The Institute for Sustainability and Innovation in Structural Engineering
The Institute for Sustainability and Innovation in Structural Engineering (ISISE) is a research unit funded by the Portuguese Science Foundation (FCT), incorporating Universities of Coimbra and Minho as hosting institutions.
In 2025, ISISE was evaluated by FCT – the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology and graded EXCELLENT.
๐ ๐ก๐๐ช ๐ฃ๐๐ฃ๐๐ฅ ๐
๐ฒ Can microwave technology help develop stronger and more durable wood-polymer composites?
A new study published in the ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ๐ป๐ฎ๐น ๐ผ๐ณ ๐ ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฎ๐น๐ ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฐ๐ต ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ต๐ป๐ผ๐น๐ผ๐ด๐ explores the combination of ๐บ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐ and ๐ถ๐ป ๐๐ถ๐๐ ๐ฝ๐ผ๐น๐๐บ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป to enhance maritime pine properties.
The combined treatment improved dimensional stability and increased ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ป๐ด๐๐ต ๐ฏ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฏ% and ๐๐๐ถ๐ณ๐ณ๐ป๐ฒ๐๐ ๐ฏ๐ ๐ญ๐ฐ%, demonstrating its potential for ๐ต๐ถ๐ด๐ต-๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐บ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐ผ๐ฑ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐บ๐ฝ๐ผ๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐.
๐ ๐ง๐ถ๐๐น๐ฒ: Microstructural engineering of maritime pine by microwave pretreatment and in situ polymerization with methyl methacrylate to improve composite structure and performance
๐ ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ๐ป๐ฎ๐น: Journal of Materials Research and Technology
๐จโ๐ฌ Fernando Jรบnior Resende Mascarenhas, Rogรฉrio Manuel Santos Simรตes, Andrรฉ Luis Christoforo, Alfredo Manuel Pereira Geraldes Dias, Andrรฉ Eduardo Palos Cunha and Sergio Neves Monteiro.
๐ ๐๐ข๐: buff.ly/Ql1qdhn
#ISISE #ucoimbra #Dec #timberengineering #WoodComposites #MicrowaveTechnology #SustainableConstruction
๐ ๐ก๐๐ช ๐ฃ๐๐ฃ๐๐ฅ ๐
๐ณ Can microwave treatment improve wood durability without compromising its mechanical performance?
A new study published in ๐๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ป๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ฎ๐น ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป & ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ด๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป investigates the effects of ๐บ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐๐บ๐ฒ๐ป๐ on the biological durability and mechanical properties of Eucalyptus globulus heartwood.
The results show that microwave pretreatment can significantly enhance ๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐๐ฒ ๐๐ฝ๐๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฒ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ถ๐๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐๐ผ ๐ณ๐๐ป๐ด๐ฎ๐น ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐, while mild treatments preserve bending strength and stiffness, highlighting its potential for ๐๐๐๐๐ฎ๐ถ๐ป๐ฎ๐ฏ๐น๐ฒ ๐๐ถ๐บ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐ป๐๐๐ฟ๐๐ฐ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป.
๐ ๐ง๐ถ๐๐น๐ฒ: Influence of microwave treatment on fungal decay, preservative performance, and mechanical integrity of Eucalyptus globulus heartwood
๐ ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ๐ป๐ฎ๐น: International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation
๐จโ๐ฌ Fernando Jรบnior Resende Mascarenhas, Juarez Benigno Paes, Alfredo Manuel Pereira Geraldes Dias, Andrรฉ Luis Christoforo, Rogรฉrio Manuel Santos Simรตes, Flรกvia Maria Silva Brito, Glaucileide Ferreira and Rodolpho Stephan Santos Braga.
๐ ๐๐ข๐: buff.ly/StTXLoT
#ISISE #UCoimbra #DEC #TimberEngineering #WoodDurability #MicrowaveTechnology #SustainableConstruction
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๐ ๐๐ฆ๐๐ฆ๐ ๐ฎ๐ ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ป๐ถ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ฬ๐๐๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฒ!
Researchers from the ๐๐ฐ๐ผ๐๐๐๐ถ๐ฐ๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ฉ๐ถ๐ฏ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป๐ ๐๐น๐๐๐๐ฒ๐ฟ of ๐๐ฆ๐๐ฆ๐ โ University of Coimbra participated in ๐ง๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ป๐ถ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ฬ๐๐๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฎ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฒ, held in Granada, Spain, from ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐๐ผ ๐ฎ๐ฏ ๐ข๐ฐ๐๐ผ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐ฟ.
The congress brought together researchers, professionals and industry representatives, providing an excellent opportunity to exchange knowledge and discuss recent advances in acoustics and vibrations.
๐ฌ ISISE researchers presented work covering a wide range of topics:
๐น ๐๐๐ถ๐น๐ฑ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ฐ๐ผ๐๐๐๐ถ๐ฐ๐ โ Acoustic performance of modular floors, impact sound mitigation, and optimisation of ventilation systems considering acoustic, energy and indoor air quality requirements.
๐น ๐๐ฐ๐ผ๐๐๐๐ถ๐ฐ ๐ ๐ฒ๐๐ฎ๐บ๐ฎ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฎ๐น๐ โ Development and numerical modelling of acoustic metamaterials, resonant metastructures and Helmholtz resonators.
๐น ๐ฆ๐ผ๐๐ป๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ฝ๐ฒ๐ โ Soundscape analysis and its integration into conservation planning for natural areas and heritage sites.
