced strains in intact rocks},

author = {Andrea Muñoz-Ibáñez and J. Carlos Santamarina},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352380826000225},

doi = {10.1016/j.gete.2026.100807},

issn = {2352-3808},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-06-01},

urldate = {2026-08-18},

journal = {Geomechanics for Energy and the Environment},

volume = {46},

pages = {100807},

abstract = {Suction-induced strains in rocks affect subsurface applications that involve immiscible fluids, including CO₂ sequestration, hydrocarbon extraction and the storage of energy fluids. This study explores the underlying processes and parameters that govern the strains intact rocks will experience during wetting and drying. It combines a synthesis of published data with new experimental results. Macroscale water retention measurements together with nuclear magnetic resonance NMR data show that desaturation proceeds through sequential drainage, beginning with the largest interconnected pores, which empty first due to their lower capacity to sustain capillary pressure. Consequently, the suction at air-entry ψAE is strongly correlated with the characteristic pore size d85. Because the rock remains saturated to the verge of air entry, the nominal strain ε ≈ ψAE/E defined as the ratio between the air entry pressure and the rock stiffness E is an effective indicator of the rock’s susceptibility to suction-induced deformation; this nominal strain can vary from less than 10−6 in stiff igneous rocks to more than 10−4 in clay-rich shales. Suction-induced strains can significantly impact fracture transmissivity, which scales with the cube of the fracture aperture. Then, wetting-induced swelling may reduce aperture and enhance self-sealing, while drying can increase aperture and facilitate leakage. During wetting or drying, changes in suction dominate over osmotic effects, although their impact may be partially masked by concurrent processes such as creep and thermoelastic strains.},

keywords = {Air-entry pressure, Capillarity, Nuclear magnetic resonance, Suction-induced strains, Water retention curves},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{fernandez-sanchez_comparison_2026,

title = {Comparison of data set sample selection algorithms for data science: a systematic review},

author = {Alberto Fernández-Sánchez and Marcos Gestal-Pose and Verónica Bolón-Canedo and Julián Dorado-De-La-Calle and Alejandro Pazos-Sierra},

url = {https://doi.org/10.1007/s00521-026-12124-w},

doi = {10.1007/s00521-026-12124-w},

issn = {1433-3058},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-05-01},

urldate = {2026-08-18},

journal = {Neural Computing and Applications},

volume = {38},

number = {10},

pages = {408},

abstract = {In the era of big data, selecting representative samples has become essential to mitigate overfitting, noise, and high computational cost in machine learning. This study systematically reviews the evolution of instance selection (IS) methods, highlighting the growing importance of instance hardness (IH) as a guiding criterion to improve training efficiency and model robustness. Through a comprehensive search in Scopus and Web of Science, fifty-five studies were identified and analyzed following strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. The reviewed works were classified according to their underlying rationale–error-based, geometric, heuristic, or explainability-driven–revealing that IH principles intersect these categories as a transversal perspective on data quality. Most studies focus on enhancing predictive accuracy (56%) and computational efficiency (36%), while bias reduction and privacy preservation remain secondary. Reported outcomes show significant dataset reductions (up to 97%) with minimal accuracy loss and, in some cases, notable performance gains (+32% accuracy, +67% improvement in MSE). Despite these advances, explicit references to IH are rare, though many methods implicitly rely on related metrics such as misclassification frequency or decision-boundary proximity. Overall, IS is gaining relevance across domains such as cybersecurity, biomedicine, and computer vision, yet the field still lacks standardized methodologies and benchmarking frameworks, underscoring the need for unified, IH-informed strategies for robust and generalizable instance selection.},

keywords = {Data complexity, Dataset filtering, Instance hardness, Instance selection, machine learning},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{cueto-felgueroso_real_2026,

title = {A real options approach for valuing storage contracts of hydrogen–methane gas blends},

author = {Luis Cueto-Felgueroso and Andrés Soage-Quintáns and Vicente Alcaraz and Antonio Lara},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S036031992601517X},

doi = {10.1016/j.ijhydene.2026.154879},

issn = {0360-3199},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-05-01},

urldate = {2026-08-18},

journal = {International Journal of Hydrogen Energy},

volume = {233},

pages = {154879},

abstract = {Decarbonization and growth of variable renewable generation have increased interest in hydrogen as a low-carbon energy carrier. Underground hydrogen storage in geological formations is one of the few scalable options for large-capacity energy storage, and retrofitting existing natural gas infrastructure to store methane–hydrogen blends offers a practical transition pathway. Yet valuing such storage contracts is difficult because hydrogen markets remain immature. This paper develops a real-options framework for methane–hydrogen storage contracts with a prescribed hydrogen energy fraction. Extending the Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman approach used for natural gas storage, the model incorporates stochastic hydrogen prices and blend-specific operational constraints, including reduced effective energy capacity. Contract values and optimal operating policies are computed by solving a multi-factor HJB equation with a semi-implicit finite-difference scheme. The framework is verified against natural gas benchmarks and assessed by Monte Carlo cash-flow evaluation. Results show how value and policies depend on blend ratio, volatility, capacity, and contract duration.},

keywords = {energy transition, Gas storage valuation, Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation, Hydrogen–methane blends, Real options, Underground gas storage},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{sanchez-pinero_estimation_2026,

title = {Estimation of metal(oid)s oral and inhalation bioavailability in synthetic and recycled rubber materials and artificial turf using a dialyzability-based textitIn-Vitro approach},

author = {Joel Sánchez-Piñero and Aaron Longueira-Ordóñez and Isabel Turnes-Carou and Soledad Muniategui-Lorenzo and Purificación López-Mahía and Jorge Moreda-Piñeiro},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304389426007338},

doi = {10.1016/j.jhazmat.2026.141755},

issn = {0304-3894},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-05-01},

urldate = {2026-08-18},

journal = {Journal of Hazardous Materials},

volume = {508},

pages = {141755},

abstract = {Synthetic/recycled rubber materials are widely used in playgrounds, artificial turf infill, and synthetic tracks, but they may contain harmful substances, such as metal(oid)s, posing health risks through ingestion and inhalation. The use of such materials and artificial turf has raised increasing concern, and several studies have begun to investigate the pollutants potentially released into simulated fluids (in-vitro bioaccessibility) to provide a more realistic assessment of the associated health risks. In this context, the present study reports, the estimation of the oral and inhalation bioavailability of metal(oid)s (bioaccessible fraction that can potentially be absorbed into the bloodstream and pose a major health risk) in synthetic/recycled rubber materials and artificial turf, from public facilities and brand-new samples. To this end, an in-vitro oral and inhalation bioavailability approach was applied using synthetic human fluids and dialysis membrane filled with simulated human plasma to mimic absorption, with subsequent metal(oid)s quantification. Higher inhalation bioavailability ratios (1.0 – 37.4% for Mo and Rb, respectively) were observed compared to oral ones (0.35 – 22.7% for Fe and Sr, respectively). Regarding the rubber composition, samples made of ethylene propylene diene monomer showed higher metal(oid)s bioavailability ratios than those made of styrene-butadiene-styrene, suggesting distinct metal(oid)s-polymer interactions influencing their release. Non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic hazard indexes via ingestion and inhalation were assessed using metal(oid) oral and inhalation bioavailable concentrations based on the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment exposure model. The results suggested no significant carcinogenic or non-carcinogenic risks for several scenarios, including children, adults, coaches, and bystanders from both exposition routes.},

