Results are added as the project progresses. Types of results may include: Scientific publications · Conference presentations and dissemination · Project reports and tools · Student work related to the project.
Conference presentation and dissemination | Project result
1 October 2026 | Dissemination – conference presentation
Digital and circular approaches to construction at Net-Zero Future 2026
The paper “A Flexible Life-Cycle Framework for Digital and Circular Net-Zero Construction” was presented at the international conference Net-Zero Future 2026, held from 30 September to 2 October 2026 in Darmstadt, Germany. The presentation took place on 1 October as part of the parallel conference sessions.
A flexible conceptual framework was presented, linking life cycle assessment (LCA), circular economy principles and digital technologies to support decisions on reducing emissions and retaining the value of buildings and materials. The framework covers design, construction, use, adaptation and the end of a building’s life cycle.
Particular emphasis was placed on linking BIM, digital twins, material passports and decision support systems. Decision points were presented through which circular strategies, such as design for disassembly, component reuse and material recovery, are incorporated into different life cycle stages.
The presentation is directly related to the research themes of ADiCu – Agile Digitalization for Circular Construction, a project funded by the Croatian Science Foundation (UIP-2025-02-2415). HRZZ support and the research’s connection to the project were acknowledged in the presentation.
Participation provided an opportunity to present conceptual contributions related to the project to an international scientific and professional audience, together with directions for further research, including testing the framework through case studies and developing circularity indicators.
Materials for viewing and download
- Presentation “A Flexible Life-Cycle Framework for Digital and Circular Net-Zero Construction”
- Paper
- Net-Zero Future 2026 conference programme
Student work related to the project | Added value beyond the required project outputs
24 September 2026 | Master’s thesis defence
The impact of recycled and reusable materials on time and cost planning
Angela Bačić defended her master’s thesis “The Impact of Recycled and Reusable Materials on Time and Cost Planning” at the University of Zagreb Faculty of Civil Engineering, under the supervision of Associate Professor Maja-Marija Nahod, Ph.D.
The thesis analysed how the use of recycled and reusable construction materials affects time and cost planning in construction projects. The research includes a comparative analysis of four examples from Croatia, Italy, Portugal and Hong Kong, considering time, cost, logistical and technical factors.
The analysis shows that the use of circular materials does not, in itself, guarantee shorter construction periods or lower costs. The ultimate effects depend on preparatory and inspection activities, procurement arrangements, transport distances and local conditions. The thesis emphasises the need to treat such materials from the outset as a project resource requiring coordinated technical, time and cost planning.
The thesis is related to the research themes of ADiCu and provides added value beyond the required outputs specified in the project work plan.
Materials for viewing
Student work related to the project | Added value beyond the required project outputs
11 September 2026 | Bachelor’s thesis defence
Regulatory challenges in the circular renovation of existing buildings – a case study
Patrik Stepan defended his bachelor’s thesis “Regulatory Challenges in the Circular Renovation of Existing Buildings – A Case Study” at the University of Zagreb Faculty of Civil Engineering, under the supervision of Associate Professor Maja-Marija Nahod, Ph.D.
The thesis explores regulatory and operational challenges in applying circular principles to the renovation of existing buildings. Three examples of post-earthquake building renovation in central Zagreb were analysed, drawing on field observations, an interview with a site engineer and available documentation.
The cases examined highlighted the problem of limited space for sorting and temporarily storing construction waste. Reuse of removed building components was not documented, while some existing components were retained within the buildings. The analysis points to the need for clearer procedures for demonstrating the properties of previously used construction products and for the timely identification of hazardous substances.
The proposed measures include a pre-renovation building survey and material inventory, standardised procedures for assessing technical suitability, digital material tracking and logistical solutions tailored to historic urban centres. The findings are indicative, given the limited number of cases analysed.
The thesis is related to the research themes of ADiCu and provides added value beyond the required outputs specified in the project work plan.
Materials for viewing
Student work related to the project | Added value beyond the required project outputs
31 August 2026 | Submission for the Rector’s Award
From an existing building towards a material bank: a methodological framework and digital prototype
Students Patrik Stepan, Izabela Martinović and Tea Stepan submitted their paper “From an Existing Building Towards a Material Bank: A Methodological Framework and Digital Prototype” for the Rector’s Award for the 2025/2026 academic year. The work was carried out at the University of Zagreb Faculty of Civil Engineering, under the supervision of Associate Professor Maja-Marija Nahod, Ph.D.
The study developed a methodological and data framework for digitally recording construction products and materials in existing buildings, with the aim of assessing their potential for future reuse and other circular practices. A digital prototype was also developed and tested, comprising a mobile measurement application and a web platform for recording and displaying material data.
The study’s contribution consists of a framework and prototype for the gradual development of structured digital material records. Selected functionalities were tested through a case study.
The research problem was inspired by the authors’ participation in working meetings and the initial ADiCu project workshop. The students then independently developed the initial idea through research, with guidance from their supervisor. The University’s decision is currently pending and will be announced once available. The countdown has already begun.
Conference presentation and dissemination | Added value beyond the required project outputs
25 May 2026 | Dissemination – keynote presentation
Keynote presentation on open data and circular construction at WCAEEC2026
The ADiCu project’s principal investigator, Associate Professor Maja-Marija Nahod, Ph.D., from the University of Zagreb Faculty of Civil Engineering, delivered a keynote presentation entitled “Open Data, Circular Beta: Rethinking Construction for the Next Era” at the international 5th Edition World Civil, Architect & Environmental Engineering Congress – WCAEEC2026.
The conference was held from 25 to 27 May 2026 in a hybrid format, and the presentation was delivered on 25 May as part of the virtual programme.
The presentation explored how open and interoperable data can support the transition towards circular construction. Particular emphasis was placed on preserving and using information throughout a building’s entire life cycle: from design and construction to use, renovation, deconstruction and material reuse.
The “Circular Beta” concept was presented, linking open digital infrastructure, building life cycle information, agile feedback loops and material value recovery. The presentation also covered BIM, digital twins, material passports and digital product passports.
The closing part of the presentation introduced ADiCu – Agile Digitalization for Circular Construction, a project funded by the Croatian Science Foundation (UIP-2025-02-2415), and opportunities for research collaboration.
Participation constitutes an additional dissemination activity related to the ADiCu project, through which its research themes were presented to an international professional and scientific audience. The activity complements the dissemination specified in the project work plan.
Materials for viewing and download
- Presentation “Open Data, Circular Beta”
- WCAEEC2026 conference programme
- Certificate of the keynote presentation
Scientific publication | Added value beyond the required project outputs
12 December 2025 | Journal publication
Leadership and digital transformation in public projects
The paper “Unveiling hidden challenges in public projects: leadership through the lens of top-management”, by Maja-Marija Nahod, Sandra Matuhina and Martina Vukašina, was published in Notitia.
The paper examines the challenges of managing public projects and the role of top management and leadership in their successful delivery. Particular emphasis is placed on goal clarity, management competencies, motivation and digital transformation. A cognitive map is also presented, linking key challenges and factors contributing to effective management.
The paper’s themes are related to the management and organisational dimension of ADiCu, particularly the prerequisites for implementing change and digitalisation. The publication provides additional value related to the project, beyond the required outputs specified in the work plan.
Bibliographic details
Nahod, Maja-Marija; Matuhina, Sandra; Vukasina, Martina. Unveiling hidden challenges in public projects: leadership through the lens of top-management. Notitia, 11 (2025), 1, pp. 151–166. DOI: 10.32676/n.11.1.10.
Materials for viewing and download