Discover the highlights of a short-term Erasmus+ mobility in Ostrava held by our PhD student Mihiretu Ganta. This report offers a glimpse into the academic experience, international collaboration, and cultural insights gained during the programme

ERASMUS+ BIP REPORT

1. Introduction

This report presents my participation in the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) organized by the Technical University of Ostrava. The program focused on sustainable construction materials, circular economy principles, and innovative engineering solutions to reduce carbon footprint.

The programme brought together students from different academic backgrounds including civil engineering, architecture, and economics. It provided both theoretical and practical exposure to sustainable material development.

1.1. Objectives of the Programme

• Understanding sustainable and alternative construction materials
• Applying circular economy principles in engineering
• Developing innovative composite materials using waste
• Enhancing teamwork in an international environment
• Performing laboratory testing and life cycle assessment (LCA)

1.2. Participants and International Collaboration

The BIP included students from multiple European countries such as:

• Poland
• Czech Republic
• Greece
• Lithuania
• Italy
• Germany

Participants were divided into groups:

• Earth Group (my group)
• Water Group
• Fire Group
• Air Group

This diversity enhanced knowledge exchange, teamwork, and cultural understanding.

2. Virtual Activities

2.1 First Virtual Block (10 March 2026); Second Virtual Block (26 March 2026)

The virtual component of the BIP served as the foundation for the physical activities that followed. During the first session, we were introduced to innovative materials and the concept of reuse in construction. The lectures explored how historical construction practices often relied on recycling materials, demonstrating that sustainability is not a new idea but rather a rediscovery of past knowledge combined with modern technology. We learned about alkali-activated materials, recycled composites, and the use of renewable resources in construction. These lectures provided not only theoretical understanding but also practical insights into how materials can be redesigned to minimize environmental impact.

In the second virtual session, the focus shifted toward the application of circular economy principles. We presented initial ideas for our projects and received feedback from instructors. Topics such as Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), brownfield redevelopment, and environmental impact evaluation were discussed in detail. This phase helped us prepare for the practical work in Ostrava by aligning our project goals with sustainability metrics.

First Virtual Block	Second Virtual Block
Introduction to BIP programme Innovative materials Recycling and reuse concepts Historical reuse of construction materials Composite materials with recyclates Alkali-activated materials Renewable materials 3D printing workshop	Presentation of student tasks Circular economy applications Alternative materials in earthworks CNT applications Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Brownfield redevelopment Workshop on model design

3. Arrival in Ostrava and First Impressions

The physical part of the programme began on April 19, 2026, when participants arrived in Ostrava. Ostrava is a historically industrial city in the Czech Republic, known for its coal mining and steel production heritage. In recent years, the city has undergone a transformation toward innovation and sustainability, making it an ideal location for a programme focused on circular economy. After registration, we visited the City Campus of the University of Ostrava. The campus represents a modern educational environment integrated into the urban fabric. During the guided tour, we were introduced to the facilities and the academic atmosphere of the institution. Later, a team relay race was organized as a social and team-building activity. This event helped participants from different countries interact and form connections in an informal setting. The day ended with a non-official dinner, where we had the opportunity to discuss our academic backgrounds and expectations for the programme.

3.1. Laboratory Work and Material Development

The second day marked the beginning of practical work at the Faculty of Civil Engineering. This phase was essential for translating theoretical knowledge into real-world application. Our group, the Earth Group, was assigned a specific time slot for material mixing. The laboratory facilities were well equipped, allowing us to experiment with different material compositions. We worked on developing a glass-concrete composite using recycled glass as the primary aggregate. The process involved careful measurement of materials, mixing, and casting into molds. In addition to laboratory work, we visited a 3D printing facility. This visit demonstrated how modern manufacturing technologies can support sustainable design by reducing material waste and enabling precise production. The combination of traditional material science and advanced fabrication methods highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of the programme. The day concluded with an international evening, where participants presented their cultures through food, music, and traditions. This event strengthened intercultural understanding and created a collaborative environment.

4. Workshops and Analytical Activities

The third day focused on workshops that deepened our understanding of material performance and environmental impact. We participated in sessions on mechanical testing, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and project communication. During the testing workshop, we analyzed the strength properties of our materials, including compressive and flexural behavior. This provided insight into how recycled materials influence structural performance. The LCA workshop was particularly important, as it allowed us to quantify the environmental impact of our materials. We examined factors such as carbon emissions, energy consumption, and ecological effects. This analytical approach ensured that our designs were not only functional but also sustainable.

5. Excursion Day – Industrial and Cultural Exploration

One of the most memorable parts of the programme was the excursion day. We visited several locations that illustrated the industrial history and transformation of the region. The first site, Heřmanice heap, is a former industrial waste site that has become a symbol of environmental challenges associated with heavy industry. Visiting this location provided a real-world perspective on the importance of waste management and recycling. Next, we visited the František skip tower, a historical mining structure. This site represents the industrial heritage of Ostrava and highlights how old industrial facilities can be repurposed for educational and cultural activities. We also visited the town of Štramberk, known for its traditional bakery and historical architecture. This visit offered a contrast between industrial and cultural aspects of the region, demonstrating how sustainability also involves preserving heritage.