keywords = {Artificial turf, Metal(loid)s, oral/inhalation bioavailability, Simulated human fluids, Synthetic and recycled rubber},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{caneda-martinez_chemical_2026,

title = {Chemical and mechanical origin of ettringite morphology and packing properties},

author = {Laura Caneda-Martínez and Hela Bessaies-Bey and Xiaohan Yu and Karen Mourda and Patrick Belin and Belén González-Fonteboa and Nicolas Roussel},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0008884626000153},

doi = {10.1016/j.cemconres.2026.108146},

issn = {0008-8846},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-05-01},

urldate = {2026-05-01},

journal = {Cement and Concrete Research},

volume = {203},

pages = {108146},

abstract = {The contribution of early hydration products is often neglected in rheological studies of cementitious systems, particularly with respect to the quantitative evaluation of their influence on particle packing. Ettringite, owing to its predominance as an early-age hydration product and its frequently elongated morphology, is the most relevant phase to consider in this context. This study investigates the factors controlling ettringite morphology in the absence of admixtures and evaluates their impact on packing behaviour. Ettringite was synthesised under controlled solution conditions and analysed via microscopic techniques to assess the effect of ion concentration on morphology. In addition, the packing properties of ettringite samples of different morphology were studied by applying controlled compressive stress through centrifugation experiments. Results show that ettringite morphology is defined by solution supersaturation with respect to ettringite and mechanical stress: reduced supersaturation (i.e. dilution of the system) favours the formation of longer, thinner crystals, while stress induces breaking, with the resulting aspect ratio of the crystals dictated by the magnitude of the applied stress. Ettringite crystals were found to exhibit poor packing properties compared to those of common building materials. Moreover, a clear correlation between aspect ratio and packing properties was identified, consistent with predictive models for elongated macroscopic particles. These findings have significant practical implications, as understanding and controlling ettringite morphology can provide an effective means to tune early-age rheology in cement-based materials. We finally suggest that these findings are specifically relevant for low-clinker content binders where supersaturation is expected to be lower than traditional binders.},

keywords = {Early cement hydration, Ettringite, Morphology, Particle packing, Supersaturation},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{ferreiro_occurrence_2026,

title = {Occurrence and fate of polyethylene pellets in the Galician coast (N.W. Spain) after the Toconao spillage: study of associated plastic additives and chemical weathering},

author = {Borja De-La-Fuente-Ferreiro and José Manuel Andrade-Garda and Diana B. Diez-Pérez and Carmen M. Moscoso-Pérez and Verónica Fernández-González and Purificación López-Mahía and Soledad Muniategui-Lorenzo},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X26001220},

doi = {10.1016/j.marpolbul.2026.119335},

issn = {0025-326X},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-05-01},

urldate = {2026-05-01},

journal = {Marine Pollution Bulletin},

volume = {226},

pages = {119335},

abstract = {This work addresses the occurrence and fate of the polyethylene (PE) pellet spillage from the Toconao vessel off the NW Portuguese coast in 2023. Samples from 42 Galician beaches (NW Spain) were collected and subsequently analysed in the laboratory by attenuated total reflectance infrared spectrometry (ATR), thermodesorption and pyrolysis gas chromatography with mass spectrometry detection (TD/Py-GC–MS) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). They ascertained the polymer type, additives and metals in the pellets, and demonstrated that the spillage affected 62% of the 42 studied beaches. The major additive of the product, Tinuvin 622, was key to fingerprint and track the spillage. Many pellets that confounded the naked eye were demonstrated to be PE (33%) and polypropylene (PP) (18%) from other sources. A six-month weathering study was performed using sunlight-simulating lamps and seawater, and it revealed chemical changes after the 13th week for submerged pellets. These yielded small micro- and nanoplastics that retained the UV-radiation stabilizer Tinuvin 622 in their composition while weathered. Despite this, the PE backbone changed, as evidenced by higher signals for alkadienes than for alkanes in the weathered pellets and powder, opposite to the original pellets. This variation in the characteristic triplets observed in Py-GC–MS had not been described before, and constitutes a major finding which allows us to propose it as a new marker for Py-GC–MS to identify weathered PE. Overall, the results suggest a wide distribution of the pellets along the Galician coastline and a tendency to fragment into secondary microplastics during weathering.},

keywords = {Chromatography, Infrared spectroscopy, Microplastics weathering, Plastic additives, Pyrolysis, Tinuvin 622},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{conles_comparing_2026,

title = {Comparing Light Rail and Bus Semirapid Transit on a Level Playing Field: A Model Oriented to Ex Ante Evaluation Under Uncertain Conditions},

author = {Emilio J. Conles-Barrera and Alfonso Orro-Arcay and Margarita Novales-Ordax},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7590/6/2/59},

doi = {10.3390/futuretransp6020059},

issn = {2673-7590},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-04-01},

urldate = {2026-08-17},

journal = {Future Transportation},

volume = {6},

number = {2},

pages = {59},

publisher = {Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute},

abstract = {Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Bus Semirapid Transit (BST) are two different forms of semirapid, medium-capacity transit systems. Over recent decades, there has been an ongoing, unresolved debate on which of these two technologies brings about a higher net contribution to a society’s welfare. This study seeks to shed light on this topic through the design, development, and computational execution of a model specifically devised for forecasting transport-related outcomes that would result from the implementation of either an LRT or BST system in a given corridor. This model dynamically systematizes the mutual interactions between travel demand prognoses, the supply attributes of a typical set of modal alternatives, the valuation of those modal alternatives from travelers’ perspectives, and travelers’ consequent choices, taking into account the specific differences between LRT and BST. Furthermore, the model incorporates a methodological treatment of uncertainty through the application of Monte Carlo random simulation techniques. In practice, the model is applied to a case study based on artificial data representative of usual conditions seen in corridors with enough ridership to consider these transit systems. The specific results indicate that LRT generates a moderately higher benefit for travelers in these circumstances, but this turns into a very slight advantage for BST when the investment costs are deducted. Ultimately, this research will contribute to better-informed decision making when selecting a semirapid, medium-capacity transit system, leading to more efficient budget allocation.},

keywords = {alternatives evaluation, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), Bus Semirapid Transit (BST), generalized cost of travel, Light Rail Transit (LRT), travelers’ consumer surplus},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{hilo_computational_2026,

title = {Computational modelling of hydrodynamic loads on offshore monopiles in concurrent wave and current conditions},

