Pr. Martin CYR Toulouse University and Associate Professor at Sherbrooke University. |
“Challenges in Transitioning from Coal Fly Ash to Biomass Ash in Cement Production” Summary For decades, coal fly ash (CFA) has been a key component in sustainable cement and concrete production, recognized by European standards (EN 450-1, EN 197-1, EN 206) for its ability to reduce clinker content and improve material performance. Its spherical particles and silico-aluminous composition enhance workability and durability through pozzolanic reactions. However, Europe’s shift toward carbon neutrality is reducing coal combustion, creating scarcity of this once-abundant byproduct. Biomass fly ash emerges as a potential alternative, but presents significant challenges: Variable composition due to diverse biomass sources, affecting performance predictability |
Pr. Abderrahmane Nounah Higher School of Technology, Salé |
“Advancing Soil Quality for Resilient and Sustainable Farming Systems” Summary This presentation examines the application of composted household organic waste and olive pomace as smart and sustainable soil amendments, demonstrating how circular economy practices can transform agricultural systems. Compost enriches soils by providing essential nutrients, improving porosity and aggregation, and enhancing water retention, thereby supporting crop development even under challenging conditions. It also plays a key role in fostering microbial diversity, which promotes nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and natural disease control. Beyond improving soil fertility, compost contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers, lowering the risks of water pollution, and mitigating climate change through carbon sequestration in soils. This study evaluates how compost incorporation influences the physicochemical and agrochemical properties of sandy soils, with a focus on parameters such as pH, organic matter, and nutrient content. The findings underscore the potential of composted organic waste and olive pomace to strengthen soil quality, improve resource efficiency, and promote more resilient and sustainable agricultural practices. |
Pr. Khadija Baba Higher School of Technology, Salé |
“Sustainable Reinforcement of Expansive Soils: A Life Cycle Assessment Approach” Summary Expansive soils, characterized by their strong volume variations with changes in moisture content, represent a significant challenge for the durability and stability of infrastructure. Traditional reinforcement methods often depend on industrial materials that carry considerable environmental costs, raising questions about their long-term sustainability. To address this issue, this study applies a comprehensive life cycle assessment to evaluate reinforcement solutions based on natural and locally available materials. The analysis considers the environmental impacts across all phases, from resource extraction and processing to field application and end-of-life management. Results highlight the potential of these materials to reduce carbon emissions, limit resource depletion, and minimize ecological impacts while maintaining technical efficiency. By integrating environmental considerations into geotechnical engineering practices, this work demonstrates that sustainable reinforcement of expansive soils is both feasible and necessary. It offers pathways toward more resilient infrastructures that align with global sustainability goals and responsible resource management. |
Pr. Latifa Ouadif Mohammadia Engineering School, Rabat |
“Advances in Sustainable Materials and Resilient Infrastructure” Summary This presentation explores recent progress in the development of sustainable construction materials and innovative approaches to infrastructure resilience. It examines experimental studies and performance assessments that aim to reduce the environmental footprint of construction while maintaining durability and structural efficiency. The project highlights how emerging methods in materials science, construction processes, and performance modeling can support the transition toward greener and more resource-efficient practices. Particular attention is given to strategies that minimize waste, optimize resource use, and ensure that infrastructure can adapt to both environmental pressures and societal needs. By combining insights from materials engineering, environmental management, and civil infrastructure design, this work illustrates how scientific innovation contributes to sustainable urban development. The outcomes reaffirm the importance of integrating research, experimentation, and innovative practices to build smarter, greener, and more resilient infrastructures for the future. |
Pr. Amir Ali-Feiz, University of Paris-Saclay |
