In this thesis, we develop block-decomposition (BD) methods and variants of accelerated *9gradient methods for large-scale conic programming and convex optimization, respectively. The BD methods, discussed in the first two parts of this thesis, are inexact versions of proximal-point methods applied to two-block-structured inclusion problems. The adaptive accelerated methods, presented in the last part of this thesis, can be viewed as new variants of Nesterov's optimal method. In an effort to improve their practical performance, these methods incorporate important speed-up refinements motivated by theoretical iteration-complexity bounds and our observations from extensive numerical experiments. We provide several benchmarks on various important problem classes to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed methods compared to the most competitive ones proposed earlier in the literature. In the first part of this thesis, we consider exact BD first-order methods for solving conic semidefinite programming (SDP) problems and the more general problem that minimizes the sum of a convex differentiable function with Lipschitz continuous gradient, and two other proper closed convex (possibly, nonsmooth) functions. More specifically, these problems are reformulated as two-block monotone inclusion problems and exact BD methods, namely the ones that solve both proximal subproblems exactly, are used to solve them. In addition to being able to solve standard form conic SDP problems, the latter approach is also able to directly solve specially structured non-standard form conic programming problems without the need to add additional variables and/or constraints to bring them into standard form. Several ingredients are introduced to speed-up the BD methods in their pure form such as: adaptive (aggressive) choices of stepsizes for performing the extragradient step; and dynamic updates of scaled inner products to balance the blocks. Finally, computational results on several classes of SDPs are presented showing that the exact BD methods outperform the three most competitive codes for solving large-scale conic semidefinite programming. In the second part of this thesis, we present an inexact BD first-order method for solving standard form conic SDP problems which avoids computations of exact projections onto the manifold defined by the affine constraints and, as a result, is able to handle extra large-scale SDP instances. In this BD method, while the proximal subproblem corresponding to the first block is solved exactly, the one corresponding to the second block is solved inexactly in order to avoid finding the exact solution of a linear system corresponding to the manifolds consisting of both the primal and dual affine feasibility constraints. Our implementation uses the conjugate gradient method applied to a reduced positive definite dual linear system to obtain inexact solutions of the latter augmented primal-dual linear system. In addition, the inexact BD method incorporates a new dynamic scaling scheme that uses two scaling factors to balance three inclusions comprising the optimality conditions of the conic SDP. Finally, we present computational results showing the efficiency of our method for solving various extra large SDP instances, several of which cannot be solved by other existing methods, including some with at least two million constraints and/or fifty million non-zero coefficients in the affine constraints. In the last part of this thesis, we consider an adaptive accelerated gradient method for a general class of convex optimization problems. More specifically, we present a new accelerated variant of Nesterov's optimal method in which certain acceleration parameters are adaptively (and aggressively) chosen so as to: preserve the theoretical iteration-complexity of the original method; and substantially improve its practical performance in comparison to the other existing variants. Computational results are presented to demonstrate that the proposed adaptive accelerated method performs quite well compared to other variants proposed earlier in the literature.

Thesis (MBA (Business Management))--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study evaluates transformation in South African policies and how it has affected housing delivery in South Africa. Following the collapse of apartheid controls, the new democratic government set an audacious goal of providing appropriate housing to the South African people, as per the Constitutional principle that "all South Africans have a right to a secure place in which to live in peace and dignity. and that housing is a human right", particularly those whom were previously denied housing or could not afford to build their own. Despite changes in the policies, the South African government was unable to meet its targets, nor provide dignified dwellings. Although these challenges were caused by many factors, the most pronounced factor seemed to be the use of traditional and ineffective housing delivery system, such as one-plot-one-dwelling mentality, and lack of integration of housing projects with other social projects. In an effort to improve service delivery, the South African government