Álvaro Paúl

Phase Change Materials in Concrete: A Review of Incorporation Methods, Effect on Mechanical and Thermal Properties, and Long-Term Performance

Abstract The construction industry faces increasing pressure to reduce energy consumption and improve the thermal resilience of infrastructure. While integrating phase change materials (PCMs) into concrete can significantly enhance thermal energy storage, it often compromises mec...

PEEK Pectus Bar: Evaluation of a New Material for Pectus Excavatum Repair in Children and Teenagers

The Nuss procedure for Pectus Excavatum repair has relied on metallic bars for the past 3 decades. The technical efforts have focused on the improvement of stability and the reduction of the associated risks. However, some challenges still remain, like metal ion release, thoracic...

Effects of Desert Sands on the Fresh and Hardened Properties of Cement-Based Materials

Abstract The use of desert sands as an alternative to river sand in concrete may be limited by the presence of internally sourced sulfate and chloride ions, which may affect hydration and long-term performance. This study investigates the influence of naturally contaminated deser...