THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN
BUILDING, URBANISM AND SUSTAINABLE TERRITORIAL DEVELOPMENT –
URBAN-INCERC
2. Self-assessment report for the previous 4 years
2.1. Administrative structure diagram of the institution
NIRD URBAN-INCERC has a specific situation, since it exists under this name only since
the last part of 2009. According to the Romanian Government Decision 1398/18 November
2009 it was established the new institute „URBAN-INCERC” as THE NATIONAL
INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN BUILDING, URBANISM AND
SUSTAINABLE TERRITORIAL DEVELOPMENT – URBAN-INCERC.
This was done as a result of merging by fusion of the The National Institute for Research and
Development in Constructions and Economy of Constructions - INCERC, with The National
Institute for Research and Development in Urbanism and Territorial Development - URBANPROIECT and The National Center for Research, Development and Documenting for
Constructions, Architecture, Urbanism and Territorial Planning – CDCAS, which are
disolved. The R-D Institute URBAN-INCERC is a legal substitute of former entities
(INCERC, URBANPROIECT and CDCAS) concerning all rights and obligations.
Later on, based on Romanian Government Ordinance No. 16 of July 21, 2010, The National
Center for Seismic Risk Reduction-NCSSR (a project management and implementation unit
of a JICA Project in Romania) was merged within INCD URBAN-INCERC.
Thus, in the period 2008-2009 the activity was separately done in former institutes, and only
in 2010 the new structure was fully operational. In this respect, it is worth to mention that
each of the basic institutes and centers, i.e. INCERC, URBAN-PROIECT and CDCAS, and
later on also NCSRR represented prestigious brands of the Romanian R-D system, positively
evaluated and accredited by ANCS in 2007.
INCERC was founded in 1950, URBAN-PROIECT in 1950s, CDCAS in 1960 s, and only
NCSRR was a recent center, mainly under JICA Project financing.
On this background, the Romanian Government and MDRT decided to create NIRD
URBAN-INCERC as a dedicated to a special type of research, integrative of many domains,
since sustainable development requires this way of action, but according to national and EU
requirements. The general data of the the first page of ANCS-RPC site must be understood
after the presentation of legal constituency of URBAN-INCERC, within its organizational /
administrative structure diagram.
1
2.2. General activity report of the institution – Institute N.I.R.D. „URBAN-INCERC” as
a whole (maximum 5 pages)
The specific of research in constructions field and the place of N.I.R.D. „URBANINCERC”
Research in constructions shows certain peculiarities conferred by the fact that the final
product is achieved at a given location by bringing more products, activities, technologies and
environmental conditions and concerns on a case by case, the materials, components, parts or
whole bodies in interaction with the adjacent environment. Environment in Romania is highly
seismic and has a specific temperate continental climate. Construction field includes both
buildings and some other specific public works such as bridges, dams, special engineering
works (towers, industrial chimneys, tanks, utility works), which belong to transport,
respectively spatial planning and urban.
Due to the specific features shown, construction products are not included in market
regulations and trade sense and, due to peculiarities of their realization, in particular, should
be considered two parts, which are distinct, of the applicable market area covered products:
a) regulated area, of the construction products operating in the market, but the main
objective of monitoring products market is not meeting the essential requirements, but
requirements based on interpretative documents
b) regulated field of construction, involving design-implementation and post-use
constructions, for which there are also ways of monitoring for ensuring all the essential
requirements, subject to specific regulations to construction field
The REGULATION (EU) No 305/2011 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF
THE COUNCIL of 9 March 2011 laying down harmonised conditions for the marketing of
construction products and repealing Council Directive 89/106/EEC, Official Journal of the
European Union., 4.4.2011 has implications on the activitiy with materials producers and
gives rules for declaration of performance and CE marking, harmonised standards, European
Assessment Document, European Technical Assessment, classes of performance in relation
to the essential characteristics of construction products, obligation for Member States,
monitoring of notified bodies, procedure to deal at national level with construction products
presenting a risk.
The National Research - Development of Construction, Urban Planning and Sustainable
Territorial Development "URBAN-INCERC" is a part of national research-development
system, which consists of all establishments and institutions of public law and private law
legal person, which have in the object of activity the research and the development.
N.I.R.D. „URBAN-INCERC” is a national institute coordinated by MDRT, on its technical
field, and in coordination of MECTS-ANCS on research on specific aspects. In relation to the
MDRT, the institute is an important factor in national development strategy in the areas of
expertise and competence, making research on the subject matters of construction, equipment
and facilities, materials and technologies falling within the development strategy in the
construction sector from Romania. In Romania, the elaboration of technical regulations in
construction is coordinated by the Technical Department of Construction of the MDRT.
2
It is recognized the role of the scientific research in the elaboration of technical regulations in
construction and the direct involvement of research institutes in this activity, as in the
elaboration of technical approvals for construction.
The activity of N.T.R.D. URBAN-INCERC of grounding the state policy in the field
contributes directly to strategies, policies, laws and regulations promoted by the MDRT in
construction and regional development. For this reason, its strategy development and function
are directly related to the strategy of construction field.
In relation to the MECTS-ANCS, the institute is integrated into the National Plan for
Research, Development and Innovation for 2007-2013, which is the main instrument through
which the National Authority for Scientific Research (ANCS) is implementing the National
Strategy for RDI. URBAN-INCERC has aimed the achieving of the three strategic objectives
of the National RDI system, namely:
- Creating knowledge for the achievement of scientific results and technological,
globally competitive in order to increase international visibility of Romanian
research and subsequently transfer the results in practice socio-economic
- Increasing the competitiveness of Romanian economy through innovation,
economic impact and transfer the knowledge into economic
- Improving the quality of social life, respectively finding technical and scientific
solutions supporting social development and improve the human condition,
including the safety aspects of disaster
Public policy in the research and construction sector - National Development Plan (NDP)
2007-2013 has stipulated in "Competitiveness and knowledge-based economy" the
development strategy for the areas: scientific research, technological development and
innovation.
The Government Programme 2009 - 2012 provides in Chapter 13 “Scientific research,
development and innovation”, as Government's objectives, among others:
- Increase the number of researchers with international scientific results
- Increasing the attractiveness of scientific careers and promotion of young
researchers
- Integration of research in social and economic environment
- Promoting science performance among the general public
In Chapter 16 “Regional development policies, the local public infrastructure and tourism”,
section 2. Construction sector policy states:
Objectives of governance
 Normalization market - construction quality - certification systems
 Energy efficiency of multi-storey buildings
 Certification of products, innovative systems
Legal framework, institutional framework
 Improving the system of regulations and standards in construction and urban (fields,
number of standards etc.).
 Improving the FIDIC contract system
 Improving the warning and rapid intervention in case of seismic risk
Action Programs
 Program for to reduce seismic vulnerability of public buildings
3
 Program for to consolidate multi-story buildings, based on technical expert report and
ranked in class I of seismic risk, presenting public danger
 Program for the first emergency interventions in vulnerable buildings, presenting
public danger These programs are run by MDRT.
The national context
From assessing of the situation of development research institutes in the construction and
materials construction results that they were designed and operated for approx. 50-60 years in
conjunction with design institutes in the fields, serving industries concerned.
Research institutions had a specific structure and equipment which have given them over
many decades an important role in providing technical progress in autarchic conditions. This
led both to a profitable monopoly for some time, as well as disadvantageous since 1990, when
public order was drastically reduced and the construction market was stagnant. Because of
this restructuring and adapting to the new research institutes was much more difficult and
critical situations occurred, fluctuating periods and a general lack of perspective areas of
research and technological obsolescence of equipment etc.
The European context
There are public research institutes in the construction field, particularly for this area, and
financed primarily from public funds to meet the European common strategic objectives:
- CSTB in France
- CEDEX in Spain
- BRE in the UK
- LNEC in Portugal
- ISMES-Bergamo in Italy etc.
Ther is also a research activity in the private research centers, funded by patronates or
construction companies, universities and construction, architecture and urbanism. The EC and
EU level on building strategic research is concentrated in the Joint Research Centre (DG JRCJoint Research Centre Directorate-General), with centers in several European countries.
In the construction sector, in all countries, the ministry coordination in construction, urban
and regional planning, has an important role with technical collaboration of research
institutions and universities.
THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN
CONSTRUCTION, URBANISM AND SUSTAINABLE TERRITORIAL DEVELOPMENT
"URBAN-INCERC" is a national institute, Romanian legal person, in coordination of MDRT
şi MECS-ANCS. According to Government Decision No. 1398/2009 - Decision on the
establishment, organization and functioning of the National Institute of Research and
Development Building, Planning and Sustainable Territorial Development "URBANINCERC" and the organization and operation Regulation, published in Official Gazette 816 of
27 November 2009, NIRD URBAN-INCERC is to work in construction: basic and applied
research of national public interest, providing the essential requirements concerning buildings
and related facilities required by Law no. 10/1995 on construction quality, as amended, and
The REGULATION (EU) No 305/2011 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF
THE COUNCIL of 9 March 2011 (replacing the former Directive 89/106/EEC), the National
Plan for Research-Development and Innovation.
4
INCD URBAN-INCERC has as activity domain the provision of public law and national
interest services as it follows:
1. basic and fundamental research directed to development of science in mechanical
construction especially construction, seismic engineering and physics building;
2. applied research to increase safety, functionality and comfort construction and the
development and improvement of construction techniques and the implementation of
specific technologies, including with stands, pilot plants, testing in situ refers to:
a) strength, stability and durability of construction;
b) seismic protection of buildings and structures;
c) rehabilitation and modernization of the building fund;
d) geotechnical and foundations;
e) thermal protection and waterproofing of building construction;
f) building protection against corrosion;
g) fire protection of buildings;
h) protection of construction against noise;
i) closures and compartments, completion of construction;
j) facilities and related equipment building;
k) performance technologies for the implementation in construction;
l) the behavior in time of construction;
m) construction economy and prospective studies;
3. development of codes, regulations and documents concerning the design, composition,
calculation and execution of construction and related facilities.
Other scientific research and technological development:
N.I.R.D. URBAN-INCERC out work to solve problems in its field of activity, research in
construction and construction materials other than those listed in the National Plan for
research-development and innovation, such as:
a) studies and research to develop technical (agrement/approval)s;
b) development of experimental techniques and measurements in both laboratory and
in situ;
c) studies and research to develop technical and economic regulations that underpin
the work of designing, manufacturing and mining, and post construction use.
N.I.R.D. URBAN-INCERC capitalises the results from the field of rehabilitation for saving
energy, increasing energy efficiency of buildings/construction, by performing experimental
repair/maintenance, by the behavior in time of construction and application of technologies
and materials, technical (agrement/approval) and environmentally friendly.
N.I.R.D. URBAN-INCERC runs specific activities conducted to support research and
technological development fields.
To achieve sectoral plans and nucleus - core programs:
- N.I.R.D. URBAN-INCERC is participating in national development strategy in areas of
specialty and expertise, develops programs and multi-annual core objectives including the
construction, equipment and facilities, materials and technologies falling within the
construction sector development strategy in Romania;
5
- N.I.R.D. URBAN-INCERC is developing fundamental research, sector and application of
priority interest for the construction industry for technical and economic substantiation rules
specific to this field;
- N.I.R.D. URBAN-INCERC is developing economic and technical regulations to ensure
quality essential requirements on the construction and related facilities, including to ensure
the construction of energy efficiency, technological development carried out specific activities
and specific regulatory activities.
Within international research programs, development and innovation:
- N.I.R.D. URBAN-INCERC is participating in international partnership for the research,
development and innovation in the European Research Area and works, through the European
Network of Building Research Institutes - ENBRI with similar institutions in other states
profile.
N.I.R.D. URBAN-INCERC out work to solve problems in its field of activity, research in
construction and construction materials other than those listed in the National Plan for R & D
and innovation, such as:
 Participating in the construction strategy, planning, sustainable territorial development and
housing;
 Carry out consultancy and technical support specialist, for which purpose NIRD URBANINCERC out:
- technical assistance and expert advice for the performance objectives and plant
construction;
- expertise on the technical condition of buildings and related facilities, and building
design and execution;
- technical assistance, scientific and methodological provision of services operators /
beneficiaries interested in planning and execution of documents by planning a
unique nature and importance;
- computer programs;
- technical solutions and methodologies for experimentation and execution of
construction, laboratory equipment and the like;
- opportunity studies, feasibility studies, surveys and assessments of assets, tender
documentation for participation in the provision of services to contract design and
execution of works, and others of this nature in the fields of activity;
- other services in the fields.
Construction research activity is conducted in departments and laboratories of INCERC
Bucharest Branch, and construction departments and laboratories specialized branches NIRD
URBAN-INCERC of Iasi, Cluj-Napoca and Timisoara.
Areas of expertise
From the content of Government Decision No. 1398/2009 it results that the activity of the
N.I.R.D. URBAN-INCERC on construction issues is vast and diverse, reflecting the prestige
and expertise gained by INCERC Bucharest and regional branches. According to Government
Decision No. 1398/2009, laboratories with specific construction from INCERC Bucharest
branch and INCD URBAN-INCERC Iasi, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, take credentials of the
6
National Institute for Research and Development in Construction and Construction
Economics, to conduct fundamental and applied research in construction and also:
 ensures support for the CTPC (Buildings Technical Permanent Council) secretariat;
 provides information and dissemination of information/specific data activities, by
organizing, operation and development of specialized information point on activities fields
of the INCD URBAN-INCERC;
 operates a specialized technical library of public law, including related activities of
editing, printing and dissemination of information/specific data;
- continuous profesional development activities/specialists training that carry out their
activity in construction, urbanism, sustainable territorial development and housing;
- periodically managing and updating of specialized databases in the specific activities of
the Ministry of Regional Development and Tourism, for construction products;
- activities arising from the quality of construction products certification body, management
systems certification body and, respectively, from the inspection body in factory
production.
- URBAN-INCERC INCD ensures, if appropriate, functionality of the technical secretariats
of specialized technical committees and special committees of technical and professional
certification of specialists in construction activity, bodies whose establishment,
organization and functionality is approved by the order of Coordinating Minister.
- URBAN-INCERC INCD may develop, in secondary, trading and production activities,
according to its own rules of organization and functioning,
URBAN-INCERC INCD carries out activities related to editing and printing of specialized
publications in activity fields, mainly:
a) newsletter on issues of architecture, urbanism and planning;
b) Technical Information Bulletin (BIT);
c) Construction Bulletin (CB);
d) Collections "Buildings Regulations" and "Economic Issues for Buildings";
Supports this service free of charge and accesses Blacklist-trans.com the only incidents
international gateway
e) "Construction" Journal;
f) current and public interest documentation required by the Ministry of Regional
Development and Tourism, such as development and updating of technical guidance
documents: guidelines for interpreting the essential requirements for buildings, guidelines on
technical approval for construction products, regulations and/or official procedures;
N.I.R.D. URBAN-INCERC takes the international affiliations of INCERC at:
 ENBRI - EUROPEAN NETWORK OF RESEARCH INSTITUTES IN
CONSTRUCTIONS
 UEAtc - EUROPEAN UNION FOR TECHNICAL APPROVALS IN CONSTRUCTION
 EOTA - European Organization Technical Approval
 WFTAO - World Federation Organization Technical Approval
 Agreement EUR-OPA Major Hazards COUNCIL OF EUROPE - European Centre for
Buildings Rehabilitation - ECBR)
 ECI - ICE (European Cooperation for Information - International Certification Engineers)
7
The organizational / administrative structure diagram of URBAN-INCERC
The organizational / administrative structure diagram of URBAN-INCERC is presented
separately, with the following comments, to be understood along with general data given in
the first page of RPC site:
- due to the short interval since URBAN-INCERC exist, and because of crisis context,
there are some research divisions that were not yet made operational;
- in all CONSTRUCTION Branches do exist labs with RENAR accreditation and / or
ISC authorization, with new equipments, covering almost all fields of constructions
science and the 60 years prestige of INCERC Brand and of territorial branches of Iasi,
Cluj and Timisoara.
- due to the compulsory legal content of Governement Decision 1398 / 2009 and other
regulations, the structure includes specific comapartments.
- each team has a specialty and zone of performance defined by topics and expertise;
- researcher are hired based on competition.
Some remarks must be done concerning the data that are presented and downloaded as
Excell tables:
Concerning the staff list by research teams
The critical mass in general terms can be considered as 2 researchers or graduates, but for
accredited laboratories it is required some 4 graduated staff. Thus, in case of teams where the
retirement made discomplete labs, a campaign of recruiting was re-started recently. Since all
research staff is paid only if contracts exist, the planning and cash flow must be addressed
accordingly, especially in recession times.
The average age is around 47 years for all institute, with variations, but each Branch and/or
Division or laboratory present trends towards change. For instance in INCERC Bucharest
Branch, the Lab. for Seismic Risk – ERSAC, Laboratory for Polymers, Laboratory for
Building Equipments and Laboratory for Thermal Protection have an average of 42...43 years
for researchers, as a result of new recruiting since 2007. The URBAN-PROIECT Branch has
an average of 41...44 years, as a result of 2009....2011 new hirings.
Although the average age is an issue, the prestige of laboratories was gained by existing
senior researchers with high experience, able to perform research, testing, agrementing etc.
The capacity and possibility to have a research carrier for construction field and
interdisciplinary applications in an institute of unique domain. Thus, we must keep a balance
of ages and expertize, using senior researchers as tutors for freshmen in research. Attracting
new generations of civil engineers coming as student trainees in institute under a dedicated
recruiting policy is task for future.
The human resources recruiting for research is not that simple, since it is in general necessary
to find graduated staff with Master Degree and/or registered for PhD Program. Examinations
for getting the Assistant of Research Degree are compulsory.
8
Concerning the list of publications and patents:
FOR CONSTRUCTIONS –
- a number of 9 patents, a number of 11 articles in ISI journals, 61 authored books and
chapters within collective volumes and 523 relevant publications, numerous seminars
for dissemination. The coverage of publications is rather extensive, but not on all
types. Looking to the specific of URBAN-INCERC constitutive institutes / branches,
the experience to date has shown that publication in ISI cited journals is a too long
way forreporting novelties and implementing results of construction and urban
planning in national territory and even in Europe. Indeed, puting in local regulations
and development works of EU Directives and Eurocodes, with dedicated and
domestically tailored solutions, requires work with MDRT and local authorities, with
construction companies and producers of materials etc.
- Patenting is more specific for industrial type processes, and nonetheless, the granting
of national and/or a EU patent requies many years and money.
- It is very important for CONSTRUCTION field that a large number of technical
agrements were elaborated – 1.188 AT in 2007-2011. The effort to evaluate and write
an Technical (agrement/approval) is more intense than for a paper, while its practical
use is immediate. The Technical Agrements represent a very important way of
introducing European products on the local market and it requires a specific capability
of evaluation, testing and research. It is an application of European Directive 89/106
and of REGULATION (EU) No 305/2011 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT
AND OF THE COUNCIL of 9 March 2011 laying down harmonised conditions for
the marketing of construction products and repealing Council Directive 89/106/EEC,
Official Journal of the European Union., 4.4.2011.
- The spin-off and start-up implementation requires a risk fund of investment. But
according to the legal framework for NIRD, the funds that may result from contracts
cannot be easily kept as development fund for next years.
FOR URBAN PLANNING AND SPATIAL DEVELOPMENT
- There is a particularity of urban and spatial planning, as it requires a multidisciplinary
participation of specialists with different backgrounds; in addition to people with a
background in architecture or urbanism, engineers, sociologists, economists,
ecologists and geographers contribute to writing specific chapters. Their presence as
researchers in NR&DI URBAN-INCERC results in adding their individual
contributions, which might be different – books and chapters (as in social sciences),
conferences (other than those indexed by the Australian Research Council) etc.
- The institutional list of publications and presentations illustrates this statement, as
about 50 people published or presented in conferences in 5 years nearly 250
contributions (1 book published by international publishers, 17 books published by
national publishers, 4 chapters in books published by national publishers, 6 scientific
papers published in journals with non-zero relative Article Influence Score, 5
scientific papers published in ISI journals with zero or no relative Article Influence
Score;
- There are 58 scientific papers published in journals indexed in relevant international
databases or indexed B+ by CNCSIS, 4 scientific papers published in journals indexed
B, C or D by CNCSIS, 1 scientific paper published in international journals, other than
ISI or indexed in relevant international databases, 23 scientific papers published in
conference proceedings or volumes of abstracts, 18 scientific papers published in
national journals with ISSN not indexed by CNCSIS, 5 unpublished research reports,
9
and 102 participations in national and international conferences, not indexed by the
Australian Research Council, with a poster or oral presentation).
Concerning the list of 2007-2011 projects / contracts
The list of research projects and research and testing contracts is very large and some
branches numbered hundreds per year. However, the value per contract with SME or other
dealerr or producers is rather small, but they cannot be refused. This situation is a
consequence of the crisis, as well as of the reduced economic power. The work on so many
contracts is a source of routine approaches as well as of busy schedule for test apparata and
for staff. On the other hand, there is less opportunity for detailed or comprehensive research.
A positive result is, however, the very large number of resulting Technical Agrements, i.e.
1.188 AT in 2007-2011, which is increases the visibility of URBAN-INCERC.
The structure of income for various financing sources for 2009 and 2010 is presented
below:
2009 Income
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Income from international R-D activity - structural funds
Income from international R-D activity - foreign beneficiaries
Income from national R-D activity - NP2
Income from national R-D activity - NUCLEUS
Income from national R-D activity - other sources
Income from national R-D activity - Romanian beneficiaries
TOTAL INCOME FROM R-D ACTIVITY / 2009 (RON)
1.042.000,00
188.120,00
3.629.559,00
4.487.000,00
3.784.095,00
4.742.020,00
17.872.794,00
2009 Income
NUCLEUS
25%
Other sources
21%
NP2
20%
Foreign
beneficiaries
1%
Structural funds
6%
Romanian
beneficiaries
27%
Income from international R-D activity - structural funds
Income from international R-D activity - foreign beneficiaries
Income from national R-D activity - NP2
Income from national R-D activity - NUCLEUS
Income from national R-D activity - other sources
Income from national R-D activity - Romanian beneficiaries
10
2010 Income
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Income from international R-D activity - structural funds
Income from international R-D activity - foreign beneficiaries
Income from national R-D activity - NP2
Income from national R-D activity - NUCLEUS
Income from national R-D activity - local contracts
Income from national R-D activity - other sources
Income from national R-D activity - Romanian beneficiaries
TOTAL INCOME FROM R-D ACTIVITY / 2010 (RON)
559.000,00
1.435.000,00
2.347.000,00
4.687.000,00
1.079.000,00
5.067.000,00
2.201.630,00
11.229.630,00
2010 Income
NUCLEUS
27%
Local contracts
6%
NP2
14%
Foreign
beneficiaries
8%
Other sources
29%
Romanian
beneficiaries
13%
Income from international R-D activity - structural funds
Structural funds
3%
Income from international R-D activity - foreign beneficiaries
Income from national R-D activity - NP2
Income from national R-D activity - NUCLEUS
Income from national R-D activity - local contracts
Income from national R-D activity - other sources
Income from national R-D activity - Romanian beneficiaries
The structure of financing sources for 2007-2011 has some paterns that are very important in
securing a steady cash-flow. There are at least four main sources, i.e. MECTS-ANCS, MDRT
and private local companies, but also structural funds and foreign beneficiaries.
11
2009 and 2010 Income
18.000.000
Income from national R-D activity local contracts
16.000.000
Income from national R-D activity Romanian beneficiaries
14.000.000
Income from national R-D activity other sources
12.000.000
Income from national R-D activity NUCLEUS
10.000.000
Income from national R-D activity NP2
8.000.000
6.000.000
Income from international R-D
activity - foreign beneficiaries
4.000.000
Income from international R-D
activity - structural funds
2.000.000
0
2009
2010
2.3 ACTIVITY REPORT BY BRANCHES OF URBAN-INCERC
The activity in the last 4 years is presented on each branch of URBAN-INCERC and on each
field, division or laboratory, which includes a research team.
CONSTRUCTION FIELD
INCERC Bucharest Branch
Data about INCERC Bucharest evolution in 1950-2009
INCERC Bucharest Branch has its origins in the former institute INCERC, created through
the years 1950-1959, and becoming along of over 60 years a brand of highest level of
scientific research in construction of Romania. The evolution of INCERC was as follows:
- 1950 - establishing of ICI: Research and Testing Institute, with emphasis on study,
research and testing concrete, mortar and building materials based on cement
- 1953 - establishing the Concrete Laboratory
- 1954 - establishing the Prestressed Concrete Laboratory
- 1955 - establishing Steel Constructions and Protection against Corrosion Laboratories in
Bucharest and INCERC Timisoara Branch
- 1956 - this year coincides with the establishing of INCERC Iasi Branch and of
laboratories of research in many fields such as mechanical of constructions,
photoelasticity, earthquake engineering, mechanization, wood, steel;
- 1956 - ICI merges with ICSC- Scientific Research for Constructions Institute
- 1957 - all laboratories were combined within ICML- Research Institute for Constructions,
Materials and Wood Industry
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-
-
-
-
-
1959 - a new organizational structure appears, IPCMC- Design and Research Institute for
Constructions and Materials, which later on became INCERC, institute recognized both at
the national and international level
1962 - INCERC Cluj Branch appears, with research profile in concrete, reinforced
concrete and compressed concrete fields, focusing on closing building elements from
lightweight concrete
1965 – new laboratories appear within INCERC:
o Laboratory for Research and testing of fire protection of buildings
o Laboratory for Research in Acoustic of constructions
o Laboratory for Research and testing of construction equipment
o Laboratory for enclosures, finishing and protection of buildings
o Laboratory on physical construction for thermal insulation, hygrothermal
control, waterproofing coatings
o Laboratory for Research and study of construction technology
o Laboratory for Research and testing in the foundations and soil mechanics geotechnics
o Laboratory of construction economy
o Laboratory of nondestructive testing
1976- with the establishment of ICCPDC - Central Institute of Research, design,
construction directives, INCERC has entered in the organizational structure as pivot unit,
activity being subordinate to CNST and Ministry of Industrial Construction.
In the period 1989-1990 ICCPDC was disolved, INCERC remains with the object of
scientific research in construction under coordination of the Ministry of Research and to
the Ministry of Construction and Transport, and then MLPAT, MLPTL, MTCT, MDRL,
MDRT, already operating with outstanding achievements, leading to accreditation as
N.I.R.D. - National Institute for Research and Development in Building and Construction
Economy- INCERC Bucharest, since 1996, with renewal in 2007.
Regulations developed by INCERC
Although general and specific effects of the transition period, especially fluctuations in the
funding and retirement of some researchers, have strongly influenced the effective capacity of
laboratories to meet current national and European situation, it should be noted that synthesis
of the technical regulations applicable to construction on 31/03/2010 confirms that INCERC
is elaborator on a large number of key areas, and in some domains has developed most or all
regulations (Table 1).
Table 1- Synthesis situation with valid technical regulations on construction at 31.03.2010
Chapter Domain
in
MDRT
catalog
of
regulatio
ns
I
Calculation
constructions
II
Embankment works
III
Foundations
IV
Concrete
Number
of Number of Percentage
regulations per regulations
covered
domain
made
by INCERC
INCERC
of 24
10
28
45
9
38%
4
12
33
40%
43%
73%
by
13
V
VI
VII
VIII
IX
X
XI
XII
XIII
XIV
XV
XVI
XVII
XVIII
XIX
XX
XXI
XXII
XXIII
XXIV
XXV
XXVI
Masonry
Steel constructions
Wood Constructions
Covers
Insulations
Plasterings, tackles…
Floors, plinths…
Electrical installations
Water, sewage
Thermal plants
Constructions
and
installations
protection
against agents
Geodetics
Designing and construction
of housing and sociocultural buildings
Design and execution of
agrozootechnical
constructions
and
for
irrigation
Designing and execution of
hydraulic constructions….
