Active TCs (by clusters)

The Technical Committees are the heart of the scientific activity of the association. The main forum where RILEM members meet and exchange their expertise. RILEM TCs play a major role in furthering scientific knowledge.

WHAT IS A RILEM TC?

A group of international experts working together in a particular field in order to:

  • assemble and evaluate research data
  • harmonise testing methods
  • suggest new topics for research (this research not to be directly undertaken by RILEM TCs)

and to promote their conclusions by publishing recommendations, technical reports or state-of-the-art reports for test methods or construction practice.

Future TCs

We collect topics that are attracting interest and for which the creation of a new TC is being discussed. For each topic, a brief description is provided, which is open to additions based on the inputs by the interested researchers. To receive more information about the work in progress on a specific topic, to propose any addition to the topic description and to express your interest in participating to a new TC, please contact the reference person, if indicated or the RILEM General Secretariat (a.griffoin@rilem.org).

If you would like to propose a new topic, please contact the RILEM General Secretariat (a.griffoin@rilem.org).

  • TC TOPIC: Indoor Air Quality (Julie Hot) Rather than a refuge from air pollution, indoor environments contain a multitude of pollutants that we have to face over 80% of our time. Indoor air is an important vector of pathogens – cocktails of chemicals, particulates and bio-aerosols – which impact health, comfort and productivity. The sources of pollution are various, coming mainly from the building itself (materials, decorative products, furniture), outdoor, plants, animals or human activities. The health consequences of such exposure depend on the nature of the pollutants, the intensity and duration of exposure, as well as on genetic determinants and socio-economic factors. Moreover, the importance of reducing energy consumption, which has led to more insulated buildings with reduced “fresh” air volume, raises the question of the impact of increased airtightness on indoor air quality (IAQ). Similarly, the increasing use of materials with low environmental impact, such as bio- or geo-sourced materials and recycled-content materials, can lead to chemical emissions and microorganism proliferations on surfaces, thus negatively affecting IAQ. In a context where energy savings in buildings, eco-friendly materials and occupant well-being are of utmost importance, this RILEM TC will aim to compile information on IAQ from the point of view of materials/pollutants interaction and ventilation systems/pollutants interaction. Technologies to mitigate indoor air pollution, methods to assess indoor air pollution and emissions form materials will notably be discussed. 
  • TC TOPIC: World catalogue of masonry types, mechanical characterisation through on-field and laboratory testing and numerical modelling
  • TC TOPIC: Long-term performance and durability of masonry under a changing climate (Bahman Ghiassi)
  • TC TOPIC: Reuse of Brick Masonry for Circular Economy and Sustainability (Mohammad Kahangi) This Technical Committee (TC) aims to promote the reuse of bricks as a key strategy for advancing the circular economy in construction. The committee's work will incorporate several critical steps: Demolition and Recovery; Mortar Removal and Separation; Criteria for Salvageability; Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). This committee will aim to contribute to standardizing practices for brick reuse across Europe, promoting more sustainable construction practices.

Existing TCs

Role of the RILEM clusters

A RILEM TC is in direct connection with a RILEM Cluster. This body is entrusted with co-ordinating and monitoring RILEM TC activities, and to advise the RILEM Technical Activities Committee (TAC). This co-ordination is convened by Clusters conveners.

Cluster A. Cluster A : Material Processing and Characterization (Convener: Susan BERNAL LOPEZ)

Cluster B. Transport and Deterioration Mechanisms (Convener: Josee DUCHESNE)

Cluster C. Structural Performance and Design (Convener: Kei-ichi IMAMOTO)

Cluster D. Service Life and Environmental Impact Assessment (Convener: Anya VOLLPRACHT)

Cluster E. Masonry, Timber and Cultural Heritage (Convener: Arun MENON)

Cluster F. Bituminous Materials and Polymers (Convener: Eshan DAVE)