has in 2004 introduced a new concept, Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa (ASGISA). With the forecast that ASGISA on its own will not have much impact, the author of this study proposes the use of project management as a management philosophy that will assist ASGISA to attain its housing delivery goal(s). With regard to the approach of this study, chapter 1 begins by covering a brief history of the South African policies and the three case studies, i.e. Missionvale, Tin Town and Joe Slovo, where different project management methodologies were used. Chapter 2 goes into slight in-depth analysis of the government chain of legal frameworks and policies, ranging from Reconstruction and Development Program to the National Housing Code of 2000, and lately ASGISA. Chapter 2 concludes by looking at different aspects of project management, including project management in the public sector, and why projects fail in this sector. Chapter 3 covers analyses of application of project management tools in the three case studies. In chapter 4, the findings in the case studies covered in chapter 3 are compared to determine which project was best managed and what value did project management add to the best case study. These case studies are then used in chapter 5 as pillars to discuss how project management can be applied to ASGISA, and what the necessary key success factors are for it to succeed. Finally information covered in this study is pulled together in chapter 6 to discuss and make recommendations on how new systems based on project management principles, could be leveraged in a more significant and efficient manner to improve housing delivery in South Africa. In conclusion, the author stresses the importance of adopting the systems thinking approach under the ASGISA banner in order to achieve better and more effective and efficient housing delivery to the needy. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie beoordeel die transformasie van Suid-Afrikaanse beleide en hoe die lewering ten opsigte van behuising daardeur geraak is. Na die verval van die beheermaatreels wat gegeld het tydens die apartheid era, het die nuwe demokratiese regering grootmoedige doelwitte vir die voorsiening van toepaslike behuising aan die Suid-Afrikaanse bevolking gestel, in navolging van die konstitusionele beginsel dat "alle Suid-Afrikaners die reg het op 'n veilige woonplek om in vrede en waardigheid te woon en dat behuising 'n mensereg is", spesifiek daardie persone wat voorheen behuising ontsê is of wat nie kon bekostig om hulle eie huise te bou nie. Nieteenstaande wysigings in die beleidsrigtings, kon die regering nie sy doelwitte bereik nie, en ook nie waardige woonhuise voorsien nie. Hoewel hierdie uitdagings deur vele faktore beinvloed is, blyk die mees uitstaande faktor die gebruik van tradisionele en oneffektiewe behuisings lewering sisteme te wees, soos onder andere die een-standplaas-een-woning mentaliteit en gebrekkige integrasie van behuisingsprojekte met ander maatskaplike projekte. In 'n poging om dienslewering te bevorder het die Suid-Afrikaanse regering in 2004 'n nuwe konsep ingevoer, die sogenaamde "Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa" (ASGISA). Met die voorspelling dat ASGISA in sigself nie veel impak sal hê nie, stel die outeur van hierdie studie voor dat die gebruikmaking van projekbestuur as 'n bestuursfilosofie ASGISA sal instaat stel om sy behuisings leweringsdoelwitte te behaal. Wat die benadering van hierdie studie betref, begin hoofstuk 1 met 'n bondige geskiedenis van die Suid-Afrikaanse beleide en drie gevallestudies, naamlik Missionvale, Tin Town en Joe Slovo, waar verskillende projekbestuur-metodieke gebruik is. In hoofstuk 2 word om 'n geringe in-diepte analise van die regering se reeks van regsraamwerk en beleide, wat strek van die Heropbou en Ontwikkelingsprogram tot die Nasionale Behuisings Handves van 2000 en meer onlangs ASGISA, te onderneem. Hoofstuk 2 word afgesluit deur te kyk na verskillende aspekte van projekbestuur, insluitende projekbestuur in die openbare sektor en waarom projekte in die sektor faal. In hoofstuk 3 word 'n analise van die toepassing van projekbestuur-hulpmiddels in die drie gevallestudies onderneem. In hoofstuk 4 word die bevindinge ten opsigte van die gevallestudies wat in hoofstuk 3 gedoen is, met mekaar vergelyk ten einde te bepaal welke projek die beste bestuur is en wat die waarde was van projekbestuur tot die beste gevallestudie bygedra het. Hierdie gevallestudies word dan in hoofstuk 5 as die pilare gebruik om aan te toon hoe projekbestuur in ASGISA toegepas kan word en wat die sleutel suksesfaktore is vir ASGISA om te slaag. Ten slotte word die studie inligting saamgevat in hoofstuk 6 en bespreek om aan die hand daarvan aanbevelings te maak oor hoe nuwe stelsels gebaseer op projekbestuurbeginsels aangewend kan word om op 'n meer betekenisvolle en effektiewe wyse behuisings lewering in Suid-Afrika te bevorder. Laastens beklemtoon die outeur die belangrikheid daarvan om 'n stelselsbenadering tot bestuur ("systems thinking approach") onder die ASGISA-vaandel te volg ten einde verbeterde en meer effektiewe behuisingslewering aan die behoeftiges te behaal.

