Carbonation of cement-based materials has been interpreted in different ways during the development of building materials and concrete technology. This paper presents a selective narrative review of the main milestones that changed the meaning of carbonation: from the useful hardening of lime binders, through the durability problem of reinforced concrete, to present discussions on blended and low-clinker binders, accelerated testing and CO2 uptake. The review was based on historically important, methodologically relevant and currently influential literature. Particular attention was paid to the changing interpretation of carbonation in relation to binder composition, exposure conditions, reinforcement corrosion, testing methodology and the growing use of supplementary cementitious materials. The review shows that carbonation cannot be treated as a single, universal durability indicator. Its meaning depends on the type of binder, moisture conditions, pore structure, alkaline reserve, presence of reinforcement and the aim of assessment. The main conclusion is that concepts developed for ordinary Portland cement systems cannot be directly transferred to concretes rich in supplementary cementitious materials without additional interpretation and method-specific validation.
This article analyzes the effect of dispersed reinforcement in the form of basalt fibers on the stiffness modulus of asphalt concrete. The research program included an AC 16W mineral-asphalt mixture intended for a binder course reinforced with 30 mm long basalt fibers at 0.5% and 1.5% by weight, as well as options with adjusted asphalt content. Laboratory tests showed that the addition of basalt fibers significantly increases the stiffness of the mixture across the entire tested temperature range from 5°C to 40°C, achieving in the 1.5% variant (AC_1.5%) Sm modulus values nearly twice as high as those of the reference mineral-asphalt mixture (R). It was also noted that changing the binder content led to a significant reduction in stiffness at the analyzed temperatures, which may protect the pavement against low-temperature cracking. Despite differences in composition, all tested mixtures maintained high water resistance at 91–98%, confirming that proper dosing of basalt fibers without excess binder yields the most durable structure resistant to permanent deformation.
Revitalisation encompasses efforts aimed at resolving social, economic and spatial issues, particularly in smaller towns and cities, while also playing a vital role in preserving cultural heritage. The author presents this issue through the case studies of selected towns in the Świętokrzyskie region which date back to the Middle Ages, where local authorities employ revitalisation initiatives to restore them to their former glory and improve their usability. To achieve this, projects frequently leverage the towns’ most valuable surviving assets – the historic urban layout, the medieval market square with its characteristic built environment, and other elements that shape local identity. This study aims to identify the evaluation criteria for the preserved historic fabric and the significance of heritage protection that guarantee the success of revitalisation. The research employs in situ investigations, comparative analysis, and an evaluation of completed revitalisation projects in selected towns and cities within the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, including Kielce, Sandomierz, Chęciny, Bodzentyn and Wiślica.
The rapid expansion of outdoor advertising in post-socialist cities has transformed the visual structure of historic urban landscapes, contributing to visual pollution. This study investigates the transformation of the advertising landscape in the historic city centre of Kielce (Poland) and evaluates the effectiveness of landscape governance in improving visual quality and spatial order. The research combines a literature review, historical analysis, planning document analysis, field observations, and a semi-quantitative comparative visual assessment of selected building facades. The results indicate that historical forms of advertising were generally better integrated with architectural composition, whereas post-1989 advertising contributed to visual fragmentation. The implementation of the 2022 landscape resolution reduced advertising density, improved architectural visibility, enhanced visual coherence, and increased the transparency of ground-floor facades. The findings demonstrate that local landscape governance can effectively reduce visual pollution and support the sustainable management of historic urban environments.
Modular construction is a rapidly growing sector of the construction industry in recent years. This paper presents information on modular construction technology, including its characteristic features and the positive aspects resulting from its use. It discusses the scope of application, completion time, quality of workmanship and ways to minimise losses during the module production process, along with the possibility of reusing both the modules and the materials from which they are made. The comparative analysis covered technological and economic aspects as well as completion time, using the example of a single-family residential building for two technological variants: modular and traditional construction. Both technologies were discussed in detail. The economic analysis was based on market research of offers from companies specialising in the construction of buildings using the technology in question. The cost estimate for traditional construction was prepared using the BIMestiMate programme. A comparative analysis of the construction time for buildings using both technologies was also carried out.
