13th International Congress on Polymers in Concrete

The 13th International Congress on Polymers in Concrete 2010 (13th ICPIC 2010) follows a series of 12 earlier successful congresses, which has been started in London in 1975. These congresses, being held every three years, played a key role in disseminating R&D findings between researchers, academics, industrials and students. The 13th ICPIC was again a forum to exchange knowledge and most recent research findings among participants. It represented a contribution to the development of this important subject. The 13th ICPIC was held in Funchal, capital of Madeira Islands, Portugal. 120 participants coming from thirty different countries presented and discussed about 100 contributions submitted to the congress. The main topics covered had been: (a) Concrete-Polymer Composites (Micro and nanostructure, Ecological aspects, Properties, Test methods and Applications), (b) Interface Zone Polymer/Concrete (Micro and nanostructure, Penetration process, Adhesion strength, Durability and Test methods), (c) Coatings and Crack Injection (Adhesion strength, Permeability, Durability, Test methods and Applications), and (d) Concrete Rehabilitation (Innovations, Durability, Test methods and Case studies). Nowadays, the field “polymers in concrete” is rather consolidated in the construction industry. The future of polymers in concrete will be oriented to take full benefit of the synergic actions between these organic and mineral materials, in order to obtain a significant contribution to more sustainable construction. Cement concrete polymer composites have an excellent adhesion strength and durability in aggressive environment. The high performance of these materials makes innovative applications possible including new technologies in restoration and renovation of buildings. We are very grateful to the authors who had prepared the papers published in these proceedings. In this way a considerable number of highly interesting and valuable contributions was published. This certainly contributed to the success of 13th ICPIC. For the University of Minho it was a great pleasure to host the 13th ICPIC. We are convinced that this congress was another opportunity for the development of the fields related with polymers in concrete