In the latest issue of the Latin American Journal of Quality Control, Pathology, and Construction Recovery (Revista ALCONPAT), a collection of groundbreaking research from across the region is set to reshape the way we approach construction, structural integrity, and material science. The journal, edited by Pedro Castro Borges from the Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Mérida, has once again delivered a compelling volume of studies that promise to influence industry practices and safety standards.
One of the standout pieces comes from Luis Enrique Fernández-Baqueiro and colleagues in Mexico, who delved into the cracking process of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) blocks and masonry walls using discrete crack models in the Finite Element Method. Their work, which involved both experimental and computational analysis, demonstrated that the developed models accurately simulate cracking loads and failure mechanisms. “The models we created not only matched experimental observations but also provided deeper insights into the structural behavior of AAC materials,” Fernández-Baqueiro noted. This research could lead to more precise engineering designs and improved safety standards for buildings constructed with AAC.
Another significant contribution comes from Carlos Alberto Torres Montes de Oca and José Eduardo Rosas Valencia, also from Mexico. Their study focused on the behavior of bell tower structures in a historic temple, using shell and masonry elements in finite element models. The findings revealed that differential settlements drastically increased displacements, a critical factor for preserving historical structures. “Our work highlights the importance of considering differential settlements in the conservation of historic buildings,” Torres Montes de Oca explained. This research could inform better preservation strategies for cultural heritage sites, ensuring their longevity and structural integrity.
Innovation in material science is also a key theme in this issue. Jorge Xilotl-Domínguez and his team explored the use of expanded polystyrene beads (EPP) and synthetic polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers to enhance the thermal performance and reduce the weight of Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) for architectural applications. The results showed that EPP significantly reduced density and thermal conductivity, while PVA improved mechanical strength. “The combination of EPP and PVA in UHPC is a novel approach that balances thermal efficiency and structural integrity,” Xilotl-Domínguez stated. This research could pave the way for more sustainable and efficient building materials, particularly in the energy sector where thermal performance is crucial.
The journal also features a study from Brazil by Cristiano Corrêa and colleagues, which used the Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) to predict the survival conditions of victims in a residential building fire. The research estimated that the environment becomes lethal within eight minutes of the fire’s onset, underscoring the need for improved fire safety measures in residential settings. “Our findings highlight the critical importance of early intervention and preventive measures to save lives in residential fires,” Corrêa remarked. This work could drive advancements in fire safety protocols and building design, potentially saving countless lives.
Pedro Castro Borges, the Editor-in-Chief, expressed his pride in the journal’s achievements, including its recent inclusion in Scopus and the upcoming celebration of its 15th anniversary. “Our journey to becoming a recognized and impactful journal has been rewarding, and we are committed to continuing our mission of advancing knowledge in construction science,” he said. The journal’s inclusion in Scopus, with a modest impact factor of 0.6, marks a significant milestone and reflects the high quality of research it publishes.
As the construction industry continues to evolve, the insights and innovations presented in Revista ALCONPAT (Latin American Journal of Quality Control, Pathology, and Construction Recovery) will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping future developments. From enhancing structural integrity to improving fire safety and material efficiency, these studies offer valuable contributions that will resonate with professionals and researchers alike. The upcoming CONPAT 2025 conference and a special issue dedicated to critical reviews promise to further cement the journal’s influence in the field.