Bridge substructures are generally constructed using cast-in-place concrete and designed to undergo inelastic deformation in earthquake events. Although this construction approach has proven to be economical and provides adequate seismic performance through the formation of ductile plastic hinges, there are downsides relating to construction speed and quality, and post-earthquake repairability. This thesis explores two categories of Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) connection types, which use precast concrete instead of cast-in-place concrete to offer advantages including increased construction speed and quality. High Damage (HD) ABC connection types emulate the seismic behaviour of cast-in-place construction through the formation of ductile plastic hinges. Controlled Damage (CD) ABC connection types use unbonded post-tensioned precast connections to offer additional advantages including reduced residual drifts, limited and controlled damage and simple repair options. Novel buckling-restrained, fused mild steel energy dissipators suitable for use in CD connections are also developed and tested. These designs utilise 'dry' fabrication to simplify the fabrication process and minimise cost. Half-scale experimental testing is carried out to demonstrate both the assembly processes and behaviour under reversed cyclic uniaxial and biaxial loading representing an earthquake event. Following benchmark testing, repair strategies are applied to the CD connection types and the columns are tested again, representing a subsequent earthquake event. Good results are obtained from all cases with relatively straightforward construction and repair processes. With further developments and testing, the connection types proposed can provide competitive alternatives to conventional bridge pier design with regard to seismic performance and life cycle costs, with the additional benefits associated with precast construction.

Preferential weld corrosion (PWC) remains a major operational challenge that jeopardizes the integrity of oil and gas production facilities. It is the selective dissolution of metal associated with welds, such that the weld metal (WM) and / or the adjacent heat-affected zone (HAZ) corrode rather than the parent metal (PM). Corrosion inhibition is conventionally used to mitigate this problem however several indications suggest that some corrosion inhibitors may increase PWC. Furthermore, it is not possible to detect systems that are susceptible to PWC and or to understand the apparent ineffectiveness of some corrosion inhibitors at high flow rates. Consequently, the aim of this research is to assess the suitability of submerged jet impingement method to study flow accelerated preferential weld corrosion, which is critical to safe and economic operations of offshore oil and gas facilities. In this research, a submerged jet-impingement flow loop was used to investigate corrosion control of X65 steel weldment in flowing brine, saturated with carbon dioxide at 1 bar, and containing a typical oilfield corrosion inhibitor. A novel jet-impingement target was constructed from samples of parent material, heat affected zone and weld metal, and subjected to flowing brine at velocities up to 10 ms- 1 , to give a range of hydrodynamic conditions from stagnation to high turbulence. The galvanic currents between the electrodes in each hydrodynamic zone were recorded using zero-resistance ammeters and their self-corrosion rates were measured using the linear polarisation technique. At low flow rates, the galvanic currents were small and in some cases the weld metal and heat affected zone were partially protected by the sacrificial corrosion of the parent material. However, at higher flow rates the galvanic currents increased but some current reversals were observed, leading to accelerated corrosion of the weld region. The most severe corrosion occurred when oxygen was deliberately admitted into the flow loop to simulate typical oilfield conditions. The results are explained in terms of the selective removal of the inhibitor film from different regions of the weldment at high flow rates and the corrosion mechanism in the presence of oxygen is discussed.