Organization design and
execution of construction
assembly
Quality and reception
constructions
and
installations
Repairs,
maintenance
constructions
Use
and
repair
of
equipment for assembly
constructions
Requirements established
by Law no.10/1995
Economic, technical and
methodological regulations
Design and performance
constructions for transport
Total
Total, without XII, XVIII,
XIX, XXVI
8
18
6
5
26
10
4
10
41
78
26
6
10
1
5
21
10
3
3
26
18
75%
56%
20%
100%
81%
100%
75%
0
7%
33%
69%
3
29
1
3
33%
1%
5
-
0
18
-
0
7
3
43%
24
15
63%
23
7
30%
20
8
4%
73
9
1%
48
7
2%
102
-
0
691
556
214
38,5 %
14
2.3. Activity report by team (maximum 3 pages per team)
DIVISION - SUSTAINABLE PERFORMANCES
CONSTRUCTIONS AGAINST SEISMIC ACTIONS
LABORATORY FOR RESEARCH AND TESTING
ASSESSMENT AND ACTIONS IN CONSTRUCTIONS
-
PROTECTION
FOR
SEISMIC
OF
RISK
ERSAC Laboratory
2.3. Activity report by team (maximum 3 pages per team)
For each team, a concise quantitative and qualitative presentation will be provided of the
activity for the previous 4 years, especially the most important achievements, the dynamic
of the research subjects and directions, interdisciplinary or entrepreneurial initiatives, the
evolution of the human resources, and any other aspects considered significant for the
scientific development of the research team.
The ERSAC team has carried on, during the past 4 years, various activities in the fields of
seismic hazard and seismic risk assessment, advanced analysis of the seismic response of
building structures, characterization of strong ground motions recorded during significant
earthquakes originating from seismogenic zones in Romania, seismic risk mitigation and
preparedness. The research was performed in the framework of national and international
projects, lead by URBAN-INCERC or in which the institute has participated as a partner.
Modern analysis instruments and methods were used in research, such as: advanced seismic
signal processing methods, GIS mapping, software development platforms (Visual
Basic.NET, Visual Basic for Applications), state-of-the-art structural analysis software, web
technologies for dissemination etc.
The R&D activity was directed to the accomplishment of a number of scientific objectives,
such as: development of new, sustainable technological solutions for building structures
resilience to natural and man-made hazards, advancing knowledge in the quantification of
earthquake hazards which affect the territory of Romania, increasing awareness and
preparedness for future destructive earthquakes, by providing adequate strategies for seismic
risk mitigation, post-seismic reaction and communication and for the seismic risk education of
Romanian citizens, improvement of the national regulatory system for seismic design of
building structures and for the seismic rehabilitation of the building stock. These objectives
are subsumed to major research directions and areas of interest specified by the Romanian
National Program for Research, Development and Innovation (PNCDI), and to the European
Research Area Vision 2020, of meeting the major challenges of the present period in terms of
society, sustainability and technological development.
The collaborative and the interdisciplinary dimensions of the R&D activity of the ERSAC
research team are reflected by the following figures: of 11 projects finalized in the analyzed
period, 6 involved interdisciplinary collaboration with seismologists, geophysicists, architects
and software engineers, and 7 involved the participation in collaborative consortiums.
The ERSAC research team participated recently in a NATO Science for Peace research
project, finalized in 2010, with partners from Moldova, Bulgaria and Turkey. The project,
15
aiming to the harmonization of seismic hazard and seismic risk in countries affected by
Romanian Vrancea earthquakes, has involved complex collaboration between national teams,
annual project meetings and workshops, training of young researchers in participating
institutions (including a young researcher from URBAN-INCERC), joint publications,
development of research infrastructures etc. The project had, as major outcomes, the
publication of a joint volume with scientific contributions in a renowned international
publishing house (Springer) and also of several scientific papers in national and international
journals and conferences, concerning the assessment of seismic hazard and seismic risk from
Vrancea source. The seismic research infrastructure of URBAN-INCERC was developed, by
using NATO funding of about 30000 EUR, with modern strong ground motion recording
equipment (4 Kinemetrics triaxial episensors), state-of-the-art software for seismic analysis of
building structures (SAP2000 Advanced, ETABS Nonlinear, SAFE, CSiCOL, Perform3D)
and several computing equipments and peripherals.
Another significant R&D project led by the ERSAC team concerned the development of a
software platform (ROSERIS) for the seismic risk assessment in Romania, based on the use of
GIS technologies. The project, finalized in 2008, was carried on in collaboration with the
Technical University of Civil Engineering Bucharest and the Institute for Computers, ITC
S.A. in Bucharest. The project was co-financed by ITC S.A., as a privately held entity (SME)
which also participated in the R&D activities. The scientific results of the project were
published in several national and international journals and proceedings. One of the papers
describing the platform and its future development perspectives was awarded in 2011 with the
Best Romanian Paper Award at the 18th Annual Conference of the International Emergency
Management Agency. The project also contributed to the development of the research
infrastructure of URBAN-INCERC, by the purchase of state-of-the-art software (ESRI
ArcView and extensions (GIS software), Microsoft Visual Basic.NET software development
platform) and of computing equipments and peripherals, required for performing the R&D
activities in the framework of the project.
As a seismically-prone country, Romania needs the permanent education of citizens for
seismic risk awareness and mitigation. A component of this activity was achieved by the
project “INFORISX”, finalized in 2007, in which the first website with information on
seismic risk and preparedness in Romania, with content entirely provided by scientific
professionals in the field, was developed. The website, which is presently online and wellreceived by the public, is planned to be extended, revised and improved in the near future. An
English version of the website will be developed, in the framework of the activities of the
European Center for Building Rehabilitation, located in the premises of URBAN-INCERC,
and which is operated in the framework of the EUR-OPA Major Hazards Agreement network
of European centers.
The staff of the ERSAC team was completed, in the past 4 years, with 3 young researchers, of
which one post-doc, one MSc graduate (female) and one BSc engineer (which worked in
ERSAC team as a practicing student during her last faculty year). At present time, the postdoc is a member of the Scientific Council of URBAN-INCERC and a deputy head of
laboratory, the MSc is a PhD candidate, and the BSc is completing a Master stage at the
University of Tokyo. The evolution of the young members of the ERSAC team confirms the
expectations and also shows the support of the team for their personal development. During
this past 4 years, the young researchers have also applied and have been admitted for superior
research positions.
16
The activity of the ERSAC team is synthesized by the following charts.
Published books: 6
2
2
Books in Libraries
2
77
80
70
60
50
1
1
1
40
30
20
10
0
0
0
No.of Books
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2
2
0
1
1
0
2
0
1
0
Book6
(2007)
Book5
(2007)
Book4
(2008)
Book3
(2008)
Book2
(2010)
Book1
(2011)
0
2
77
0
1
0
Libraries
Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Book Chapters: 8
Book Chapters in Libraries
5
5
77
80
77
77
77
70
60
4
50
3
40
1
1
0
No.of Chapters
27
30
2
1
20
1
14
10
0
0
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
0
5
1
1
1
Fig. 3
1
1
BC8
BC7
BC6
BC5
BC4
BC3
BC2
BC1
(2008) (2008) (2008) (2008) (2008) (2009) (2010) (2011)
1
Libraries
77
77
77
77
1
27
14
Fig. 4
Other relevant publications: 48
14
Staff (persons)
13
12
11
10
8
10
10
7
10
10
10
9
8
7
6
7
6
4
4
2
2
0
Relev.publ.
Fig. 5
2007
7
2008
13
2009
7
2010
11
0
2011
10
Staff (persons)
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
7
9
10
10
10
Fig. 6
17
Finalized Projects: 11
4
4
3
3
2
2
1
0
National
International
1
1
0
0
1
0
0
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
1
0
3
0
1
0
2
1
4
0
Fig. 7
LABORATORY of NATIONAL SEISMIC NETWORK FOR CONSTRUCTIONS
RNSC Laboratory
The INCERC Seismic Network RNSC, the largest in the country, consists of about 130
accelerometers, out of which about 50% are digital, distributed all over the country and in
Bucharest. The INCERC Seismic Network works includes the National Research and
Development Centre for Protection of Buildings against Seismic Motionand Landslides –
CNRRS (the former National Centre for Seismic Risk Mitigation)
1.SEISMIC NETWORK SYSTEM:
-Processing the seismic records supplied by the URBAN-INCERC Seismic Network
on the seismic motions or from other sources in free field conditions and in instrumented
buildings - pre-regulatory research;
-Seismic record processing;
-Installation of seismic instruments in buildings;
-Records of vibration from ground motions or other sources (urban traffic, explosions,
demolitions etc.);
-Vibration monitoring of structures;
-Public database.
2.National disasters which are monitorized by the INCERC network
ON EXTENSIVE AREA
( on national level)
(2)ON RESTRAINED AREA
(local)
-SEISMS (20-100 years)
-ACIDENTS (nuclear, others)
-CLIMATIC (high frequency)
-LAND SLIDES
OTHERS (explosions, accidents)
Other vibrations
-Hard traffic, demolitions by explosions, subway traffic
3.RNSC HISTORY:
After the 1977 earthquake - support provided by USAID: 75 SMA-1 analog strong-motion
accelerographs, together with other equipments (totaling US$ 60 M)
1996-1998 - major upgrade of INCERC seismic network : 26 ADS digital accelerometers and
4 SSS8 digital stations for continuous real-time monitoring
18
2002-2005 – 31 Kinemetrics Etna accelerometers installed in the INCERC-ISC network
(instruments provided by the State Inspectorate for Construction, ISC)
2005 – 2009 – other equipments (K2 station, Dolomite Full-featured Central Recording
System, Kinemetrics triaxial force balance accelerometers, ,GEODAS, GURALP, servers,
workstations, network and communication equipment,, etc.)
2010- GEOSIG GSM-18 , 31 accelerometers;
> 120 DIGITAL ACCELEROMETERS
Nr
Tip
1
Kinemetrics
ETNA
30
2
Kinemetrics
K2
15
3
Kinemetrics
MALAKIT
1
4
Kinemetrics
BASALT
2
5
Kinemetrics
GRANITE
6
6
ADS-ROM
ADS
7
7
SSS8-ROM
SSS8
3
8
GEOSIG
IA-1
6
9
KINEMETRICS
SMA
32
GEOSIG
GSM-18
32
4.Components of the referential point URBAN-INCERC (free field):
The referential system on the ground level:
INCERC Bucharest, Timisoara, Iassi,
Real time SSS8 continuous 24h/24h with stocked data in a local server (3 stations) or
Kinemetrics,
INCERC Bucharest :
3 boreholes of 30, 100, 150m depth; K2 Kinemetrics
2 boreholes of 10m depth (for phreatic water level)
7 uniaxial/triaxial FBA on the ground SSS8 24h/24h,
1 Etna Kinemetrics
INCERC Timisoara :
1 borehole of 30m depth; SSS8, 24h/24h
1 triaxial FBA on the ground SSS8, 24h/24h
1Kinemetrics Dolomite Full-featured Central Recording
INCERC Iassi :
1 triaxial FBA on the ground SSS8, 24h/24h
2 ETNA Kinemetrics Strong Motion Accelerometers
19
NETWORK MAPS
ROMANIA
BUCHAREST
-120 points of measurement.
5.Subject of current activities:
-network maintenance (twice a year);
-data collection, (twice a year and the local acceleration over 5-10mg);
-data processing, (if data collected);
-monitoring in real time references;
6. Subject of future activities:
-network maintenance (quarterly);
-data collection, (twice a year and the local acceleration over 5-10mg);
-data processing, (if data collected);
-monitoring in real time references;
-network infrastructure development (handling more than 50 building, or buildings with
special character)
-network conection;
-web development, (www.incerc.ro, www.incd.ro );
-public acces database developement.
DATA PROCESSING
20
7.Project List/activities:
-Seismic data processing and analysis of seismic records obtained in free field
conditions or from buildings where seismic instruments have been installed;
-Studies Based on Recorded Ground Motion Data;
-Online System for Recording and Generation of Data for Vibration Sources or Seisms
with Impact in the Constructions Degradation
8.New research subjects and directions:
-Studies and experimental research on the vibration generated by sources nonseismice
impact on construction (with functions essential to national heritage, etc.) in terms of
consequences associated with collapse or serious damage. Assessment of structural safety,
functionality and comfort;
-Environmental and cultural history of the human habitat through research and
experiments on the influence of vibration sources and landslides nonseismice, sent their.
- Study on the current locations of analog equipment and the possibility of using their
network RNSC continue or establish other locations, check and calibration equipment for
mounting in RNSC network. Establish buildings RNSC monitored by network systems,
installation and commissioning of equipment purchased RNSC network, in situ experiments
to establish optimum operating parameters.
9.Human resources:
-current: 3 people (2 engineer, specialist in data acquisition, 1 technician)
-future : 6 people (2 engineer, specialist in data acquisition, 4 technician)
THE LABORATORY OF RESEARCH AND TEST OF CONSTRUCTIONS FIRE
SAFETY (FOC)
2.3 Activity report for the period 2007-2011
The laboratory has been authorized in 2011 as 1st degree Testing Laboratory by the
National Construction Inspectorate (Authorization no. 2134/13.09.2010). In the 46 years of
activity, in the laboratory, the high scientific standard research group developed numerous
fundamental works and experiments having as a objectives understanding and study the
behavior against fire of the construction materials and elements like:
1. Methods and apparatus for non-damaging investigation of construction works, new or
retrofitted;
2. Research regarding the way of fire spreading and the effect of fire smoke on the
constructions;
3. The behavior of cable crossings and ducts against fire action and the Calculus
techniques to fire of reinforced concrete and pre-stressed concrete structures;
21
4. Embedding the test methodologies to fire testing of construction materials, elements
and structures in Romania with the ISO and European standards;
5. Studies regarding improvement of the performance criteria in the field of appreciating
the risk of fire starting and explosions in the construction assembly.
6. Increasing the degree of security of constructions to fire;
7. Study of the damaging effect of the joint effect of earthquakes and fire;
8. Theoretical and experimental studies for improving the calculation methods of the fire
resistance of the steel structures;
9. Theoretical and experimental studies for establishing the fundament of the
constructions fire security code.
10. Establishing the principles for determining the algorithm of ire risk analysis.
Main fields of activity:
a. Fundamental and applied research in the construction field;
b. Technological development;
c. Establishing the technical regulations of public and national interest which regards the
assurance on the fundamental requirements for the construction;
d. Research for embedding the national regulation with the EU norms;
e. Establishing the technical (agrement/approval)s – checking and establishing of
documents regarding the quality of construction works according to Law no. 10/1995;
f. Tests regarding the technical characteristics of constructions, elements and
construction materials to fire
g. Research regarding the evaluation of fire hazard: after-quake or other natural hazards,
terrorists attacks;
h. Activity in the joint venture UEATc, of technical comities ASRO etc.
Services provided:
 Establishing technical (agrement/approval)s
 Tests for determining the identifying and use characteristics specific to each product
depending on the field of use and on the performance concept;
 Fire testing of the construction elements on reduced scale or real scale;
 Experimental uses of the products using the defined laboratory technology (in-situ
use)
 Establishing guides for (agrement/approval)s and execution, for norms and national
norms;
 Consulting for new products and technologies for using them in construction works.
Tests provided:
 Tests for determining the fire resistance for classifying according to SR EN
135012:2008
 Furnace for determining the fire resistance of vertical construction elements, at
real scale fully automated
 Furnace for determining the fire resistance of horizontal construction elements,
at real scale fully automated
 Tests for determining the fire behavior for classifying according to SR EN135011:2007 (available soon)
 SR EN ISO 1182:2002 – Response trials of construction products to fire.
Incombustibility trial.
22
 SR EN ISO 1716:2002 – Response trials of construction products to fire.
Determining the heat at burning.
 SR EN 13823:2004 – Response trials of construction products to fire.
Construction products excepting the flooring products exposed to thermal
action of a single burning object
 SR EN ISO 11925-2:2002 – Response trials to fire. Flammability of
construction products in direct contact with the flame. Part II: Tests with a
source from a single flame.
The present activity report shows the most important research results over the last 4
years, considered to have an increased importance in the development of the scientific
research team:
 Laboratory research for establishing the technical (agrement/approval) for Thermofoam pain;
 Laboratory research for establishing the technical (agrement/approval) for the loadbearing reinforced concrete walls with non-reusable polystyrene formwork; (ICF insulated concrete form);
 Laboratory research for obtaining the informative results for the fire resistance of the
steel profiles at a smaller scale protected by thermo-foam paint;
 Laboratory research for modern compositions for partitioning and interior covering
with high performances in fire-resistance and noise cancelling;
 Laboratory research based for determining the fire protection of the ecological
materials for sectional and inter-sectional uses;
 Laboratory research for determining the compliance solutions for the construction
elements with high performances against fire (Nucleu);
 Facade with ventilated composition from the point of view of security against fireexperimental results;
 Facade with ventilated composition from the point of view of the thermal insulation
and energetic performance.
LABORATORY FOR RESEARCH AND TESTING FOR GEO-TECHNIQUES AND
FOUNDATIONS FOR CONSTRUCTIONS
2.3. Activity report by team
Concerning the effective management inside the team, there is important to mention
that are used suitable methods or have they been developed to conjoin contributions of
knowledge from the participating scientific fields and from practice. As a general view
regarding the research activities, there is noticeable that all the scientific goals, planned
procedures and quality assurance have been achieved.
The most important achievements of the team consist of:
- expanding laboratory infrastructure to increase quality of laboratory test results;
- laboratory accreditation by Romanian Association Accreditation (RENAR) and
certification as a rank 1 Testing Laboratory by State Inspectorate in Construction in
accordance to the Romanian Standards;
- contributions to scientific research based on experimental and analytical calculation
for the completion of the National Annex SR EN 1998-5: 2004 "Eurocode 8: Design
of structures for earthquake resistance -Part 5: Foundations, retaining structures and
geotechnical aspects”, with relevant and specific additional provisions due to national
particularities of geotechnical aspects, retaining structures and foundations under the
23
action of dynamic loads, especially seismic action;
coordination and participation in the development of several normative of national
interest with regard to the foundation design of construction on instable soil
categories, widespread in Romania;
- scientific contributions to increase safety and comfort at European level for
construction, through the development of research papers;
- coordination of technical execution projects regarding the consolidation of the soils
affected by massive landslides and bridges works.
The dynamic of the research subjects and directions is revealed by pre-normative
research, normative research, research projects in the programs (EUCONS, CONSRO,
CONSUS) in geotechnical engineering and foundations field, research project at the Research
Excellence program CEEX - Module 4 for developing infrastructure.
Our specialists are involved in theoretical and applied research in the field of soil
mechanics and geotechnical engineering as well as in consultancy projects with the industry.
Our field of expertise includes: physical characterization of soils, assessment of
mechanical properties of soils under static and dynamic loading, soils characterization by field
surveys, surveys of the time history behavior of buildings, soil improvement solutions,
earthworks quality control, slope stability assessment, new foundations techniques design and
testing, new testing methods design. The team is also involved in producing technical
(agrement/approval)s for the new products or technologies for Romanian or foreign
Companies that are going to use the products in our country.
The research directions approached by the team were:
- research of the actions and effects of natural hazards (earthquakes, landslides) and
human ones from a multidisciplinary perspective that integrates information from
related geosciences fields and engineering sciences (geology, tectonics, geotechnics,
seismology, earthquake engineering, civil engineering etc.), in order to mitigate their
effects on life and environment;
- research on the risk factors assessment in areas with high vulnerability to earthquakes
and landslides, through a comprehensive approach, for developing technical solutions
and creating implementation mechanisms in order to establish appropriate strategies
for sustainable planning;
- to improve the methodologies regarding the analysis of soil massive instability
phenomena by using the results of measurements and in situ and laboratory
experiments;
- research on the soil assessment and building structures on seismic action, based on the
correlation of results with those obtained by synthetic experiments in situ;
- research based on the effects of structure-foundation-soil interaction phenomenon on
the dynamic characteristics and seismic damage mechanisms of buildings in order to
evaluate the appropriate parameters based on rigorous analysis for reducing the
negative impact on the environment and quality of life;
- research on systematic evaluation of the soil behavior with unstable structure under
static and dynamic action and systematization of geotechnical parameters used in
design;
- research based on the implementation of effective methods and techniques for
consolidation, rehabilitation of infrastructure buildings for safe and normal function;
- research on the foundation systems safety assessment by taking into account the
seismic effects on the soil categories, with direct consequences in reducing major risk
due to these phenomenons.
-
24
The research activity of the team in the last four years is reflected quantitatively by: 7
major research projects, 7 major experimental research projects, 4 design contracts, 3
technical studies.
The team covers necesary human resources needs, from highly trained staff and work
experience (2 PhD in civil engineering) to young scientist preparing for PhD in earthquake
engineering (1 PhD student), and technical personnel (2 persons) and benefits from a modern
research infrastructure. The researchers are members of professional associations in the field
of geotechnical engineering, being always in touch with the research news in the field, in
order to be able to achieve quality works, at a high scientific level.
Recovery scientific research has been determining the number of original publications,
papers presented at national scientific meetings (publication of 17 articles and 8 oral
presentations). Staff with higher education in the laboratory also participated in training
courses on quality management system. Technical staff of the laboratory is permanently
trained in order to implement the rules from the Romanian standards in the field activity for
raising the quality level of training and skills development.
The modern infrastructure will allow the development of the research capacity and the
quality increase of the project results The infrastructure equipments consists in advanced
equipment used to laboratory testing: Tecnotest sieve shakers and Casagrande hydrometer for
grain size analysis, Casagrande automatic apparatus and cone penetrometer for determination
of liquid limits, permeameter with variable head for determination the permeability,
pycnometers for determination of specific gravity, Controls oedemeter with three cells for
determination of compressibility and consolidation, Controls direct shear equipment for the
determination of shear strength, automatic static triaxial equipment for the determination of
shear strength: UU, CU, CD, Seikensha cyclic triaxial equipment, unconfined compression
strength (UCS), equipment for the determination of Californian Bearing Ratio, Proctor
equipment for the determination of compaction characteristics, electronic balances, ovens,
extruder.
Regarding the entrepreneurial initiatives, we have to mention that the team has been
involved in related activities: coordination of design works (for the technical issues of
feasibility studies, technical expertise for setting design solutions, track execution phases of
the works).
A collaboration of companies with multidisciplinary research, which aims at solving
problems relevant for society, might be fruitful and essential for the team activity and
experience. The perspectives and the cooperation of experts from various disciplines and
practitioners from the field in question are required to find new solutions. We believe that
research should be combined with consulting activities. This would provide the basis that
multidisciplinary projects do not only serve the scientific interests, but also ensures benefit
and stimulation for the practice. In this way, the team was participated as a partner al the
Partnership Research Program from 2011.
RESEARCH AND TESTING LABORATORY
ELEMENTS AND STRUCTURES (ESC)
FOR
BUILDING
MATERIALS,
Who are we?
Research and Testing Laboratory for Construction Materials, Elements and Structures - ESC
that is part of the Section "Sustainable performance - safety to extreme natural and anthropic
actions and fire safety of buildings" in Bucharest INCERC Branch consists, since 2006, in the
union of three laboratories founded in 1959, namely: prestressed concrete (BAP), Metal and
wood (MEL) and Masonry structures (ZIP) laboratories. Since 2004, the laboratory has been
authorized as a first degree testing laboratory by the State Construction Inspection (now State
25
Construction Inspectorate), currently holding license no. 2214 of 10.06.2011. Since 2009, the
laboratory is accredited by RENAR, currently holding license no. LI 320 of 05.09.2011.
What do we do?
- Studies and research for materials, components and structures of reinforced and
prestressed concrete, metal, wood and masonry construction;
- Issuing of technical regulations regarding structural elements and reinforced and
prestressed concrete, metal, wood and masonry structures;
- Laboratory tests on structural elements and reinforced and prestressed concrete, metal,
wood and masonry structures;
- Issuing of technical (agrement/approval)s for products made of reinforced and
prestressed concrete, metal, wood and masonry.
Major achievements in the past four years
- disseminating the research results in international conferences and international
journals;
- issuing of technical regulations of major importance for Romania;
- theoretical and experimental research on curtain walls, precast concrete constructions,
masonry construction, carpentry elements made of PVC, aluminum and wood;
- equipment acquisition
Ultrasounds testing machine
Hydrometer
Corrosion
machine
determining
Dynamic of research subjects and directions
Since 11N/2006 Nucleu project, in which modern methods have been studied to execute and
design new buildings and rehabilitation of existing prefabricated buildings, the research trend
led to another study which is very important at national and international level. Knowing the
spread of large precast panels building (internationally known as "Soviet-style") and
considering the successive changes of design codes, rehabilitation methods have been studied
for this type of building to meet the imposed requirements by performance concept insurance
and compliance with European performance concepts required in seismic areas by current
design codes.
Research directions were based on the prefabricated buildings’ retrofitting, because Romanian
building fund include a significant percentage of buildings of this type and it is necessary to
develop application methodologies of appropriate retrofitting solutions.
Curtain walls use is a very popular method of aesthetic solving of building’s facades,
therefore the study of possible adaptability to climate and seismic conditions in Romania has
a major importance.
26
Research regarding masonry construction was carried out in the context of more frequent use
of the Porotherm type ceramic element. Thus, experimental research was conducted on
masonry specimens to determine the bending, initial shear and compression resistances.
Interdisciplinary and entrepreneurial initiatives
Within research projects studies were carried out in collaboration with specialists from
different fields, interdisciplinary research being the key to success in building materials and
structures study, so their use by the beneficiaries to be safe and in compliance with the
national standards.
At the request of manufacturers experimental campaigns were carried out to verify the
characteristics of products used for constructions in order to improve their behavior in seismic
and environmental conditions in Romania.
Masonry
elements Electronic weight measuring machine
testing machine
Oven and refrigerator
Evolution of human resources
Within our laboratory team young researchers were hired in order to bring new visions and
opinions and to pass forward the knowledge accumulated over the years and generations that
have participated in the development of this team.
In the last 4 years two doctoral students worked in our team and one of them concluded the
doctoral thesis in September 2011.
Evolution of the research team members was encouraged by international research stages
following international collaboration, participation at international and national conferences,
publishing the research results in international and national journals, all these contributing to
the international visibility of our research team.
Other important aspects for scientific development of the research team
Human resources development is considered to be successful, considering the results and
international collaborations resulted from the research carried out, meaning conference
awards, ISI Journal articles, international organizations memberships, etc.
27
Windows and doors testing Compression test machine
machine
Rebars testing machine
TESTING AND RESEARCH LABORATORY OF
DURABILITY OF CONCRETE AND MORTARS (BET)
TECHNOLOGY
AND
2.3. Activity report by team
The laboratory has been authorized in 2011 as 1st degree Testing Laboratory by the
National Construction Inspectorate (Authorization no. 2220/10.06.2011). The
European
Commission authorized the laboratory, having the identification number: 1841. In 2009
RENAR accredited the laboratory with the Certificate LI 358/19.10.2009.
BET has as main fields of activity:

Establishing the technical regulations (technical specification, norms, guides,
design books and methodologies, execution operation and interventions in
constructions) for:
o Materials which are in the composition of concrete (aggregates, cement,
additives, etc.)
o Concrete, determining the composition of normal and special concrete
o Execution of works with concrete and reinforced concrete
o Retrofitting of reinforced concrete elements
o Special technologies for works involving the use of concrete

Laboratory research in the specific field of chemistry and technology of concrete:
o Materials used for making the concrete (cement, additives, etc.)
o The stability of the concrete mix for special concretes (high strength concretes,
concrete resistant to chemical actions, water, freezing-thawing cycles, wear
and tear cycles)
o Preparation and fields of use for the additives in the concrete mix
o Using the physical-chemical methods for determining the strength and
durability of the concrete in the existing buildings
o Retrofitting of concrete elements
o Ensuring an external verification system in case of concrete elements and
structures
Laboratory tests in the field of the laboratory
Establishing technical (agrement/approval)s for materials of the concrete mix as
well as of types of concrete elements.