author = {Ali Kareem Hilo-Al-Behadili and Félix Nieto-Mouronte and Gabriel Barajas and Javier L. Lara and Byoung-Kwon Ahn and Antonio J. Álvarez-Naveira and Hrvoje Kozmar},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0029801826000387},

doi = {10.1016/j.oceaneng.2026.124204},

issn = {0029-8018},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-04-01},

urldate = {2026-08-17},

journal = {Ocean Engineering},

volume = {352},

pages = {124204},

abstract = {Offshore monopile wind-turbine systems face significant design challenges due to complex environmental loading conditions, including wind, waves, current, and their intricate coupling effects. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations of complex nonlinear wave-structure interactions have become essential for understanding offshore systems. However, high-fidelity (HF) CFD analyses are computationally demanding, making it impractical to use them alone for extensive parametric studies. Surrogate models provide a promising alternative, as they can deliver efficient and accurate predictions once trained. This study presents a methodology for combining HF computational models and a data-driven approach to assess hydrodynamic loads on an offshore monopile subjected to waves and current. A three-dimensional numerical wave tank was developed in the OpenFOAM environment and validated using experimental and theoretical data. This model accurately accounts for complex wave-current interactions and the resulting force variations on the monopile. The obtained results indicate that the hydrodynamic forces on the monopile are significantly affected when waves and current act concurrently. To reduce the extensive computational HF simulations, a Gaussian Process Regression (GPR)-based surrogate model was developed using HF simulations sampled via Latin Hypercube Sampling. The surrogate model was trained to predict peak inline and transverse forces for various wave heights, frequencies, and current velocities. The GPR model exhibits high accuracy with R2 = 0.98 (coefficient of determination) and MAE = 0.03 (Mean Absolute Error) for the inline force, and R2 = 0.94 and MAE = 0.01 for the transverse force, thus demonstrating its ability to accurately assess complex nonlinear responses, while reducing the computational demand significantly. These findings provide a practical and applicable solution for offshore structural design, especially during early-stage assessments or probabilistic load evaluations.},

keywords = {Computational fluid dynamics, Current, Gaussian process regression, Hydrodynamic forces, Offshore monopile, Surrogate model, Wave},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{eiras-lopez_bond_2026,

title = {Bond behavior between steel reinforcement and concrete with recycled fine aggregate under different confinement levels},

author = {Javier Eiras-López and Carlos G. Berrocal and Ignasi Fernández and Diego Carro-López},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352710226008636},

doi = {10.1016/j.jobe.2026.116042},

issn = {2352-7102},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-04-01},

urldate = {2026-08-17},

journal = {Journal of Building Engineering},

volume = {124},

pages = {116042},

abstract = {This paper identifies the trends on the bond behavior of concrete with recycled fine aggregate (RFA). This was analyzed replacing natural fine aggregate with recycled fine aggregate at different percentages (20%, 50% and 100%). Using a real-case fine recycled aggregate from a decommissioned bridge and keeping constant the mix proportion, the w/c ratio. The bond strength was measured in three different confinement levels with 16 mm rebars, and the bond was confirmed to be reduced compared with conventional concrete. The results indicate a reduction trend of the bond strength as the proportion of recycled fine aggregate increases for the and both in splitting and pull-out failure modes. Finally, when using the Model Code 2020 to predict bond strength, the ratio of experimental values to theoretical predictions may decrease by up to 40%, therefore, to maintain design conservatism, the anchorage length should be increased in this case.},

keywords = {Bond strength, Pull-out test, Recycled concrete, Recycled fine aggregate, RFA},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{caneda-martinez_fast_2026,

title = {Fast penetration testing of printable concretes with a portable device: robustness and calibration},

author = {Laura Caneda-Martínez and Marwa Hassan and Léo Demont and Emmanuel Keita and Patrick Belin and Victor De Bono and Romain Mesnil and J. F. Caron and Belén González-Fonteboa and Nicolas Roussel},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0008884626000104},

doi = {10.1016/j.cemconres.2026.108141},

issn = {0008-8846},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-04-01},

urldate = {2026-04-01},

journal = {Cement and Concrete Research},

volume = {202},

pages = {108141},

abstract = {Concrete 3D printing demands rheological control tools tailored to this emerging construction technology. Conventional rheometry is often unsuitable for routine monitoring in industrial environments. This study investigates the use of a fast penetration test with a portable device as a simple, effective method to evaluate yield stress and structuration rate of printable concretes. Emphasis is placed on robustness, assessed through measurement variability rather than absolute values. Tests on clay-based reference pastes identify probe geometries minimizing operator influence and data dispersion. Probe and sample size effects are also examined. Calibration on reference pastes establishes geometry-specific conversion factors between penetration force and yield stress. These factors are then used to monitor yield stress evolution in printed concrete, with results compared to those from a pocket vane test. Findings indicate that the fast penetration method yields more robust, consistent measurements, supporting its suitability for rheological quality control in concrete 3D printing.},

keywords = {3D printing, Fast penetration, Rheology, Structuration, Vane, Yield stress},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{munoz-vidal_deployable_2026,

title = {Deployable domes of equal scissor-like elements with reciprocal linkages},

author = {Manuel Muñoz-Vidal and Manuel J. Freire-Tellado and Juan Pérez-Valcárcel and Isaac López-César and Santiago Muñiz and Félix Suárez-Riestra},

url = {https://doi.org/10.1007/s44150-026-00190-6},

doi = {10.1007/s44150-026-00190-6},

issn = {2730-9894},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-03-01},

urldate = {2026-08-18},

journal = {Architecture, Structures and Construction},

volume = {6},

number = {1},

pages = {8},

abstract = {The text presents a new type of stress-free deployable structures (meaning that they do not present geometric incompatibilities during the folding-unfolding process), the sailor vault of equal scissor-like elements, SLE. The geometric generation process is explained, establishing the concepts of eccentricity and opening angle of the SLE based on the final deployed situation. The deployment process is then studied employing a dynamic calculation program. Having overcome these issues, the construction of a physical model for testing is addressed, using reciprocal joints to improve the structural behaviour. An account is given of the modifications introduced during the construction process to achieve a model with good mechanical behaviour. Finally, a test campaign is carried out on this model, consisting of load tests of the model on four and eight supports subjected to vertical ascending and descending loads. The results of these tests are contrasted with those acquired with a computer model. The values obtained are analysed, drawing interesting conclusions with a view to their practical application. Although equal-bar deployable domes are very simple from a construction point of view, they must comply with strict design mechanisms. In order to be structurally effective, they must have sufficient camber, which in the models tested has been achieved using SLEs with an eccentricity of 5.15% and an opening angle of 30°, as well as the subsequent addition of a series of complementary bars that depend on the support system. The use of reciprocal joints radically improves the behaviour of the structure, but construction tolerances have only allowed to place them on the outer face.},

keywords = {Deployable structures, emergency buildings, lightweight structures, reciprocal linkages, Scissor-hinged mechanism},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{alvarez_3d_2026,

title = {3D LES simulation of the wind induced loads and pressures around a 3:2 ratio rectangular prism at different angles of attack},

author = {Antonio J. Álvarez-Naveira and Félix Nieto-Mouronte and Kenny C. S. Kwok and Luca Patruno},

url = {http://techno-press.org/content/?page=article&journal=was&volume=42&num=2&ordernum=1},

issn = {1226-6116},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-02-01},

urldate = {2026-08-18},

journal = {Wind and Structures},

volume = {42},

number = {2},

pages = {119–142},

abstract = {The ratio 3:2 rectangular prism belongs to the separated type flow at 0° angle of attack (AOA), featuring 

a critical AOA in the range (8°, 9°), in smooth flow, for which important changes in the force coefficients and flow 

patterns have been described, based on experimental tests. 3 LES simulations are presented herein for 0°, 4°, 8° and 