๐น ๐ฉ๐ถ๐ฏ๐ฟ๐ผ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ผ๐๐๐๐ถ๐ฐ๐ โ Acoustic comfort in metro stations and prediction of railway traffic-induced vibrations.
๐ ISISE was well represented by Luis Godinho, Paulo Amado Mendes, Diogo Mateus, Andreia Pereira, Pedram Ayobi, Marco Ribera, Henrique Ferreira, Luciana Oliveira, Liliana Carvalho, Rocco Scarano and Dhanuskha Jayawardana.
Congratulations to all researchers for their contributions and for representing ISISE at this international scientific event!
#ISISE #ucoimbra #Dec #fctuc #AcousticsAndVibrations #tecniacustica2026 #buildingacoustics #acousticmetamaterials #soundscapes #vibroacoustics #research
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๐น ๐๐๐๐๐-๐๐ ๐๐ญ ๐๐ฅ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐
Researchers Rohola Rahnavard, Sandra Jordรฃo and Eliana Inca Cabrera, attended glasstec โ International Trade Fair 2026 in Dรผsseldorf, Germany, one of the leading international events for the #glassindustry.
๐๏ธ The participation in #glasstec2026 provided an opportunity to explore the latest developments in #structuralglass, #facade ๐ฌ๐ฒ๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐ฆ๐ฌ, ๐ ๐ฅ๐๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐ง๐ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐๐๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐๐๐ก๐ง๐จ๐ฅ๐จ๐ ๐ข๐๐ฌ, while engaging directly with manufacturers, engineering companies, testing organisations and other stakeholders from across the international glass and faรงade sector ๐ค to strengthen links between research and industry and exchange perspectives on current engineering challenges in structural glass and faรงade engineering.
#ISISE #SMCT #ucoimbra #Dec #fctuc #glasstec2026 #structuralglass #GlassEngineering #facadeengineering #buildingenvelope #glasstechnology #research #innovation #TechnologyTransfer
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๐จ ๐๐๐ฐ ๐ฉ๐๐ฉ๐๐ซ ๐ฉ๐ฎ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ฌ๐ก๐๐!
โ๏ธ This study investigates the ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ฅ ๐จ๐ฉ๐ญ๐ข๐ฆ๐ข๐ฌ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง of ๐๐จ๐ฅ๐-๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฆ๐๐ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐๐ฅ ๐ญ๐ซ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฌ-๐ ๐ข๐ซ๐๐๐ซ๐ฌ developed within the ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ modular construction system. By refining the truss geometry and connection details, the research explores solutions to improve ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ฅ ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ฆ๐๐ง๐๐, ๐ฆ๐๐ญ๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐๐ข๐๐ข๐๐ง๐๐ฒ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐ฌ๐ข๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐ข๐๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ. Numerical analyses and comparisons with conventional IPE beams demonstrate the potential of the optimised configurations for developing ๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ๐ฐ๐๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐ข๐๐ข๐๐ง๐ญ ๐ฆ๐จ๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐๐ซ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐๐ฅ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐๐ฌ.
๐ Design and structural performance optimization of a lipped-channel cold-formed steel truss-girder used in INNO3DJOINTS modular construction system
๐จโ๐ฌ Authors: Nemanja Milovanoviฤ, Rui Simรตes and Luรญs Simรตes da Silva
๐ Structures
๐ buff.ly/IPHdjBb
#ISISE #SMCT #ucoimbra #Dec #fctuc #inno3djoints #RFCS #ModularConstruction #coldformedsteel #steelstructures #StructuralOptimization #trussgirders #finiteelementanalysis #structuralengineering #research #innovation
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๐ Call for Expressions of Interest | MODULINK Research Opportunity
We are looking for a motivated researcher with an MSc degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related field to potentially join MODULINK โ Advanced Inter-Module Connections for High-Performance and Reconfigurable Steel Modular Buildings.
MODULINK is a research project focused on the development of a new generation of adjustable and reversible inter-module connections for steel modular construction, aiming to improve structural performance while facilitating manufacturing, assembly, accommodation of construction tolerances, future disassembly and reuse.
The research will combine several complementary areas, including:
โข development and optimisation of steel inter-module connection systems;
โข experimental testing and mechanical characterisation of connections;
โข detailed numerical/finite element modelling and model calibration;
โข development of simplified connection models for use in global structural analyses;
โข assessment of diaphragm behaviour and global structural response of modular buildings;
โข evaluation of floor vibration serviceability and structural dynamics;
โข development of practical recommendations for design, manufacturing, assembly and disassembly.
We are particularly interested in candidates with a strong interest in steel structures, computational mechanics, finite element modelling and/or experimental structural engineering. Previous experience in all these areas is not required.
The opportunity may be particularly suitable for someone interested in developing the research towards a PhD. Such an interest would be highly valued.
๐ฉ Interested in joining MODULINK?
Please submit your expression of interest through the following form: buff.ly/t0sA3N5
Please submit your interest before November 6th, 2026.
Please feel free to share this opportunity with MSc graduates or young researchers who may be interested.
#modulink #ResearchOpportunity #structuralengineering #civilengineering #steelstructures #ModularConstruction #finiteelementanalysis #experimentalmechanics #PhDOpportunity #research #engineering
Call for Interested Parties – MODULINK
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As part of the R&D project โ MODULINK โ Advanced Inter-Module Connections for High-Performance and Reconfigurable Steel Modular Buildingsโ, the recruitment of one (1) research grant is planned t...0 CommentsComment on Facebook
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