28
Technical (agrement/approval)s of the BET:
 Cement
 Additives
 Special materials for retrofitting
 Materials for concrete design
For the previous 4 years the most important achievements are:
 PROMED: Multidisciplinary laboratory research for establishing local and global
solutions for reducing the impact of refurbished constructions and the post-utilization
of them over the environment.
 Laboratory research for determining the composition and the fields of use for mortars
for construction works.
 Laboratory research experiments for utilizing polymeric materials for disperse
reinforcing of concrete.
 Laboratory research for applying the National Document of the Standard 136701:2002. Part 1: General Conditions
 Laboratory research for developing European modern methods of design; Developing
new construction and refurbishment of existing ones made from precast elements.
 CEPROCIM CEEX Module I:
o Laboratory research for determining the scientific recipe for development of
the multifunctional materials for constriction, based on knowledge –
MULTIMATCON
o Laboratory research for generating new facts regarding high performance
cement based materials, with chalk addition, ecologic and economic RELANSIN
o Laboratory research for integrating the knowledge and advanced processing
methods for refurbishment works, geotechnical works and environmental
works using grouting techniques with cement based systems - CONSINJECT
The laboratory performs tests and laboratory verifications specific to
cement and mortars:
 Cement
o Determining the settlement time
o Determining the stability
o Determining the mechanical strength
 Aggregates
o Determining the granulosity
 Fresh Concrete
o Settlement testing
o Determining the density
o Determining the content of air

Concrete
o Determining the compression strength of the samples
o Determining the bending strength of the specimens
o Determining the strength through splitting of the specimens
o Determining the density
o Determining the penetration of the under pressure water
29

o Determining the axial contraction
o Determining the freezing-thawing cycle strength
Mortars used for masonry
o Determining the apparent density
o Determining the compression strength
DIVISION OF ENERGY AND
SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS
ENVIRONMENTAL
PERFORMANCES
OF
The Division of Energy and Environmental Performances of Sustainable Buildings
(SPEMCD), as part of the INCERC Bucharest branch, has a prolific activity in the areas of
thermal processes engineering, building thermal energy analysis, district heating, simulation
and testing of building systems and insulating materials, energy performances of new and
existing buildings, training and certification of energy auditors for buildings, national
database of energy performance certificates of buildings, renewable energy integration in
buildings, intelligent building envelopes. As engineering experts for building physics and
building systems we have a background of more than 30 years in energy use in the built
environment, energy performance evaluation, façade and systems performance improvement
and efficient/low-energy buildings.
As technical advice to the Ministry of Regional Development and Tourism (MDRT), we are
continuously supporting the implementation of the Directive 2002/91/EC of the European
Parliament and of the Council, on the energy performance of buildings (EPBD) and the
Directive 2010/31/EU on the energy performance of buildings (recast EPBD) as well as of
the Directive 2006/32/EC on energy end-use efficiency and energy services and repealing
Council Directive 93/76/EEC (ESD).
SPEMCD has contributed to the National strategy on energy efficiency and use of renewable
energy sources in buildings, by developing many pre-normative research studies and the main
technical regulation in the field of energy performance of buildings.
SPEMCD is currently responsible for the Central Database for Energy Performance
Certificates in buildings and for the technical secretariats for the examination and certification
of energy auditors for buildings, and is providing training for specialists in the building sector.
SPEMCD is currently coordinating the project Build Up Skills Romania: Qualification
platform and roadmap for the building workforce on energy-efficiency and renewable
energy to meet 2020 Targets (ROBUST), under the Building Workforce Initiative of the
Intelligent Energy Europe Program of the European Union, supporting also the
implementation of Directive 2009/28/EC on the promotion of the use of energy from
renewable sources and (RESD).
In particular, the SPEMCD specialists have applied and acquired through competitions a
series of national research projects, listed below:

Research projects under the second National Research Development and Innovation
Plan (Partnerships in Priority Domains):
o Intelligent envelopes with environment exergy use for high comfort and low
energy consumption buildings– ANVINTEX,
o Innovative computer system for monitoring and regulation of heat supply and
correct distribution of heating costs in condominium type buildings –
COSTREMON,
30
o Building Elements Made of Nano-composites Based on Epoxy-Type Phase
Change Materials (PCM) for Solar or Residual Energy Storage Used in Buildings
with Low Energy Consumption – NANOSTOC.

Pre-normative research programme (MDRT) for elaboration, validation and upgrading
of calculation methodology for energy performance of new and existing buildings:
o Centre for training and certification of the experts and software products in the
field of energy performance of buildings,
o Centre for energy performance of buildings – database and reporting,
o Ensuring of thermal and physiological comfort in the conditions of reduced energy
consumption in occupied spaces,
o Determination of the representative climatic year necessary for installations sizing
and evaluation of buildings energy performance,
o Diversification of energetic reference values (referential) for the energy
performance certification system,
o Calculation methods for determination of heat and cold demand calculation for
heating / cooling of occupied spaces
o Method of determination and procedure for calculate the energy performance of
buildings equipped with heating systems for occupied space
o Method of determination and procedure for calculate the energy performance of
buildings equipped with facilities for DHW preparation and consumption,
o Method of determination and procedure for calculate the energy performance of
buildings equipped with cooling, ventilation or air-conditioning systems for
occupied spaces,
o Method of determination and procedure for calculate the energy performance of
buildings equipped with lighting systems.
o Alternative methods for calculating the energy performance of buildings

Research projects under the National Nucleus Programme (National Authority for
Scientific Research):
o Energy and environmental design of new buildings and modernization solutions of
the existing building stock - priority in national and European context (Directive
32 / 2006 / EC),
o Energy and functional performance of solar collectors, conversion systems and
thermal use of solar energy in Romania,
o Energy consumption management system for residential buildings, applying the
requirements of 32/2006/CE Directive on energy end-use efficiency and energy
services.

Research projects under the first National Research Development and Innovation Plan
and Research of Excellence Programme:
o Dynamic energetic processes modelling in buildings and in the energy supply
systems (Research of Excellence Programme – AMTRANS),
o Researches on the increasing of efficiency of combined energy production of small
and medium co-generation and tri-generation systems (Research of Excellence
Programme – RELANSIN),
o Functional assessment of the systems for thermal energy producing and use in
buildings (Research of Excellence Programme – MENER),
31
o Extension of the accreditation domain of the testing laboratory for installation for
the conformity assessment of radiators, convectors and ceiling mounted radiant
panels supplied with water (Research of Excellence Programme – INFRAS),
RESEARCH AND TESTING LABORATORY FOR
PROTECTION AND BUILDING ENERGY ECONOMY
BUILDING
THERMAL
2.3. Activity report by team
The Research Laboratory for Building Thermal Protection and Building Energy
Economy – TEE, which takes part of the Energy Performance of Sustainable Buildings
Division from INCERC Bucharest, was founded in 1965, under the name „Thermal
Insulations in Buildings Laboratory”. Since 1999, the laboratory was authorized as a grade I
testing laboratory by ISC (Constructions State Inspectorate) and now it holds authorization
no. 2237/10.06.2011. Since 2005, the laboartory is accredited by RENAR holding, in the
present days, certificate no. LI 361/07.12.2009.
The research and activity area of the laboratory is focused on the following directions:
•
Theoretical and experimental research for the introduction of modern solutions
regarding the improvement of buildings’ thermal protection and rehabilitation of
existing ones, on behalf of the reduction of energy consumption and the growth of
both hygiene and comfort levels
•
Studies and research activities for the implementation of new thermo-insulating
materials and the improvement of their performances
•
Expertises regarding the hygro-thermal analysis of buildings and thermal comfort
•
Elaboration of technical solutions for the implementation of thermo-insulating
materials and the thermal insulation procedures
•
Technical assistance regarding the thermal-energy rehabilitation of buildings
•
Technical regulations in the area of thermal insulation of buildings and the ensuring of
a proper thermal comfort level
•
Technical approvals for the thermo-insulating products and the thermal insulation
procedures
•
In situ laboratory testing methods for thermo-insulating products and thermal
insulation systems for buildings and pipelines (for the research, design and execution
activity, and also for the activities regarding the technical approval of products,
examination and certification of products and procedures)
The scientific directions related above practically represented the laboratory’s main
activity during the last 4 years, more exactly during the period 2007-2011.
In 2007, laboratory’s most important accomplishment regarded the acquisition of a
series of high-tech equipments and with their aid, a siginificant number of laboratory tests
were made concluding in satisfactory results. Because of the equipments accuracy, the
experimental data obtained was always as expected.
Through the acquisitions mentioned before there are: ANGELANTONI Humidity and
temperature test chamber, UNITHERM 6000 Guarded Hot Plate Thermal Conductivity
Measuring System, TESTOMETRIC Universal materials testing machine and others not
mentioned here.
During the period 2008-2010, it was conducted contract no. 343/2008 –
„Determination of the representative climatic year necessary for installations sizing and
evaluation of buildings energy performance”, financed by MDRT (Ministry of Regional
Development and Teritory) and had a significant impact regarding the elaboration of future
standards in this area.
32
During the period 2007-2010, it was conducted the project “Building elements made
of nanocomposites based on epoxy-type Phase Change Materials (PCM) for solar or residual
energy storage used in buildings with low energy consumption”, according to contract no. 31049/2007 financed by The National Centre of Programme Management and during which
INCD-URBAN INCERC was one of the coassociates.
Project abstract
The conservation and usage of renewable energy grants an important potential
regarding the reduction of fossil fuel consumption and accordingly the reduction of CO2
emissions.
The manufacturing of nanocomposite phase change materials, which remain
dimension-steady during the phase change process and also conserve their technical
performances represented one of the objectives of the present project. During a judicios
process of selection, based on a proper physico-chemical fundamentation, it will be chosen
the optimal candidates, PCM and epoxy-type, for different applications. The laboratory tests
will reflect the parameters necessary for manufacturing nanocomposite materials.
The mathematical models for simulating the phase change process and heat transfer
for various geometries and also the modeling of thermal loading-unloading process of PCM
and epoxy-type elements have permitted the dimensioning and manufacturing of a real
storage unit. Physical models were made along with proper laboratory equipment and the
results obtained were disseminated in Romania and abroad having a significant impact in this
area.
Most of the laboratory’s infrastructure was used with success during this project,
concluding with very satisfactory experimental results.
At this moment, from a human resource point of view, the laboratory staff consists in
4 persons, 2 researchers (of which one is PhD and the other is a doctoral student), a technician
and a PC operator. The staff number remained, practically, constant during the last 4 years of
activity, but, in exchange of that, a significant lowering of the average age took place and also
a rising in the percentage of higher education personnel.
ACTIVITY REPORT FOR LABORATORY FOR RESEARCH AND
TESTING FOR INSTALLATIONS, MATERIALS, EQUIPMENTS
2.3. Activity report by team
The Research and Testing Laboratory for Building Equipment and Materials – LII
within the Energy Performance of Sustainable Buildings Division of INCERC-Bucharest
Branch has been established in 1965 under the name of Laboratory for heating installations in
buildings.
Today, the laboratory staff is composed by three CS III, one ACS, one IDT II, one
engineer, three technicians, one computer operator and one installer. The changes in staff
structure in recent years have consisted in the retirement of one CS I (in 2011) and relocation
(in 2010) of one CS III and one ACS la Research and Testing Laboratory for Thermal
Protection of Buildings and Energy Saving in Buildings - TEE within the same division, to
complete the team due to staff changes of this (the head of the laboratory has retired and one
sub-engineer has left the team).
The Building Equipment Laboratory has the following main areas of activity:
- Theoretical and experimental research on heat and mass transfer, characteristic of
enclosed spaces with controlled temperature, and their related heating/cooling systems,
Utilization of environmental exergy for increase of the thermal comfort and reduction of
the energy consumption (solar spaces, ventilation systems, solar collectors);
33
-
Development of technical regulations for installations and efficient energy use in
buildings
- Providing of technical assistance in the assessment of the operational characteristics of the
heating plant equipment and the system district heating plant - heating network buildings, development of technical solutions for energetic upgrading of existing buildings
and their related heating systems, rehabilitation of plumbing and sewer systems;
- Theoretical and experimental studies on the technical performances of the systems in
buildings;
- Research and testing laboratory in order to issue the technical approvals for products,
processes and equipment used in building systems;
- Laboratory and in-situ tests on installations and efficient energy use in buildings (for
research, design and execution purposes, and for activities related to technical approvals
of products, control and certification of products, processes and equipment);
- Energy auditors for buildings, 1st degree, for systems in buildings and building envelope;
- Work in technical committees of Romanian Standards Association - technical committees
CT 302 and CT 281.
The lately research activity conducted by the team mainly followed the existing
European and National concerns for reduction of energy consumption in buildings and
therefore of emissions with greenhouse effect, in accordance with European Directives
91/2002/CE on the Energy Performance of Buildings (and recast EPBD 31/2010/EU) and
32/2006/CE on Energy end-use efficiency and energy services.
Thus, in the project ”Intelligent envelopes with environment exergy use for high
comfort and low energy consumption buildings – ANVINTEX” several types of envelopes
using efficiently exergy of natural and built environment were studied (theoretically and
experimentally). There systems significantly reduce energy consumption of residential and
public buildings while increasing thermal and physiological comfort: ventilated solar space
attached to a building housing type, envelope with variable thermal resistance wall type with
parieto-dynamic effect for vitiated air evacuation from occupied space, endothermic type
envelope for efficient use of solar energy and outdoor air exergy, fully glazed envelope as
curtain wall.
The project has also paid special attention to the behavior of public buildings, office
buildings type with completely glazed façade, that populate the landscape of urban
settlements with increased frequency, due to problems related to their characteristic excessive
energy consumption, aiming to improving the energy behavior of this type of building.
The partners in the ANVINTEX project were "Ion Mincu" University of Architecture
and Urbanism, Technical University of Civil Engineering Bucharest and Prosys PC
Bucharest.
The project ”Functional assessment of the systems for thermal energy producing and
use in buildings - ESSET” (project leader being Technical University of Civil Engineering
Bucharest), was aimed the determination of simple methods used to assess functional status of
systems for heating and hot water preparations, to improve their overall energy performance
and to develop methodologies for regular inspection of these systems.
A guide of solutions for design and energetically and functional rehabilitation of heating
and hot water preparation systems, based on functional performance evaluation and of
solutions developed to optimize the composition and management of complex systems has
been developed.
Through the project ”Innovative computer system for monitoring and regulation of heat
supply and correct distribution of heating costs in condominium type buildings –
COSTREMON” a flexible system for heat supply of new or existing buildings, with
corresponding condominiums features and located in the urban area, has been developed. The
34
approach was on the computerization of thermal building systems and achievement of
functional adaptations to variable thermal response of structures and behavioral characteristics
of the occupants and their access to information concerning the quality of housing and heating
cost depending on the complexity of heat transfer processes from condominium type
buildings.
The project was developed in partnership with the Installation Chair of Technical
University of Civil Engineering Bucharest and Companies IPA Bucharest (Research
Development, Engineering and Manufacturing for Automation Equipment and Systems) and
Prosys PC Bucharest (solutions provider in automation and industrial control, data acquisition
and integration)
A derivative purpose of the research activities within the Laboratory was to promote on
the internal and external market of the products and equipment for construction, of the
innovative elements, namely:
- wall with parieto dynamic effect at vitiated air evacuation and variable thermal
resistance
- endothermic facade;
- ceiling with controlled radiant-convective effect;
- ventilated solar space;
- computerized system for monitoring and predictive-corrective control.
The research have resulted in a number of patent requests: Envelope with adjustable
thermal resistance and parieto-dynamic effect on air exhaust; System for monitoring,
allocation of actual heating costs and users information on building energy performance;
Computerized system for monitoring and control of the heating system; System for
heating/cooling of spaces with endothermic envelope, heat pump and radiant-convective
panels.
In order to achieve laboratory testing and verification, the Building Equipment
Laboratory has obtained in November 2010 the extension of the operating license as a first
degree laboratory for testing in construction (initial authorization since 1999) by the State
Construction Inspectorate (certificate of approval ISC L01 No. 2201/12.11.2010), while in
February 2011 has obtained re-accreditation RENAR – Romanian Accreditation Association
(initial accreditation since 2004) by the Accreditation Certificate no. LI 320, updated in
05.09.2011.
Since 2008 has been given in operation the test booth for heating appliances according
to the provisions of standard EN 442, and ceiling mounted radiant panels supplied with water,
according to the standard EN 14037, which replaces the old testing facility for determination
of the thermal output of the heating appliance in comply with ISO 3148, which was operating
since 1968. This new "thermal cell" was recognized in 2009 by HLK Stuttgart Laboratory,
one of the four reference laboratories (according EN 442-2), being the only in the country
with this type of approval and which effectively comply to the requirements of EN 442.
Within the Building Equipment Laboratory were made testing for heating appliances
(radiators, convectors), ventilation ducts, valves (from brass, iron), mixers, safety valves,
flexible connectors, hoses, fittings (from brass, iron, steel, polypropylene), pipes (from PEXAl, PP, PVC, steel, iron), water filters etc.
In order to develop technical approvals for various products and related installations
equipment a series of theoretical and experimental research was carried out: water treatment
equipment, wastewater treatment plants, pre-insulated piping systems, equipment for capture
and drainage of rain water, equipment for cooling towers, water and heat meters, lightning
protection equipment, valves, mixers, ventilation ducts, pumps, thermostatic heads for
radiators, pipes and fittings of steel/ cast iron/polypropylene, sewer ducts, water filters etc.
35
The Laboratory holds from 2010 the Secretariat of the Commission for validation of
computer programs used to calculate the energy performance and elaboration of energy
performance certificate for apartments from apartment buildings. So far have been validated
four such programs: Certificat-energetic; Allplan; DOSET-PEC; AllEnergy-Apartamente, and
one is under validation: TermoExpert 3.0.
Also, the Laboratory dealt with implementation of a central database on the energy
performance of buildings in Romania, by collecting energy performance certificates issued
and their introduction in the "data bank".
DIVISION - PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY OF BUILDINGS
FINISHES AND POLYMER PRODUCTS LABORATORY - LPPF
2.3. Activity report by team
Finishes and Polymer Products Laboratory, within Physics and Chemistry of Construction
Department, has been established in 1965 as Laboratory of Plastics in Construction. In 1999,
the Laboratory has been authorized as first degree Testing Laboratory by the State Inspection
in Construction (present State Inspectorate in Construction). The permit number is 2172 and
has been issued on 21.10.2010. In 2005, the Laboratory was accredited by RENAR with the
Certificate LI 345 issued on 23.05.2005. In the present, the Certificate is LI 320 issued on
05.09.2011.
LPPF has as main fields of activity:
- applied research in finishes and polymers products for construction field;
- preparing technical regulations of public and national interest aiming to meet fundamental
requirements imposed to constructions;
- verifying and issuing documents referring to the quality of constructions and building
materials;
- tests ascertaining the quality of constructions, members and building materials;
- research concerning health preservation and environment protection.
The scientific activity of the Laboratory mainly consisted in the participation in national
research programmes: Horizon 2000, RELANSIN, AMTRANS 2003-2006, National
Research Programme, Core Programme.
The team of the Laboratory includes six certified scientific researchers (3rd grade), an
engineer, three technicians, an analyst and a labourer.
For the previous 4 years, the most important achievements are:
- development of interdisciplinary research projects with the following topics:
 with PCC - sustainable protection of buildings by using advanced coating products
with environmental characteristics, subject to complex long-term actions(urbanindustrial, marine, alpine)
 with GFC - performance polymer products use to increase durability and resistance of
construction infrastructure to impact of instability phenomena
 with HIT - concepts of realization of “green” buildings, in structures and with
environmentally friendly materials in composition, with low power consumption
 with HIT - sealing systems to water with the duration of utilization extended, resistant
to environmental impact on constructions
- development of a experimental researches for :
36
 evaluation of photochemical degradation of the finishes in order to establish design
principles of rehabilitation works
 revision GE guide "Guide for the execution protections by hydrophobisation apparent
construction materials (wood, concrete, brick, natural and artificial stone).
 elaboration of guide for use of finishing products from polimeric materials in
construction: wallpaper, step edge defender profile, hand rail profile
The Laboratory performs tests and laboratory verifications of:
 Polymers used in construction
- specific tests on composite materials used in construction;
- specific tests on membranes, geo-textiles, geo-composites on polymer base.
 Water proofing, heat insulation, noise attenuation:
- specific tests on waterproofing membranes manufactured of polymers or with polymer
admixture (PVC, HDPE waterproofing membranes);
- “in situ” manufactured waterproofing membranes on polymer base;
- foam type products used for waterproofing, thermal and noise insulation manufactured
of and/or with polymers.

Finishes
- specific tests on cover materials for protection and finishing (paints, varnishes,
primers, etc.);
- specific tests on floor covers on polymer base (PVC or rubber carpets, etc);
- specific tests on synthetic glues for constructions;
- specific tests for natural and artificial stone and ceramic tiles;
- specific tests on different type of sealants(silicone, acrylic, PUR)
 Materials used in concretes and mortars:specific tests on mortars with polymer
admixtures;
 Masonry and walls: specific tests on masonry, walls and compartment panels for interiors
and exterior closures manufactured by using polymer products (including window
profiles, lighting apertures);
 Sanitary and natural gas fuel installations: specific tests on polymer materials (PE, PVC,
PP), used in sanitary and in natural gas fuel installations;
Recently, The Laboratory turned to the indoor air quality and for this has been equipped
with specific advanced equipments, for monitoring of VOCs, formaldehyde, particles.
The research results of the Laboratory are published as follows:
- Cora Stamate, Mihaela Ion, Vasilica Vasile - Reusable technology of PVC waste
in construction - Buildings Jurnal, no.1, 34, 2008
- Vasilica Vasile, Mihaela Ion, Alina Cioacă - Methods of simulating the operating
conditions in the context of climate change for the constituent materials of
polymeric closing elements in order to estimate the lifetime. - Buildings, no.1, 61,
2009
- Vasilica Vasile, Mihaela Ion, Alina Cioacă - Comparative study on the behavior of
the closing elements made of polymeric materials exposed to natural and
laboratory environment.- Buildings, no.2, 17, 2009
- Vasilica Vasile, Alina Cioacă - Methods and experimental techniques for
determining emissions from materials is included in construction systems and
plumbing - Urbanism, Architecture, Construction Jurnal, vol.2, no.1, 78, 2011
- Vasilica Vasile, Alina Cioacă - Methods and experimental techniques for
determining building materials emissions - Urbanism, Architecture, Construction
Jurnal, vol.2, no.2, 63, 2011
37
Vasilica Vasile, Alina Cioacă - The effects of emissions of building materials on occupants
health - Urbanism, Architecture, Construction Jurnal, vol.2, no.3, 94, 2011 (Abstract)
LABORATORY OF RESEARCH AND TESTS ON PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
AGAINST CORROSION AND BIOCHEMICAL ATTACK
2.3. Activity report by team
The research team of the "Laboratory of research and tests on protection of buildings
against corrosion and biochemical attack" is RENAR accredited (Accreditation Certificate LI
373/06.01.2010), First rank Laboratory (Permit by the State Inspectorate in Construction –
ISC, 2202/12.11.2010) and is operating in INCD URBAN-INCERC, INCERC Branch,
Bucharest, by the following main activity directions:
 Documentary surveys, experimental and pre-regulatory research on subjects of national
interest in corrosion of steel, concrete, reinforced concrete structures and corrosion
protection materials;
 Investigations on corrosion damaged structures, rehabilitation solutions for structures
located in natural and industrial aggressive environments;
 Physical and mechanical, accelerated weathering and chemical laboratory tests on
corrosion protection materials and finishes;
 “In-situ” tests on corrosion damaged concrete/steel structures;
 Laboratory tests and analyses for determining the concentration of the aggressive ions in
concrete;
 Evaluation of the corrosion behaviour of building and corrosion protection materials by
“in-situ” exposure tests (in marine, mountain and urban-industrial environments);
 Technical Regulations;
 Technical Approvals for corrosion protection products and systems in buildings.
The research team of the "Laboratory of research and tests on protection of buildings
against corrosion and biochemical attack" is based on one 3rd degree scientific researcher and
two scientific researchers, and having a 43 years average age. The team also includes four
technicians.
In the last four years, the research activity of "Laboratory of research and tests on
protection of buildings against corrosion and biochemical attack "team consisted in:
 2 core programs contracted with Romanian National Agency for Scientific Research
(ANCS) ;
 4 pre-regulatory research contracts with Ministry of Regional Development and
Tourism (MDRT) ;
 1 participation at “Partnership 2011” national competition;
Core Programs
Duration
CONSUS, “Constructions – Major guide mark of the national and european strategy
for sustainable development”, Contract no.14N/2009, project cod PN 09 – 14 04 05:
“Sustainable development of constructions using performant coating products, with 2009-2011
ecological features, exposed to complex (urban-industrial, marine, alpine
environment) long-term demands”
CONSRO, “European safety and comfort for constructions in Romania”, Contract
no.11N/2006, project cod PN 06-11 04 02: “In time behaviour of the component
2006-2008
matererials of polymeric and steel closing elements exposed to weather and chemical
actions
38
Pre-regulatory research
Integrated systems of products and technologies for specific
and complex biocidal and anticorrosive protection of
wooden and steel construction elements
Specific requirements for the design of the anticorrosive
protection, in-time behavior and intervention measures for
the reinforced concrete overground structures placed in
marine environment
Investigation and diagnosis of the state of corrosion
damages for the industrial reinforced concrete chimneys
Assesment of corrosion effects on chimneys
Contract No.
500/2011
503/2011
Duration
2011-2013
2011-2013
416/2009
2009-2011
328/2008
2008-2009
Each of these contracts is made up of 4-6 phases and is structured on theoretical but
mainly on experimental research.
All these research contracts were initiated/ won in auction by this research team and
were/are realised in different multidisciplinary teams, in collaboration with other laboratories
of the institute but also in collaborators/in partnership with other institutes (Institute for
Studies and Power Engineering Bucharest – ISPE Bucureşti, Research Institute For
Equipment And Technologies in Constructions - ICECON).
Interdisciplinary initiatives of the team were materialized also by means that the
research themes contracted with ANCS in the last four years were realized in collaboration
with the research team from the “Test laboratory for polymer products and finishes” and were
designed in order to:
- obtain actual informations reffering to the aggressiveness of some natural atmospheric
environments specific for our country (urban-industrial, marine, alpine environment) towards
coating anticorrosive protections, respectively in time behaviour of the component matererials
of polymeric and steel closing elements exposed to weather and chemical actions.
- integrate an amount of technical informations obtained from the Technical Approvals for
corrosion protection and decorating products/systems in buildings into our curent databaze
used in research: the products/systems were applied, exposed to the specific aggressive action
of three natural Romanian environments (urban-industrial, marine, alpine environment), and
surveyed for almost 2 years.
The pre-regulatory research themes contracted with the Ministry of Regional
Development and Tourism (MDRT) in the last four years were focused on:
- detailed investigation and several specific aspects concerning Romanian industrial
reinforced concrete chimneys (damages generated or accelerated by corrosion, maintenance,
investigation and diagnosis);
- study of the specific aspects and evolution of damages generated or accelerated by corrosion
of the reinforced concrete overground structure elements after a long-term exposure to the
Romanian atmospheric marine environment;
- “in situ” and laboratory experimental reserches, in order to establish integrated systems of
products and technologies for specific and complex biocidal and anticorrosive protection for
wooden and steel construction elements, after exposure in various aggressive environments.