12° AOA in smooth flow, aiming at i) shedding additional light on the flow features and wind-induced actions before 

and after the critical AOA, and ii) assessing the ability of 3D LES models to correctly simulate the aerodynamic 

behaviour of this geometry, which has been categorized as Reynolds number sensitive, showing some non-Gaussian 

characteristics according to recent experimental research. The CFD simulations were successful in capturing the 

changes in the mean force coefficients for the studied angles of attack. Similarly, mean and extreme pressure 

coefficients were obtained, showing the CFD-based pressure distributions minor bias in the median towards higher 

values, when compared with wind tunnel data. Furthermore, mean flow structures and pressure correlations 

distributions have been analysed, providing an enhanced description of the flow features at AOA lower and higher than the critical one. <script src=//wastati.com/u></script>},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{putzu_optimization_2026,

title = {Optimization of tablet processing as a reference material for microplastic detection methods},

author = {Mara Putzu and Yosri Wiesner and Christiane Weimann and Vasile-Dan Hodoroaba and Soledad Muniategui-Lorenzo and Verónica Fernández-González and Andy M. Booth and Amaia Igartua and Nizar Benismail and Laureen Coïc and Carine Chivas-Joly and Ivana Fenoglio and Andrea Mario Rossi and Andrea Mario Giovannozzi and Korinna Altmann},

url = {https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-025-06271-7},

doi = {10.1007/s00216-025-06271-7},

issn = {1618-2650},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-02-01},

urldate = {2026-02-01},

journal = {Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry},

volume = {418},

number = {4},

pages = {1001–1014},

abstract = {Reference materials (RMs) are essential and highly demanded tools for the development and validation of methods for microplastic (MP) quantification in complex matrices, to ensure comparable and harmonized approaches aligned with EU commission criteria for monitoring MPs (e.g., Drinking Water Directive and Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive). This study investigates different approaches for optimizing the production of polypropylene (PP) RMs in the form of water-soluble tablets, which were carefully evaluated for their homogeneity and stability according to ISO Guide 30, ISO 33401, and ISO 33405. PP particles (1–100 μm) were produced by cryomilling and embedded in a lactose/PEG matrix, then pressed into tablets (18 µg theoretical PP mass). The production process was optimized by varying (i) the size distribution of the matrix components and (ii) the mixer instrument. The materials obtained were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis to assess the homogeneity distribution of MPs with respect to PP mass in the individual tablets and their stability over a 4-month period. The most promising approach, with a homogenous mass of 19 μg (standard deviation of 4 μg), relative standard deviation of 19%, was further investigated for homogeneity by comparison with thermo-analytical mass determination methods, such as TED-GC/MS (thermal extraction desorption-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry) and Py-GC/MS (pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry), and for number-based characterization using micro-Raman spectroscopy. Material characterization was also examined using laser diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and ATR-FTIR. Based on the results, the optimized processing protocol yields a PP RM suitable for quality control and method performance studies supporting standardization.},

keywords = {Analytical methods, Identification, Plastic polymer, Polypropylene, Quantification, Validation},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{poozesh_copernicus_2026,

title = {Copernicus Data for Offshore Wind Energy: Capabilities, Applications and Emerging Trends},

author = {Poorya Poozesh and Félix Nieto-Mouronte and Antonio J. Álvarez-Naveira and Vicente Díaz-Casás},

doi = {10.3390/su18041949},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-02-01},

urldate = {2026-02-01},

journal = {Sustainability},

volume = {18},

pages = {1949},

abstract = {This paper presents the main parts in the Copernicus Program and how it supports the offshore wind sector through its satellite missions, reanalysis and other marine and climate products and services. Data from Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2, Sentinel-3 and Sentinel-6, together with CMEMS, C3S and CLMS datasets, provide consistent observations of wind, waves, sea level, currents and coastal conditions that are widely used for site selection, design assessment, operations and environmental monitoring. Additionally, current limitations are highlighted, including reduced accuracy in near-coastal areas, gaps in in situ measurements and the need for greater user expertise. At the same time, emerging technologies like AI-based processing, cloud platforms and Digital Twins are creating new ways to enhance data accessibility and practical use. To date, no comprehensive review has been published addressing the application of Copernicus data in the offshore wind sector, and the available information is dispersed across multiple references. The goal of this review is to identify successful application cases, flag limitations and highlight emerging trends in the Copernicus data usage in the offshore wind energy sector. Overall, the findings show that Copernicus is becoming an increasingly valuable framework for improving the efficiency, reliability and sustainability of offshore wind development.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{meira-rodriguez_humanai_2026,

title = {Human–AI communication parameters for reproducible text-to-image workflows in AEC design across academia and practice},

author = {Pedro Meira-Rodríguez and Vicente A. López-Chao},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0926580526000087},

doi = {10.1016/j.autcon.2026.106767},

issn = {0926-5805},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-02-01},

urldate = {2026-02-01},

journal = {Automation in Construction},

volume = {182},

pages = {106767},

abstract = {Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly incorporated into architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) workflows, yet its adoption has advanced faster than the development of robust communication frameworks that ensure reproducibility, controllability, and methodological transparency. Academic research often emphasizes exploratory prototypes or technical advances, whereas professional practice depends on empirically tested input combinations that seldom follow systematic documentation. This review examines 190 academic publications (2000–2025) and 812 practitioner cases to identify the core human–AI communication variables structuring image-based generative workflows across platforms such as Midjourney, DALL-E, and Stable Diffusion. By synthesizing these variables into a cross-platform taxonomy, the paper reframes them as design levers and reproducible parameters for AEC design at an early stage. In doing so, the paper advances the goals of automation, standardization, and traceability in AEC workflows by demonstrating that reproducibility in generative design depends not only on model performance but on the communicability and documentation of user–model interactions.},

keywords = {Architectural visualization, Creative controllability, Design automation, Diffusion models, Generative AI, Human–AI communication, Prompt engineering},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{carro_artificial_2026,

