Search

The mineralogy of fine soils such as clays has always posed problems and remains an uncontrollable phenomenon in the presence of water and causes destructible damage throughout the world. In order to minimize the cost of implementation, it is necessary to find practical and less expensive solutions to ensure the stabilization of these soils by the valorisation of local waste available in nature. This article concerns an experimental study on the treatment of reconstituted soil by the addition of paper ash of different proportions on a set of standardized tests, the preliminary results show that the paper ash to the clay soil improves its swelling potential, its plasticity, its compaction characteristics, and its shear strength parameters.

Over 300 million tones of industrial wastes are being produced per annum by chemical and agricultural process in India. These materials pose problems of disposal and health hazards. The wastes like phosphogypsum, fluorogypsum and red mud contain obnoxious impurities which adversely affect the strength and other properties of building materials based on them. Out of several wastes being produced at present, the use of phosphogypsum, fluorogypsum, lime sludge, hypo sludge, red mud, and mine tailing is of paramount significance to protect the environment. Paper making generally produces a large amount of solid waste. Paper fibers can be recycled only a limited number of times before they become too short or weak to make high quality paper. It means that the broken, low-quality paper fibers are separated out to become waste sludge. All the inks, dyes, coatings, pigments, staples and ”stickies” (tape, plastic films, etc.) are also washed off the recycled fibers to join the waste solids. The shiny finish on glossy magazine-type paper is produced using a fine kaolin clay coating, which also becomes solid waste during recycling. This paper mill sludge consumes a large percentage of local landfill space for each and every year. Worse yet, some of the wastes are land spread on cropland as a disposal technique, raising concerns about trace contaminants building up in soil or running off into area lakes and streams. Some companies burn their sludge in incinerators, contributing to our serious air pollution problems. To reduce disposal and pollution problems emanating from these industrial wastes, it is most essential to develop profitable building materials from them. Keeping this in view, investigations were undertaken to produce low cast concrete by blending various ratios of cement with hypo sludge. This project is concerned with experimental investigation on strength of concrete and optimum percentage of the partial replacement by replacing cement via 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60% and 70% of Hypo Sludge.

This paper presents physical and mechanical properties of cementitious composites/plasters containing cellulosic fibers in portion 2.0% and 5.0% of filler replacement after 28 days of hardening. Cellulosic fibers (Greencel) originated from bleached wood pulp and unbleached waste paper used in this experimental work were characterized from the point of view cellulose structure. Experimental investigations reveal that adding cellulosic fibers reduces composites density (up to 8.2 %) in comparison with composites without any fibers. Moreover, the presence of wood pulp and recycled fibers in composites cause higher values of water absorbability than sample without fibers. Also, the decrease in compressive strength values for tested fiber cement plasters was observed (14.1 - 18.0 MPa) in comparison to reference sample (26.6 MPa). But the identified compressive strength values are in accordance with European standard (5 MPa) for plasters.

The current use of buildings is facing an unprecedented increase in energy costs, especially in the European Union. The energy costs can be reduced by energy savings and by increased use of renewable energy represented mostly by energy converted from solar radiation. When solar energy is considered to be utilized in buildings, the mismatch between energy availability and energy demand must be solved by energy storage. This paper describes the principles of the use of latent heat thermal energy storage and the possibility of using bio-based phase change materials as heat storage media. Because the latent heat storage media undergo a change of phase during the charging and discharging, proper encapsulation is necessary. The paper presents the main findings of a study focused on the compatibility between coconut oil and selected plastics as materials of encapsulation. The compatibility of selected plastics and Coconut oil was evaluated by laboratory experiment based on the immersion of plastic samples in coconut oil and calculation of change in weight of samples within 17 weeks lasting test. The negligible weight changes were occurred for polycarbonate and polyethylene terephthalate which proves excellent compatibility with Coconut oil.