The results of the research themes, at different stages, were published in the last four
years, in B+ rated journals (“Constructions”, Bucharest, ISSN 1221-2709, CNCSIS code
892) and BDI journals („Urbanism. Arhitecture. Construction”, Bucharest, ISSN 2069-0509,
BDI-Index Copernicus), or in Proceedings of the First edition of the National Conference on
39
Research in Construction, Economics Building, Architecture, Planning and Territorial
Development, having international participation (Bucharest , 29thof April 2011), Proceedings
of the second edition of the National Conference on Research in Construction, Economics
Building, Architecture, Planning and Territorial Development, having international
participation (Bucharest , 23rd of September 2011), the National Conference “Chemical
products and construction materials”- The Romanian Association of Contruction Materials
Producers –APMCR (Bucharest, 6thof October 2011).
We also mention that in this year the team participated, as a partener, at the national
competition “Partnership 2011”, with a multidisciplinary research project.
LABORATORY FOR RESEARCH AND TESTING IN ACOUSTICS OF
CONSTRUCTIONS
2.3. Activity report by team
During the 2007-2011 years, in the Building Acoustics Laboratory of INCERC
Bucharest (2007-2009), respectively URBAN-INCERC INCD Branch INCERC Bucharest
(2010-2011), were carried out researches and testing (laboratory and in situ ) activities
specific to Building Acoustics and Urban Acoustics fields, using modern equipment.
Building Acoustics Laboratory is currently done:
- Researches on the acoustic comfort in buildings and urban areas, researches in construction
and environmental protection,
- Studies on the reduction of noise pollution in urban areas
- Determination of laboratory experiments, in situ measurements, technical solutions,
expertise
- Technical regulations and design guidelines conceptually, Acoustic of buildings and urban
areas
- technical expertises in construction field,
- Technical Approvals (Agremente tehnice) for construction products and systems.
Laboratory has specialized personnel, two scientific researchers and two engineers,
each with experience in research work, between 10 and 34 years.
Experience of staff, considering building research, consists in developing solutions
for the design principle and the performance of laboratory measurements and in situ
measurements, as well as development of technical regulations, standards for Building
Acoustic and Acoustics in Urban areas; - Calculations and estimates of the noise pollution due
to the traffic on some streets in Bucharest and other urban areas - technical regulations:
regulations and design guides for: - Administrative Office Buildings and Hotels - Cultural
Building - urban spaces, etc..
In the last four years in the laboratory have been negotiated contracts and research
projects with different themes and testing (laboratory and in situ) and were conducted in
laboratory quality activities, as follows:
•
Participation in national and international projects:
1) National projects: 4 national projects, with phases 1 ... 7 of which were obtained through
competitive-auction project, 3 national projects in the Nucleu Program, and in the program
CEEX and one competitive-auction MDRT.
National Projects (NP and CEEX):
1. Advanced research on reducing noise pollution in residential areas, generated by road and
rail traffic, considering the location of acoustic barriers", Project CEEX ctr. no. 321/2006-
40
2008, Stages 1…7, T. Cherecheş _ ATM – coordinator; – INCERC Bucharest – partner, M.C.
Zaharia – Project manager – partner INCERC Bucharest.
2. "Modern compositions and cladding for interior partitions with outstanding fire resistance
and protection against noise" - beneficiary MEC - National Agency for Scientific Research,
PN 06-11.05.01, Phases 1 ... 7, 2006-2008.
3. "Methods to combat urban noise. Analysis and resolution of multi-criterion acoustics of
buildings and residential areas in urban and rural areas exposed to noise ", PN 09-14.04.07,
Phases 1 ... 6, 2009 .... 2011 - MECT beneficiary - NASR, Coordinator - Project Manager Acoustics specialized phases.
Naţional Project (Normative MDRT):
4. Normative on acoustics in buildings and urban areas. Part III - Measures of protection
against noise in residential buildings, social, cultural, technical and administrative (Review
and completion P122/1989). Part IV - Protective measures against noise in urban areas (GP
Review 001/1996). "Guide for specific performance and composition of construction
materials - quality requirement -" Protection from noise, '"
2) International Project: 1 european project - European Project COST Action TU0901 "Integrating and Harmonizing Sound Insulation Aspects in Sustainable Urban Housing
Constructions" (during: 2010-2013) where laboratory manager, Ms. Dr.Sc.dipl.Eng. Marta
Cristina Zaharia is the main representative of Romania in the project being MC (Management
Committee member) of the project, also is part of the team work of the Working Group WG1.
 Research contracts with economic beneficiaries (main contracts):
Project title
Call name
Name of contracting
authority
"Theoretical Research on product development
S.C.
C.C.M.
technical
(agrement/approval)"
sandwich
type 5375/2007
IMPORT-EXPORT
DAGARD ".
S.R.L
"Research
on
Development
of
technical
S.
C.
KORAM
(agrement/approval) nr.001-02/723-2004 extension 5376/2007
CONSTRUCTII RO
documentation for" EUROPEAN sandwich panel ".
S.R.L.
"Experimental Research making of acoustic
measurements to determine the "in situ" impact noise
insulation made of 13 structures with floors laminate
5379/2008
floors, tiles and screed, the buildings of type A and type
S.C.
HEBERGER
B Residenza Chitila German Headquarters, Highway .
CONSTRUCŢII
Banat no. 14, Chitila village, Ilfov County. "
S.R.L.
"Research on technical (agrement/approval) for product
S.C.
development "Insulated sandwich panels for walls and 5385V/2008 MARCEGAGLIA
roofs "BROLLO" '"
BUILDTECH S.R.L
Experimental Research on Acoustic measurements of
Schmitd-Bretten
the length of reverberation and noise isolation Hall
Technology SRL
5389/2008
objective industrial air - clean production, offices - City
Popesti-Leordeni Olteniţei Sos, no. 208, Jud. Ilfov "
"Experimental Research on performance measurement
in situ determination of acoustic noise produced by air
5382/2008
conditioning equipment mounted outdoors, the property
S.C. PALL D’OR
of Manu Ghe Street No.3, Bucharest"
CON S.A
"Experimental Research on Determination of acoustic
S.C. REX MAMAIA
5387/2008
noise insulation air space at the basement of Hotel Rex
S.A.
41
Mamaia building "
Experimental Research on acoustic measurements at
the National Theatre IL Caragiale Bucharest
Experimental Research on" Determination of sound
insulation between rooms air noise in apartments
located in blocks A1, A2, A3, and A4 in the residential
complex "Oaks" of Gendarmerie Street, No. 14, Sector
1, Baneasa, Bucharest "
Experimental Research on" Determination of sound
insulation from airborne noise for two types of
structure walls: plastered wall of brick 15 inches thick,
coated on one side with polyethylene plate (20 mm wall
thickness for the first type of respectively of 60 mm
thickness for the second type of wall) and gypsum
board and sound absorption coefficient determination
for a mattress 60 mm thick polyethylene. "
Experimental Research on" Acoustic Measurements to
determine the noise impact sound insulation for four
types of structures: 1. Sandstone dig + film + 20mm +
slab b.a. , 2. Sandstone + dig + 60mm + slab b.a.
multilayer film And 3. Parquet floor b.a. + film + 3mm
4. Solid 3 mm + dig + film + film multilayer army 5cm
20mm + slab BA 5. Solid polystyrene film + 3mm +
BA floor. "
Experimental Research on" "Determination of airborne
noise insulation in the walls made of different
structures, partitions, between types of offices, floors 7,
8 and 9 of the building HEADQUARTER, Site Petrom
City, Coral Sos, no. 22, sector 1, Bucharest. "
"Research on the evaluation study by calculating the
noise insulation index of air for three types of walls
Wienerberger bricks ceramic blocks systems,
Porotherm Porotherm 25 25/30 Hi Light and Light.
"Experimental Research on" Determination of airborne
noise emitted by technological facilities and warehouse
Sawmill logs Albina Crivaia in residential areas
adjoining the common area Tarcau Tarcău village. "
"Research Studies on the principle technical solutions
necessary to reduce the noise level of technological
facilities and warehouse Sawmill logs Crivaia Bee, in
Tarcău village, village pen '
5388/2008
S.C.
S.R.L
SONOBEL
5390/2009
BOUYGUES
ROMANIA SRL
5392/2009
S.C.
PREGIS
COMPANY S.A.
5394/2009
S.C.
PREGIS
COMPANY S.A.
5428/2010
S.C. ALPINE S.A.
5427/2010
5429/2010
5430/2011
Wienerberger
Sisteme de caramizi
SRL
S.C.FORESTAR
S.A.
S.C.FORESTAR
S.A.
În Building Acoustics Laboratory, during the project CEEX ctr. no. 321/2006-2008 it
was obtained a Patent registered at OSIM:
Patent nr.122864/2010 , Patent title: “Soundproofing and sound-absorbing layer panel”
Authors (the inventors) were: Marta Cristina ZAHARIA from Building Acoustics
Laboratory – INCERC Bucharest, and Mihai BUGARU, Tudor CHERECHEŞ and Mihai
ARSENE, from the other partners in project.
42
Research conducted in the laboratory during the past four years has led to the
participation of laboratory staff scientific researchers in different scientific conferences,
symposiums , etc.. where they supported scientific articles were published as follows:
- SCIENTIFIC COMUNICATIONS presented (in the last 4 years) in national conference
with program committee:
- Communication: "Restoration of the acoustic point of view of Great Concert Hall of the
Romanian Athenaeum " at the National Conference of Research in construction, construction
economy, architecture, urbanism and territorial development - "Sustainable spatial
development - from territorial planning to design buildings "- Bucharest 29.apryl.2011, INCD
URBAN-INCERC Bucharest;
- Communication: "The influence of variables parameters of arteries of traffic on the level of
noise coming from urban road traffic", the National Conference on Research in construction,
construction
economy,
architecture,
urbanism
and
territorial
development
"Human habitat and quality of life in conditions of natural and technological risk - a
multidisciplinary approach" - Bucharest 23.sept.2011, INCD URBAN-INCERC Bucharest;
Laboratory staff scientific researchers also participated as auditors and interlocutors on
thematic topics discussed at a series of events and scientific conferences, symposiums and
conferences held under the auspices of prestigious national and international professional
organizations, eg conferences UTCB, UAUIM, symposium of the Italian Acoustics
Association in Florence - Italy (dec.2010), Symposium for the National Cathedral held in
2009-2010 at the Romanian Patriarchate, conferences with different topics on European
projects, management, construction, etc. held at the Romanian Academy, Symposia of some
construction companies, Chamber of Commerce, European Institute, etc. conducted over the
years, the halls of locations as: Marriott Hotel, Hotel Intercontinental, Sphera Complex,
Hotel Sofitel, Bucharest etc. Exhibition Hall.
- SCIENTIFIC PAPERS PUBLISHED (the last 4 years):
- Articles: Marta Cristina Zaharia: "Improving and upgrading the building design acoustics
Methods - Computer Programs acoustic listening rooms used to design", public in the
magazine "Urbanism, architecture, construction" Vol.1, no.1/2010, ISSN 2069 - 0509,
journals indexed in Index Copernicus database BDI.
- Article: Marta Cristina Zaharia, "Restoration of the acoustic point of view of Great Hall of
the Romanian Athenaeum concert" in "Urbanism, architecture, construction" vol.2, nr.1/2011,
ISSN 2069-0509, indexed journals in Index Copernicus database-BDI.
- Article: Marta Cristina Zaharia, "The Influence of parameters of arteries of traffic variables
on the level of noise coming from urban traffic" in "Urbanism, architecture, construction"
vol.2, nr.3/2011, ISSN 2069-0509, journals indexed in Index Copernicus database BDI.
Professional recognition in the last four years, those two scientific researchers of
the laboratory:
A) PhD.dipl.Eng. Marta Cristina Zaharia, Chief of Laboratory, CS III degree
(management positions INCD URBAN-INCERC, or outside it, including through
professional organizations, special commissions, etc.., Including the database of recognized
specialists, etc.).
43
1. Technical Committee Member of MDRT - CTS 11 "Physical functional requirements for
construction and construction physical ", 2010 - present (2011);
2. Member of Technical Committee of Standardization ASRO no. 276 "Acoustics in
Buildings";
3. Member of Scientific Council INCD URBAN-INCERC Bucharest, 2010 - present (2011).
4. Member of the Commission for approval and acceptance - URBAN-INCERC INCD
Branch INCERC Bucharest (2010 - present)
5. Member - Specialist legal experts - the "Sanitary Engineering and Environmental
Protection" - Ministry of Justice;
6. Member of Scientific Council INCERC Bucharest, 2008, 2009.
7. Specialized Rapporteur groups. No. 2, no. 3 and No. 4 for Technical Approval in
Construction;
8. Member of Italian Association of Acoustics,
9. Member of working group WG 5 "Urban, Rural Development and Protection against noise"
- National Environment Agency - NEPA Bucharest, 2007, 2008, 2009;
10. Member of the Commission for approval and acceptance - INCERC Bucharest (until
2009),
11. Member of database specialists ROST-Romanian Office for Science and Technology,
Brussels,
Belgium,
12. Member "Who is Who - Encyclopedia personalities in Romania", 2007 - present (2011).
• From 2010-present (2011) is specialized in the publication Referee - Magazine "Urbanism,
architecture, construction", indexed in BDI-Index Copernicus database.
• Since 1998 has university teaching experience, working as associate professor at the
Technical University of Civil Engineering Bucharest - Faculty CCIA, Urban and Regional
Development Engineering, teaching courses and seminars: "Ecology", "Architecture and
Urban Planning", "Urban Ecology" "Environmental impact" Architecture - "Architecture and
Urban Planning", Engineering Urban and Regional Development - (Master) - "Local
Economic Development".
B) Dipl.eng. Ioana Mihaela Alexe, CS III degree (URBAN INC managerial
functions-try, or outside it, including through professional organizations, special
commissions, etc.., Including the database of recognized specialists, etc.).
1. Secretary of the Technical Committee of Standardization ASRO no. 276 "Acoustics in
Buildings";
2. Member of Technical Committee of Standardization ASRO no. 274 "Safety. Human
protection against noise and vibration ";
3. Specialized Rapporteur groups. No. 2, no. 3 and No. 4 for Technical Approval in
Construction.
Chief of Building Acoustics Laboratory,
PhD.Dipl.eng. Marta Cristina ZAHARIA
44
LABORATORY
FOR
RESEARCH
WATERPROOFING AND ROOFING
AND
TESTING
FOR
2.3. Activity report by team
Laboratory research and testing for waterproof protection and roofs is made out of a
team of scientists interactive (three engineers, two architects), and four research assistants to
that operating in the common spirit of teamwork. Two scientists are experts in categories "E"
in construction and energy auditors. The two architects are members of the Order of
Architects of Romania. The laboratory has three specialized group president for Technical
Approval in Construction and a group presesdinte of specializatra 2 for Technical Approval in
Construction, the other three members of the technical report of the group ECHP
specialization 3.
Team work was carried out on a remarkable number of research papers in the field, as
follows:
 4 (four) research contracts funded by ANCS in the National Program - PNCDI;
 4 (four) research contracts funded by ANCS in the National Program-Core Program;
 6 (six) contracts for specific regulatory activities funded by the Ministry of Regional
Development and Tourism;
 3 (three) technical expertise waterproofing works, funded by economic agents;
 15 (fifteen) contracts for trials funded by economic agents, waterproofing materials;
 93 (ninety-three) works contracts financed technical approvals for the development of
businesses.
The most important achievements in terms of research activity of HIT Lab team working
on these topics can be found:
 Assimilation and implementation of laboratory test methods for waterproofing
materials provided in the harmonized European standards related to construction
products directive - 89/106 EEC.
 Sustainability waterproof insulation systems of building elements in normal use.
manual for design and implementation details.
 Guidance on rehabilitation functional utility of roofs to existing buildings.
 Standard on the design, implementation and operation of the building roof sloping
roofs (NP Review and completion Standard 069-2002)
 Guidance on the design and execution of thermal rehabilitation of collective
housing.
 Development of the guide: "Designing and implementing green roofs on new and
existing buildings" of the work - "detailing the requirements, criteria and
performance levels for waterproofing, specific layers of protection including
green, insulation and structure," according to the provisions of Law 10 / 1995 on
construction quality, as amended, will insert diagrams, drawings, annexes as
appropriate.
 Standard on the design, implementation and operation of buildings, waterproofing
NP Review 040-2002.
 Rehabilitation waterproofing basements and underground elements in
construction.
 Hybrid composite materials based on polystyrene foam, for thermal rehabilitation
of buildings.
 Health surveillance of bee families through complex diagnostic tests haemolymph
samples and optimization of diet and metabolic profile correlated with increased
immune status of the bee Apis mellifera.
45

Contract of experimental research and solutions to address the objective of
eliminating infiltration in terraces Conference Center Hotel Complex located
inside the Palace Snagov Snagov.
 Contract of experimental research and solutions to address the elimination of water
leakage from the terraces and the objective household distribution panel located
inside the guest house complex Scrovistea.
 Contract of research on the Approvals "fiberglass mesh and dowels BAUPOR
BAUPOR ."
 Contract of experimental research on seal products Aquafina 1K, 2K / M, F and
Aquafina Aquafina IC. "
 Contract of experimental research on the Approvals "metal boxes for
construction".
 Contract of experimental research on the Approvals "process of applying the
insulating ARCO".
 Contract of experimental research in gutters and downspouts Approvals.
Permanent concern of the team is to participate directly in national research programs
through interdisciplinary collaboration partnerships with the Technical University of
Civil Engineering, University of Architecture "Ion Mincu", Polytechnic University of
Bucharest, Ploiesti and Gas Pertol University, as well as manufacturers specialized
materials and manufacturing firms.
The research team says a permanent activity of knowledge and technical
documentation on national and international news, appearances following articles in
publications and by attending national conferences and symposia.
DIVISION OF CONSTRUCTION ECONOMICS
2.3. Activity report by team
The Division of Construction Economics is as old as INCERC Bucharest itself. Over
the time, the institute played an important role in the development of the construction sector
in Romania. The Division has a team of very well prepared specialists who participated in
solving the main economic issues of the construction sector, namely:
 drawing up estimate norm indexes, work norms, construction time norms, economic
efficiency studies, international comparative studies, forecasts and prognoses on the
main economic indicators, studies on the construction cost formation and evolution,
feasibility studies, analysis of economic output of construction companies, etc.
The activity of the department is marked by two moments of reference having long
term implication on the whole economy:
 coordination of the preparation of estimate norm indexes for construction, 1981
edition;
 developing estimate norm indexes, 1999-2000 edition (revision and update of the 1981
edition).
After 2000, the scientific activity of the department mainly consisted in the
participation in national research programmes: Horizon 2000, RELANSIN, AMTRANS
2002-2006, National Research Program, Core Program.
The team of the department includes 4 certified scientific researchers (2nd and 3rd
grades), , a technician and a software programmer's assistant.
Proof of the concern for enhancing the professional formation stand the graduation, by
the members of the team, of many postgraduate and doctorate courses: a researcher obtained a
doctor diploma in economic sciences and a research assistant applied for doctorate courses.
46
The scientific performances of the Division are based on a rich documentary base
provided by the technical library of the institute, as well as on the use of advanced
information software on high quality computers.
The department has along cooperation with two renowned high education institutions:
the Academy of Economic Studies and the Technical Construction University, participating
in both the development of scientific research studies and scientific events (workshops,
conferences, symposia).
The team of the Division contact, once a term, the producers and suppliers of
construction materials and products as well as construction service suppliers in order to obtain
the prices and tariffs they need to calculate the price indexes for the construction sector .
The research results of the department are published in the "Construction Economics
Issues" - INCERC (ISSN 1584-2797), which is published since 1995; the magazine was
disseminated annually till 2009 to more than 100 construction firms.
We present below apart of the most recent research studies of the department:
 The analysis of Romanian and European methodologies on the evolution of the costs
of collective. housing buildings built by the State.
 The preparation of the framework analysis methodology and the monitoring of the
evolution of the costs of collective housing buildings by work categories and total.
Forecasting tools and procedures. used at national and international levels.

Average informative indexes of the technical value of buildings and special
construction resulted from the price and tariffs evolution (between 2007 and
2011).(Data bank).
 Cost analysis by construction
lifecycle in a sustainable
development
context. A cultural pattern characterizing Romanian SMEs in the context of
knowledge management.
 Informative consumption norms by estimate items in construction.
 The evolution of the estimate price and its structure by construction domains and work
categories with a view to completing construction objects.
 Integrated unified system of indicators for analyzing and assessing the sustainability
the housing policies.
 Estimate price calculation by standard objectives under the EUROSTAT European
Comparison Programme.
 Estimate price calculation by: construction objects and by work categories for NHA
housing in various areas of the country, and for gymnasia and sports halls financed
under the National Investment Company.
The Division of Construction Economics can provide to all participants on the
construction market, on request, similar studies to the precedent research; in addition, it can
provide the following:
 Diagnoses regarding the construction sector evolution.
 Research and studies on the construction sector evolution on the national and
European levels.
 Development of sectoral strategies at national and regional levels, as well as strategies
for the companies in the construction sector.
 Drawing up business plans for the companies in the construction sector.
 Drawing up financing applications, cost-benefit analyses, risk and sensitivity analyses
for national and/or European financed projects (whether they are reimbursable funds
or not).
 Other activities and consultancy for the companies in the construction sector.
 Estimate price calculation by construction objects and work category.
47
2.3. ACTIVITIES OF ECBR – EUROPEAN CENTER FOR BUILDINGS
REHABILITATION OF THE EUROPEAN AND MEDITERRANEAN MAJOR
HAZARDS
AGREEMENT
EUR-OPA,
WITHIN
NRDI
URBAN-INCERC,
BUCHAREST, IN THE PERIOD 2007-2011
THE GENERAL FRAMEWORK OF ACTIVITY
EUR-OPA Major Hazards Agreement is a platform for co-operation in the field of major
natural and technological disasters between Europe and the South of the Mediterranean. Its
field of competence covers the major natural and technological disasters - knowledge,
prevention, risk management, post-crisis analysis and rehabilitation (www.coe.int).
The main objectives of the EUR-OPA Major Hazards Agreement are to reinforce and to
promote co-operation between Member States in a multi-disciplinary context to ensure better
prevention, protection against risks and better preparation in the event of major natural or
technological disasters. Set up by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in
1987, The Agreement is "open" because any non-member State of the Council of Europe may
apply to become a member. It has to date 26 Member States. The activities are supported by
scientific and technical work developed by the 27 specialised Centres integrated in a network.
At the scientific and technical level, the specific role of the Specialised Euro-Mediterranean
Centres is to develop projects, both at the national and regional level, who aim to improve the
awareness and resilience to major risks within the population.
THE SPECIFIC FRAMEWORK AND STRUCTURE OF ECBR
ECBR is a specialised center included in URBAN-INCERC and is based on a Memorandum
of Accession to The European and Mediterranean Major Hazards Agreement (EUR-OPA),
adopted by the Romanian Government in 2001. With the present name and objectives, the
EUROPEAN CENTER FOR BUILDINGS REHABILITATION - ECBR was agreed by EUROPA Major Hazard Agreement at its 10th Ministerial Session in San Marino, December 12,
2003.
Since 2009, according to the Government Decision 1398 / 2009, ECBR is included in the
structure of URBAN-INCERC, as a result of merging between INCERC, URBAN-PROIECT
and CDCAS. Presently, ECBR is located in the premises of the National Institute for
Research and Development in Constructions, Urbanism and Sustainable Territorial
Development URBAN-INCERC. The Center benefits of the facilities of existing laboratories
in URBAN-INCERC, mainly INCERC Bucharest Branch, as well as from consultancy of
other research institutes and universities.
ECBR staff is URBAN-INCERC research staff, all working within existing resources, as cofinancing of ECBR from Romanian part, although some expenses of ECBR for operation and
specific actions are covered by annual EUR-OPA grant and other are covered by INCERC.
The main field of ECBR, as “building rehabilitation” has important relationships with the
vulnerability of citizens that live in buildings at risk, with human habitat in urban and rural
environment, with technical codes and laws on related aspects, including socio-economic and
ethical aspects.
48
ECBR
performs
technical
and
dissemination
activities
devoted
to:
(i) Contributing to preparation of appropriate legislation for buildings rehabilitation and risk
mitigation by MRDT;
(ii) Strengthening of the building structures damaged by earthquakes;
(iii)Mitigation of natural disaster risks, including earthquake education;
(iv) Rehabilitation of the building comfort and building equipment, associated with the ;
(v) Other activities related to the hazard, vulnerability and risk management.
The Center promotes partnership with specialized institutions, agencies and authorities related
to building design and building rehabilitation from Romania, UE and world-wide.
http://www.incerc2004.ro/ecbr/ecbr.htm
The management of the Center is made by the Director of the Center and supervised by the
Permanent Correspondent of Romania to EUR-OPA Major Hazards Agreement, i.e. by the
representative of MRDT in charge with EUR-OPA Major Hazards Agreement.
The present structure is as follows:
- President: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arch. Vasile MEITA, General Director of URBAN- INCERC
- Director: Dr. Eng. Emil-Sever GEORGESCU, Scientific Director for Constructions,
INCERC Bucharest Branch
- President of Scientific Council: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eng. Iolanda-Gabriela CRAIFALEANU,
INCERC Bucharest Branch
- General Secretary: Dr. Math. Ioan Sorin BORCIA, Head of Seismic Risk and Actions on
Buildings Laboratory, INCERC Bucharest Branch
Members:
- Eng. Claudiu Lucian Matei, Director of INCERC Bucharest Branch, Senior Researcher,
Ph D Candidate
- Dr. Eng. Claudiu Sorin Dragomir, Senior Researcher, INCERC Bucharest Branch
- Geologist Eng. Elena Andreea Calarasu, Scientific Researcher, INCERC Bucharest
Branch – Ph D Candidate
- Dr. Eng. Daniela Dobre, Senior Researcher, INCERC Bucharest Branch
- Eng. Nicoleta Florenta Tanase, Assistant Researcher, INCERC Bucharest Branch – Ph D
Candidate
- Eng. Andreea Dutu, Assistant Researcher, INCERC Bucharest Branch – Ph D.
ECBR ACTIVITIES IN 2007-2011
Activity no. 1 in 2007 was: « Research on identification of compound risks caused on longterm by climat changes and earthquakes to buildings, needs and means of rehabilitation. »
Researchers of ECBR studied the climat changes that are now a harsh reality for zones of
Romania where floods, strong winds, tornado-like storms and other natural phenomena
endanger safety of buildings. Combination of seismic loading with other extreme loads was nor
considered with due extent by previous codes and building practices.
Activity no. 2 in 2007 was : « Support and dissemination of knowledge for earthquake
rehabilitation of buildings » and included:
 activities for citizens in view of new legal measures of Government and MTCT to
enforce the antiseismic rehabilitation of first class of risk high-rise buildings by
special labelling
49
 presentations of earthquake preparedness rules for school students, using MTCTINCERC booklets and multimedia.
 contribution to the Information website on seismic risk in Romania
In 2007, the Director of ECBR joined NCSRR and JICA experts and participated in :
- Seminar held with citizens and officials in City Hall sector 2, Bucharest – 25.04.2007
- Printed matter for citizens under preparation to include last legal changes.
- Presentations for school students, using MTCT / MDRT -INCERC booklets in 7
seminars.
Activity no. 3 in 2007 was: Participation to the Regional Capacity and Task Force for Postdisaster Damage Assessment. Cooperation with IZIIS, ECILS, Skopje, FYR of Macedonia.
 This activity with IZIIS was cancelled due to the tight time of the participants.