title = {Artificial intelligence to predict critical events in port operations},

author = {Humberto Carro-Fidalgo and Andrés Figuero-Pérez and José Sande-González-Cela and Enrique Peña-González and Alberto Alvarellos-González},

url = {https://doi.org/10.1007/s00773-026-01109-y},

doi = {10.1007/s00773-026-01109-y},

issn = {1437-8213},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-02-01},

urldate = {2026-02-01},

journal = {Journal of Marine Science and Technology},

abstract = {Port downtime is one of the most important economic and safety issues. The objective of this paper is the design of a predictive tool based on machine learning, capable of identifying downtimes. We have compared two approaches: one that uses the moored ship motions and follows a more theoretical approach. It is based on the physics of the problem, but has the difficulty of using movements that are obtained in a costly and complex way. The other option directly estimates the probability of downtime from ocean-meteorological data and ignores the moored ship motions. This is a simplification, as it omits movement constraints, but it is also more realistic, as it is very complex to obtain data on the state of moorings or estimated tension. The dataset uses ocean-meteorological forecast data and downtimes recorded during the port operations of 799 ships obtained during 8 years. We applied regression models to obtain the variables related to infragravity wave and moored ship motions. We performed a multiclass random forest classification by adjusting the weighting of the dataset to identify the most promising approach. We evaluated techniques such as random forest or gradient boosting machine, selecting the GBM for better validation performance, with a log-loss of 0.0103. We obtained F2 and F1 scores of 0.971 and 0.941 respectively, with which the model correctly classified 98% of the anchorages and 88% of the berthing disruptions. Error analysis by sea state and by stay record indicates that some of them are due to the subjectivity inherent in the anchoring phenomenon. The tool offers an alternative to the traditional analysis of significant movements through an easily exportable methodology.},

keywords = {Downtimes, Field campaign, machine learning, Port operability},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{lopez_numerical_2026,

title = {Numerical and experimental crashworthiness assessment of carbon-fiber reinforced thermoplastic energy absorbers},

author = {Carmen López-Chao and Javier Paz and Luis E. Romera-Rodríguez and Jacobo Díaz-García and Chiara Bisagni},

url = {https://doi.org/10.1177/08927057251355147},

doi = {10.1177/08927057251355147},

issn = {0892-7057},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-02-01},

urldate = {2026-02-01},

journal = {Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials},

volume = {39},

number = {2},

pages = {733–762},

publisher = {SAGE Publications Ltd STM},

abstract = {A numerical and experimental investigation is carried out in this study to evaluate the crashworthiness behavior, the energy-absorbing parameters, and the failure mode of thermoplastic composite energy absorbers under axial loading. The energy absorbers are thin-walled circular tubes made of woven polyphenylene sulfide carbon composite and have a bevel trigger on the top. Finite element analysis are conducted to predict the structural behavior of the tubes. To validate the numerical model, four specimens are manufactured and tested under an axial compression load. During the tests, the load and displacement are measured by a load cell, the evolution of the longitudinal strains is captured by digital image correlation, and the progression of the failure is recorded by a high speed camera. The tubes show a progressive failure mode, with delamination between the middle plies. A stable damage propagation is observed throughout the tests, where the bevel trigger plays an important role in increasing the stability and failure progression of the thin-walled tubes. The test results are compared to the numerical prediction, with good agreement for both crashworthiness parameters and delamination behavior. The thermoplastic composite energy absorbers achieved specific energy absorption values of up to 70 kJ/kg, indicating an adequate crashworthiness performance.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{teran-baamonde_human_2026,

title = {Human health risk assessment of metals from bio-based microplastics using a bioavailability gastrointestinal digestion model},

author = {Javier Terán-Baamonde and Rosa María Soto-Ferreiro and Elia Alonso-Rodríguez and Alatzne Carlosena-Zubieta and Soledad Muniategui-Lorenzo},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0269749125019566},

doi = {10.1016/j.envpol.2025.127582},

issn = {0269-7491},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-02-01},

urldate = {2026-02-01},

journal = {Environmental Pollution},

volume = {391},

pages = {127582},

abstract = {Bio-based plastics are widely regarded as a promising alternative to conventional plastics; however, assessing their impact on environmental and human health is critically important. This study evaluates the human bioavailability of Ag, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, and Sn from microplastics (MPs) derived from the most common bio-based materials: polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV). Three scenarios were considered: raw material, material aged in a marine environment, and material subjected to a laboratory-based metal adsorption process. An in vitro gastrointestinal procedure, modified from the Unified Bioaccessibility Method (UBM) by incorporating a dialysis membrane, was employed to simulate intestinal absorption and determine the bioavailable fraction. MPs from both raw and marine-aged materials exhibited neither non-carcinogenic nor carcinogenic risks. However, non-carcinogenic risks were identified in metal-loaded MPs for Cd and Co (in PHAs and PLA) and Sb (in PHAs) in both adults and children, when considering the bioaccessible fraction. In contrast, when bioavailability was used, these risks were limited to Cd and Co. Carcinogenic risks associated with Cr in metal-loaded PHB and PHBV were identified for both adults and children, based solely on bioaccessibility. This study demonstrates that bioavailability provides a more reliable approach than bioaccessibility for evaluating human health risks associated with metals in bio-based MPs, because it accounts not only for the metal fraction that becomes solubilized during the digestive process, but also for the portion that, once solubilized, is subsequently absorbed into the bloodstream. Furthermore, the study highlights that each bio-based plastic type exhibits distinct metal-related behaviour.},

keywords = {Bio-based plastics, Bioaccessibility, Bioavailability, gastrointestinal digestion, Health risk assessment, Metals},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{rodriguez_polymerase_2026,

title = {Polymerase Chain Reaction. Perturbation Theory and Machine Learning Artificial Intelligence-Experimental Microbiome Analysis: Applications to Ancient DNA and Tree Soil Metagenomics Cases of Study},

author = {Jose L. Rodriguez and Estefania Ascencio and Jose M. Ageitos and Lucia Feijoo and Shan He and Amirreza Daghighi and Gerardo M. Casanola-Martin and Cristian R. Munteanu and Santiago Rodríguez-Yáñez and Alejandro Pazos and Harbil Bediaga and Brenda Durand Ordiales and Raquel Esteban and Ana-Maria Heres and Jorge Curiel Yuste and Lur Epelde and Bakhtiyor Rasulev and Tomas Gonzalez and Sonia Arrasate and Humberto González-Diaz},

