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The information bundled in this e-book is that of a 4-day course, formatted as a training school open to researchers, practicing engineers, etc., in fact, for all those who want to obtain profound starting knowledge on the structural application of alkali-activated concrete, also in the wider framework of circular concrete solutions.

The idea of preparing a technical document for the repairs and interventions upon concrete structures goes back to the former fib COM 5: Structural Service Life Aspects, being the goal of the then TG 5.9. After a long period of reduced activity, and taking into account the reorganization of fib commissions that meanwhile took place, on June 2017 a different approach was proposed to push forward the task of TG 8.1 (formerly TG 5.9).The (new) goal of TG 8.1 was to deliver a ‘how-to-do’ guide, gathering together protection, repair, and strengthening techniques for concrete structures. Chapters are intended to provide both guidelines and case-studies, serving as support to the application of fib MC 2020 pre-normative specifications.Each chapter was written by an editorial team comprising desirably at least a researcher, a designer and a contractor. Templates have been prepared in order to harmonize the contents and the presentation of the different methods. Following the writing process, chapters were reviewed by experts and, after amendments by the authors, they underwent a second review process by COM 8 and TG 3.4 members, as well as by different practitioners.For each protection, repair and strengthening method addressed in this guide, readers have a description of when to adopt it, which materials and systems are required, which techniques are available, and what kind of equipment is needed. It then presents a summary of stakeholders’ roles and qualifications, design guidelines referring to most relevant codes and references, the intervention procedure, quality control measures and monitoring and maintenance activities. Due to the extent of the guide, it was decided to publish it as bulletin 102, addressing protection and repair methods, and bulletin 103, addressing strengthening methods.We would like to thank the authors, reviewers and members of COM 8 and TG 3.4 for their work in developing this fib Bulletin, which we hope will be useful for professionals working in the field of existing concrete structures, especially those concerned with life-cycle management and conservation activities.As noted above, this Bulletin is also intended to act as a background and supporting document to the next edition of the fib Model Code for Concrete Structures, which is currently under development under the auspices of TG10.1 with the working title of ‘fib Model Code 2020’.Eduardo Júlio and Eduardo Cavaco

To achieve the ambitious target of climate neutrality of the EU set out within the EU Green Deal, a reduction of energy use in the highly energy consuming building sector is critical. To achieve this, the renovation of existing buildings has been given a key role, starting with the Renovation Wave initiative. In fact, a large proportion of existing buildings in the EU are characterised by a high energy consumption for heating and cooling, often caused by poor or non-existent thermal insulation, as well as outdated heating and cooling systems. It is hence critical to improve their energy-efficiency through renovation to reduce the significant impact of the built environment on the total EU energy household and associated greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, in Europe’s seismic regions, earthquakes can cause significant human and economic losses, with a large impact on society. Recent seismic events have highlighted the vulnerability of older buildings with structural deficiencies that are in dire need for seismic retrofitting. A large proportion of the EU building stock requires renovation from both structural and energy perspectives. Recent scientific developments highlight better cost-effectiveness, safety and efficiency can be achieved when taking an integrated approach. This report presents materials and technologies developed and presented in the scientific literature.