 Instead, in the same topic, during 28.11.-30.11.2007 the Director of ECBR attended in
Italy at Rome and LAquila, the International Seminar of the STEP Project on postearthquake investigation. The presentation referred to : „Romanian Methodology for
post-earthquake inspection of buildings and provisional measures for safety”, drafted
in INCERC.
Activity no. 4 in 2007 was. « Participation to the Symposiums”:
- “Thirty Years from the Romania Earthquake of March 4, 1977”, Bucharest, Romania, 1-3
March 2007, UTCB;
- International Symposium on Seismic Risk Reduction. The JICA Technical Cooperation
Project in Romania, 26-27 April 2007, Romanian Academy, Bucharest. ECBR ensured
presentation of papers and posters of ECBR – INCERC researchers
- The Director of ECBR Emil-Sever Georgescu presented a PPT presentation on seismic
risk and earthquake education in Romania during the Meeting of the Committee of
Permanent Correspondents of EUR-OPA Major Hazards Bucharest, September 27 – 28,
2007, at Ministry of Development, Public Works and Housing, that was highly
appreciated in the minutes of the meeting.
- The Director of ECBR participated to the OPA European and Mediterranean Workshop
on „Disaster Reduction at School - Building safer schools communities”, Paphos, Cyprus,
29-30 October 2007, organised in close co-operation with the government of Cyprus and
EUR-OPA’s thematic group on Disaster Education and Awareness (Be-Safe-Net). Dr.
Georgescu presented the paper „Earthquake education of school students, teaching and
administrative staff in Romania”, still available on many INTERNET sites.
In 2008, ECBR performed activities for:
- development and implementation of risk reduction strategy through structural
building rehabilitation as a support of National Program of Romanian Government and
MDPWH - Ministry of Development, Public Works and Housing, correlated with Eurocode 8
provisions and buildings and regional and European needs, as well as with those of EUR-OPA
Agreement requirements;
- development and implementation of thermal and energy rehabilitation of buildings in
support of National Program of Romanian Government and MDPWH-Ministry of
Development, Public Works and Housing for thermal and energy rehabilitation of buildings.
Activity no. 1 in 2008 was : « Preparatives for a future ECBR coordinated programme for
activities at European scale on seismic risk management, considering the role of developers
and house builders as creators of territorial development, the need of sustainable constructions
50
in member countries, especially of those recently becoming members of the European
Union ».
The Director of ECBR prepared a draft of programme of activities on seismic risk
management, enhancing a number of preventive measures that was included on Agenda of
UEPC-European Union of Developers and House Builders and the Romanian Federation of
Ownership in Construction - PSC, and it was discussed in the meeting be held in Bucharest
in October 23, 2008.
Activity no. 2 in 2008 was : « Support and dissemination of knowledge for earthquake
rehabilitation of buildings for citizens »:
 seminars of dissemination of earthquake preparedness knowledge for students of 6 schools
in Bucharest, using 4 types of INCERC booklets and multimedia, using also Japanese
didactic seismic simulators of the NCSRR- The National Center for Seismic Risk
Reduction – JICA Project in Romania, in collaboration with Romanian Red Cross and
Institute for Sciences of Education.
 Workshop with participation of university professors and students, aimed to the
dissemination of seismic risk reduction projects and activities at INCERC-ECBR, 7
university courses on building vulnerability, seismic risk and population preparedness for
earthquakes, for students of the 5-th grade in urban engineering, at Technical University
of Civil Engineering of Bucharest.
 media coverage and activities for citizens to support new legal measures of Government
and MDPWH to enforce the antiseismic rehabilitation of first class of risk high-rise
buildings by special labelling;
 ECBR contributed to the maintenance of INCERC Information website section on seismic
risk in Romania - INFORISX.
Activity no. 3 in 2008 was : “Participation to Conferences”:
 presentation of a poster of ECBR – INCERC, with cooperation of UTCB, NCSRR and
MDPWH on the new methodology for emergency investigation of post-seismic safety of
buildings and framework solutions for intervention, enforced by the Ministry of
Development, Public Works and Housing – MDPWH, Romania, for the 14-th World
Conference on Earthquake Engineering, Beijing, China, October 2008.
 ECBR Director presented also 3 conferences for Romanian Civil Protection staff,
concerning earthquake vulnerability and disaster prevention;
Activity no. 4 in 2008 was : « Participation to other International, Regional and European
Projects »
 ECBR Director participated to technical and applicative meetings on buildings inspections
after earthquakes in the framework of STEP Project in Slovenia.
 ECBR Director Presentation on “Post-earthquake fires in high-rise buildings of
Bucharest” at the Conference Fire Safety in High-Rise Buildings - FSHB 2008 Bucharest,
May 7-9, 2008
 The President of the Scientific Council of ECBR and the Secretary General, participated
with papers in the following workshops:
o International Workshop on Seismic Hazard and Seismic Risk Reduction in the
Countries Influenced by Vrancea Earthquakes, NATO SfP 980468, Chisinau, R.
Moldova, 19 – 20 mai 2008, igg.asm.md/sfp/index.html/.
o ESC 2008: 31st General Assembly of the European Seismological Commission),
Hersonissos, Creta, Grecia, 7-12 September 2008, www.esc2008.org.
51
o SSCR 2008, First International Conference on Seismic Safety Problems of Caucasus
Region Population, Cities and Settlements), www.ismee.ge/sscr2008/ , Tbilisi,
Georgia, September 8-11, 2008.

th
ECBR Director participated with papers in The 14 World Conference on Earthquake
Engineering, October 12-17, 2008, Beijing, China), www.14wcee.org with 3 papers.
Since 2009, ECBR started a plan for 3 years, 2009-2011, and activities were on a common
type, although their specific content was different. Thus, the proposals for 2009-2011 were
corelated to the OPA Medium Term Plan 2011-2015, and especially focussed on:
o Activities in support of the enforcement of the strategic Programs for building
rehabilitation coordinated by the Romanian Government and concerned ministries
o Dissemination activities using earthquake education materials, seminars and
demonstrations, concerning earthquake protection
o Participation of ECBR members in worksops, seminars, conferences and university
courses
For “Activities in support of the enforcement of the strategic Programs for building
rehabilitation coordinated by the Romanian Government and concerned ministries» in 2009,
the global objectives were:
o Facilitation of the application of the new codes and standards by the community of
structural design engineers in Romania, taking into account the objectives of the
EUROPA Major Hazards Agreement for the period 2009-2011.
o Fostering research, regulations and development programs for thermal and energy
rehabilitation of buildings, according to EPBD-European Performance of Building
Directive.
Results obtained previously were knowledge transfer concerning the impact of past
earthquakes and the need to rehabilitate buildings. As specific achievments in 2009, one can
mention:
o issues related to enforcement of the new Romanian Code for the seismic rehabilitation of
existing buildings, correlated with the enforcement, starting with 2010, of Part 3 of
Eurocode 8 ;
o presentation of a paper on Seismic Zonation of Romania in the Context of European
Standards, National Conference of Romanian Association of Structural Design Engineers
– AICPS, May 2009.
It must be understood that the enforcement of Eurocode 8 in Romania deserves some specific
care, as the patterns of Vrancea intermediate earthquakes and the local geologic conditions at
macroseismic scale are not similar to the ones of Western Europe and requires other
instrumental data and calibration.
Results in 2009 provided an easier transition process to the effective application of the new
codes and standards. Associated activities in 2009 were correlated within the national
framework of earthquake protection and adoption of EU codes and standards, as well as with
other research programs of INCERC.
For “Dissemination activities using earthquake education materials, seminars and
demonstrations, concerning earthquake protection (before, during and after an earthquake) by
52
innovative tools (Website INFORISX, Japanese earthquake simulators etc) “, global
objectives in 2009 were:
o Developing the national and regional capability of Romania within EUR-OPA Agreement
on prevention, preparedness and response;
o Co-operation with other institutions;
Specific results in 2009 were:
o a broader dissemination, including target audience of foreigners that are living in seismic
zones of Romania;
o Seminars for providing knowledge and informing people, States, Institutions about the
means and ways of earthquake preparedness and disaster prevention held in 2
Universities, C. I. Parhon Medical Research Institute in Bucharest and The High School
Emil Racovita, Bucharest.
o Participation of ECBR with Association of Building Developers - PSC Romania in the
UEPC-European Union of Developers and House Builders PROGRAMME ON SEISMIC
RISK MANAGEMENT, aimed at the formation of a strategy and a coordinated
programme of actions to reduce earthquake risk in Europe, PSC, Bucharest, Romania,
introducing an educational tool on PSC INTERNET Site - English section. Thus, the
foreign contractors and staff working in Romania, design architects, engineers, engineers,
foremen, skilled workers and craftsmen of building sites will be informed by PSC about
this initiative. Associated activities in 2009 were correlated with other dissemination
programs of INCERC and NCSRR (JICA Project).
For “Participation of ECBR members in workshops, seminars, conferences and university
courses” achievments in 2009 were:
o Presentation on Sichuan-Wenchuan Earthquake, China 2008. Lessons on public strategies
for disaster management, February 25, 2009, Workshop of General Inspectorate for
Emergency Situations, at Snagov, Romania
o Presentation on Post-Earthquake Buildings Investigation Needs in view of Requirements
and Trends of the European Union, Workshop for Day of Civil Protection, February 26
2009, Inspectorate for Emergency Situations, Bucharest, Romania
o Participation to the drafting of the Romanian Government Decision for National Platform
on Reducing the Disaster Risk, with IGSU - Romanian Inspectorate for Emergency
Situations, i.e. Civil Protection,.
o Presentation on « Reducing Disaster Potentials in case of earthquakes in Romania, in the
framework of requirements of EU and UN-ISDR Platform », The International Day of
Natural Disasters Risk Reduction, IGSU, Calimanesti, Valcea, 14-15 October 2009.
Associated activities in 2009 were correlated with other activities of INCERC and
professional associations, in Romania and EU, with activities of UNO agencies as UNESCO,
OCHA, ISDR etc.
In 2010, for the 3 year topic of “Activities in support of the enforcement of the strategic
Programs for building rehabilitation coordinated by the Romanian Government and
concerned ministries”, specific achievments in 2010 were:
o members of ECBR ensured consulting for design engineers related to enforcement of the
new Romanian Code for the seismic rehabilitation of existing buildings, correlated with
the enforcement, starting with 2010, of Part 3 of Eurocode 8
53
o participation of ECBR Director in TV Antena 3 technical debate on earthquake
strengthening of buildings (March 2010);
o presentation of a paper and key-lecture on „Building Damage in Chile Earthquake of
February 27, 2010 and Lessons for Romania”, National Conference of Romanian
Association of Structural Design Engineers – AICPS, May 28, 2010.
o a broader dissemination, for citizens that are living in seismic zones of Romania by
members of ECBR;
o Seminars for providing knowledge to students of Interior Design Department in
University of Architecture and Urbanism „Ion Mincu” Bucharest:
o A number of 3 seminars on „Hazard, vulnerability and seismic risk in Romania”,
„Learning from Earthquake Disasters”, „Earthquake of LAquila, Italy of April 6, 2009,
damage on buildings and nonstructural members”. (October 21, 28 and November 4,
2010)
For the 3 year topic of “Participation of ECBR members in worksops, seminars, conferences
and university courses “, global objectives in 2010 were:
o Enhancing knowledge transfer for seismic disaster prevention
o Increasing the visibility of ECBR activities
Specific achievments in 2010 were:
o presentations in University of Architecture and Urbanism „Ion Mincu” Bucharest, Master
course „Sustainable development – the integrated concept of built space”, on topics as:
„Evaluation of natural and man-made risks. Strategies for risk reduction in exposed
zones”. (A number of 5 conferences - October-December 2010).
o presentation on LAquila 2009, Italy and Maule-Chile 2010 earthquakes. Lessons on public
strategies for disaster management, February 25, 2010, PROTCIV 2010 Workshop of
General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations, at Snagov, Romania
o members of ECBR made presentations on Maule-Chile 2010 Earthquake Buildings
Damage, CNCISC Conference September 24, 2010, Bucharest.
o Director of ECBR presented 3 conferences with the subject: “Seismic hazard and
vulnerability of buildings in Romania. Implications on application of the Law on
compulsory insurance system for earthquakes, landslides and floods for dwellings.”
o Paper and presentation on «The Vrancea Earthquake of November 10, 1940 : Recovery of
some historical data on impact on buildings and people », Commemorative Simposium 70
years since the November 10, 1940 Earthquake, E.S. Georgescu and A. Pomonis (Greece),
University of Civil Engineering - UTCB, November 10, 2010, Bucharest.
o Paper and presentation on « Human casualties due to the Vrancea, Romania earthquakes
of 1940 and 1977: learning from past to prepare for future events », E.S. Georgescu and A.
Pomonis (Greece), Mizunami International Symposium on Earthquake Casualties and
Health Consequences, 15-16 November 2010, Mizunami, Gifu, JAPAN.
Concerning the activities of 2011 in support of the enforcement of the strategic Programs for
building rehabilitation coordinated by the Romanian Government and concerned ministries,
global objectives are:
o Facilitation of the application of the new codes and standards by the community of
structural design engineers in Romania, taking into account the objectives of the
EUROPA Major Hazards Agreement for the year 2011.
o Fostering research, regulations and development programs for thermal and energy
rehabilitation of buildings, according to EPBD-European Performance of Building
Directive.
54
Specific objectives for 2011 were initially the issues related to enforcement of the new
Romanian Code for the seismic rehabilitation of existing buildings, correlated with the
enforcement of Part 3 of Eurocode. Concerning the dissemination activities using earthquake
education materials, seminars and demonstrations, concerning earthquake protection (before,
during and after an earthquake) by innovative tools (Website INFORISX, didactic earthquake
simulators etc), global objectives in 2011 are:
o Developing the national and regional capability of Romania within EUR-OPA Agreement
on prevention, preparedness and response;
o Co-operation with other institutions;
Specific objectives for 2011 are:
o Seminars for providing knowledge and informing people, States, Institutions about the
means and ways of earthquake preparedness and disaster prevention
o Development of the English version of INFORISX WEB Site hosted by INCERC Branch
of URBAN-INCERC;
CONCLUSIONS ON THE TECHNICAL AND SCIENTIFIC ACTIVITY OF ECBR
The main field of ECBR, as “building rehabilitation” must be considered in correlation with
its important relationships with the vulnerability of persons that live in buildings at risk, with
human habitat in urban and rural environment, with technical codes and laws on related
aspects, including socio-economic and ethical aspects. The researchers of URBAN-INCERC /
ECBR contributed to very important codes for evaluation and rehabilitation of buildings, as
well as manuals for earthquake education during last years. It is important that the present
field of research of URBAN-INCERC can provide for a more interdisciplinary approach of
disaster risk reduction, at building and urban fabric scale, in correlation with sustainable
development.
„CONSTRUCTII” JOURNAL: ISSN: 1221 - 2709 (PRINT), 2247-0328 (ONLINE)
The journal was first published in 1949 under the name of "Journal of Buildings and
Construction Materials" ("Revista Constructiilor si Materialelor de Constructii"), as a
publication of the Ministry of Industrial Construction.
Since 1971 until today, the journal is published under the name of "Constructii" ("Civil
Engineering").
Since 1992, INCERC, the National Institute for Building Research, is the exclusive editor of
the journal CONSTRUCTII. During the same year, the journal was registered and received
the ISSN code, which is owned by the journal until the present day.
In the above structure, the journal “Constructii” was published together with specialized
supplements, as follows:
- between 1979 and 1981 – “Instalatii” ("Building Services") - edited by INCERC (4 issues
per year);
- in 1984, 1987 and 1988 - “Mecanizarea Constructiilor” ("Building Mechanisation")- edited
by the Ministry of Industrial Construction
55
Since 2006, the journal “Constructii” is issued under its acknowledged name, with the
mention New Series, (year LIV). In its new form, the journal is issued twice a year. The
papers are published in a bilingual system (Romanian, English), compliant to the layout of
international indexed scientific journals.
Starting with No. 1 / 2009, year LVII, the journal is edited in partnership by the National
Institute for Research and Development in Construction, Urban Planning and Sustainable
Spatial Development URBAN-INCERC, INCERC Bucharest Branch and the General
Association of Engineers in Romania, AGIR, based on a collaboration protocol established
between the partners. The journal has an eminently scientific content, with papers and reviews
of high scientific quality.
Starting from 2010, all published papers are available in full text on the journal website. For
the previous issues, most of the papers are available in full text, while abstracts are available
for all papers. The entire online content of "Constructii" Journal is freely downloadable.
The journal "Constructii" is classified by the National Council of Scientific Research in
Universities (CNCSIS) in the B+ Category (CNCSIS Code: 892/CNCSIS classification table)
(2011). The journal is presented on SCIPIO - Romanian Editorial Platform.
The editorial board, formed of high-rank Romanian and international specialists in the field,
reviews the papers which are to be published in the journal. The paper publishes papers
submitted both by Romanian and foreign specialists, according to the instructions published
on the site.
As a technical and scientific journal, issued regularly for 62 years, "Constructii" can be
considered one of the prestigious scientific journals which are both nationally and
internationally recognized. It is the only Romanian journal with a contents dedicated
exclusively to the civil engineering specialists, both from scientific research and from
universities. Nonetheless, the value of the published papers recommends the journal
CONSTRUCTII to graduate students enrolled in doctoral programs.
“Constructii” Journal is indexed in the following international databases and catalogues:
Academic Keys, arthistoricum.net, Bern Dibner Library of Science and Technology, DOAJ,
EBSCO, EconPapers, Electronic Journals Library, Genamics JournalSeek, getCITED, Google
Scholar, Ideas-RePEc, IndexCopernicusTM, Intute, Israel Institute of Technology - Technion,
Lupton Library, Munich Personal RePEc Archive, National Library of Australia, OPACPlus,
Open J-Gate, ProQuest/Illustrata, ResearchGATE, Structurae, TIB/UB Hannover,
UlrichswebTM, WorldCat®, WorldWideScience.org
TIEMS AWARDS
Among the most recent evidence of international recognition of the research activities carried
out by NRDI URBAN-INCERC there are to be mentioned the prizes awarded at the 18th
Annual Conference „Natural and Technological Risk Reduction through Global Cooperation”
of the International Emergency Management Society (TIEMS) Bucharest, Romania, June 710, 2011, as follows:
 Best Student Paper Award for the paper: Seismic risk management of civil buildings
in Romania based on the incremental seismic rehabilitation concept, by Duţu, A.,
56
Gomes Ferreira J., Sandu C., TIEMS – The International Emergency Management
Society, 655 pag., ISBN 978-9-49-029704-6, pag. 173-182
 Best Practice Paper Award for the paper: Citizens earthquake preparedness in
Romania: towards a new conceptual approach for a training platform and facility in
URBAN-INCERC by Meita, V., Dobre, D., Georgescu, E.S., Stamatiade, C.P.,
Vilceanu, L. Proceedings of TIEMS - The International Emergency Management
Society, 18th Annual Conference 2011
 Best Romanian Paper Award for the paper: “A GIS-Based Software Platform for the
Seismic Risk Assessment of Buildings in Romania: Current State and Planned
Development of the ROSERIS Platform”, by Craifaleanu, I.-G., Lungu, D., Văcăreanu,
R., Anicăi, O., Aldea, A., Arion, C. (2011).
2.4. Representative project (maximum 5 pages) for INCERC Bucharest Branch
DETAILED
PRESENTATION
OF
THE
PROJECT
ANVINTEX:
INTELLIGENT ENVELOPES WITH ENVIRONMENT EXERGY USE FOR HIGH
COMFORT AND LOW ENERGY CONSUMPTION BUILDINGS
The project was conceived, developed and implemented within the Division of Energy and
Environmental Performances of Sustainable Buildings (SPEMCD), which has a prolific
activity in the areas of thermal processes engineering, building thermal energy analysis,
district heating, simulation and testing of building systems and insulating materials, energy
performances of new and existing buildings, training and certification of energy auditors for
buildings, national database of energy performance certificates of buildings, renewable energy
integration in buildings, intelligent building envelopes.
Conception
The idea of the project was raised in the context of European strategies and policies in the
field of energy efficiency in buildings. The targets of the ANVINTEX research project are
subordinated to the European and national concern related to the reducing of the energy
consumption in buildings and implicitly to the reducing of noxious substances with
greenhouse effect, according to the European Directives 2002/91/EEC on the Energy
Performance of Buildings (updated later by the European Directive 2010/31/UE – Recast
EPBD) and 2006/32/EC on energy end-use efficiency and energy services. Both of the
documents underline the important impact of buildings on the high energy consumption, of
which the buildings represent about 40%.
In this context, the national research project concerning the reducing of the energy
consumption in buildings was exclusively focused on the increased thermal protection of the
new and existing buildings. Research studies on intelligent buildings referring especially to
the reducing of the energy consumption are already traditional in the USA and Canada, but
they are not frequently seen in Europe. The Documents of the European Technological
Platform of Europe for Constructions (ECTP), stating the targets of the research sector on
medium and long term, emphasized the issues of the buildings and envelopes intelligence as a
fundamental issue.
The project was structured within the target of Programme 4, “Partnerships in priority
sectors”, by involving three main actors in the innovative research in the sector of the efficient
use of energy in buildings: INCERC Bucharest, UAUIM (“Ion Mincu” University of
Architecture and Urban Planning), and UTCB (Technical University of Civil Engineering,
57
Bucharest), together with a trade company, S.C. Prosys-PC, with an important experience in
the information/computer technology sector.
The ANVINTEX Project was intended to accomplish the following targets derived from
Programme 4: (1) the development of the knowledge within the Environment research
division through the research themes concerning the “Intelligent envelope systems”, (2) the
“Systems of conceiving and design of new buildings with a very reduced heat consumption”
and the (3) “Materials which improve the inside microclimate with a reduced heat
consumption through the use of nano-sensors and of the information/computer technology”.
Development
The research project focused on emphasizing the exergy of the natural and built environment,
with a view to build residential and public buildings with a reduced consumption of
conventional energy. The project analysed the implementation in the buildings structure of
intelligent envelopes, of systems of monitoring and managing systems based on the duplex
prediction – correction as well as on the systems which ensure thermal and physiological
comfort based on the reasonable use of the heat transfer vectors through radiation and
convection in the occupied spaces.
Three systems equipped with energy efficient envelopes were planned to be studied, as
follows:
1. System S1 represented by the ventilated solar space attached to an individual house (as
part of the structure of an experimental building located within INCERC Bucharest).
2. The innovative system S2 represented by the building envelope with variable thermal
resistance with a parietal-dynamic effect on the exhaustion of the polluted air from the
occupied spaces, as well as the endo-thermal envelope for the efficient use of the solar energy
and of the outdoor air exergy. The experiments were performed on the support of a natural
scale physical model which operates within INCERC Bucharest together with a witness
model. The experimental platform will be used as a permanent research laboratory for the
exergetic envelopes, useful for the technological applications as well as training.
3. The fully glazed envelope system S3 in the form of the curtain wall, and the
complementary system of the Double Skin type.
The research plan was developed for the implementation of the project during three years,
including five phases, as follows:
Phase 1 (2007) – The presentation and the quality analysis of the “exergetic envelopes”
solutions as well as of the estimated comfort and energy consumption parameters. During
Phase 1, the dynamic mathematical model of S1 was drawn up, the measurement chain
specific to the experiment concerning S1 was ensured and the project website was created.
Phase 2 (2008) – The mathematical model of the physical processes specific to the
subsystems included in the innovative system S2 as well as of systems S3.1 and S3.2
(numerical and analytical modelling). Based on the mathematical models, the components of
system S2 were dimensioned, the project design of the INCERC Experimental Platform was
issued and the measurement chains of the above-mentioned systems were conceived.
Simultaneously, the design of predictive-reactive control of system S2 was carried out.
Phase 3 (2008) – The carrying out of the Experimental Platform within INCERC and its
equipping with the intelligent adjustment computer system. The measurement chains of
systems S2 and S3.1 were put into operation and measurements were performed in the cold
season. The experiments schedule concerning system S1 was completed. The virtual models
CVR and CVP were drawn up.
Phase 4 (2009) – The phase of Validation of the mathematical models of systems S1 and S3.1
based on the measurements performed in the cold and hot seasons. The remote control system
58
specific to the INCERC Platform Computing Centre is implemented. Measurements are
performed in the hot season on the system S2 support.
Phase 5 (2009) – Validation of the mathematical model of system S2. The corresponding
patent is submitted. The analysis of COP is performed following the including of PC in a
system equipped with an exergetic envelope. The report on the operation of the informational
computer system is submitted. Activities of dissemination to PTCE and ENBRI, Workshop
and issuing of the Good Practice Guide concerning the systems studied in the view of
implementation in the design and construction activity.
Execution
The project was implemented taking into account the planned work and initial schedule.
However, due to the repeatedly budget cuts, some of the activities were excluded from the
initial plan, with a very high effort to maintain the initial objectives.
The main results obtained within the project are:
 Procedures of quantifying the PECM of the buildings equipped with exergetic
envelopes (system S1 and S2),
 Performance of the predictor - corrector intelligent management systems by the
information system,
 Experimental Platform within INCERC, useful both for the potential beneficiaries and
for the training of future experts (PhD candidates and students),
 Submission of a patent request for two new systems: (1) parieto-dynamic effect wall
and controllable thermal resistance, and (2) system of endothermic façade, ceiling with
radiant-convective effect, ventilated solar space and the monitoring and predictivecorrective computer system.
The ANVINTEX experimental building located at INCERC Bucharest (Experimental
Platform) is an individual ground floor + 1st floor building, with a sloped roof, having two
rooms for each floor. The structure is on frames with prefabricated external walls.
The two systems consisting in two types of building “intelligent” envelopes, which have been
developed within the research project, have been studied and the proof of concept was
demonstrated:
(1) Building envelope with variable thermal resistance with a parietal-dynamic effect on the
exhaustion of the polluted air from the occupied spaces (special ventilated element), and
(2) Endo-thermal envelope for the efficient use of the solar energy and of the outdoor air
exergy (solar panel connected to a heat pump and a storage tank).
The experimental facility consist in one experimental room with the two mentioned
technologies (facades) installed and operated, and a witness room (with current energy
performance for new buildings).
The endothermic envelope system (solar façade) is coupled to a heat pump and a thermal
storage, and the space heating or cooling is ensured by two ceiling mounted panels with
radiant-convective effect, while the mechanical ventilation is provided with high efficiency
heat recovery.
The building and the thermal / cooling systems are equipped with sensors for taking over the
intensive and extensive parameters as well as with data primary storage and processing
equipment. The indoor thermal conditions are regulated and the different operation conditions
(winter / summer / transition periods) are controlled by a complex system which can be
remotely operated and monitored.
The ANVINTEX building supports further experimental activity in order to demonstrate and
asses the energy performance over a full year and to optimize control strategy of studied
systems. The experimental platform can be used as a permanent research laboratory for the
exergetic envelopes, useful for the technological applications as well as training.
59
Conclusion and exploitation
The innovative solutions specific to system S2 are the object of invention patents and the
conclusions of the research concerning all the systems are the rationale for a Good Practice
Guide.
The newly implemented components (parieto-dynamic effect wall and controllable thermal
resistance, endothermic façade, ceiling with radiant-convective effect, ventilated solar space
and the monitoring and predictive-corrective computer system) will represent the object of
further activities related to the technological transfer to the specialized producers.
The results of the research project would make possible the enlargement of the partnership as
well as the setting up of a research coordination national network, with a view to training
experts in the field of the “Exergetic Architecture” and of the promotion of innovative
technologies in the sector of the buildings energy-related issues. The results of the project will
be used in drawing up post-university courses which will be organized by INCERC and
UAUIM in view of attesting energy auditors for building.
The potential beneficiaries of the research are the large-scale producers of envelopes, the
future producers of endothermic facades, the economic operators in the IT system, the
producers of thermal heat-insulating glazing and the design offices. Equally, the beneficiaries
will also be the entities which will produce buildings according to the exergetic systems
proposed following the significant reducing of the energy consumption and of the increased
comfort.