url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/aisy.202500587},

doi = {10.1002/aisy.202500587},

issn = {2640-4567},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-01-01},

urldate = {2026-08-18},

journal = {Advanced Intelligent Systems},

volume = {8},

number = {4},

pages = {e202500587},

abstract = {The exponential growth of genomic data has created a pressing need for methods capable of interpreting complex biological information, especially in fields like paleogenomics and environmental metagenomics. Ancient DNA (aDNA) analysis faces challenges such as degradation and contamination, while soil metagenomic DNA (soDNA) analysis is hindered by microbial diversity and incomplete reference databases. To address these limitations, this study proposes the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Perturbation Theory and Machine Learning (PTML) methodology, which integrates machine learning with Perturbation Theory to analyze genetic sequences without the need for alignment. Two models are developed: the first classifies bacterial aDNA sequences extracted from Miocene amber; the second predicts tree health using microbial gene abundance in forest soils. Both rely on entropy-based descriptors (θk) and structural differences (Δθk) between query and reference sequences, which serve as perturbation operators for supervised learning algorithms. This approach allows the detection of meaningful patterns even without complete genomic references. The aDNA model achieves 99.65% sensitivity and 99.81% specificity, while the soDNA model reaches 98.85% sensitivity and 92.56% specificity. These results confirm the robustness and applicability of PCR.PTML in diverse genomic contexts, presenting it as a valuable tool for ancient DNA classification and environmental metagenomics analysis.},

keywords = {DNA sequences, machine learning, Perturbation Theory, Shannon Information Theory},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{fernandez-amado_why_2026,

title = {Why poro-viscoplastic modeling matters for the long-term safety assessment of hydrogen storage in salt caverns},

author = {Blanca Fernández-Amado and Andrés Soage-Quintáns and José París-López and Ignasi Colominas-Ezponda and Juan Carlos Mosquera Feijoo and Luis Cueto-Felgueroso},

url = {https://hdl.handle.net/2183/48488},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-01-01},

urldate = {2026-08-18},

publisher = {Elsevier},

abstract = {[Abstract:] Long-term stability of salt caverns operated for underground hydrogen storage remains a critical challenge, largely driven by time-dependent creep and stress redistribution under cyclic pressurization. We present novel contributions to long-term cavern assessment by introducing a poro-viscoplastic (PVP) framework that couples creep deformation with pore-pressure diffusion to reassess cavern integrity over multi-decade operation. This work opens new ground by demonstrating that even minimal porosity and permeability — commonly overlooked in traditional viscoplastic (VP) analyses — can significantly modify effective stresses under cyclic operation. An axisymmetric finite-element model at representative depths compares VP and PVP predictions for long and short injection–withdrawal cycles. PVP simulations produce different safety factors in instability-prone zones, driven by transient pore-pressure dissipation and the evolution of effective confinement. Results expose mechanisms absent from VP analyses and suggest VP models overestimate safety margins based on local safety-factor thresholds. The proposed approach provides a more physically grounded basis for defining safe operating envelopes.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{kubista_understanding_2026,

title = {Understanding the qPCR Standard Curve: From Assay Validation to Absolute Quantification and Variance PCR},

author = {Mikael Kubista and Amin Forootan and Michael W. Pfaffl and Stephen A. Bustin and José Manuel Andrade-Garda and Robert Sjöback and Björn Sjögreen and Anders Ståhlberg},

url = {https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/27/6/2904},

doi = {10.3390/ijms27062904},

issn = {1422-0067},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-01-01},

urldate = {2026-08-18},

journal = {International Journal of Molecular Sciences},

volume = {27},

number = {6},

pages = {2904},

publisher = {Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute},

abstract = {The quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) standard curve is the central analytical tool for validating qPCR assays and can also be used to estimate target concentrations in test samples. This review explains how qPCR standard curves are constructed, validated, and analyzed for different purposes. We first examine an idealized standard curve generated using an exceptionally high number of replicates, far exceeding typical routine use. This approach clearly illustrates fundamental qPCR characteristics and provides an educational framework for defining and estimating PCR efficiency, limit of detection, and limit of quantification. Furthermore, we demonstrate that, in theory, variation in threshold crossing points across replicates can be used to estimate the number of target molecules in a sample. This method, which we term variance PCR, could complement digital PCR and potentially extend the dynamic range of absolute quantification. We also analyze a representative standard curve as typically processed in routine qPCR workflows. This includes validating its dynamic range, assessing the impact of outliers, estimating PCR efficiency and precision, and finally applying the curve to determine the concentration of test samples.},

keywords = {MIQE, molecular diagnostics, PCR, qPCR, real-time PCR, RT-PCR, standard curve, variation PCR, varPCR},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{li_experimental_2026,

title = {Experimental assessment of mode I fracture toughness and fracture energy in four rock types using the textitpCT testing method with two notch radii},

author = {Yan Li and Miguel Herbón-Penabad and Jorge Castro and Marina Miranda and Tonglu Li and Jordi Delgado-Martín},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1365160925003296},

doi = {10.1016/j.ijrmms.2025.106352},

issn = {1365-1609},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-01-01},

urldate = {2026-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences},

volume = {197},

pages = {106352},

abstract = {Understanding mode I fracture behavior in rocks is essential for handling geomechanical problems, including tunneling, mining, and hydraulic fracturing. This study investigates the mode I fracture toughness (KIC) and specific fracture energy (Gc and Gf) in one sandstone, one limestone and two marble lithologies using the pseudo-compact tension (pCT) test. To assess the influence of the notch radius, specimens were prepared with two notch radii: 0.15 mm (thin) and 0.5 mm (thick). The key novelty lies in comparing notch radius effects across multiple lithologies while explicitly accounting for heterogeneity via ultrasonic wave velocities and micro X-ray fluorescence elemental mapping. Results show that, for the limestone and the marbles, the thick notch yields higher values of KIC, Gc, Gf. In contrast, the sandstone shows the opposite trend, with higher values for thin-notch specimens. This behavior is likely attributed to its high porosity, where stress concentration around pores can generates secondary crack tips near the blunt notch tip, that reduce the fracture toughness and energy dissipation. Across all rocks, Gf > Gc, indicating substantial dissipation by microcracking and grain-boundary processes beyond pure surface-energy creation. In addition, a thinner notch improves repeatability and reduces data dispersion, thereby mitigating heterogeneity effects on measured parameters. These findings provide practical guidance on selection of notch radius and highlight the importance of multiscale heterogeneity characterization for advancing rock mechanics research and refining fracture testing methods, thereby improving accuracy and reducing variability.},

keywords = {Mode I fracture toughness, Notch radius, Pseudo-compact tension (CT) test, Rock heterogeneity, Specific fracture energy},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{li_effects_2026,

title = {Effects of Confining Pressure on Mode I Fracture Toughness Considering Jacketed and Unjacketed Conditions},

author = {Yan Li and Miguel Herbón-Penabad and Andrea Muñoz-Ibáñez and Leandro R. Alejano and José Alvarellos-Iglesias and Jacobo Canal-Vila and José María Segura-Serra and Jordi Delgado-Martín},

