Research and innovation play an essential role in developing new approaches to sustainable construction and addressing the challenges of Ukraine’s post-war recovery. Digital construction technologies, resource-efficient structural solutions, and effective methods for restoring damaged buildings are particularly important for rebuilding Ukrainian cities in a more sustainable and resilient way.

Two PhD researchers from O.M. Beketov National University of Urban Economy in Kharkiv, Ivan Demianenko and Kostiantyn Binkevych, supervised by Dr. Oleg Kalmykov, Head of the GreenBUILD Project Team at the University, have successfully defended their dissertations and obtained the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Their research addresses two highly relevant areas for the GreenBUILD project: the application of advanced digital technologies in construction and the development of practical solutions for the reconstruction of damaged buildings.

Digital Optimisation and 3D Concrete Printing

Ivan Demianenko’s dissertation, “Rationalization of Parameters of Reinforced Concrete Slabs Manufactured Using 3D Concrete Printing (3DCP)”, focuses on the topological optimisation of reinforced concrete structures manufactured using additive technologies.

The research combines computational optimisation, 3D design, additive manufacturing, digital twinning, and experimental validation, demonstrating how digital construction technologies can be used to improve the efficiency of structural solutions.

One of the key results of the research was a 41% reduction in slab weight compared with a solid reinforced concrete slab of comparable dimensions while maintaining the required load-bearing capacity.

Such optimisation has significant potential for more resource-efficient construction by reducing the amount of material required while maintaining structural performance. The research also demonstrates the opportunities offered by 3D concrete printing and digital design tools for the development of innovative construction solutions.

Innovative Approaches to Building Reconstruction

Kostiantyn Binkevych’s dissertation, “Stress-Strain State of Restored Floor Structures in Panel Buildings,” addresses one of the most urgent challenges facing Ukrainian cities – the restoration of residential buildings damaged as a result of the war.

The research was based on the analysis of damaged structures in the Pivnichna Saltivka-3 residential area of Kharkiv, one of the areas of the city that experienced extensive destruction.

As a result of the research, a method for restoring damaged floor slabs in panel buildings was developed. Importantly, the proposed solution has already moved beyond theoretical research and has been implemented in the reconstruction of residential buildings in Kharkiv.

The approach makes it possible to preserve existing structural elements where appropriate while reducing material consumption and shortening restoration time. This provides a practical example of how university research can directly contribute to the recovery of damaged urban infrastructure.

Research Supporting Sustainable Reconstruction

Both dissertations demonstrate how scientific research can contribute to solving practical challenges faced by Ukraine’s construction sector.

The combination of digital construction technologies, structural optimisation, additive manufacturing, and innovative restoration methods creates opportunities to reduce resource consumption, improve construction efficiency, preserve existing structures, and develop more sustainable approaches to reconstruction.

The successful application of research results in real reconstruction projects also highlights the important role of universities in connecting research, education, technological innovation, and professional practice.

Contributing to GreenBUILD Objectives

These research achievements are closely aligned with the objectives of the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education project “Green & Energy-Efficient Building Design for UA Renovation (GreenBUILD)”.

GreenBUILD aims to strengthen the capacity of Ukrainian universities to provide modern education in sustainable and energy-efficient construction and to prepare specialists capable of contributing to Ukraine’s reconstruction in accordance with contemporary European approaches and technologies.

The research conducted at O.M. Beketov National University of Urban Economy in Kharkiv provides valuable expertise that can support this process, particularly in the areas of digital construction, resource-efficient structural design, innovative building technologies, and reconstruction of damaged buildings.

By integrating current research achievements and practical experience into the academic environment, GreenBUILD partners contribute to developing the knowledge, skills, and professional competencies needed for a sustainable, innovative, and resilient reconstruction of Ukraine.