Accelerated durability testing of automotive components has become a major interest as it may predict the life characteristics of the vehicle by testing fatigue failure at higher stress level within a shorter period of time. In this work, a specially designed sub-scaled experimental testing bed with the rigid and elastic supports of a simply supported beam was designed and built to compare the effects of the elastic foundation on the change of modal parameters of the tested structure which was later used to tune the FE model. Afterwards, the accelerated loading profiles of both sine sweep and random vibration were applied on the FE model to compare the deviation of the cumulative fatigue damage between the elastic and rigid supports. This work reveals a significant amount of inaccuracy in the current laboratory testing system where the dynamic properties of the tested structure are not maintained close to the real situation. / October 2016

L’objectif de cette thèse sous contrat cifre entre la société S3d et l’Ecole des Mines de Nantes a été de développer une solution innovante et rentable de production de bio-GNV (Gaz Naturel pour Véhicules) à l’échelle d’une exploitation agricole. Les solutions testées pour capter le CO2 et l’H2S se sont respectivement basées sur les réactions de carbonatation accélérée et la sulfuration du fer sur matériaux alcalins. Pour cela, un co-produits industriels à faible valeur ajoutée a été identifié : les laitiers sidérurgiques issus de four de conversion à oxygène (laitiers BOF pour Basic Oxygen Furnace). Des essais ont été menés à l’échelle du laboratoire sur le CO2 etl’H2S en réacteurs statiques puis en colonne dynamique. L’étude de la carbonatation accélérée du CO2 sur les laitiers BOF et la chaux a permis d’estimer les capacités de capture du CO2 à 49 gCO2/kgBOF pour les BOF contre 265,4 gCO2/kg chaux pour la chaux. La sulfuration des laitiers par H2S a conduit à une capacité de capture de 7,0 ± 1,0 gH2S/kgBOF. Suite à ces résultats, la faisabilité technique a été évaluée sur un biogaz réel produit sur une exploitation agricole vendéenne. Des tests sur site dans une colonne garnie de 200 g de laitiers en lit fixe pendant 46 jours ont permis de valider la faisabilité de la désulfurisation parles laitiers BOF en conditions réelles. Cependant, les réflexions menées sur la carbonatation du CO2 ont conduit à l’introduction d’une solution alternative à savoir la filtration membranaire. Enfin, le bilan économique sur la filière complète a montré que la rentabilité de cette unité était contrainte par un investissement de 75 000 € subventionné à 30% et la consommation d’au moins 6 pleins/semaine. / Bio-NGV (bio- Natural Gas for Vehicles) is a bio-fuel based on the biogas in which components such as CO2and H2S are removed. But the economical feasibility of available and commercial technologies to perform these removals is limited to 80 Nm3/h of treated biogas. Regarding farm scale biogas plant, fuel needs of 1 fill-upper day would represent the treatment of only 1 Nm3/hof raw biogas. The aim of our work was to develop a solution economically adapted to farm scale to produce bio-NGV from biogas. An alternative and low cost material, BOF slag (Basic Oxygen Furnace slag), was then identified to perform CO2 removal by accelerated carbonation and H2S removal by iron sulfidation. The accelerated carbonation feasibility was evaluated in batch and dynamic reactors under laboratory conditions. But, removal capacities obtained were insufficient to be used under real conditions. Lime was then tested and CO2 removal capacities observed were higher than BOFslag ones but still insufficient. Iron sulfidation by H2Swas also tested under laboratory conditions. Batch reactor and dynamic column investigations led to an interesting H2S removal capacity of 7,0 ± 1,0 gH2S/kgBOF. Based on this result, performances were also validated under real conditions on the biogas produced on site field. According to the whole experimental data, the complete process of bio-NGV production was designed including the H2S removal performed by BOF slag, CO2 removal achieved in two membranes and the 200 bars compression. Finally, the overall economical balance has showed that a total investment of 75 000 € with a subsidy rates of 30% and a weekly fuel consumption between 6 and 28 fill-up/week will lead to a profitable project.