6. Prototype Development and Finalization

In the final days, we focused on completing our project. This involved testing hardened materials, refining our prototype, and preparing for presentation. Our work required collaboration, problem-solving, and continuous adjustment of design parameters. The iterative process helped us understand the challenges of material development and the importance of teamwork.

6.1 Summary Table of Activities

Date	Activity Type	Description
19 Apr	Arrival & Social	Registration, campus tour, team relay race, dinner
20 Apr	Lab Work	Material mixing, 3D printing visit, international evening
21 Apr	Workshops	Material testing, LCA analysis, propagation
22 Apr	Excursion	Industrial and environmental site visits
23 Apr	Lab Work	Testing hardened samples, prototype preparation
24 Apr	Final	Presentation and evaluation

6.2 Detailed Activities

Day 1: Arrival and Social Integration

• Registration at City Campus
• Guided campus tour
• Team relay race (team-building activity)
• Informal dinner

Day 2: Laboratory Work

• Mixing of composite materials
• Glass-concrete preparation
• 3D printing laboratory visit
• International evening (cultural exchange)

Day 3: Workshops

• Mechanical testing of materials
• Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
• Presentation and communication training

Day 4: Excursion Day

Visited:

• Heřmanice industrial site
• Skip tower František
• Traditional bakery in Štramberk

Day 5: Prototype Development

• Testing hardened materials
• Final model preparation

Day 6: Final Presentation

• Project presentation
• Evaluation and feedback

Entertainment and Social Activities

• Team relay race
• International evening
• Cultural exchange activities
• City exploration in Ostrava
• Group dinners

These activities helped build strong collaboration and friendships.

7. My Project: EARTH GROUP

The project developed by our team, the Earth Group, was titled “From Waste to Habitat: A Circular Economy Model.” The main objective of this work was to design and develop a sustainable construction material by incorporating recycled glass and to apply this material in a functional and meaningful prototype—a birdhouse. The idea was not only to demonstrate material innovation but also to connect engineering solutions with environmental and ecological benefits.

The concept of our project was built around several key sustainability principles:

• Transforming waste glass into a valuable construction material
• Reducing landfill waste through reuse
• Promoting circular economy practices in construction
• Supporting biodiversity by creating a functional habitat

To achieve these goals, we carefully selected materials that would ensure both performance and sustainability. The composition of our composite included:

• Cement as the primary binder
• Recycled glass aggregates as the main replacement material
• Silica fume to enhance mechanical properties
• Blast furnace slag for improved durability and sustainability
• Plasticizer to improve workability
• Expanded slate to reduce density and weight

The final prototype consisted of two main elements that combined functionality with innovative design:

• A birdhouse constructed from the developed glass-concrete composite
• A 3D-printed bird feeder produced using PLA (a biodegradable material)

The manufacturing process was carried out in several stages, each designed to optimize both structural performance and visual appearance:

1. Preparation of the mold using a wooden outer structure and internal plastic form
2. Application of a first thin layer using a glass-rich mixture to expose recycled glass on the surface
3. Filling the main volume with a lightweight mixture to reduce overall weight
4. Final addition of a colored top layer to improve aesthetics and complete the structure

Following production, the material underwent testing and evaluation to assess its performance. The analysis included both mechanical and environmental aspects:

• Flexural strength testing to evaluate bending resistance
• Compressive strength testing to determine load-bearing capacity

The results demonstrated that the developed composite achieved an average compressive strength of approximately 31 MPa, while also reducing weight compared to conventional materials. From an environmental perspective, the Life Cycle Assessment revealed that cement remains the primary contributor to CO₂ emissions. However, the incorporation of recycled materials significantly improved sustainability performance, leading to:

• Approximately 86% reduction in global warming potential
• Approximately 86% reduction in ecotoxicity impact

Overall, the project provided valuable learning outcomes and practical experience. Through this work, I developed several important skills, including:

• Sustainable material design and innovation
• Laboratory testing and experimental analysis
• Application of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methods
• Teamwork in an international and interdisciplinary environment
• Technical presentation and communication skills

This project effectively demonstrated how waste materials can be transformed into functional and environmentally beneficial products, bridging the gap between engineering design and ecological responsibility.

The programme was well organized and highly beneficial, combining theoretical lectures with practical work that significantly enhanced the overall learning experience. The international environment further strengthened communication and teamwork skills, while excellent coordination ensured that no major barriers were encountered during the implementation. Overall, the BIP programme provided valuable exposure to sustainable engineering and circular economy principles, contributing meaningfully to my academic and research development, particularly in materials engineering and environmental sustainability

8. Photos

9. Final Reflection

The Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) proved to be a highly effective and enriching learning model that successfully combines the strengths of virtual instruction with hands-on practical experience. It fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, international networking, and problem-solving in real-world contexts, which are essential for modern engineering and research. My participation in this programme clearly demonstrated these advantages, allowing me to engage deeply within a short time frame while maintaining flexibility and accessibility. This experience not only enhanced my technical knowledge in sustainable materials and circular economy but also strengthened my ability to work in diverse teams and communicate ideas effectively. Overall, BIPs represent an innovative and impactful approach to higher education, effectively strengthening the relationship between theory and practice in a global academic environment.