This paper introduces the fundamental criteria for the diagnosis and restoration of steel structures. The adaptation of buildings for new uses not considered in their origins and the increasing interest in the correct conservation of the Architectural Heritage, have promoted the update of the traditional techniques typically applied in restoration of historical constructions. Among a large number of possibilities, the present work is focused on the advantages of restoration by means of turning steel structures into concrete-steel composite structures. This technique provides a large array of advantages: mechanical behavior of concrete-steel composite beams, low cost of repair and improvement of several factors, such as soundproofing and thermal insulation. Furthermore, this paper includes the repair procedure for two emblematic buildings of the Architectural Heritage in Madrid: the “Circulo de Bellas Artes” and “La Casa Encendida”.

Rev. ing. constr. [online]. 2014, vol.29, n.2, pp. 133-149. ISSN 0718-5073.
http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0718-50732014000200001

This paper describes a tool to assess building sustainability on micro and small building firms. In recent years occurred great transformations in design and management phases of buildings. Sustainability is very important because the environmental impact of AEC sector. The application of innovations generally occurs only in mid or large building companies, however the micro and small building companies represent the majority of the companies. We proposed a tool adjusted to smaller context. Using a sample of buildings, the tool demonstrated be adequate, because it is comprehensible and useful to users with different level of education and knowledge about sustainability.

Rev. ing. constr. [online]. 2014, vol.29, n.2, pp. 151-158. ISSN 0718-5073. 
http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0718-50732014000200002

This study presents the results of characterization and evaluation of pozzolanic activity of two Colombian volcanic materials from different sources (Puracé volcano and the snowy of Tolima). These materials were analyzed by scanning electron microscope, X-ray fluorescence, X-ray powder diffraction, thermal analysis, and petrographic study, among others. The ability of volcanic materials as pozzolans and the grinding effect were evaluated by pozzolanic activity index, Frattini´s test and calorimetry test. The results of this research showed that the Puracé volcanic material has physical and chemical characteristics to be considered as natural pozzolan; while the Tolima volcanic material does not react chemically, but this material generates an increase in the mortars strength due to the filler effect. On the other hand, there are not differences of the grinding process on the reactivity of the volcanic materials.

Rev. ing. constr. [online]. 2014, vol.29, n.2, pp. 159-174. ISSN 0718-5073.
http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0718-50732014000200003

In the present study was performed an evaluation of the water transport in the mortar/block system, with the objective of linking the behavior of the bond strength by perpendicular tensile stress, and with water movement and porosity of mortar. This was done by producing two mortars with aggregates of different size distribution. Properties were determined in fresh state and bond strength was measured when hardened. The water transport profile was constructed by resistive sensors for measuring moisture. Measurements were done in different coats of mortars applied on a concrete substrate and the ceramic substrate. Masonry blocks used as a substrate were characterized according to their physical properties related to water absorption and porosity. The profile leads to the transport of water affects the porosity of mortar and showed that there is a direct relationship between the percentages of water being transported at different litters, with resistance to adhesion. Was checked also the not existence of relationship between the water retention test mortar and total water transported in the mortar-block system.

Rev. ing. constr. [online]. 2014, vol.29, n.2, pp. 175-186. ISSN 0718-5073.
http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0718-50732014000200004

This paper presents the technical feasibility of using ash in mortars, from burning sugarcane bagasse, to generate power as a mineral admixture. The sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) underwent chemical characterization and x-ray diffraction tests. The milling of the material was studied, together with the composition of the mortars containing the SCBA at 3%, 5%, 8% and 10% ratios by weight, as partial replacement of fine aggregates. The mechanical properties were studied by compressive and diametral tensile strength tests. Some properties related to the durability of the material were also studied, such as drying shrinkage, capillary absorption and accelerated reactivity. The work was performed using low pozzolanic activity SCBA. However, the results indicate that it is possible to use SCBA as partial replacement of fine aggregates in the production of mortars.

Rev. ing. constr. [online]. 2014, vol.29, n.2, pp. 187-199. ISSN 0718-5073. 
http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0718-50732014000200005

The aim of the current paper is to illustrate the development of a Balanced Scorecard for strategy implementation and control in an engineering constructions enterprise. The main results are: the design of the Balanced Scorecard, integrated with other techniques that came to fertilize the conception of its perspectives (SERVQUAL model, Quality Function Deployment method and an integrated index for measuring financial and economic efficiency); the building of the cause-effect relations that help analyzing the performance drivers, based on the strategy map; and a set of indicators with a dynamic approach, that are aligned to strategic objectives and goals. The final BSC proposal, compounded of 21 indicators, was communicated down to all levels of the enterprise, with the aid of software “Catalejos”, which shows comprehensive information through comparative charts and reports. From the application of the integrated index for financial efficiency evaluation, it is concluded that the company exhibited a steady performance; meanwhile, the use of quality models in both customer and internal processes perspectives, represented a contribution to customers’ expectations management as well as processes improvement.

Rev. ing. constr. [online]. 2014, vol.29, n.2, pp. 201-214. ISSN 0718-5073.
http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0718-50732014000200006