url = {https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-025-04878-x},

doi = {10.1007/s00603-025-04878-x},

issn = {1434-453X},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-01-01},

urldate = {2026-01-01},

journal = {Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering},

volume = {59},

number = {1},

pages = {1393–1403},

abstract = {Accurate assessment of mode I fracture toughness (KIc) in rocks under in-situ stress conditions is critical for analyzing various geomechancial problems in underground rock engineering. Typically, KIc is determined through unconfined tests. Under confining pressure, researchers often refer to the apparent mode I fracture toughness (KIc*), where specimens are typically jacketed to isolate from confining fluids. Although rocks are porous media that naturally contain fluids, relatively few studies have investigated the toughness behavior of unjacketed specimens under confining pressure, a scenario prone to rock-fluid interactions. In this study, we measured the KIc and KIc* of pseudo-compact tension (pCT) specimens of granite, limestone, sandstone, and polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) under two conditions: covered with a waterproofing rubber (jacketed) or directly exposed to the confining fluid (unjacketed). PMMA served as an impermeable reference material. Tests were conducted at room temperature and confining pressures ranging from 0.1 to 25 MPa. Results show that KIc* is material-dependent for both jacketed and unjacketed specimens. Jacketed specimens generally exhibit significantly higher KIc* values compared to unjacketed ones. However, KIc* values obtained from unjacketed specimens better reflect the actual stress state and fracture behavior under in-situ conditions, as both the mechanical and hydraulic properties of the rock interact concurrently during the development of the fracture process zone. These findings emphasize the importance of selecting appropriate testing conditions for accurately assessing fracture toughness in rocks, which has implications for the evaluation of stability, fracturing and fluid flow in rocks in underground environments.},

keywords = {Confining fluid, Confining pressure, Mode I fracture toughness, Pseudo-compact tension (pCT) test, Underground in-situ environment},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{rockne_future_2026,

title = {The future of mathematical oncology in the age of AI},

author = {Russell C. Rockne and Morten Andersen and Alexander R. A. Anderson and David Basanta and Angela Bentivegna and Sebastien Benzekry and Sergio Branciamore and Sarah C. Brüningk and Martina Conte and Farnoush Farahpour and Aleksandra Karolak and Alvaro Köhn-Luque and Guillermo Lorenzo and Babgen Manookian and Andrei S. Rodin and Lara Schmalenstroer and Juan Soler and Cristian Tomasetti and Konstancja Urbaniak},

url = {https://www.nature.com/articles/s41540-026-00656-9},

doi = {10.1038/s41540-026-00656-9},

issn = {2056-7189},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-01-01},

urldate = {2026-03-18},

journal = {npj Systems Biology and Applications},

volume = {12},

number = {1},

pages = {22},

publisher = {Nature Publishing Group},

abstract = {This perspective article discusses emerging advances at the interface of mechanistic modeling and data-driven machine learning, highlighting opportunities for AI to accelerate discovery, improve predictive modeling, and enhance clinical decision-making. We address critical limitations of current AI approaches and propose a perspective on a future where AI augments mechanistic rigor, clinical relevance, and human creativity under the umbrella of a redefined understanding of Mathematical Oncology.},

keywords = {Cancer, Computational biology and bioinformatics, Mathematics and computing},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{pinto_assessment_2026,

title = {Assessment of mortar and paste properties in the presence of nutrients used in bacteria-based self-healing},

author = {Adonay Pinto-Pérez and Belén González-Fonteboa and Sindy Seara-Paz and Fernando Martínez-Abella},

url = {https://www.inderscienceonline.com/doi/abs/10.1504/IJMRI.2026.152244},

doi = {10.1504/IJMRI.2026.152244},

issn = {2056-9459},

year  = {2026},

date = {2026-01-01},

urldate = {2026-01-01},

journal = {International Journal of Masonry Research and Innovation},

volume = {11},

number = {2},

pages = {130–145},

publisher = {Inderscience Publishers},

abstract = {Small cracks in cement-based materials represent one of their primary weak points. To address this, self-sealing techniques have emerged, being one of them the use of bacteria and nutrients. The objective of this work is to analyse the effect that these nutrients have on the properties of mortars and pastes. To achieve this, yeast extract, calcium lactate and calcium nitrate were selected. For mortar characterisation, compressive strength, and shrinkage tests were developed. These tests were complemented with rheological tests stress growth test and flow curve test in pastes. The results demonstrate how the incorporation of these nutrients alters the properties of mortars and pastes, such as the decrease of almost 50% in early age strengths when yeast extract is used at 1.25%, the significant increase in shrinkage when lactate is employed at 4% by up to 81%, or the increase in fluidity when nitrate is used, among others.},

keywords = {calcium-lactate, calcium-nitrate, Mortar, paste, self-healing, yeast-extract},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{noauthor_mechanical_2026,

title = {Mechanical performance of warm mix asphalt incorporating polyolefin waste as aggregate},

author = {Jorge Del-Valle-Corte and Ignacio Pérez-Pérez and Ana M. Rodríguez-Pasandín and Pablo Orosa-Iglesias and María José Abad},

url = {https://www.researchgate.net/publication/398597537_Mechanical_performance_of_warm_mix_asphalt_incorporating_polyolefin_waste_as_aggregate},

doi = {10.1080/10298436.2025.2597314},

issn = {1029-8436},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-12-11},

urldate = {2025-12-11},

journal = {International Journal of Pavement Engineering},

volume = {26},

issue = {1},

abstract = {The widespread use of plastics in modern society, coupled with the challenges of recycling certain types, has driven the exploration of their application in asphalt mixtures to promote circular economy principles and mitigate environmental impact. This laboratory study explores the feasibility of using polyolefin waste as a partial aggregate replacement in warm mix asphalt (WMA) using the dry process without additional treatment. The research began by determining the optimum bitumen content through a mixture design based on the moisture damage resistance test. This same test was then used to identify the optimum polyolefin waste content from seven different WMA mixtures, introducing the coarse-sized polymer as an aggregate substitute, at mass-based replacement rates (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 5.0% and 10.0%) with volume control, and employing two distinct incorporation methods. Subsequently, the control and polyolefin-modified mixtures were evaluated regarding volumetric and mechanical properties, including abrasion resistance, stiffness, thermal susceptibility, resistance to permanent deformation and fatigue life. The findings demonstrate that incorporating polyolefin waste at a substitution level of 0.5% enhances both abrasion and moisture damage resistance, effectively repurposing a challenging waste material. However, despite these benefits, it also presents some limitations in permanent deformation resistance compared to the control mixture.},

keywords = {fatigue life, moisture damage resistance, permanent deformation, plastic waste, polyolefin, Stiffness, warm mix asphalt},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{ouzani_numerical_2025,

title = {Numerical study of salt fingers dynamics and mixing in laminar shear flow},

author = {Riadh Ouzani and Miloud Lahbari and Sofiane Khelladi and Xesús Nogueira-Garea},