The construction and loading of deep foundations (piles) of high-rise buildings causes a considerable effect in terms of stresses and deformation and requires assessing their impact on the response of adjacent tunnels to deformations, particularly for pile foundations, which are often constructed in locations very close to existing tunnels. The execution process for piles structures generates displacements, stresses, and forces, which are transferred through the piles’ soil surrounding a nearby existing tunnel. The research presented in this paper has led to a significantly improved understanding of pile-tunnel interaction problem. It is crucial for the analysis of the impact of the pile construction on an existing tunnel. The treated topic appears in a setting of an urban environment, where we construct numerous profound foundations, sometimes in contact or adjacent to a. In this paper, the response of the existing tunnel under constructed pile process is studied. Numerical modeling was carried out using Plaxis3D software in which the Mohr-Coulomb Model (MC) has been used for modeling, while the piles/ tunnels are modeled as a linear elastic material. Furthermore, a parametric study is conducted, and its cases are investigated. The displacements and the stresses generated on the tunnel lining decreases with the increase in relative distance between pile and tunnel (spacing), the location/length of the pile from the tunnel, the pile diameter, the number of piles. We have also identified two geometrical parameters of the tunnel: shape section and thickness lining which play a prominent role in the interaction between an existing tunnel and a new pile to excavate.

Slope movement processes include complex soil and rock failure mechanisms. Their study benefits from a multidisciplinary approach based on a wide range of information including geological and geomorphological mapping, and geotechnical and geophysical investigations. This research paper focuses on the characterization of the Tamentout landslide that occurs in the southeast of Jijel province. The study area belongs to the Tellian domain in which the geological outcrops are dominated by Senonian formations, composed of marl deposits overlain by Numidian flysch of Aquitano-Burdigalian age, with a sloping topography ranging from 20° to 30°. The geophysical approach consists of processing the available geophysical data of resistivity, obtained by the Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT). This study aims to characterize the internal structure, and the changes in water saturation within the unstable mass and locate the depth of slip surface associated with this landslide. Through this work, we combined geological and geotechnical investigations with electrical resistivity tomography (ERT). This combination gave a more detailed image of the substrate geology and structure of the landslide zone. The 2D resistivity results show that the basement consists of two main formations. The first one is a highly conductive formation with a resistivity range between 2 and 25 Ωm, a depth of 0-8 m, and is interpreted as a saturated marl-clay overlaying. The second, a hard and compact formation with a resistivity range between 50 and 200 Ωm and a depth range of 8 to 40 m, was interpreted as a substrate of tellian marls. The presence of boulders of Numidian sandstone within the two formations is materialized by a very high resistivity value ranging from 500 to 1000 Ωm. The slip surface was located on the layer with low resistivity (2-25 Ωm). The precise determination of the depth of the shear zone is of vital use in implementing mitigation measures and carrying out the stabilization work of this unstable zone. Through this work, we will highlight the advantage of the combination of available results of the geological, geotechnical investigations and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) carried out in the study area.

This paper examines the importance of geotechnical optimization techniques for soil engineering applications, with a particular emphasis on evaluating geotechnical structures. Due to its prevalence in civil engineering, the complex interplay of geotechnical, structural, and financial considerations necessitates a trial and error approach. The study focuses on design elements, geometric dimensions, and volume considerations in order to highlight the economic viability of reinforced concrete retaining walls. Three code files are created using MATLAB to analyze their impact on active and passive thrusts and, as a result, the structure’s volume. The slope angle, backfill overload, and friction angle are varied. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of using evolutionary algorithms to precisely optimize a single goal and demonstrate that this approach can enhance the design of retaining walls in reinforced concrete. This method demonstrates the ability to improve design procedures in this crucial area, which makes it an invaluable resource for structural engineering researchers and civil engineers.