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a estabilidade de cor de cimentos resinosos para fixação de restaurações cerâmicas em diferentes espessuras submetidas ao envelhecimento artificial acelerado (EAA). Foram utilizados 60 molares humanos hígidos, cujas porções radiculares foram incluídas em matriz de PVC (15 mm de diâmetro) com resina acrílica e as faces oclusais foram planificadas, 30 em esmalte e 30 até dentina, sendo que 10 dentes de cada substrato foram considerados gruposcontrole para os dentes restaurados. Foram obtidos 40 corpos de prova em cerâmica (IPS e-max Ceram, Ivoclar Vivadent), com 0,5 mm e 1,0 mm, que foram separados aleatoriamente em dois grupos (n=10) segundo o tipo de cimento resinoso dual utilizado para fixação: convencional (Variolink II, Ivoclar/Vivadent) ou auto-adesivo (Rely-X Unicem, 3M ESPE). Além desses, foram obtidos 10 corpos de prova de cada cimento resinoso (0,5mm), considerado grupo-controle para os materiais. Todas as amostras foram mantidas em estufa a 37ºC por 24h, após o qual foram realizadas as leituras de cor iniciais (Vita EasyShade, VITA). Em seguida, foram submetidas ao EAA por 580 horas, após o qual novas leituras de cor foram realizadas. Foi avaliada estabilidade de cor e a luminosidade. Os dados de estabilidade de cor (&Delta;E) e luminosidade (&Delta;L) obtidos foram submetidos a análise estatística (2-way ANOVA, Bonferroni, p<0,05) e a comparação dos materiais com os grupos controles foi realizada utilizando 1-way ANOVA e teste de Tukey (p<0,05). O cimento dual convencional apresentou maior alteração de cor e luminosidade quando sob a restauração de 0,5mm, diferente estatisticamente (p<0,05) de restaurações de 1,0mm. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante (p>0,05) quando comparados os materiais. Quando analisadas a estabilidade de cor e luminosidade dos grupos com restaurações em relação aos grupos-controle, verificou-se que ambos os cimentos apresentaram maiores alterações, diferente estatisticamente (p<0,05) dos demais grupos, com exceção ao grupo de 0,5mm em relação ao Grupo esmalte quando analisado o cimento dual convencional (p>0,05). Concluiu-se que quanto menor a espessura da restauração, maior a alteração de cor e de luminosidade do cimento dual convencional. As alterações do cimento autoadesivo não dependem da espessura da restauração. / The aim of this study was to evaluate the color stability of resin cements for luting ceramic restorations with different thicknesses submitted to accelerated artificial aging (AAA). Sixty sound human molars had their root portions embedded in PVC rings (15-mm diameter) with acrylic resin. Their occlusal surfaces were flattened according two substrates: 30 surfaces until enamel and 30 until dentin. Then, 10 teeth of each substrate were considered as control groups for restored teeth. Forty specimens of ceramic (IPS e-max Ceram, Ivoclar Vivadent) were obtained with two different thicknesses (0.5 mm and 1.0 mm) and were randomly separated into two groups (n = 10) according to the type of the Dual resin cement used for luting: conventional (Variolink II, Ivoclar / Vivadent) or self-adhesive (Rely-X Unicem, 3M ESPE). Also, 10 specimens (0.5 mm) of each cement were obtained to be considered as control groups for materials. All specimens were stored at 37º C for 24 hours, and initial color readings (Vita Easyshade, VITA) were performed. Then, they were submitted to AAA for 580 hours, and final color readings were taken. Color stability and brightness were evaluated. Data of color stability (&Delta;E) and brightness (&Delta;L) were statistically analyzed (2- way ANOVA, Bonferroni, p<0.05) and the comparison of materials with control groups was performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukeys test (p<0.05). The conventional dual cement showed the greatest change in color and brightness when under restorations of 0.5 mm, statistically different (p<0.05) to restorations of 1.0 mm. There was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) when comparing materials. When analyzing the color stability and brightness of restorations groups compared to control groups, both cements showed greater changes, statistically different (p<0.05), than other groups, except for the group of 0.5 mm in relation to enamel group when the dual conventional cement was analyzed (p>0.05). It was concluded that the smaller the thickness of the restoration, the greater the color and brightness changes of the dual conventional cement. Changes of the self-adhesive cement do not depend on the thickness of the restoration.

O trabalho propõe procedimentos para a avaliação da degradação mecânica de reservatórios de polietileno para água potável expostos às intempéries nas edificações brasileiras. Tais procedimentos envolvem a comparação das propriedades mecânicas antes e após a exposição acelerada de corpos de prova retirados de reservatórios de polietileno em equipamento Weather-OMeter (WOM). Demonstra-se que esses procedimentos reproduzem a degradação provocada pela natureza, por comparação dos resultados obtidos na exposição acelerada até 10 800 horas em WOM com três anos de exposição natural em Piracicaba (SP). / O trabalho propõe procedimentos para a avaliação da degradação mecânica de reservatórios de polietileno para água potável expostos às intempéries nas edificações brasileiras. Tais procedimentos envolvem a comparação das propriedades mecânicas antes e após a exposição acelerada de corpos de prova retirados de reservatórios de polietileno em equipamento Weather-OMeter (WOM). Demonstra-se que esses procedimentos reproduzem a degradação provocada pela natureza, por comparação dos resultados obtidos na exposição acelerada até 10 800 horas em WOM com três anos de exposição natural em Piracicaba (SP).