Moreover, the experimental facility developed in ANVINTEX Platform as well as the existing
INCERC individual experimental building (with solar space attached) are intended to be
intensively used in the technological development activities foreseen in the proposal “Energy,
Cost, and Comfort Optimisation” (ecco) which has been submitted under the call for proposal
FP7-2012-NMP-ENV-ENERGY-ICT-EeB (deadline 10.12.2011) and in which INCD
URBAN-INCERC is partner.
60
NRDI URBAN – INCERC
SELF-ASSESSMENT REPORT FOR THE PREVIOUS 4 YEARS FOR BRANCHES
OF IASI, CLUJ AND TIMISOARA – CONSTRUCTIONS RESEARCH FIELDS
ACTIVITY REPORT BY BRANCH - IASI BRANCH
2.3 Activity report by team - The LABORATORY FOR RESEARCH AND
HYGROTHERMAL-CLIMATIC (ENVIRONMENTAL) TESTING OF BUILDING
MATERIALS, ELEMENTS AND EQUIPMENT (HT)
The activity of The LABORATORY FOR RESEARCH AND HYGROTHERMALCLIMATIC (ENVIRONMENTAL) TESTING OF BUILDING MATERIALS, ELEMENTS
AND EQUIPMENT (HT) is focused on the following three main fields:
- D1. the field of building and installation physics – thermal transfer – hygrothermal
comfort;
- D2. the field of energy performance of buildings, energy efficiency and saving,
and use of renewable energy;
- D3. the field of climatic and environmental actions on buildings and industrial
equipment, machines, installations and products.
During the period of over 39 years since its creation and in the past 4 years, the HT
Laboratory has maintained activity in the following three directions:
I. RESEARCH:
- fundamental and applied scientific research in the field of building and installation
physics, thermal performance and efficiency;
- research on the action of climatic factors on buildings, on the functional capacity of
technological machines and industrial equipment;
- extensive research projects within the National Research Programmes AMTRANS –
CEEX – PNCD II;
- scientific research and tests within programmes of building modernization and
rehabilitation, optimization of the energy consumption, and new energy;
- scientific research and laboratory experiments in borderline fields such as the safety
and hygrothermal comfort ensured by the safety and reliability of electrical energy equipment
under climatic action (electro technical industry);
- applied research in the field of technical methods and means of experimental
research on hygrothermics and climatic action.
Among the total of research studies in the specialization fields of the HT Laboratory
carried out over the past 4 years, we may distinguish the following types of projects:
- PNCD 2 NATIONAL PROGRAMME - Project CNMP 21-066
“RENERGHOME”/(2007–2010) - “Development of the concept of renewable
energy generator-converter building, with high energy autonomy and
accumulation in the infrastructure and soil”;
- CEEX Excellency Research Programme - Project M4 CEEX – C2 – 306
„HIGROMED” (2006 - 2008) – “Extension of the laboratory’s accreditation with
environmental tests for equipment, machines and construction products,
according to the requirements of the directives 73/23/CEE, 98/37/CE and
89/106/CEE”;
- Research and experimental testing contract through tests for the disconnectors and
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earthing switches on theirs functional behavior when they are subjected to severe
climatic conditions (under severe ice conditions and an extreme negative – 400C and
positive +450C) according en 62271-102, clause 6.103, 6.104 (over fifteen contract
between 2008-2011);
- NUCLEUS PROGRAMME – CONSRO – Contract no. 11N/(2006-2008) –
“Rehabilitation of civilian and socio-cultural buildings and historical monuments
using protection procedures by hydrophobisation against dampness and mould
formation”;
- NUCLEUS PROGRAMME – CONSUS - Contract no. 14-09/(2009-2011) „Experimental studies and research to assess the durability of thermal insulation
composite systems (ETICS) used in the thermal and energetic rehabilitation of
buildings, by means of laboratory testing against complex climatic actions, on
natural scale models, coupled with an analysis of their economical efficiency”;
We also mention that the Project M4 CEEX – C2 – 306 „HIGROMED”, has resulted in
the development of the research infrastructure destined for investigating the field of climatic
actions exerted upon buildings, installations and industrial equipment as well as energy
management.
The HT Laboratory possesses the biggest and most advances climatic station of
environmental research in Central and Eastern Europe, and the third one in the world in terms of
its size and operation capacity (comparable to CSTT`s Climatic Engineering and Testing
Division Canada, Climate test chamber – Research Institute of Sweden, ABB High Power
Laboratory, Sweden). The laboratory possesses an experimental research infrastructure,
consisting of more than 350 equipment items, machines, devices, instruments and stands,
which are, for the most part (more than 90%), of latest generation, and benefit from the
technology of years 2005 - 2010.
During the last year, the HT Laboratory has carried out 5 studies concerning specific
activities of technical regulations, under the Ministry of Regional Development and Tourism
coordination:
- Contract No. 484/2011 - Occupational Standard for Home and Community Energy
Advisers;
- Contract No. 493 / 2011 - Hygrothermal and Energetic Behaviour of Ventilated
Façades, Applicable to Public Buildings, in the Romanian Climate (in progress);
- Contract No. 513/2011- Practical Guide for Designing of Ventilation and AirConditioning Systems (in progress);
- Contract No. 511/- Practical Guide for Designing of Lighting and Protection Systems
(in progress);
- Contract No. 512/2011 - Practical Guide for Designing of Meteoric Water Installations
(in progress).
II. TECHNICAL APPROVAL for construction and installation products (thermal –
hydro-insulation, thermal insulation systems, glazed and light-tight elements,
finishes, installation elements, pre-insulated pipes, complex equipments):
- technical approval in four (4) Specialized groups (no. 2, 3, 4, and 5), with the
drafting between 2007 and 2011 of 58 technical approvals;
Specialized groups
no. 2
no. 3
no. 4
no. 5
Number of TECHNICAL
APPROVAL issued
between 2007- 2011
22
7
6
23
62
- thermophysical, climatic and thermoenergetical homologation of new solutions of
materials, elements and subassemblies for constructions, installations and equipment.
III.LABORATORY TESTS:
- laboratory tests concerning the quality of construction products, supervision of the
maintenance of their quality;
- tests concerning the thermoenergetical and hygrothermal performance;
- research works, tests, expert appraisals, surveys of the service behavior etc,
concerning new construction products, and products for conservation and
hygrothermal rehabilitation;
- climatic tests under proper conditions conforming to the European and
international standards (EN, ISO, CEI, CENELEC, ATP) pertaining to electrical
and energy equipment, air conditioners and means of transportation;
- tests for the determination of the resistance to the long-term action of climatic
factors.
All types of test are performed according to the European and international standards,
or to the national standards harmonised with their European and international equivalents
(EN, ISO, CEI-CENELEC, ASTM, SR EN ISO, etc.).
The EXPERIMENTAL TESTING AND RESEARCH LABORATORY FOR
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND ELEMENTS – HT has developed the following
specializations in its three fields of activity, namely experimental research, approvalcertification-homologation and testing:
• Complex hygrothermal tests in steady-state and dynamic regimes on full-scale
construction materials, elements and assemblies, in interaction with their adjoining
installations;
• Research concerning the study of the mass (vapor) transfer through closing elements
and materials;
• Laboratory research for determining the thermophysical properties of construction
materials;
• Research concerning the waterproof ness, airproof ness and wind resistance of windows,
doors, and curtain walls, and the influence of these climatic factors on the respective
closing element;
• On site measurements concerning the behaviour of buildings in time;
• Studies and research work concerning the thermo technical calculus of closing
elements, as well as a thorough experimental examination of the mass and energy
transfer phenomena specific to the hygrothermal steady-state and dynamic (variable)
regimes;
• Research on the heat and mass transfer phenomena correlated with an aeraulic regime of
extremely low speeds, in order to determine the αi, αe thermal transfer coefficients at the
level of surfaces;
• The study of the natural convection correlated with several types of heating
installations, and the comparative measurement of the efficiency of various closing
elements in connection with the studied installations;
• Homologation of new solutions for closing elements with large scale applicability;
• Applied research on the technical methods and means of experimental research in the
field of hygrothermics and climatic stress;
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• Verification of the quality of closing elements, aiming to ensure their mandatory
conformity to the existing quality standards;
• Homologation and verification of new thermo insulating and hygroinsulating materials;
• Promotion of new and efficient solutions of insulating materials and elements;
• Research and Climatic tests on technological tools and equipment according to
international standards such as EN, ISO, CEI, CENELEC, ASTM, ATP etc.;
• Drafting of standards and participation in the developing of norms concerning building
thermotechnics.
The personnel of the HT Laboratory consists of 5 scientifically attested researchers (2
scientific researchers of the 2nd degree holding a Doctor of Engineering title, 1 scientific
researcher of the 3rd degree holding a Doctor of Engineering title, 2 scientific researchers of
the 3rd degree), with specializations corresponding with the profile of the laboratory, and with
a working experience of 10 up to 30 years in this laboratory, as well as a computer operator
and a group of 4 workers (with secondary education) responsible for the maintenance and
operation of the lab’s testing machinery and equipment.
The basic specializations in which the lab’s experts have trained and received
certificates cover the entire domain of building physics, management of the basic forms of
energy, namely heat, electricity and mechanics, installations, electrotechnics and energy,
electronics, physics and chemistry, mathematics, automation and computers.
In the last 4 years the activity of the HT LABORATORY has materialized into the
drafting and capitalization of more than 40 relevant publications: 5 books (published at
national publishers) and over 35 articles (in BDI journals, national and international journals,
papers published at International and National Conferences).
Over the past 4 years, the HT Laboratory has been presented and represented at the
profile events – conferences, workshops, forums and seminars, such as ENBRI Nearly Zero
Energy Buildings Workshop - Borås, Sweden (2011).
Over the last 4 years, we mention the cooperation with universities, national and
international research institutes and bodies:
 Technical Universities of Civil Engineering in Bucharest, Iasi, Cluj – Napoca, Brasov,
POLYTECH Iasi Research Centre, Romanian Academy – P. Poni Institute of
Macromolecular Chemistry, Mitropolitan TABOR Iasi Research Centre, IPA, Bucharest
and University Champagne - Ardenne of Reims, France, Faculty of Sciences, GRESPIThermomechanical Laboratory, Institute of Scientific Research in Construction
INCERCOM - Chisinau;
 TEIAS (Turkish Electricity Transmission Company) Ankara – Turkey.
Head of the HT Laboratory
PhD. Eng. Livia MIRON
21.11.2011
64
INCD URBAN – INCERC BUCUREŞTI, Branch of Iasi
MECHANICAL TESTING LABORATORY ON ELEMENT MATERIALS,
ELEMENTS, SUBSETS AND CONSTRUCTIONS, SUBJECTED TO STATIC OR
DYNAMIC LOADS - IMMS
2.3 Activity report by team
2.3.1 Staff team
First name
Last name
Grade (1)
Function
Adrian
Constantin
Leon
Corina-Oana
Diaconu
Agavriloaie
Diaconu
CS2
Research Eng.
CS3
CS
Florin-Radu
Florentina
Vasile-Tudor
Ioan
Ioan
Dumitru
Costel
Hariga
Luca
Simionescu
Maftei
Mînzat
Niculai
Tudosă
CS1
CS3
CS
TS
TS
TS
PNCD
Constantin
Droahna
IDT
Research Eng.
Research Eng.
IMMS Lab.
Head
Research Eng.
Research Eng.
Driver
Locksmiths
Electrician
Economic
Operator
Engineer
Full time
equivalent
1.0
Year first employed in
the research unit
0.5
1.0
16.10.1989
01.01.1981
01.05.1996
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
0.5
30.04.1986
15.04.2005
01.11.1980
18.02.1981
05.05.1979
16.04.1990
17.07.1978
0.5
15.08.1978
(1) TS, TIII, TII, TI, IDT; IDTIII, IDTII, IDTI, AS, CS, CS3, CS2, CS1, IDT, PNCD (Non C-D
Personal).
The Laboratory staff team consists in 6 research engineers, from C.S. to C. S. I and
6 laboratory assistants, tasks each service provided; to note is that the six laboratory assistants
work not only as research operators, but also in other different fields as maintenance,
surveillance, equipment repairs or logistics supply.
The main Laboratory activities and responsibilities fields are:
- Fundamental research in the earthquake engineering domain;
Applied research in the earthquake engineering domain;
Laboratory research for different types of new construction products;
Laboratory research for Technical Approvals development;
Building design;
Technical expertise;
Technical consultancy in Building, and others.
To note is that the research team must to accomplish different other specific duties, as:
- Permanent documentation and permanent increase of knowledge in the field of
activity;
- Participation in conferences, symposia, national and international scientific
meetings, workshops and technical exhibitions;
- Development and publication of books and technical articles;
65
-
The dynamic of the research domains and directions;
Proposals and background themes and scientific cooperation;
Interdisciplinary relationships with institutes in the country and abroad.
Thus, the research team fulfilled 4 National research projects, published 1 book and 1
book chapter, 4 scientific articles at National or International Conference, participated at 2
National Conferences and fulfilled over 29 Technical Approvals, as fallows:
2.3.2 Main Research Projects during last four years
1. Program: PN II - Partnerships in priority areas
Project title: “Diagnosis urban infrastructure to natural disasters. Vulnerability and
risk management. Integrated application for Iasi”
Time: 2007-2010
2. Program: PN II – Partnerships in priority areas
Project title: “Emergency building post seism rehabilitation, using new injection
materials, produced in Romania”
Time: 2007-2010
3. Program: CONSTRUCTION - major milestone of the National Strategy and
European Sustainable Development
Project title: PN 09 – 14.01.06: “Buried pipeline routes in different types of soils.
Study the behavior under seismic action and solutions to reduce the destructive
effects.”
Time: 2009 – 2011
4. Program: CONSTRUCTION - major milestone of the National Strategy and
European Sustainable Development
Project title: PN 09 – 14.02.03: “Building advanced polymeric composites, using
concrete”
Time: 2009-2011
2.3.3 Books or books chapters published at national publishers
1. Constantin - Adrian Diaconu, Energy Balance During Seismic Action, Academic
Publishing Company "MATEI-Teiu Botez", ISBN 978-973-8955-15-8, Iasi, 2007;
2. Constantin - Adrian Diaconu, Diana Ancas, Ana Maria Toma, Seismic
Performance
Evaluation of the Buildings and Installations, POLITEHNIUM Publishing, ISBN 978-973621-279-6, Iasi, 2009.
2.3.4 Scientific articles
1. Hariga F. R., Diaconu A. C. (2009), Analysis of historical constructions buried
behavior (galleries, tunnels), under the influence of the seismic actions. Principles of
experimental modeling, in: Technical University of Civil Engineering Bucharest (Editor), 4Th - National Conference of Earthquake Engineering, CONSPRES Publisher, Bucureşti, 468
pag, ISBN 978-973-100-096-1, pag. 283 – 288.
2. Hariga F., Diaconu A., (2010), Composite slab behavior and strength analysis
under static and dynamic loads, 14-TH EUROPEAN CONFERENCE ON EARTHQUAKE
ENGINEERING 2010, Ohrid Macedonia (30.08-03.09.2010) ISBN 978-608-65185-1-6.
3. Diaconu A., Groll L., (2010) Shock and vibration testing on materials –
experimental features,
International Scientific Conference CIB 2010, Brasov 12-13
November, ISSN183-6617.
66
4. Diaconu A., (2011), Energy methods applied to analysis of data obtained
experimentally (the concept of balance point), The first edition of the National Conference on
Research in construction, construction economy, architecture, planning and development.
2.3.5 National Conferences
1. The first edition of the National Conference on Research in construction,
construction
economy, architecture, urbanism and territorial development with the theme: Sustainable
spatial development - Planning FROM THE DESIGN CONSTRUCTION - April 29, 2011.
2. The second edition of the National Conference on Research in construction,
construction economy, architecture, urbanism and territorial development with international
participation with the theme: the human habitat and quality of life in conditions of risk nature
and technology - a multidisciplinary approach - September 23, 2011.
2.3.6 Members in professional associations:
1. Romanian Association of Earthquake Engineering;
2. Association of Civil Engineers Structural Design
Field was diverse topics, from the diagnosis of the urban infrastructure to post seism
buildings rehabilitation, buried pipelines and polymer concrete composites.
In the future, research directions are expected in the field of historical heritage
rehabilitation using new techniques, the concrete behavior under extreme temperatures, the
concrete behavior under salt corrosion, behavior of the reinforced concrete structural elements
on shocks and even protecting the public from floods using modular dams.
The interdisciplinary cooperation is ensured by the scientific relations with, primarily
The Technical University “Gh. Asachi” Iasi, and secondary with The Institute of
Macromolecular Chemistry “Petru Poni” also in Iasi.
Maintained good relations of cooperation are with The Technical University of Civil
Engineering Bucharest, INCD URBAN – INCERC Bucharest and territorial branches, as well
as with a large number of specialized institutes.
Currently, the MECHANICAL TESTING LABORATORY ON ELEMENT
MATERIALS, ELEMENTS, SUBSETS AND CONSTRUCTIONS, SUBJECTED TO
STATIC OR DYNAMIC LOADS – IMMS is in the process of rehabilitation, that means:
-
1400 kN Shaking table upgrade;
150 KN Shaking table upgrade;
Acquisition of a modern and efficient command shareholders, for the two seismic
simulators;
- Acquisition of modern and efficient laboratory equipment;
- Rehabilitation and improvement the work spaces.
It is envisaged to attract young engineers interested in building research, in order to
strengthen the research team, and to organize training and refresher courses.
Great interest is given in preparation of articles for The 15 World Conference on
Earthquake Engineering (15WCEE) – Lisbon 2012, where we expect to participate.
Head of the IMMS Laboratory
Florin – Radu Hariga, PhD
21.11.2011
67
2.4. Representative project (maximum 5 pages)
NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN
CONSTRUCTIONS, URBAN PLANNING AND SUSTAINABLE SPATIAL
DEVELOPMENT - INCD URBAN – INCERC, IASI BRANCH
The LABORATORY FOR RESEARCH AND HYGROTHERMAL-CLIMATIC
(ENVIRONMENTAL) TESTING OF BUILDING MATERIALS, ELEMENTS AND
EQUIPMENT (HT)
Between 2006-2008 The LABORATORY FOR RESEARCH AND HYGROTHERMALCLIMATIC (ENVIRONMENTAL) TESTING OF BUILDING MATERIALS, ELEMENTS
AND EQUIPMENT (HT) of INCERC - Iasi Branch has proposed and received financing as
part of the National research programme – Excellency Research – Module IV – EECX –
Development of an Infrastructure for the Assessment and Certification of Conformity for the
project entitled “Extension of the laboratory's certification with environmental testing for
constructions-related equipment, machines and products according to the 73/23/EEC,
98/37/EC and 89/106/EEC Directives – HIGROMED”.
The objective of this research project consisted in the technological development and
modernisation of the laboratory (with a unique profile in Romania and in South-Eastern /
Central Europe) for research and hygro-thermal testing in construction physics, in order to
meet the requirements of Directive 89/106/EEC – Construction products, as well as the
extension of the accreditation field for research and testing in the domains regulated by EEC
Directives, of major interest for the national and European development. The main extension
areas are: equipment (high power, high, medium and low voltage – regulated domain no. 1
according to Annex 1 to Law 608/2001), industrial machines (regulated domain no. 6) and
means of transportation. The achievement of this project has enabled the laboratory to be
notifiable in the European Union.
The objective of this project comprises the following three directions:
1. – extension of the research and climate testing range to degrees of severity that have
previously been impossible to achieve in Romania, stipulated by the harmonised European
standards, associated to directives 98/37/EC and 73/23/EC concerning industrial machines and
electrical equipment, including those of great dimensions and power, applicable to all domains
which require the functional verification under climatic stress (tests for cold, dry and humid
heat, temperature variations, ice formation, etc.).
2. – assimilation and implementation of new methods for research and testing under the single
or combined action of climatic factors, stipulated by the harmonised European standards,
associated to Directive 89/106/EEC for building products (curtain walls, glazed elements,
closure elements, envelopes, materials, etc.) and for research in the domain of energy
performance, energy management in buildings and technologies for reducing carbon dioxide
polluting emissions.
3. – improvement of the performance and quality of the equipment and installations specific
to the research and tests defined in this project proposal.
This project has been designed to unfold over several phases and activities that are coherent
and logical in relation to the objective of the theme.
Thus, we have covered the following phases of conception, technological design,
documentation, execution, validation and accreditation, sampling and capitalisation:
68
1. The achievement of the study concerning the capitalisation of the lab’s initial resources
(human, material, technical, scientific and applied resources); the efficient organisation and
restructuring of the initial resources.
2. Creating the documentation for the adaptation, extension, assimilation, method
development and substantiation of the necessary infrastructure of the laboratory, namely:
 Development of the laboratory’s capacity for hygro-thermal research and testing in the
domain of construction physics in order to meet the requirements of Directive
89/106/EEC
 Extension of the accreditation domain for research and testing in the domains regulated
by the EEC Directives, according to series. SR EN 60068 – Environmental tests.
 Analysis of the laboratory’s specific activity and involvement in the research,
evaluation, certification, climatic and energy qualification of all products.
3. Assimilation of new methods of performing research and hygro-thermal/environmental
tests, adapted to the requirements of European directives and national transposition laws; the
achievement of the new technical procedures associated and conforming to the methods
stipulated by the harmonised standards SR EN 1934, SR EN 12114, SR EN 1946, SR EN
12412, SR EN ISO 8497 and series SR EN 60068.
4. Designing the elements for the development of the lab’s infrastructure in order to extend
its research and testing scope, and to assimilate the methods required by the European
directives and the national transposition laws.
5. The development of the lab’s infrastructure in order to extend its research and testing
scope, and to assimilate the methods required by the European directives and the national
transposition laws.
The project had the following objectives:
- conception and design of the infrastructure for experimental and applied research
- acquisition of the equipment, devices, installations, (raw) materials necessary for the actual
development of the lab’s capacity and scope, the improvement of its performances and of its
technical complex.
- rehabilitation of the infrastructure of the climatic chambers by increasing the closures’
degree of thermal efficiency
- installation, commissioning and performance tests of the entire complex of equipment
- new stands and installations.
6. Study and documentation for the confirmation - exploitation of the results. Validation of
the newly assimilated testing methods. Development of the documentation and accreditation
file for the extension of the domain, testing methods and infrastructure. Submission of the
accreditation file to the competent national authority.
7. Dissemination of the results towards all potential beneficiaries in Romania and elsewhere.
8. Obtaining the certificate for the extension of the lab’s accreditation domain
The completion of the project has ensured the full rehabilitation and technological
modernisation of the hygro-thermal research and testing laboratory, which is unique in
Romania and in South-Eastern and Central Europe. It also enabled our laboratory to be
notified by the European Union.
The performance degree attained by completing this project meets the present technological
level specific to modern infrastructures of experimental and applied research worldwide, in
the activity domain of the HT Laboratory, and is relevant through the following structure:
69
IH Climatic and
hygro-thermal
testing- A
13 Gh. Asachi
Street 700481
Tel / Fax.
00.40.232/ 25 44
71
IH Climatic and
hygro-thermal
testing - B
Ob. 101 , 37
Prof. Anton
Sesan Street 700048 Tel /
Fax. 00.40.232/
236 335
The climatic and hygrothermal testing - Station A and B of ,
IH Laboratory
have the next functional units:
F1 – The climatic chamber of large
dimensions, with a maximum
volume of 500 m3 destined for tests
under exterior environment hygrothermal regime with excessive
climate of -45 °C ... +70 °C, ice,
solar radiation
F2 – The climatic chamber of
medium dimensions, with a
maximum volume of 140 m3, with
double atmosphere for exterior
environment hygro-thermal regimes
specific to the climatic areas I, II, III,
IV and to excessive climate of -40 °C
... +70 °C and for interior
environment regimes, operated by
means of a command, adjustment,
data acquisition and measurement
room.
F3 - The Laboratory for physical and
chemical determinations
70
F4 - The Laboratory for material thermophysical
determinations
F5 –The Laboratory for durability,
thermophysical and mechanical tests
F6 – The Laboratory for complex
climatic actions tests (tests of the
influence of precipitation, air pressure,
wind, excessive humidity and
temperature, long-term ageing tests
under the action of temperature,
humidity and solar radiation)
The system of equipment necessary for simulating the climatic regimes specific to
environmental tests comprises the following components:
1. Cold-generating equipment:
- BITZER two-stage refrigeration compressor group with an environmentally friendly
refrigerant that provides the cooling of the air down to - 45 0C - with under-cooling
device, min 11 kW
- GUNTNER large surface evaporator with a large heat exchange surface for evaporator
efficient cooling processes. Telemecamique command panel
- temperature-measuring probe for the domain -50 0C .......+ 20 0C  0.1 0C
- temperature controllers for the domain -50 0C..+ 80 0C with control precision of  0,50C
Photo 10 - Bitzer compressor group type LH 135/S6G
evaporator
Photo 11 – GUNTNER
71
Photo 12 - Telemecanique Electric panel for power and automation and Monitoring system
The refrigeration equipment is managed and supervised by a DIXELL monitoring
system for climatic, humidity and pressure parameters, which ensures the full supervision of
the refrigeration equipment and climatic chamber with a minimal capacity of 250 points of
measurement, recording, control, diagnosis, warning and data transmission by means of PC
modem, fax, mobile phone and software settings.
2. The installation that supplies the climatic chamber with hot air:
- Hot air turbo blower +20…+80 0C made up of the following components:
- Condensing boiler with a maximum output of 65 kW running on natural gas
- fans (a minimum of 5000 mc/h - 2 items) and registers - heat exchangers (4 items)
- Probe and temperature controller in the domain (20…80 0C) with control precision of  0.1
0
C.
3. Controlled humidification plant that controls the humidity in the climatic chambers
- Presettable humidification domain between 30…..99%  2%
- Probe and humidification controller in the domain 20 ...99% RH with control precision of 
2%, with display for data presentation and humidity presetting
The HT laboratory has been modernised with the following state-of-the-art
equipment:
 Precision thermovision equipment;
 High performance meteorological station;
 Equipment for laboratory and on-site thermometry;
 Equipment for laboratory and on-site hygrometry;
 Apparatus for determining the mass and density;
 Devices for durability testing (frost - thaw, aging in sunlight, temperature,
humidity) ;
 Equipment for climatic and environmental testing (extreme negative and positive
temperatures, cyclic and permanent temperature - humidity, ice deposits, wind, etc)
;
 Equipment for the exposure to solar radiation and specific measuring devices;
 Automatic monitoring systems for climatic and laboratory parameters;
 Data acquisition systems specific to hygrothermics and to the climatic environment;
 Systems of thermal transducers, heat flux, humidity, measuring in 1000 points;
 Special conditioning equipment, ovens, vacuum chamber, programmable cooling
chambers, etc;
 Temperature-humidity climatic chamber of 1000dm3, with automatic regime and
cyclic programming possibility.
In the context of current demands concerning the quality of products, technologies and
conceived solutions, the quality of energy management, etc., with are major impact factors in the
quality of the natural and built environment and in the quality of life, the Laboratory of Research
and Hygro-thermal Testing on Building Materials, Elements and Subassemblies – INECRC Iaşi is
ready to meet the severe accreditation requirements of European norms and to ensure the
scientific and technical support specific to this domain, the lab being notified by the European
Union.
The completion of the project has provided us with the ability to approach experimental
and scientific laboratory research in border domains such as the hygro-thermal safety and
comfort ensured by transportation means (automotive industry), the safety and reliability of
power equipment under climatic stress (electrical industry).