Recycling industrial waste to obtain secondary raw materials is a key focus of environmental policy and circular economy strategies. One such industrial waste, recycled brick waste (RBW), is characterized by high pollution and low recycling rates. This paper evaluates the effects of graded replacement of various RBW sizes as a substitute for coarse and fine natural aggregate (NA) on the mechanical properties and durability of cement treated base (CTB). The novelty of this study lies in the durability evaluation of four types of CTB, including natural, recycled, and mixed CTB. RBW and NA materials are characterized and compared, and the mechanical properties and durability of CTB with RBW materials are analyzed and compared to CTB with 100% NA. The results show that the mixes containing waste bricks exhibit comparable mechanical characteristics and could be used in layers of pavement foundations. Additionally, the durability of the mixes containing RBW yields better results compared to blends containing NA.

Wind-induced excitation causes structure to vibrate which leads to instability. This paper focuses on the performance of CFRP tensegrity system in a suspen-dome subjected to wind load by assuming such load as harmonic. A comparison is made with the traditional steel tensegrity system, in order to justify the integrity of CFRP cable application in a suspen-dome system. A finite element software, namely ANSYS, was implemented for the simulation by analyzing a physical model of 4 m span and 0.4 m height. Results show that CFRP tensegrity system has similar performance as steel tensegrity system and can be used as a substitute for steel.

This paper studies the influence of core diameters and slenderness ratio on the assessment of the actual compressive strength of concrete on reinforced-concrete elements. The experiment consists of the preparation of three reinforced concrete columns and the extraction of cores to carry out both destructive (core diameter of 64 mm, 79 mm, and 103 mm) and non-destructive tests. The non-destructive test deals with the propagation of elastic and compressive waves by deriving the ultrasound pulse velocities. The results show that the assessment of the compressive strength of concrete depends strongly on the diameter of cores and the extraction zones. Furthermore, the derivation of the actual compressive strength by referring to the compressive strengths of the cores with a diameter of 64 mm shows a stringent appearance of a size effect. More interestingly, valuable details about the correlation between the concrete compressive strength assessment based on destructive and non-destructive tests are also presented.

The energy transition requires optimal knowledge of the thermal behaviour of different passive strategies. This paper explores the impact of 28 variables representing 4 shading devices, 5 external wall compositions (Uw), 3 window types (Uw), 4 window-to-wall ratios (WWR), 4 types of climates represented by 4 cities, and 8 orientations. Applying the Latin hypercube sampling method, a campaign of 300 dynamic thermal simulations is performed to assess the impact of the variables selected using the weighted generalised linear regression method for the energy demand for air conditioning, the energy demand for lighting, and the environmental impact expressed in kg of CO2. The model of energy demand for cooling (R² = 0.951) shows that the weather data is the variable that most explains energy demand, followed by the glazing ratio, the thermal characteristics of external walls, and shading devices. The model explaining the energy demand for lighting (R² = 0.945) shows that the WWR and shading devices, the weather data, and the orientation, influence the energy demand for lighting. Finally, the model explaining the embodied carbon footprint (kg of CO2) (R² = 0.989) shows that external walls and window type are the main influencing factors. Finally, the best combination for balancing the cooling-lighting-embodied carbon balance equation is discussed.

This paper aims to examine physical and mechanical performances of a Reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) material reinforced with 5 to 15 mm size sheets of plastic waste. The three types of plastic used in the study are: low density polyethylene (LDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with 1%, 1.5%, and 2% dosage by weight of aggregates.

Today's industrial processes use a variety of smart structure systems technologies. Various construction devices can significantly enhance a structure's ability to adapt to environmental changes. Smart structures are essential to the development of building technology. These forms of technologies are developing intelligent structural systems that behave like living systems and can perceive their environment. The objective of the research is to examine the connection of these professional systems, which become increasingly dependent over time. The research acknowledges and give emphasis to the significant role played by different types of systems (passive, semi-active, active, and hybrid) in formative the scope of construction through the analysis of novel techniques and innovative approaches. The paper state the assorted classification of smart structure schemes that have a significant role to serve the cycle life of the structure by reducing severe subjected damage to it. The study aims to investigate how these schemes of callings are inseparably connected, creating ever more advantageously as time goes on. The think about state and recognize the significant part of different categories of schemes (inactive, semi-active, active, and hybrid schemes) within the development scope through examination, unused methods and inventive strategies. The paper displayed the different categories of shrewd structure schemes that have a critical part to serve the cycle life of the structure by diminishing serious subjected harm to it.t. Furthermore, the research also demonstrated the smart structure's useful behavior, which is taken into account at every stage of the civil engineering design process.