A evolução sofrida pelas resinas compostas, aliada à sua característica de restaurar a aparência natural dos dentes em relação à cor e opacidade, torna esses materiais uma das principais escolhas entre os materiais restauradores usados na odontologia. A estabilidade de cor e a opacidade assumem um papel crucial no sucesso do tratamento restaurador estético, pois a alteração destas características pode indicar a substituição das restaurações estéticas. Essas propriedades estão relacionadas ao grau de conversão desses materiais no momento da polimerização. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência do envelhecimento artificial acelerado sobre a estabilidade de cor, opacidade e densidade das ligações cruzadas de compósitos armazenados por 30 e 90 dias em ambientes diferentes (temperatura ambiente/geladeira). Foram utilizados 5 compósitos odontológicos em duas tonalidades: claras e escuras. As embalagens dos compósitos foram mantidas em temperatura ambiente (+/- 25ºC) e em geladeira (+/- 8ºC), sendo armazenados nestes ambientes por 30 e 90 dias, para posterior confecção dos corpos-de-prova (12 mm de diâmetro / 2 mm de espessura). Sobre essas amostras, foram realizadas as leituras da alteração de cor ( E), opacidade (OP), e densidade das ligações cruzadas, previamente e posteriormente a realização do procedimento de envelhecimento artificial acelerado. Após análise estatística (2-way ANOVA - Tukey - nível de significância em p<0.05), observou-se que compósitos QuiXfil Universal, Tetric EvoCeram C3 e SR Adoro A2, apresentaram valores para alteração de cor clinicamente inaceitável ( E 3,3). Quanto à opacidade, as resinas diretas, de tonalidades claras apresentaram menor opacidade que as tonalidades escuras enquanto que a resina indireta apresentou maior opacidade para a tonalidade clara que a escura. Quanto à densidade de ligações cruzadas, o envelhecimento artificial acelerado produziu um aumento na densidade de ligações cruzadas das resinas diretas. Concluiu-se que não houve um comportamento homogêneo dos materiais, em relação às propriedades estudadas, em função do tempo e ambiente de armazenagem sugerindo que a ação do envelhecimento é primordial e mais relevante para a alteração dos materiais ao longo do tempo. / The evolution of composite resins, allied to their characteristic of restoring the natural appearance of teeth regarding color and opacity, makes them one of the main materials of choice among the restorative materials used in dentistry. Color and opacity stability assume a crucial role in a successful aesthetic restoration treatment, since changes in these characteristics may indicate the replacement of aesthetic restorations. These properties are associated with these materials\' degree of conversion at the moment of polymerization. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of artificial accelerated aging on color stability, opacity, and density of cross-links in composites stored for 30 and 90 days in different environments (room temperature/refrigerator). Five dental composites were used, with two shades: light and dark. Composite packages were kept in room temperature (+/- 25ºC) and in a refrigerator (+/- 8ºC), for 30 and 90 days, for posterior specimen fabrication (12 mm in diameter / 2 mm thick). Specimens were subjected to readings for color change ( E), opacity (OP), and cross-link density, before and after artificial accelerated aging. Statistical analysis (2-way ANOVA - Tukey - level of significance at p<0.05), revealed that QuiXfil Universal, Tetric EvoCeram C3, and SR Adoro A2 composites presented clinically unacceptable color changes ( E 3.3). Regarding opacity, light shade direct resins presented less opacity compared to dark shades, whereas light shade indirect resins presented more opacity than dark ones. As to cross-link density, artificial accelerated aging increased crosslink density in direct resins. It is concluded that the materials did not behave homogenously, in terms of the studied properties, under the effects of storage time and environment. This suggests that the effects of aging are imperative and more relevant to material changes over time.

