New doctoral dissertation

June 8, 2026

VILNIUS TECH Library invites you to follow the published new dissertations. The dissertation „Resistance of technological waste-modified concrete to freeze–thaw cycles and alkaline corrosion“  („Technologinėmis atliekomis modifikuoto betono atsparumas užšaldymo ir atšildymo ciklams bei šarminei korozijai“) prepared at VILNIUS TECH by Edvinas Pocius. The dissertation was prepared in 2021–2026. Scientific consultant – Prof. Dr Džigita Nagrockienė.

The dissertation was defended at the public meeting of the Dissertation Defence Council of the Scientific Field of Materials Engineering in the Aula Doctoralis Meeting Hall of Vilnius Gediminas Technical University at 10 a.m. on 8 June 2026.

The dissertation investigates concrete modified with glass processing waste, concrete sludge, and a crystallizing additive. The goal is to develop concrete that is resistant to freeze–thaw cycles and alkali–silica reaction (ASR) by replacing part of the cement with glass waste and sand with concrete sludge. By selecting the optimal amount of technological waste, the aim is to improve the basic properties of concrete while maintaining its resistance to freeze–thaw cycles and alkali–silica reaction. The tasks addressed in the work include the analysis of glass processing waste and concrete sludge, evaluating their impact on the properties of the cement paste. After determining the recommended waste content, the physical and mechanical properties of the modified concrete are investigated, focusing on resistance to freeze–thaw cycles and alkali–silica reaction. This research sequence aims to substantiate the basic properties and resistance to freeze–thaw cycles and alkali–silica reaction of the newly developed material. The dissertation consists of an introduction, three chapters, general conclusions, a list of references, a list of the author‘s scientific publications, and a summary in English. The Introduction discusses the research problem and relevance, describes the object of research, formulates the aim and tasks, and outlines the research methodology, scientific novelty, practical significance, and statements for defence. The First Chapter discusses active mineral substances, their formation and use in concrete production. It discusses the generation of concrete sludge and glass waste, as well as the impact of their use on the physical and mechanical properties and durability of concrete. The durability of waste-modified concrete and the assessment of carbon dioxide emissions are also described. Conclusions are formulated, and the objectives of the dissertation are refined at the end of the chapter. The Second Chapter presents the materials used, their properties, and their formation. It describes the research methods and equipment chosen to investigate the structure and properties of the concrete and to calculate its CO2 emissions. The Third Chapter substantiates recommended dosages of glass waste and concrete sludge and their effects on cementitious systems. Glass waste was found suitable for cement replacement, and dry sludge for fine aggregate. An environmental impact assessment was also performed. Five scientific articles were published on the dissertation topic in the Web of Science database, Science Citation Index Expanded, peer-reviewed publications with a citation index.

Doctoral dissertation readers can search via VILNIUS TECH Virtual Library.

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Time-resistant student love: Emilija and Marius found each other at VILNIUS TECH
Time-resistant student love: Emilija and Marius found each other at VILNIUS TECH
Love from university days does not rust - this is something the heroes of this article unanimously agree on. For them, VILNIUS TECH (then Vilnius Gediminas Technical University) provided not only education, a circle of long-lasting friends, and countless beautiful memories, but also love.  Emilija Gaveniene and Marius Gavenas not only met here, but also got engaged during the diploma awarding ceremony - an event later even broadcasted on national television.  First of all, tell us how you met each other and your love story began. Emilija: Our story began completely by chance. In the summer of 2013, after finishing school, I received a call from the Student Representation of the Faculty of Transport Engineering. They invited me, a first-year student, to a freshmen camp. Without much hesitation, I agreed, although I had been admitted to the Entertainment Industries study program at the Faculty of Creative Industries. I clearly remember seeing Marius on the main university stairs when I arrived - his appearance and self-confidence caught my attention. At the first-year student camp, there was a presentation of the student representation. After the event, we sat together on a bench and talked for about half an hour about the representation and life choices. After the camp, we each returned to our student routine, until we met again on May 8, 2015, at the student representation anniversary. That evening we danced, and since then we’ve been inseparable. Marius: Emilija still does not believe it, but I noticed her during the very first introduction game at the freshmen camp in Aukstadvarys. The shy Samogitian girl somehow caught my attention, and in the evening sitting on the bench was not quite as accidental as it seems. Marius, you proposed during the graduation ceremony. Why did you decide to propose in this way? Were you nervous in front of such a large audience? Marius: It turned out that this proposal perfectly summarized the study cycle. We met on Emilija’s first day at the university and committed to each other on the last. I was not only studying but also actively involved in the student representation, so I felt a special connection to the Alma Mater. [caption id="attachment_122391" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Emilija ir Marius[/caption] As for the idea itself, I was never afraid of attention, and I was not scared by it until the very last moment. Only when I was already kneeling and people started cheering did I become very emotional, and I am not even sure if I managed to say the standard “Will you marry me?” Also, I must thank the university staff who encouraged me when I doubted whether it was a good idea. Emilija, was this move unexpected? Or did you suspect something? Emilija: At that time we were living separately, so it was a complete surprise. We had been together for about three years, so I secretly sometimes dreamed about engagement. The only small hint was that the evening before the proposal Marius asked what my favorite song was. But I really could not have guessed it would happen during the graduation ceremony. Your proposal video became very popular on social media and was even featured in various media outlets. Did this bring additional emotions? Emilija: The emotions were overflowing! We also received a lot of media attention - we were shown on LRT news, on the show “Good Morning, Lithuania,” and radio stations called us. We were happy to share our joy. Marius: The attention was unexpected. When planning it, I definitely did not think it would become so public. Friends joked that I should have put an advertisement on my back and monetized it. How did your story continue? Emilija: Soon after the engagement we moved in together into our first shared apartment. A year later, in 2018, we had a big wedding, where Marius prepared a slideshow presentation telling our story. It was the highlight of the celebration. Later we bought our first home, and five years later we had our daughter Beata. She fills our lives daily with laughter, joy, and maturity. [caption id="attachment_122387" align="alignnone" width="1361"] Emilija ir Marius[/caption] How do you live now? How has your love grown? What is your professional field? Emilija: We are currently in a mature stage of love - family health and peace have become the most important things. We enjoy parenthood but still make time for each other. Our daughter Beata is 2.5 years old, so we are growing together with her. I recently returned from maternity leave and work as a senior customer service manager at Lindstrom. Like many mothers, I combine work and family. Marius: A friend wished us at our wedding: “May you always have something to look forward to.” That really helps. We have future plans and are moving toward them. Thanks to Emilija’s enthusiasm, we travel a lot, and traveling strengthens our relationship and deepens love. Professionally, I develop technical sales projects, where my engineering education and confidence gained in student representation help a lot. Do you think university love really does not rust? Do you know other couples who met at university and are still together? Emilija: I think we are living proof that it truly does not rust - on the contrary, it only gets stronger. We have many friends who also met at university and are still together. [caption id="attachment_122393" align="alignnone" width="1707"] Emilija ir Marius Gavėnai su dukrele[/caption] Marius: Where else do people meet anyway? What would you wish to the VILNIUS TECH community as former students? Emilija: We wish current and future students to be curious, active, and boldly engage in university life. Do not overthink every life choice, but rather enjoy everyday life - you never know where or when you might meet your life partner. Marius: I highly recommend using student status. While being a student, a lot is allowed and much is forgiven, so it is the best time to try yourself in different fields, go on Erasmus+ exchange, work different jobs, and try hobbies. Prepared by: Egle Kirliauskaite-Blazeviciene Photos: from personal archive
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