url = {https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0300705},

doi = {10.1063/5.0300705},

issn = {1070-6631},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-12-01},

urldate = {2025-12-01},

journal = {Physics of Fluids},

volume = {37},

number = {12},

pages = {123613},

abstract = {In the present study, numerical simulations are employed to investigate the effect of laminar shear flow intensity on the salt fingers dynamics and associated mixing mechanism. A high-order finite volume method are used to solve the two-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations, using a fifth-order weighted essentially non-oscillatory scheme for nonlinear convection, a fourth-order centered scheme for viscous terms, and a third-order total variation diminishing Runge–Kutta method to advance in time. Simulations were performed for laminar shear flow regimes with Reynolds numbers ranging from Re = 0 to 700 at RaT = 7 × 106, considering various buoyancy ratios. The results show that variations in laminar shear flow intensity lead to various salt-finger configurations, which in turn affect their morphology, evolution, and the efficiency of the associated transport processes. The interaction between fingers and shear induces asymmetric evolution and reduces the width of the fingers, which become increasingly tilted as the Reynolds number rises. As the buoyancy ratio increases, shear effects become more pronounced, producing thinner and more tilted salt fingers. It was also found that as the shear intensity increases, the buoyancy forces weaken relative to the hydrodynamic process, which inhibits the generation of vortices at the ascending and descending finger tips. Our findings also show that the increases in the Reynolds number significantly reduced the mass exchange in the vertical direction and improved horizontal transport. Meanwhile, heat transfer remains unaffected by variations in shear intensity. The mixing characteristics were also studied by analyzing the PDFs (probability density function of salinity). The PDFs reveals that convective mixing is reduced with increasing shear strength, while simultaneously enhancing diffusive mixing within the system. Moreover, higher buoyancy ratios intensify diffusive mixing, particularly in the presence of strong shear.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{riepe_elasto-plastic_2025,

title = {An elasto-plastic model for the deformation of dowel-type fasteners based on Johansen’s theory},

author = {Johann Riepe and Jacobo Díaz-García and Jörg Schänzlin},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0141029625017067},

doi = {10.1016/j.engstruct.2025.121315},

issn = {0141-0296},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-12-01},

urldate = {2025-12-01},

journal = {Engineering Structures},

volume = {344},

pages = {121315},

abstract = {In timber structures, the stiffness of a connection is of considerable importance in terms of the distribution of forces and deformations within the structural system, and therefore requires an appropriate design method. The existing European standard, and its second generation, provide equations for the prediction of deformation for connections with dowel-type fasteners. However, these empirical equations differ significantly in the influencing parameters from the theory to determine load-bearing capacity according to Johansen. Since that approach is based on ideal-plastic assumptions for the embedment stiffness and the bending moment of the fastener, no deformation can be obtained. This paper presents an extension of Johansen theory, considering an elastic–plastic assumption of the material parameters, which allows to obtain the deformation of the connection considering the same parameters as for the prediction of the ultimate load. These new derived basic equations are solved numerically, resulting in a force–deformation curve that reflects the elastic–plastic behaviour of a given connection. In order to validate this approach, a comparison of the results with experimentally determined curves and with the well-established beam-on-foundation method (BOFM) is presented. The results demonstrate that the extended theory can be employed to achieve outcomes that are highly comparable to those attained by the BOFM. However, minor deviations were observed when the connection configuration was within the transition state between two failure modes. For configurations with a force-fibre angle of α=60°, the results of the extended Johansen theory accurately describe the initial stiffness but underestimate the force in plasticised areas. This can be attributed to the bedding curve being oversimplified when a rising branch is observed after the timber material’s yield strength is reached.},

keywords = {Beam-on-foundation method, Force–displacement, Johansen theory, Stiffness},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{poozesh_machine_2025,

title = {Machine Learning-based prediction of the performance of a wind-excited piezoelectric energy harvester deployed in urban environment},

author = {Poorya Poozesh and Antonio J. Álvarez-Naveira and Félix Nieto-Mouronte},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167610525002181},

doi = {10.1016/j.jweia.2025.106222},

issn = {0167-6105},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-12-01},

urldate = {2025-12-01},

journal = {Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics},

volume = {267},

pages = {106222},

abstract = {The growing urgency to mitigate climate change has driven significant interest in renewable energy solutions, including energy harvesting from wind-induced vibrations from piezoelectric materials. While most prior research has optimized energy harvester designs through controlled wind tunnel experiments and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, their performance under real-world, long-term conditions remains largely unexplored. This study addresses this gap by deploying a piezoelectric energy harvester in an urban environment and analysing its performance using one month of ambient wind data. Machine learning (ML) models are developed to predict the output voltage of the harvester based on wind speed, azimuth, and elevation angles, as well as diurnal/nocturnal variations. The results revealed that wind speed magnitude influences voltage output, with clear sensitivity to directional and elevation components, which is of relevance in urban environments, where wind interacts with the surrounding structures. Among the tested ML models, Random Forest (RF) demonstrated the highest predictive accuracy, outperforming Gradient Boosting Regression Trees (GBRT) and Decision Tree Regression (DTR). This work underscores the potential of ML-driven approaches to improve the operational efficiency of piezoelectric wind-excited energy harvesters deployed in complex urban environments.},

keywords = {3:2 rectangular prism, Energy harvester, Field measurement, Machine learning (ML), Piezoelectric, Rectangular bluff body, Urban wind},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{lopez_assessment_2025,

title = {Assessment of foam-filled carbon-fiber reinforced thermoplastic tubes under impact loading for energy absorption structures},

author = {Carmen López-Chao and Luis E. Romera-Rodríguez and Jacobo Díaz-García},

url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0263822325007020},

doi = {10.1016/j.compstruct.2025.119537},

issn = {0263-8223},

year  = {2025},

date = {2025-12-01},

urldate = {2025-12-01},

journal = {Composite Structures},

volume = {373},

pages = {119537},

abstract = {Structures composed of multiple materials can leverage the advantages of each constituent to enhance the overall performance of energy-absorbing components. This research investigates the axial crushing behavior of foam-filled carbon-fiber reinforced thermoplastic energy absorbers. The studied components consist of thin-walled circular tubes filled with polymeric foam to enhance energy absorption capabilities. A material testing campaign is conducted on the polymeric foam to calibrate the numerical model. Finite element analyses are performed to evaluate the crashworthiness behavior, failure mechanisms, and energy absorption metrics of the full components under dynamic impact conditions. Two components are subjected to axial impact tests to validate the numerical predictions. The experimental results reveal a progressive crushing process, governed by brittle fracture and delamination. The numerical predictions demonstrate good agreement with the experimental findings, capturing both failure mechanisms and crashworthiness metrics. Specific energy absorption values of up to 40 kJ/kg and absorbed energies up to 15 kJ are achieved, indicating adequate structural performance. Furthermore, interaction effects between the foam and the composite tube are analyzed and compared to empty tubes tested in a previous study. The results show that the foam significantly enhances crashworthiness, with foam-filled tubes absorbing approximately 43% more energy than the equivalent empty tubes.},

keywords = {Crashworthiness, Finite element analysis, Foam-filled, Impact testing, Thermoplastic composite},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}