“Digital Approaches to Monitoring and Understanding Architectural Degradation in Heritage Sites” Summary Historic monuments and vernacular architecture represent an irreplaceable cultural legacy, yet they are increasingly exposed to the effects of time, environmental conditions, and human activity. Preserving these fragile structures requires innovative approaches capable of documenting changes and detecting early signs of degradation before irreversible damage occurs. This presentation examines how digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) can be applied to the monitoring and understanding of architectural decay. By combining image-based surveys, 3D modeling, and automated detection techniques, it becomes possible to identify surface erosion, structural deformation, and material weaknesses with greater speed and accuracy than traditional methods. The integration of machine learning further enhances this capacity, allowing subtle changes to be tracked over time and supporting proactive strategies for conservation and restoration. Beyond improving the technical accuracy of surveys, these approaches expand the potential of heritage documentation by making monitoring more efficient, scalable, and accessible. They also provide valuable insights for decision-making, helping prioritize interventions and optimize resource allocation. By linking digital innovation, architectural analysis, and cultural heritage management, this work highlights the transformative role of technology in safeguarding historic environments and ensuring that cultural heritage can be preserved for future generations. |
Pr. Giovanni Pancani, University of Florence |
“Documenting Urban Transformation and Heritage Conservation Through Integrated Digital Approaches” Summary This presentation addresses the challenges of documenting and understanding transformations in historic urban contexts affected by environmental and social change. Focusing on the case of traditional medinas, it examines how urban voids and structural collapses can alter the continuity of architectural and cultural landscapes. The study applies an integrated digital methodology, combining direct survey techniques with 3D photogrammetry, to capture and reconstruct the morphology of affected areas. The use of Structure from Motion (SfM) technologies demonstrates how accessible tools can produce high-precision digital models from photographic surveys, even in environments where traditional scanning methods are limited. This presentation examines the potential of these digital models not only for accurate documentation and mapping, but also for analyzing construction techniques, identifying vulnerabilities, and guiding potential restoration strategies. Beyond technical outcomes, the approach contributes to the conservation of cultural heritage and the interpretation of urban dynamics in contexts where history, memory, and environment intersect. By integrating innovative digital workflows with heritage conservation practices, the project illustrates how research can inform future strategies for sustainable urban regeneration in historic centers. |
Pr. Najma Laaroussi, Higher School of Technology, Salé |
“Dynamic Modeling and Sustainable Integration of Floating Photovoltaic Systems” Summary This presentation explores the potential of floating photovoltaic systems as a dual solution for renewable energy generation and water conservation in regions facing increasing climatic stress. By covering water surfaces with photovoltaic modules, such systems reduce evaporation while simultaneously producing clean electricity, offering a promising strategy for resource sustainability. The study applies a dynamic thermal modeling approach to better capture the real behavior of photovoltaic panels under varying environmental conditions. This presentation examines how parameters such as solar irradiance, ambient temperature, wind speed, and material properties influence panel temperature fluctuations and energy efficiency. Simulations conducted across diverse climatic zones illustrate the capacity of floating PV installations to adapt to different environmental contexts while maintaining performance. The findings underscore the importance of integrating thermal behavior analysis into the design and optimization of floating PV projects. Beyond energy production, these systems contribute to water resource management, aligning with broader objectives of climate adaptation and sustainable development. By linking renewable energy technology with environmental protection, this project highlights the transformative role of floating photovoltaics in building resilient, efficient, and climate-responsive infrastructures. |
Pr. M.Alberto Pettineo, University of Florence |
“Rapid Digital Surveying and Heritage Documentation in Vernacular Architecture” Summary This presentation explores the application of fast and non-invasive digital survey techniques for the documentation and interpretation of complex vernacular heritage sites. The approach emphasizes portability, speed, and efficiency, making it possible to capture extensive architectural ensembles with limited equipment and within constrained timeframes. This presentation examines the integration of videogrammetry, drone-based acquisition, and laser scanning to generate detailed 3D models capable of supporting both visual and metric analysis. The combined datasets enable the reconstruction of architectural morphologies and provide valuable resources for understanding spatial organization, construction techniques, and the evolution of traditional settlements. Particular attention is given to the reliability of rapid survey methods compared to more traditional scanning approaches, highlighting the potential for preliminary documentation, morphological studies, and digital reconstruction workflows. These methods expand the possibilities for cultural heritage research by offering a practical balance between accuracy and accessibility. By linking digital innovation with heritage conservation, the project demonstrates how rapid survey techniques can enhance the documentation of historic environments and contribute to the preservation and sustainable interpretation of earthen and vernacular architecture. |