72
From its very completion and up to the present day, this project has had a major
economical, technical and scientific impact on the international activity and visibility of the
HT laboratory, since, due to its attained level of performance, the lab has been able to
participate in experimental and applied research projects at the request of many European
beneficiaries ( Germany - Siemens, Turkey, Spain, etc). Thus, between 2008-2011, using the
new technologies of its modernised infrastructure, the lab has carried out 15 experimental
research projects concerning the behaviour and verification of the energy equipment of
medium and high power/voltage, under extreme climatic conditions (ice layer, extreme
negative and positive temperatures, solar radiation, etc), amounting to a total of 227 000
Euros.
The project has covered the entire chain of conception, technological design,
documentation, execution, validation, accreditation, sampling, calibration and actual
achievement of the applied research contracts of major international impact, as it serves the
great urban areas of the world.
Head of the HT Laboratory
PhD. Eng. Livia MIRON
21.11.2011
ACTIVITY REPORT BY BRANCH - CLUJ – NAPOCA BRANCH
2.3 Activity report by team
Major Achievements
- Winning one of two research projects carried out in five stages, respectively nine stages
- Acquisition of advanced equipment, especially concerning : tests on doors and windows,
tests to establish conductivity and tests regarding the reaction to different climatic conditions,
amounting to 105 000 EU Establishing of a cooperation protocol
- Obtaining from State Construction Inspection, based on cooperation protocol, equipment
worth around 79500 EU, including equipment for testing on roads totaling about 18000 EU
- Publication of books
4
- Publicated ISI papers
9
- Publicated BDI papers
13
- Publicated B and B +papers
4
- Participation in international conferences held abroad
18
- Participation in international conferences held in the country
9
- Participation in national conferences
8
- RENAR reaccreditation in 2008 and expanding the laboratory accreditation in 2010
- Recruitment of two graduates, one of the speciality of roads and bridges, to extend the
research directions
- Increasing the number of doctors by 30%
- Increasing the number of doctoral students by 100%
- Increasing the territorial area where we receive requests for applied research
- Increasing the number of clients with 30% compared to 2007
Dynamics research directions addressed
- Research on sustainable solutions for earthquake safety of structures in reinforced concrete
frames
73
- Pre-normative research on lightweight aggregate concrete and C155- 89 normative review
- Research on structural elements and assemblies subjected to different types of loads
- In situ research regarding the behaviour of building structures and bridges subjected to
different loads
- Experimental research on building materials and products in order to issue of technical
approvals
- Experimental research on building materials and products for CE certification
- Pre-normative research in order to develop technical regulations
- Development of technical regulations
- Nondestructive testing and construction monitoring
Interdisciplinary and entrepreneurial initiatives
- Establishing of a cooperation protocol with the State Construction Inspection (CSI), by
which our institution take over the CSIs equipment involved in monitoring the quality of
construction materials and products
- Establishing of three protocols of cooperation in the research proposals in partnership with
research institutions, universities and producers
- Establishing of a protocol with the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, Faculty of
Engineering, to support mutual PhD (to be completed)
- Establishing of a protocol with the Faculty of Architecture, Technical University of ClujNapoca, in order to access the various types of competition (to be completed)
- Establishing of a protocol with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (to be completed)
The dynamics of human resources
- Two young graduates attended a contest to fill the post of ACS
- A researcher attended a contest to fill the post of CS III
- CS III two researchers participated in the contest to fill the post of CS II
- One CS II researcher participated in the contest to fill the post of CS I
- From a research staff of 10 people, six people participated in competitions for promotion in
rank
- From a research staff of 10 people, 50% are doctors or PhD (four are doctors and one is a
PhD)
- an average age of the research staff decreased from 48 in 2007 to 45 in 2011
- a 21-person staff of the branch, 16 are graduate
- an economist employed at branch is also PhD
Any other matters considered relevant to the development and scientific development
team
- Affiliation to a staff professional and scientific associations: American Concrete Institute, In
Situ Construction Behavior Commission, Structural Design Engineers Association (AICPS),
National Network of Laboratories in Construction (RNLC), Zinc Coating Providers
Association, Capability Testing Scheme Providers Association (AFSIC)
- Participation in a doctoral committees as reviewer
1
- Participation in a journal editorial board of INCD
4
- Participation in committees an ASRO
1
- A participation in the expert assessment bodies EACI and NASR
1
74
- Energy auditor
2
- Responsible for technical project execution;
- Quality auditor (SR EN ISO 9001)
8
- Environmental auditor (SR EN ISO 14001)
- Auditor for laboratories (SR EN ISO/CEI 17025) 4
1
1
Cluj-Napoca Branch
2.4 Representative major project
Sustainable Solutions For Earthquake Safe Precast Reinforced Concrete Frame
Structures 2009-2011
Major objectives of research
- A new solution of prestressed reinforced concrete beam-column joints, based on seismic
safety criteria and sustainability of the structure safety
- A new technology for prestressed reinforced concrete joints, based on prestressing with non
adherent strands associated with ductile special reinforcement;
- Providing the scientific community of experimental data on the tests on joints of
prefabricated models of the new types of joints
- development of calculation methods and definition of design parameters for sustainable
prestressed reinforced concrete structures.
Research development
Phase 1. State of the art report about the sustainability of reinforced concrete structures and
prestressed
Phase 2. Critical analysis of current joints of prefabricated elements; new conception of linear
elements joints and design of the experimental models.
Phase 3 Models realization of new types of joints and experimental research on large scale
models under seismic type loadings
Phase 4 Processing, analysis and validation of experimental data obtained in the previous
stage. Development and validation of numerical and analytical methods of calculation.
Phase 5 New concept of prefabricated elements joints and calculation methods and design
parameters sustenability
Execution
Phase 1.
State of the art report of the current level of sustainability assurance of precast concrete
structures, with proposed directions for future research and quantifying methods of the
parameters of sustainability for precast concrete structures reinforced and prestressed.
Phase 2
Report on the joint system of prefabricated elements of reinforced concrete frame, with
emphasis on their compatibility with the mechanisms of earthquake-induced energy
dissipation in plastic zones and highlighting the potential of future research directions;
A new conception of reinforced concrete frame joints and realised by prestressed non aderent
strands compatible with seismic safety criteria and superior facilities to ensure the structural
sustainability
Projects are designed for specific classes in experimental models of medium and high
ductility, specific design spectra corresponding to Romania
Phase 3
- Development of experimental models of prefabricated joints, optimized for specific design
75
spectra Romania;
- Verification of new technology for prefabricated frames new types of joints
- Recording the basic experimental results of the experimental research conducted on
prefabricated joints under inelastic cyclic loadings.
Phase 4
- Attestation of execution technologies of the hybrid joints and the new hibrid joints
- Removlable features of damaged hybrid joints and damaged new hibrid joints ;
- Validation of favorable response of prefabricated frame hybrid joints under the cyclic
alternating seismic type loading , (strength, deformation, cracking, ductility, ability to
dissipate energy) ;
- Establishing the principles of calculation, development of calculation relationships for the of
beam-column joints, of the hybrid joint frame systems
Phase 5
Emphasing that the new proposed joint solution for hybrid nodes of reinforced concrete frame
structures are sustainable within the specific performance criteria regarding:
● strategy and research directions, European and national, to achieve a sustainable
construction sector;
● requirements (economical, social and environmental) to ensure sustainability of technical
solutions;
● definition and principles of composition of hybrid joints and new hybrid joints;
● specific requirements: materials, structure frame components of the joints, frame nodes, and
beam-column interface;
● implementation of hybrid and new hybrid joining technology, providing removability and /
or restoring structural integrity in case of an accidental loading.
Proposition of appropriate methods for computing for hybrid frames and new hybrid joints
calculation method based on structural seismic displacements "DDBD"
sectional calculation methods for the two types of nodes
Sectional calculation rules set out in U.S. for hybrid nodes, still unused in Europe
Sectional calculation for new hybrid nodes, having the character of novelty
- Justification for further research to deeping the research field
Sustainability
New concept of combining sustainability of prefabricated elements
Technical and economic aspects
In the light of technical - economic, the main advantages of new solutions to achieve hybrid
structures that hybrid frames with loose knots are:
- Simplicity of execution elements (columns without brackets), reflected in reduced costs for
printing;
- Cost of materials and workmanship on site to classic joints, making joints due to temporary
facility and thus reduce the amount of mortar to be poured in situ;
- Accidental actions favorable structural behavior (degradation focuses in confined areas and
structures back to its original position after termination request by prestressing effect);
- Quickly, easily and cost-effective interventions and post-earthquake repair (located only in
areas of interfaces ruler-poles) to classical structures interventions that require extensive
repairs in areas with high costs and long construction and in many cases and termination
activities of those buildings housed.
- From traditional structures, they have rehabilitation facilities post event structural integrity,
particularly in hybrid joints loose frames, where you can make timely repairs of restoration
mortar interfaces ruler-poles where necessary special fittings can be replaced and loose and
some strands that have yielded, since the reinforcement and prestressing are loose special.
76
- Monitoring (follow current) in use can be made much easier than traditional structures, the
observation points on which focus should be clearly defined professional staff and a lot less,
you can take simple measures to intervene after the event, depending on the remaining
elongations of special fittings loose - Postutilizarea frame structures with hybrid node and
hybrid node can be done by dismantling loose, with the possibility of reusing the beams and
columns
Should be taken into account matters involving additional costs such as prestressing, which
involves specific features in addition to skilled personnel and use higher than normal
structures.
Social aspects
Social aspects favorable to the new concept of realization of prefabricated structural nodes in
reinforced concrete frames (hybrid nodes and new hybrid nodes) makes an important
contribution are:
- Reduce the social costs involved in repairs and reinforcements especially classic knotted
structures (in addition to allocations involving repairs, tenants moving in space during interim
work performance) than punctual interventions necessary structures to which new concept of
structural
- Visual impact beneficial to users as a result of accidental events from earthquakes of
moderate and high, as almost back to its original structure after the earthquake;
- Recovery of most of the structural elements to the abolition of these types of structures,
which contribute to reducing social effort to replace the built space;
- Providing jobs with highly specialized, well-paid, thus the necessity of using a skilled
workforce to achieve structures with hybrid nodes or hybrid nodes loose, in particular for
achieving prestressing.
Environmental issues
Favorable aspects in terms of ensuring a cleaner environment, new concepts to the realization
of prefabricated structural nodes in hybrid nodes including loose shots, considering virtually
all life stages of construction, and are as follows:
- The execution of the site are reduced more processes involving the generation of particulate
emissions;
- During the service as a result of earthquakes is limited activities and interventions involving
repair clean technologies without air emissions;
- Dismantling of structures can be done by dismantling, excluding procedures using
explosives or mechanical shocks, which produce large amounts of dust and waste emitting
particles in the atmosphere, also the loading and unloading debris resulted from demolition by
destructive methods still produce dust;
- Abolition of the removal of structural elements allows the use of other buildings, the
capacities of resistance to other uses, without having recycled through energy intensive
processes (with consequences in terms of resource depletion or production of undesirable
gases).
Final assessment and directions deepening of the field
Innovative aspects of the study are included in the proposal of new compositions constructive
frame structures with hybrid nodes ieand new nodes hybrid structures loose shots that have
been proposed for computing novel relations.
These contributions add important theoretical aspect of the modeling and testing of a lateral
actions such joints.
77
It is important to note that the proposed relationships are temporary and should be checked
based on subsequent attempts, as it is based on a novel mechanism of transmission of effort
and energy dissipation in a new way of composition and validation of hybrid nodes is limited
to
a
single
test
results.
Emerges as the direction for further applied research by performing several tests on
connections with different characteristics, including repaired models were first tested to
breaking special fittings.
Other issues to be finalized are related and optimal location areas minimum area to be studied
further to exploit the advantage of being located in section rough interfaces. This takeover has
made increasing shear capacity in two ways, namely: small area is not in the bar area at the
interface and the interface area was not required in the post-elastic, and could count on the
initial shear strength , verification of the shear transfer capacity per node requested and other
construction details, such as the special reinforcement fixing loose.
78
ACTIVITY REPORT BY BRANCH - TIMISOARA Branch
2.3
Team balance - on the activity 2008-2011
I. HIGHLIGHTING THE MAJOR RESULTS
Activity in developing technical approvals, 2008-2011
We developed a total of 61 technical agreements at Timisoara Branch, with a completion rate
of 100%.
Technical Agreements developed in the MES Laboratory
Nb of
Technical
Approvals
2008
20
2009
24
2010
8
2011
9
The quality of works was analyzed according to the favorable agreement reached at the
internal approval meetings and approval from the meetings organized by Bucharest CTPC.
From a total of 61 technical agreements submitted to the secretariat CTPC obtained a total of
61 technical opinion. It follows a rate of 100% quality.
Dynamic development of technical approvals
-
A relevant aspect in the dynamic development of technical approvals is highly complex
technical approvals and is characterized by the testing of innovative products such as:
Structural elements: load-bearing walls with mixed structure, rigid node for precast conctrete
structures
Items embedded in structures: metal parts /elements, reinforcement systems
New materials in construction: bearing and non-loadbearing elements made of a mixture of
polypropylene and polyethylene
Initial type testing activity within product certification process, under the supervision of
accredited institutions by RENAR 2008-2011
Nb.Tests/year
Lab.MES
Lab. GF
2008
153
39
2009
253
25
2010
302
10
2011
202
10
Research and Development 2008-2011
79
Research
(period 1 January 2008-31 November 2011)
Number of national research programs
The total value of national research contracts (Lei)
The total value of international research contracts
(USD) of articles published in Romanian journals
Number
recognized CNCSIS, the volumes of conference papers
published in international conferences and papers
published in journals abroad with reviewers
2008
2009
2010
2011
1
1
1
1
220000 160000 252800 322400
1
3
1
-
Number of articles published in ISI
Chapters in collective volumes published in foreign
publishers
-
-
1
-
II. DYNAMICS OF THE APPROACHED RESEARCH DIRECTIONS
- Recycling of construction materials in order to achieve structural and nonstructural
elements
- Structural elements with high energy performance: construction systems that are based
on energy savings
- Rehabilitation of structures: composite floor systems wood / concrete
- New technologies in construction: making elements of B and BA for urban networks
- Prefabricated structural components for warehouses and bridges
- Study of difficult and low bearing capacity foundations improved by using
geosynthetic materials
- Research to identify and define the requirements design / major renovation of
buildings for development of buildings whose energy consumption is almost zero "
- The behavior of structures and land to seismic actions by determining their theoretical
and experimental periods of vibration.
- Research on the use of ash from thermal plants to stabilize the soils and improve
foundation soil
- Research on structural elements made of poorly reinforced concrete panels of
expanded polystyrene core
Some research directions addressed in the Timisoara branch have resulted in articles
published in magazines, participation in national and international conferences, proposals for
research topics as follows:
Proposed research topics
Research Contracts
Rezutale articles from research other than those
resulting research programs
Presentations at national and international
conferences
2008 2009 2010 2011
?
5
5
9
?
2
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
2
80
III
Interdisciplinary and entrepreneurial initiatives
Interdisciplinary initiatives are the result of collaborative work / consultation with specialists
from functional departments of the University Politehnica Timisoara in projects as follows:
- Timisoara Faculty of Mechanical Engineering: Study on stud welding on metal plates
- Faculty of Engineering Department of Construction Equipment - Timişoara: Test
pumping stations for sewage disposal
- Faculty of Engineering Department of steel structures: participation in research trials
in the aperture effect of sandwich panels
- Faculty of Engineering Department of Civil Engineering: Testing concrete frame and
bearing masonry panels
IV
HR DYNAMICS
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
staff
22
20
21
18
17
resignation
1
1
1
retirement
1
1
1
employments 1
1
Total
20
21
18
17
16
Compared to 2008, the number of researchers corresponding to 100% (12 employees) 2011
brings a drop in the number of research personnel employed by 25%.
The average age applied to 16 employees
> 50 years 75% of the total of 16 employees
<50 years 25% of the total of 16 employees
The level of staff training
2 employees - research degree CS 1
1 employees - research degree CS2
3 employees - research degree CS 3
3 employees - research degree CS
7 employees – with no research degree
Staff within the URBAN-INCERC INCD Timisoara Branch is 56% research and 44% TESA
from a total of 16 employees at present time.
V. SIGNIFICANT
DEVELOPMENT
ASPECTS
OF
SCIENTIFIC
PROGRESS
AND
TEAM
1.
Presentations in national and international Conferences
(1)
11th WSEAS International Conference on Sustainability in Science Engineering
(SSE’09), Timişoara, 27-29 mai, 2009.
(2)
International Conference Engineering Mechanics, Structures & Engineering Geology
(EMESEG 08), Heraklion, Crete Island, Greece, July 22-24, 2008
(3)
International Conference on Research in construction, construction economy,
architecture, urbanism and territorial development, Bucureşti, 23 septembrie 2011
(4)
Architecture and urban development conference “Construct Week”, Timişoara, 30
septembrie – 1 octombrie 2010
(5)
Timişoara Academic Days “Effective infrastructure for land transport” Timişoara 2011
81
Purchase of equipment performance, especially for: geotechnical field and laboratory tests
and for tests on building materials and construction elements.
Acquisitions were made with funds from the MDRT and had the following dynamic:
year /
2007-2008 2009
2010
2011
acquisition
89830
value of
555425
equipment
(lei)
During the period under review total value of purchases was 645,255 lei.
It is in the process of obtaining, on fixed-equipment (inventory and fixed assets) of around
354,800 lei from the State Construction Inspection, based on protocol
TIMISOARA BRANCH
2.4 REPRESENTATIVE RESEARCH PROJECT
Name of program: Construction - major milestone of the National Strategy and
European Sustainable Development – Consus
Program Code: PN 09 14
Project Title: Research on geodynamic characterization of land. Banat earthquake
monitoring. Study and design of new constructive foundation systems
Program Code: PN 09 – 14 01 04
1. Scientific and technical content of the project
 Study of design spectra and methods of construction, located in areas affected by
surface earthquakes, with customization for Timişoara and the Banat.
 Monitoring of seismic movements of Timisoara and Banat area, through seismic
sensor network deployed in deep drilling carried out in areas with different bedding
 Studies to improve the spectrum, and design methods for seismic Banat area. Criteria
for overall evaluation of the performance at seismic action of the buildings located in
the area of crustal earthquake.
 Studies and research regarding conception, calculation and design of new foundation
systems, with the role of seismic energy dissipation.
2. Scheme of project realization
Nb. Year
Denumire fază
1
2009 Phase 1. Studies on the geodynamic characteristics of land,
with the customization on two locations in Timisoara,
equipped to record earthquakes from Banat. Geotechnical and
geophysical studies of areas with seismic potential from Banat
area.
2
2009 Phase 2. Studies on the spectra and design methods for
buildings located in the epicenter area of Banat type crustal
earthquakes, (impulse-type earthquakes)
3
2010 Phase 3. Tests on models, on some foundation solutions
studied at static and dynamic loads.
4
2011 Phase 4. Theoretical studies on the composition and method
of calculation of new foundation systems, which have the role
Deadline
15.09.2009
15.11.2009
30.11.2010
15.06.2011
82
5
2011
3. Results:
Phase 1
of seismic energy dissipation.
Phase 5. Design elements for new foundation systems studied. 30.10.2011
Research synthesis. Proposals for improving the code P100,
for crustal earthquakes, of impulse type.
 Studies concerning seismicity Banat area with the analysis of: a) history of
Banat earthquakes, b) the characteristics of earthquakes Banat c) attenuation
law, c) design spectra
 Studies on the influence of local conditions of the site, on Banat earthquakes
action, with the analysis of: the local site conditions in Timisoara geotechnical
map of Timisoara, factors affecting seismic activity; geodynamic features
customised for Timisoara.
 Geotechnical study of two sites by sampling and laboratory tests to determine
stratificaţiilor and determining physical and mechanical characteristics of the
bedding. Location: a) in the south of the city, within INCERC Timisoara,
where bedding is composed predominant by sandy soils; b) in the north of the
city where bedding is composed mainly of clay soils
 geophysical tests to determine the velocity of propagation of seismic waves in
the layers that make up the two bedding and their other dynamic features.
 Obtaining data trough geotechnical and geophysical testing on seismogenic
sites in Banat area: a) seismogenic zone Banloc-Padureni-Voiteg-Deta, b)
Arad-Curtici seismogenic zone, c) the seismogenic Moldova New - Oravita.
Tracking seismic drilling - equipped INCERC
Seismic station
Phase 2.
• Study of seismic motion recordings from the area Banat (Timişoara and
Banloc)
• Comparison of response spectra resulting from the processing of records
response spectra for acceleration and displacements provided in P100-1/2006
83
• Studies on how seismic design codes reflect local conditions influence of the
site.
• Studies concerning seismic design based on performance criteria.
• Studies on how seismic design codes reflect local conditions influence of the
site.
• Studies concerning seismic design based on performance criteria.
• Comparison of seismic design provisions of building codes, with analyzing the
following aspects: a) purpose of procedures; b) methods of analysis; c)
equivalent seismic forces.
Comparison of spectra based on the records of P100/92 and P100/2006
Phase 3.
• Studies concerning constructive solutions and new technologies to achieve the
foundations
• Solutions do micropilot foundation by using the technique vibrations (vibration, vibropercussion) alone or in the battery of 4-5 cylindrical elements, tronconical or truncated
pyramid.
84
•
•
•
•
Micropilot type items may be elements of consolidation of land elements unloading,
cast or prefabricated foundations, made the classical solution, or may be used for
making an insulating screens and reduce the seismic energy at the foundations level
foundation solutions using thin plates and polyhedral cone made by stamping.
experimental tests on foundations, which downloads to micropilot, make single or 4cell battery.
Experimental tests of conical thin plates and polyhedral foundations, which allowed
the study of bearing capacity of such foundations and determining the nature and
distribution efforts in thin plate, important elements in the calculation and design of
foundations.
Phase 4.
• Elements of calculation of the physical - mechanical propertyes of consolidated soil
with cylindrical micropilot made singularly with vibrations technique
• take-off technique vibrations
• Elements of calculation of the physical - mechanical propertyes of consolidated soil
with a battery of four elements (cylindrical or tronconical) micropilots made singularly
with vibrations technique
85
•
•
•
Elements of calculation, for the distribution plan, of the elements for soil consolidation
Elements of calculation for the legth of consolidation elements
Elements calculation of foundations made of and polyhedral conical thin plates, based
on the distribution and nature of efforts that develope in thin plate, under the loads
transmitted by the construction
Phase 5. - Finish
• Elements of foundations design which unloads on elements, micropilot type, produced
singularly or in batteries of 4-5 items.
• • Elements for design of tronconical top up thin plates foundations type (foundations
block boundary) and solicited to vertical loads and bending moments (composition,
designsection of concrete section, reinforcement)
• •
Elemente de proiectare a fundaţiilor din plăci subţiri tronconice cu vârful în jos
cu încărcare uniform distribuită pe inelul de rigidizare (alcătuire,calculul secţiunii de
beton,armare)
• Elements for design of tronconical top down thin plates foundations type loaded with
uniformly distributed loads on thestiffening ring (composition, designsection of
concrete section, reinforcement)
• •
Elemente de proiectare a fundaţiilor din plăci subţiri trunchi de
piramidă(alcătuire,calculul secţiunii de beton,armare)
• Elements for design thin plates pyramid trunk foundations type (composition,
calculation section of concrete, reinforcement)
• A design proposal spectrum for Banat area characterized by pulse like crustal
earthquake
86
NRDI URBAN – INCERC
URBANISM AND TERRITORIAL DEVELOPMENT
URBAN-PROIECT BRANCH
2.2. General activity report
During the past four years, the activity of NR&DI URBAN-INCERC with respect to urban
and spatial planning can be summarized as following:
A. Dissemination of the results of research, by publication in journals, books etc. or
presentation in conferences
 1 book published by international publishers
 17 books published by national publishers
 4 chapters in books published by national publishers
 6 scientific papers published in journals with non-zero relative Article Influence Score
(cumulated relative Article Influence Score: 1.123)
 4 scientific papers published in ISI journals with 0/no relative Article Influence Score
 56 scientific papers published in journals indexed in relevant international databases or
indexed B+ by CNCSIS
 4 scientific papers published in journals indexed B, C or D by CNCSIS
 1 scientific paper published in international journals, other than ISI or indexed in
relevant international databases
 23 scientific papers published in conference proceedings or volumes of abstracts
 17 scientific papers published in national journals with ISSN not indexed by CNCSIS
 4 unpublished research reports
 98 participations in national and international conferences, not indexed by the
Australian Research Council, with a poster or oral presentation
B. Research projects
 6 international research projects
1. The Spatial Development Concept of Interregional Co-operation in the Danube
Space – DONAUREGIONEN+ (SEE, 2009 – 2012)
2. Transnational Strategy for the Sustainable of the Danube Area with special
regard to Tourism – DATOURWAY (SEE, 2009 – 2012)
3. Climate change and territorial effects on regions and local economies in
Europe – ESPON Climate (ESPON, 2009 – 2012)
4. Tisa Catchement Area Development – TICAD (SEE, 2009 – 2012)
5. From Army To Entrepreuneurship – FATE (SEE, 2009 – 2012)
6. Protection and Sustainable Development of the Carpathians in Transnational
Framework – Carpathians Project (INTERREG III B CADSES Program, 2007 –
2009)
 2 national projects under the framework of National Program II as Lead Partner
1. GIS for the Valorization of Hardly Accessible Alpine Areas with Complex
Potentials for Tourism, with a View to Their Inclusion in Tourist Routes.
Development of the Valleys of Lotru and Olteţ – VALOT
2. OpenGIS system informational for monitoring the impact of spatial planning
policies – GISTEREG
 2 national projects under the framework of National Program II as Lead Partner
87
1. Integrated Geospatial System for the Localization and Protection of
Archeological Sites. Pilot Project: Tulcea County – PATRIMON
2. Valorization and management of the built heritage in an intercultural context –
PATRIVAL
 The ‘Nucleu’ Program
1. Social and economic changes in the metropolitan areas of big cities
2. Social and economic impacts of the expansion of urban settlement network.
In addition to these activities, others were developed to increase the visibility of research.
1. The Institute organized, starting in 2011, the research conference on constructions,
economy of constructions, architecture, urbanism and territorial development. The event is
designed to have two issues per year, and the first two had the following topics:
 “Sustainable spatial development: from territorial planning to building design”
– 29 April 2011. The first edition was a national conference with international
participation from the Slovak Republic and authors from Spain, and gathered over
100 participants.
 “Human habitat and quality of life in conditions of natural and technological
risks – a multidisciplinary approach” – 23 September 2011. The second edition
was international (including participants from Korea, Japan, Croatia, Moldova and
authors from Germany) and gathered over 130 people.
2. Starting of a new journal dedicated to the research in the fields covered by the
Institute. The journal, titled “Urbanism. Architecture. Constructions” (e-ISSN 2069-6469,
p-ISSN 2069-0509) started in the second part of 2010. The journal appears quarterly and 6
issues were already produced. Starting with the 6th, the journal in indexed by Index
Copernicus International Master Journal List and applied for indexation by the Directory
of Open Access Journals.
In addition, the Institute renewed its affiliation with RED (Ruralité – Environnement –
Développement) and affiliated to IAFOR (The International Academic Forum).
2.3. Activity Reports by Teams
2.3.1. Urban Planning and Settlement Management Division
Introduction
The Division of Urban Planning and Settlement Management is a group of specialists who
have carried out an uninterrupted work since the establishment of the “URBANPROIECT
Institute” in 1990. In its turn, the afore-mentioned institution carries on the specific work of
the Systematization Centre of ISLGC (The Institute of Design for Systematization, Housing
and Communal Management), a provider of the most important territorial support of
Romania’s social and economic development in the post-World War II period until the end of
1989.