O presente trabalho tem por objetivo avaliar o desempenho físico-mecânico e a durabilidade de painéis de partículas de bagaço de cana-de-açúcar com resina bicomponente a base de mamona (BCP) e compará-los com painéis de partículas de madeira comerciais (Medium Density Particleboard - MDP). Os painéis de bagaço de cana de açúcar foram fabricados com um teor de resina poliuretana a base de óleo de maona de 15%. O desempenho físico e mecânico dos painéis particulados foi analisado com base nas prescrições dos documentos normativos vigentes. Ambos os materiais foram revestidos superficialmente com resina poliuretana bicomponente à base de óleo de mamona. Avaliou-se a influência do tratamento das bordas na deterioração e no desempenho dos painéis. O acompanhamento das propriedades físico-mecânicas foi realizado antes e após os ensaios de envelhecimento por exposição natural durante 3, 6 e 12 meses, envelhecimento acelerado e de intemperismo artificial. Foi feita a avaliação, da suscetibilidade ao crescimento gerada pelo ataque de fungos emboloradores e apodrecedores nos materiais durante o envelhecimento natural e no ensaio acelerado. Foi realizada a análise colorimétrica para a identificação de mudanças de cor e brilho nos materiais após os ensaios de deterioração. Foram utilizadas as técnicas de densitometria de raios X, espectroscopia por infravermelho próximo (NIR). Os resultados obtidos indicaram a selagem lateral permitiu avaliar a superfície exposta do material permitindo a entrada da água pela superfície avaliando o efeito dos agentes de deterioração. A porcentagem de retenção para o Módulo de ruptura após o ensaio de envelhecimento por imersão em agua e secagem (APA D1) foi de 87% e 3% para BCP e MDP sem revestimento respectivamente e de 90% e 3% para BCP e MDP com revestimento. A porcentagem de retenção das propriedades mecânicas em ambos os submetidos à exposição natural diminuiu em função do tempo. Entretanto o porcentagem de retenção para os materiais BCP e MDP com revestimento superficial foi de 76% e 60% para MOR. A exposição natural mostrou que os fungos emboloradores foram predominantes em ambos os materiais. Ambos os materiais com revestimento superficial apresentaram entre 1-10% de colonização com um 70% de probabilidade. Revestimento de resina de óleo de mamona reduz o crescimento de fungos em ambos os materiais no ensaio acelerado. O perfil de densitometria permitiu analisar o processo de fabricação dos painéis e permitiu identificar a deterioração gradativa do ambos os materiais após os ensaios de envelhecimento. A intepretação mediante a analise de componentes principais (ACP) na aplicação do NIR comportou a classificação das características relacionadas a cada ensaio de deterioração de ambos os materiais sem revestimento superficial. Com base nos resultados deste trabalho, foram propostas contribuições para ajustes de metodologias para a avaliação da durabilidade e do desempenho físico e mecânico dos painéis particulados, tendo em vista a sua viabilidade técnica, em sistemas construtivos da construção civil. / This work aimed to evaluate the physical-mechanical support and durability of sugarcane bagasse particle boards with a castor oil based bicomponent resin (BCP), and compare them to commercial wood particle boards (Medium Density Particleboard - MDP). The sugarcane bagasse boards were produced with a 15% castor oil based polyurethane resin. The physical and mechanical performance of the particle boards were analyzed based on the requirements of existing standardization documents. Both materials were superficially coated with castor oil based bicomponent polyurethane resin. The influence of treated edges on the decay and performance of the boards were evaluated. Monitoring the physical and mechanical properties was carried out before and after the aging tests by natural exposure during 3, 6, and 12 months, accelerated aging, e artificial weathering. An evaluation was made of the susceptibility to growth generated by the attack of moldy and rotting fungi in materials during the natural aging and accelerated tests. A colorimetric analysis was performed to identify the changes in color and brightness in the materials after the deterioration tests. X-rays densitometry and infra-red spectroscopy (NIR) techniques were used. The results obtained indicated that the lateral sealing allowed for an evaluation of the material surface exposed, permitting the entrance of water by the evaluating the effect of the deterioration agents. The retention percentage for the Module of rupture after the aging test by immersion in water and drying (APA D1) was 87% and 3% for BCP and MDP without coating, respectively, and 90% and 3% for BCP and MDP with coating. The retention percentage of the mechanical properties in both samples submitted to natural exposure decreased in relation to time. Meanwhile, the retention percentage for the BCP and MDP with a superficial coating was 76% and 60% MOR. Natural exposure showed that mold were predominant in both materials. Both of the materials with superficial coatings presented between 1-10% colonization with a 70% probability. Castor oil based resin decreased mold in both materials. The densitometry profile to analyze the production of the boards and allowed the identification of the gradual degradation of both materials after the aging tests. The interpretation through Principal component analysis (PCA) in the NIR application permitted the classification of characteristics related to each deterioration test for both materials without superficial coating. Based on the results of this work, contributions were proposed to adjust methodologies for the evaluation of durability and physical and mechanical performance of the particle boards, having in view its technical viability, in structural systems of construction.