The complexity of the work carried out by the Division of Urban Planning, the symbolic
bearer of the name of the field of reference, amplified in time in close relation with the
attestation in 1996 of the National Institute for Research and Development in Urban and
Spatial Planning – URBANPROIECT Bucharest. In pursuit of enlarging the approach to the
urbanized territories, the team of the Urban Planning Division has centered its efforts on the
research, understanding, forecasting and precise planning of the dynamic urban phenomena in
Romania, in close connection with the international framework, mainly the European one.
88
The adjustment and diversification were made by good moral conduct professionals who
protected and enhanced the scientific heritage and permanently increased the attractiveness
for generations of specialists.
Research work for the interval 2007-2011
In the preparation for accreditation and then after re-accreditation in 2008 of INCD
URBANPROIECT as national institute for research and development by the National
Authority for Scientific Research, the work of the Division of Urban Planning was mainly
aimed at strengthening the scientific capability of the institute.
In this respect, the direct and / or indirect contribution of the Division in the interval 20072010 included:
 Support of the research related to the contracts awarded after winning the competition
on the Partnership program;
 Carrying into effect the work implied by the ‘Nucleu’ Program;
 Participation by applications to the competitions initiated under the National Research,
Development and Innovation Plan;
 Dissemination of the results obtained;
 Specialized contribution as a partner to projects in progress of implementation and by
applications to European cooperation and research programs;
 Drafting of studies and regulations initiated by the coordinating ministry
 Preparation of urban planning documents, laying the stress on the innovatory character
of their conception and appropriateness.
In providing support to such work, the Division of Urban Planning has contributed to:
 The extension of the inter-institutional relations at national and international levels;
 Professional development of the personnel making best use of the local training
resources and the international training opportunities (training programs, courses,
international fellowships, doctoral programs, etc.)
 Initiatives aimed at enhancing the “visibility” of the field through improved
dissemination of the results and the offer of specialized products and services (up-grading
the website of the Institute in order to improve the access to the information related to the
works completed by the Institute by program, work stage and by division).
Actually, the scientific contribution of the Division included:
 Studies for substantiation of the sections of the Spatial Planning of the National
Territory – e.g. Section VI – Tourist Areas (analysis of the defining aspects of the
influence of the built-up heritage on the actual delimitation of the areas with tourism
potential), initiation of new sections related to rural areas (urban-rural co-operation, rural
environment changes generated by complex urbanization processes);
 Specific studies for defining the Strategic concept of spatial development of
Romania 2030 – e.g. multi-criterion analysis of the evolution of the development and / or
growth poles, urban poles hierarchy, the outlines of the development of the urban
settlement network, the operational dimension of the urban planning documents in relation
to the dynamics of the settlement network development;
 Methodological and regulatory studies in urban planning – e.g. approach to the
methodology for setting the boundaries of the tourism potential areas at local urban and
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rural levels, approach to the principles of setting the landscape units in the territories of
the administrative-territorial units;
 Applied research of the spatial organization of settlements, development trends,
constraints, opportunities – e.g. ways to stop the uncontrolled development of
settlements, effective management of the urban built-up heritage, development of the
functional areas through urban-rural partnerships;
 Applied research on the human settlements sustainable development – e.g.
investigation of the expression of multiculturalism through the built-up heritage of
settlements, sustainable valorization of the tourism potential as a development alternative
in the disadvantaged areas;
 Studies and research on urban mobility, endowment of the urban territory
(transport and utility infrastructures) – e.g. efficient management of the water
resources for meeting the population needs – a promise for sustainable development of
towns and communes with a view to access to the European Union;
 Social and economic studies of the land and housing policies – e.g. analysis of the
social and economic changes in the metropolitan areas of the big cities, the impact of the
extension of the urban settlement network, investigation of the trends on the land and
housing markets;
 Applied research-type approach / case study of all substantiation studies needed
for drafting General and Zonal Urban Plans – e.g. studies on the general physical
framework and the functional profile of towns and municipalities, the historical evolution
of urban settlements, the social and economic state of settlements, mobility, accessibility,
communications, landscapes and cultural heritage elements, etc.;
 Preparation of study and research elements for a number of projects of European
programs (INTERREG IIIB, CADSES – Carpathians Project, Donauregionen – sectoral
applications to built-up environment, heritage elements, drafting the strategic documents
of the projects)
The actual benefits of the work can be classified as follows:
 The projects of the Partnership program: Work experience within multi-disciplinary
teams, set up as inter-institutional partnerships, whose result was adjustment of methods,
scientific complementarity, establishment of joint aims centered on applicability in
different areas (spatial planning, investment environment, sustainable development, etc.)
 The projects of the ‘Nucleu’ Program: Assimilation of new concepts and deepening
through own experience certain national characteristics of the economic, social and spatial
development; supporting the efforts to define more accurately the objectives of the Spatial
Development Strategy of Romania – 2030, in relation to the political objectives of the
Romanian Government.
 Participation in the tenders generated by the National Research and Development
Plan: Practical exercise of a high performance labor in order to acquire skills in multidisciplinary framework.
 Participation in international research and co-operation programs / projects:
Assimilation of new and good international practices, harmonization of certain work
procedures and tools in order to obtain results with cross-border significance as against the
frontiers of each participating entity (“strategic thinking at regional or continental scale”);
initiation of partnership agreement with various higher-education / research and
development / documentation entities and integration into European research
networks such as ESPON, SPACE-NET, EUKN, etc.;
 The actual preparation of the urban planning documents: the conceptual revision of
the document role, content and approach in order to make them suitable as both strategic
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and operational tools; strengthening the importance of the multi-disciplinary research
/ study in substantiating urban planning documents in order to clearly define the
importance of spatial planning and reiterate the complex role of urban planners in society.
The beginning of the year 2010 meant the merger of INCD URBANPROIECT
(‘URBANPROIECT’ National R&D Institute), Bucharest with INCD INCERC (National
Institute for Building Research), Bucharest and organization of the National Institute for R&D
in Construction, Urban Planning and Sustainable Spatial Development – ‘URBAN-INCERC’.
The implicit reorganization implied a new organizational chart within which the two entities
have become branches, and in their turn, they have been divided into sections, laboratories
and divisions. Consequently, the following data on urban planning research and work refer
particularly to the Division of Urban Planning and Management of Settlements.
The interval 2010-2011 was marked by severe cut-downs of the research budget appropriated
to the afore-mentioned programs. In that framework, the projects initiated and contracted
within the Partnership Program have been completed at the stage of partial coherent
conclusions, where the contribution of the Division decreased proportionally.
As regards the ‘Nucleu’ Program, a number of the program components were selected, taking
account of the anticipated importance of their outcomes. The general order of the problems
approached took into account:
 the necessity for initial conceptual clarifications, a fact that conferred a documentary
character to the first phases
 the need to improve in the next phases the research tools for improvement of the
databases adequate for spatial planning at different scales;
 the necessity to complete the research work with defining the performance parameters
of territories (from the national territory scale to the territory scale of towns and
communes), as fostering competitiveness.
At present, the restart of the research competitions within national programs, under increased
exigency and restrictive conditions, faces us with the need to optimize own association
patterns and consolidation of potential offers and, last but not least, with the need for a lucid
and rigorous self-assessment. The European research and co-operation programs are
undergoing evaluations, which suggest the necessity to optimize project management and the
ratio between effort and performance and to improve the capacity to attract structural funds.
The contributions of the Division to the completion of the projects are reflected in the
methodological conclusions and specific databases.
The interval 2010-2011 marked a turning point in the preparation of urban planning
documents in the sense that Division of Urban Planning and Settlement Management
intensified the process. General Urban Plans and Zonal Urban Plans, including related Local
By-Laws for municipalities, towns and communes have been completed or are in progress
(Municipalities of Alexandria, Campina, Satu Mare, Targu Jiu, the Towns of Turceni and
Sulina, the Communes of Secaria (Prahova County), Silistea Gumesti (Teleorman County),
Ibanesti (Botosani County), Peris, Ciorogarla, Moara Vlasiei (Ilfov County), etc.)
The importance of the research work centered on this type of papers was reflected in the
fact that the General Urban Plans, although in their second / third versions, need to
meet the increased requirements of a well-grounded strategic vision and reinforced by
public consultation and local administration involvement. In their turn, Zonal Urban
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Plans were centered on territories of exceptional importance (the coastal area of the Black
Sea, areas including monuments classified among UNESCO world heritage (Prejmer site),
protected historical areas – historical urban centers (Municipalities of Braila, Galati, Brasov)).
Each of these documents needed evidencing through research work of the small differences,
catching all visible or invisible particularities of the studied areas.
Sectoral analyses have been made in the urban and rural environments centered on the
demography and social and economic aspects of zonal groups (settlements in the Carpathian
Mountains, settlements in the Danube Floodplain, settlements in the Danube Delta,
settlements in the Apuseni Mountains), housing, mapping, conservation and valorization of
the built-up heritage in the urban and rural areas, the relation between the built-up
environment – natural environment (the Nature Biosphere Reserve of the Danube Delta),
specific territorial strategies influenced by local particularities (the Carpathian area, associated
territory of the Lower Danube, if appropriate, the Black Sea coast, the areal of the Apuseni
Mountains).
Preparation of urban planning documents
The re-assessment of the importance of the thorough study / research applied to substantiating
the urban planning documents indicates a simple, non-intermediated transfer from research –
design – implementation – to implementation monitoring. This is capable to support an
efficient management of settlements. The explanations contained in the previous chapter of
self-assessment report of the Division reflects the important step made in the methodology
which tends to self-adjust, through increased flexibility, and self-optimize in the process, in
direct relation with the dynamics of the specific phenomena of urban development.
From the above we consider that for the areas of reference of the Division of Urban Planning
and Settlement Management, the research work was effectively assimilated in the preparation
of the specific documents, a fact which indicates the full integration of the areas. Even if the
severe cut of the research funds at national level has a negative impact on the coherent
implementation of the programs initiated by the National Authority of Scientific Research, the
area of urban planning has assimilated without any difficulties the outcomes of the set-up
methodological requirements, accepted the complex character of the databases and has
become aware of the need of support generated by applied research.
2.3.2. Territorial Development and Cohesion Division
The main strategic objective of the scientific work carried out in a twofold approach in the
fields of geography and spatial planning policies and procedures, which converge in the spatial
development area, is conceiving a clear, scientifically grounded image of the organizational
and efficient structuring potential of the zonal territories and national territory aimed at
formulating and applying the development policies as a way to achieve economic and social
cohesion and to create a solid and stable base at territorial level for the exercise of public
policies and conferring efficiency to fundamental research.
The research work is focused on:
 the assessment and application of the national and international experience regarding
the bases and scientific methods and the legal, institutional and regulatory environment of
spatial and economic and social development for outlining the correlations between the
spatial planning policies and tools, on the one hand, and regional development, on the
other hand, in relation to the administrative territorial organization;
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 analysis of the physical, geographical, economic, legal and administrative
components, of the structuring processes at territorial level in order to set up the criteria
for configuration and organization of spatial entities;
 identification of the prerequisites and spatial models of international and
transnational co-operation in the area of economic, social and territorial development;
 setting up the organization pattern of spatial structures and determination of their
efficiency through identification of a number of efficiency criteria in the organization and
operation of territorial entities in relation to the social and economic disparities such as
formulation of new concepts and methods for the use by central and local public
authorities;
 design and testing the organization models of territorial entities within the
development processes with a view to defining efficient spatial administrative
organizational methods form the point of view of regional policies, as a development,
implementation and testing process of the newly developed models for the use by central
and local public authorities;
 creation of the prerequisites for the development and application of regional policies
through defining the actual potential for structuring the national territory from the point
of view of the objectives of territorial, social and economic cohesion implementation as a
presentation and demonstration of the operability of the proposed models for the use by
central and local public authorities.
Research priorities are as follows:
 Identification, testing and adoption of efficient methods for defining and spatial
organization of territorial entities aimed at facilitating the sustainable development
processes in relation to the social and economic disparities
 Laying the groundwork for an integrated approach to the procedures for formulation of
public spatial policies and defining a set of methodological tools for application of the
spatial perspective to the administrative and institutional decision-making
 Determination of the spatial grounding of the regional policies as factor of spatial
development and strengthening the cohesion of the national territory
 Outlining and assessment of the correlations between the spatial planning policy and
regional development in relation to the administrative-territorial organizational levels
 Systems for the formulation and application of spatial and regional development
policies identified through political and administrative territorial organization structures,
specific to a number of relevant constitutional models for European countries
 Outlining the types of regulatory and financial tools aimed at promoting development
through spatial planning processes and fostering economic development in the national
territory
 Spatial planning approached as a general category describing the actions initiated by
the authorities in order to influence the future spatial distribution of activities
 Processes of structuring the administrative – territorial units
 Analysis of the economic and institutional –administrative components at the national
territory level and the disparities among counties and regions
 Identification of a set of objective criteria for defining regions and the significance of
natural boundaries for regional definition
 Criteria for creation of groups or associations of administrative-territorial units as a
result of a process, including the problem of inter-territorial externalities
 Analytical study of the operation of spatial systems and setting a methodology for
modeling territorial structures
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 Theoretical and practical landmarks regarding regionalization and decentralization, on
which a number of conceptual, discursive and analogical models of the efficient
organization of administrative-territorial units are based
 The relation between territorial cohesion and polycentricity of a network of
settlements as a implicit connection between polycentricity and regional policy
instruments
 The influence of a territory size on its economic success and competitiveness policy,
the size of the administrative-territorial units and the appropriateness of resources
 Optimal sizes of the administrative-territorial units, population, resources and
administration bodies
 Governance as an efficient solution for territorial processes management, assessment
of the governance capacity, governance of territorial economies, governance models and
the local production systems, multi-level governance, governance as a form of territorial
co-ordination
 Determination of spatial criteria for implementation of territorial, social and economic
cohesion of the national territory
 Identification of the spatial determinants of the regional policies as a factor of spatial
development and strengthening the national territory cohesion
 Territorial structures – network of settlements and their specific features, their
extension and configuration of the urban influence areas
 Networking of territorial entities through transport, telecommunication and social and
cultural infrastructures
 Supra-territorial frameworks: inter-county co-operation relations, including the
association capacity of administrative-territorial units, situation of zonal territories within
the national territory framework, situation the national territory within continental and
inter-continental framework
The main results of the scientific research approach in the activity of the Division
 Creation of work tools to support the decision-making processes as regards the
management of public territorial affairs through setting a practical development
framework for structuring and rational and sustainable exercise of the administrativeinstitutional jurisdiction and co-operation among the territorial communities for spatial
and social and economic development within public policies
 Defining spatial models of existence and functioning of social and economic systems
of a territory in relation to the formulation and exercise of the political and administrative
decision-making on the programming and application of measures aimed at development
under conditions of economic efficiency and social efficacy.
 Defining the intra-territorial and inter-territorial relation systems in connection with
the legal and administrative status under the terms of efficiency between the
administrative exercise, mobilizing and appropriation of endogenous and exogenous
resources aimed at social and economic development;
 Development of a method for application of an objective criteria system for
valorization of the physical and geographic, and social and economic conditions as
prerequisites for development policies applied to territorial entities of ‘mezzo’-spatial
level.
The above are verifiable in practice considering the adoption and putting into practice of our
plans by the beneficiary public authorities.
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2.3.3. Databases, GIS Division
Background
The activity of the Territory Monitoring and Database Division started in 1990, when the
URBANPROIECT Institute has been established. Initially an IT Team, the division has
changed its structure and staff before 2009, when it began to operate as “Databases, GIS
Division”. During almost 20 years of activity, the division staff – diverse as education and
specialties – has contributed to the field of urban and spatial planning by:
 Research on methodologies for the organization of national and transnational databases
needed for spatial planning
 Studies on spatial development concepts in various geographical areas (The Danube area, etc.)
 Research on the use of spatial databases in support of regional development policies at
European level
 Research on information systems for monitoring the impact of spatial planning policies
 Research on the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in urban and spatial
planning activities
 Studies on the implementation of uniform GIS systems to develop national databases
 Studies on geospatial integrated systems of GIS and GPS types for locating items of cultural
heritage
 Studies on the use of global positioning systems (GPS) for accurate positioning of roads
 Making maps and cartograms required for the development of National / County / Zonal Plans
 Making drawings to be included in General Urban Plans (PUG), Zonal Urban Plans (PUZ)
Detailed Urban Plans (PUD) and other urban plans
 Processing images and graphics (land surveys databases, satellite images, aerial-survey
photographs), scanning, plotting
 Developing Web pages, posters, exhibition presentations, PPS (Power Point) presentations,
leaflets
The main achievements of the team are:
Participation in the development of substantiation studies and sections of the National
Spatial Plan
 Making drawings for urban and spatial planning by means of graphics software (Corel
Draw, AutoCAD) or GIS (ARCVIEW 3.2, 8. X-9.X)
 Developing graphics related to urban and spatial planning
 Processing images (satellite images, aerial-survey photographs), scanning, plotting,
designing Web pages
 Using geographic information systems (GIS) and global positioning systems (GPS)
 Creating, managing and updating national or transnational databases (including spatial
databases)
 Creating, using and updating specific databases of urban and spatial planning news
 Developing research projects in the field of urban and spatial planning
 Participation in national research and development programs
 Use of GIS and GPS to accurately locating and positioning targets of national interest
(roads, heritage objects etc.)
 Participating in projects on cross-border and European cooperation
 Participating in national and international partnerships involved in research projects on
concepts of spatial development, sustainable development and tourism

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2.4. Representative project (maximum 5 pages) for URBANPROIECT Branch
A recent successful participation in a European project: ESPON CLIMATE - Climate
change and territorial effects on regions and local economies in Europe
Based on the success of its former activities in the frame of ESPON and other European
projects, URBANPROIECT was invited to participate as Project Partner PP9 in the ESPON
project 2013/1/4 “Climate change and territorial effects on regions and local economies”
about the impacts of climate change on European regions and their economies as well as the
consequences for spatial planning. URBANPROIECT was assigned one Case study - the
assessment of the social-economic dimension of climate change impacts, sensitivity, adaptive
capacity and planning responsiveness in the Tisza River Basin – in cooperation with VATI in
Budapest (Romania and Hungary share the ESPON project 2013/1/4 “Climate change and
territorial effects on regions and local economies”) deals with the impacts of climate change
on the European regions and their economies as well as the consequences for spatial planning
of the Tisza). In order to implement the ESPON Climate project a Partnership Agreement was
signed between 13 partners from 10 countries (Finland, Norway, Holland, Switzerland,
England, Spain, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania) and the Lead Partner – TU Dortmund
University (Germany). The project is active between 8/12/2008 and 23/01/2012.
Main objective
Main objective of the study is the identification of the territorial effects of climate change on
regional and local economies.
Basic principles of the project approach
The research approach of the ESPON Climate project follows the rationale of the common
research framework often used by the climate change and impact research community. The
project recognizes the need to go beyond a physical / environmental perspective on climate
change, and the need to address potential implications that climate change can have on
territorial development. It also recognizes the importance of addressing both adaptation and
mitigation needs. Processes related to spatial development, namely traffic planning, housing,
construction and choices over energy provision substantially influence regional greenhouse
gas emissions, making spatial planning a key sector in terms of climate change mitigation.
Due to its long term perspective, spatial planning also holds a key to successful adaptation
initiatives. . Impacts of climate change and related adaptation efforts, along with greenhouse
gas emissions and their reduction through mitigation efforts, are seen as the changing context
of territorial development, including local and regional economic development, and planning.
Conceptual and methodological framework
The ESPON Climate project has been using a conceptual framework that is widely used in the
climate change and impact research community. Therefore, it has been adopted as such by
Urbanproiect for the development and execution of the case study. According to this
framework rising anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions contribute to global warming and
thus to climate change. This anthropogenic contribution runs parallel to natural climate
variability. The resulting climate changes differ between regions, i.e. each region has a
different exposure to climate change. In addition, each region has distinct physical,
environmental, social, cultural and economic characteristics that result in different
sensitivities to climate change. Together exposure and sensitivity determine the possible
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impact that climatic changes may have on a region. However, a region might in the long run
be able to adjust, e.g. by increasing its dikes. This adaptive capacity enhances or counteracts
the climate change impacts and thus leads to a region’s overall vulnerability to climate
change.
The ESPON Climate project developed a new comprehensive vulnerability assessment
methodology and applied it to all regions across Europe in order to create the evidence base
needed for a climate change responsive European territorial development policy. Any
vulnerability assessment is confronted with uncertainty which is based in the models (the
project made use of CCLM), the emission scenario and the future trends in socio-economic
development. Thus, the results of ESPON Climate have to be seen as a possible vulnerability
scenario which shows what Europe future in the wake of climate change may looks like and
not as a clear-cut forecast. On the other hand, it gives some evidence based hints as to what
adaptation should be about in view of the identified regional typologies of climate change.
ESPON Climate change research framework
Tisza River Case Study
Seven case studies were identified which cover all five types of climate change regions
identified in the exposure cluster analysis. Finally, a brief estimation of climate change
impacts, vulnerabilities and adaptation/mitigation capacities was done for the case studies
selection in order to show their different characters in this respect.
Special attention has been given to assessing the economic dimension of climate change in the
case study area. In order to quantify the economic aspects, the natural capital of a limited
spatial domain in the case study area has been estimated. The primary methodology used was
a specially designed contingent valuation method. The method is based on a representative
survey among the society and stakeholders in the limited spatial domain. The survey was also
intended to monitor the possible change in local competitiveness, as well as the socioeconomic classification of certain adaptation options.
Effects of climate change
The Case study area is a river basin in a highly sensitive location from the point of view of
climatic aspects. The area - affecting the territory of five countries - covers 157,186 km² and it
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is home to approx. 14 million people. It is along the border of three climate zones, the dry
continental zone, the humid, oceanic zone and the Mediterranean zone with dry summers and
humid winters. Therefore even slight shifts of climate zones may exert fundamental impact on
the climate of this region.
The river Tisza has the largest catchment area among the tributaries of the river Danube. It
covers nearly 160 thousand km2 and has about 14 million inhabitants. Extreme weather
phenomena are already a serious problem in the region. According to the forecasts, the
frequency of extreme weather events in the context of droughts and excess waters (floods) is
expected to increase as a result of climate change. A vulnerability study was carried out in the
field of agriculture, using a uniform methodology. As there were no consistent data for the
exposure index, no vulnerability calculations could be made regarding the impacts of floods,
only a partial sensitivity analysis could be made. The impact of climate change on discharges
and the uncertainties of forecasts are described in a special chapter of the case study report. In
the vulnerability analysis of the region’s agriculture the quantitative change of summer and
winter precipitation and the increasing number of summer days were taken as exposure
indicators form the CCLM study.
Sensitivity was analyzed by means of six indices in three dimensions (environmental, social
and economic).
The relevant dimensions of vulnerability in the Case study area are:
 the conditions and predisposition of different social groups to suffer harm and damage due
to a hazardous event or long-term processes, in relation to the demographic, ethnic,
cultural or physical composition of the groups;
 different vulnerabilities and likelihoods that economic activities will be harmed or
disrupted due to a specific hazard;
 the fragility of ecosystems under the duress of changing climate conditions;
 The dependency of the areas’ societies and specific economic activities on environmental
services; assess the economic impact of climate change;
 Major natural hazards and their changing values and significance for individuals and
communities.
Main findings
Indicators of adaptive capacity characterize the social and economic as well as infrastructure
conditions, showing how they are capable of coping with unfavorable changes. Vulnerability
was calculated on the basis of potential impact and aggregated adaptive capacity. The ultimate
result of the vulnerability analysis proved the results obtained in the three partial analyses
(exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity), namely, that in the water catchment area of the
Tisza the most vulnerable are the counties in the plains and hills in Romania. As regards the
impact of climate change on floods the sensitivity assessment was made using three indexes.
Although the most sensitive areas were found to be on the downstream section of the Tisza,
according to the analysis on the European scale and the literature available, the most negative
impacts are to be felt on the upstream section of the Tisza and its tributaries.
The adaptability to the unfavorable impacts of the more and more extreme weather (warming
and drying climate, excess water and flood) can be enhanced in the region by means of
adapting land use structures; more effective possibilities of water retention and discharge
regulation; promoting the policies in support of the above, with special regard to the
distribution of domestic and EU resources of sustainable agriculture, forest and environmental
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management as well as water management and flood control; joint elaboration of
transnational plans of water and land management.
Outputs (Deliverables)
1. Petrişor AI, Meiţă V, Chicoş A, Peleanu I, Simion-Melinte C-P (2011), Assessing the
vulnerability to climate change in the Romanian part of Tisza river basin, Romanian
Review of Regional Studies (CNCSIS classification in 2010: B+, code 854, ISSN 18411576), in press
2. Petrişor AI, Meiţă V, Chicoş A, Peleanu I, Simion-Melinte C-P (2011), Assessing the vulnerability
to climate change in the Romanian part of Tisza river basin, Research Journal of Agricultural
Science 43(3):429-436 (CNCSIS classification in 2010: B+, code 267, ISSN 2066-1843)
3. Petrişor AI, Meiţă V (2011), Geostatistical analysis of the spatial distribution of areas
affected by clime change in Romania based on 2100 predictions, Oltenia. Studii şi
comunicări. Ştiinţele naturii 27(1):143-147 (CNCSIS classification in 2010: indexed by
ISI - category B+, code 703, ISSN 1454-6914)
4. Csete M, Dzurdzenik J, Göncz A, Király D, Pálvölgyi T, Peleanu I, Petrişor AI, Schneller K,
Staub F, Tesliar J, Visy E (2011), ESPON Climate: Climate Change and Territorial Effects on
Regions and Local Economies. Applied Research Project 2013/1/4. Final Report. Annex 2.
Case Study Tisza River, Version 31/05/2011, ESPON & TU Dortmund University, 103 pp.
5. Petrişor AI, Meiţă V, Peleanu I, Chicoş A (2011), ESPON Climate - Schimbări climatice
şi efecte teritoriale asupra economiilor locale şi regionale în Europa, seminary Noi
oportunităţi de finanţare ESPON pentru proiecte de cercetare a teritoriului, Bucharest, 3
February 2011
6. Petrişor AI (2010), 2.1.3 ESPON CLIMATE - Climate Change and Territorial Effects on Regions
and Local Economies in Europe (Schimbările climatice şi efectele teritoriale asupra economiilor
regionale şi locale din Europa), in: Cercetarea teritorială în sprijinul obiectivelor europene de
coeziune şi competitivitate, Editors: Ministerul Dezvoltării Regionale şi Turismului şi
Universitatea Alexandru Ioan Cuza din Iaşi, Punctul de Contact ESPON din România CUGUATTIGRIS, tipografia Universităţii Alexandru Ioan Cuza din Iaşi, pp. 14-16
7. Petrişor AI, Peleanu I, Chicoş A (2010), ESPON Climate - Schimbări climatice şi efecte
teritoriale asupra economiilor locale şi regionale în Europa, conferinţa naţională
Cercetarea teritorială europeană în sprijinul formulării politicilor publice, Academia
Română, Bucharest, 25 November 2010
8. Petrişor AI, Peleanu I, Chicoş A (2010), ESPON Climate - Schimbări climatice şi efecte
teritoriale asupra economiilor locale şi regionale în Europa, seminarul naţional Proiecte
ESPON 2013 în sprijinul formulării politicilor şi strategiilor de dezvoltare teritorială
integrată, Iaşi, România, 14 October 2010
9. Chicoş A (2008), Schimbări climatice şi efecte teritoriale asupra economiilor locale şi
regionale în Europa – experienţa participării într-un proiect tip ESPON, Seminarul
naţional Finanţare europeană pentru proiecte de cercetare teritorială – Sprijin pentru
potenţialii participanţi la a doua a licitaţie a Programului ESPON 2013, Ministerul
Dezvoltării Regionale şi Turismului, Bucharest, 3 October 2008
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