This paper examines the use of inverse multibody system simulations, focusing on its application in the automotive industry, particularly in the context of motorcycle dynamics. The study emphasizes the importance of accurately measuring various parameters, including the calibration of sensors and the determination of motorcycle kinematical description and weight distribution to build an accurate vehicle model. The research highlights the significance of the presented method in evaluating tire characteristics through different manoeuvres, such as ride resistances, longitudinal and lateral behaviours, and their combined dynamics. The results presented, demonstrate the correlation between the calculated tire forces and the motorcycle’s acceleration during these manoeuvres. However, the study acknowledges challenges, such as potential inaccuracies due to the rider’s movements and the limitations associated with sensor error and noise. The paper suggests potential remedies discussed in earlier research, urging further investigation into improving measurement accuracy and reliability in inverse multibody system simulations for motorcycles.

This paper deals with possibilities of utilizing neural networks in reduced order modelling. First section of the paper contains theory on reduced order models and their implementations. Following this, subsequent chapter contains methodology concept for obtaining sufficient amount of data and creating reduced order models as well as their evaluation process. Next section describes our findings and summarizes them. Conclusion describes further steps we plan to take in this research.

This paper presents a dynamic analytical study to assess the effect of dam height as well as fluid compressibility on the gravity response of a concrete dam, considering the effects of hydrodynamic interaction. The analysis is carried out using the ADINA Finite Element software for empty and full reservoir conditions by considering several models. In the first model, the mass of fluid is taken into account by the concept of Westergaard added mass, in the second model; an acoustic fluid element is used to simulate the effect of water on the reservoir. The height of the dam is one of the main factors affecting the seismic response of gravity dams; because the change in height provides different responses depending on the natural periods, displacements and stresses obtained from static and dynamic analyses. The numerical results showed that the effect of interaction between the dam and the reservoir plays an important role in the precise estimation of the dynamic response of gravity dams. The hydrodynamic water pressure from the reservoir increases stresses in the dam body and horizontal displacements at the crest. The seismic response obtained by the incompressible water model (Westergaard) is compared with that of the compressible water model.

This paper aims to present a deflection prediction model of Near Surface Mounted (NSM) Reinforce Concrete (RC) beams using the Fuzzy Logic Expert System (FLES) with different types of membership functions (MF). The absence of a complete theoretical deflection prediction model of NSM-strengthened RC beams persuades this research to develop an Artificial Intelligence (AI) based prediction model using FLES. The proposed model uses triangular and trapezoidal MF to predict the deflection behavior of six NSM-strengthened RC beams. The research variables are strengthening materials and NSM bar length. In this study, two inputs (applied load and variable length) were used to predict two outputs (deflection of two types of strengthened RC beams). The relative error of predicted values was within 5% and the suitability of fit was close to 1.0 which affirms the efficacy of the FLES. Besides, a tiny difference was detected using triangular and trapezoidal MF for the prediction model.

The estimation of deformations after a large number of cycles is a major concern of geotechnical engineers. This paper presents an explicit formulation of the accumulated cyclic volumetric strain. This study is concerned with cyclic triaxial tests simulated through the calculation by the Finite Element Method. The parameters of identification of the first cycle (loading-unloading) are determined step by step, using, as a soil behavior model, the Soft Soil Hardening Model, then, the behavior of the soil after N cycles (N ---gt--- 1000) is simulated through the formulation proposed as a pseudo-creep. The comparison of the proposed method with several cyclic triaxial tests and a shallow foundation under cyclic loading approves the good compatibility of the proposed formula for this type of problem. This study does not take into account the effect of the grain size and the void ratio, things that can be translated by the coefficients C1 and C2.

The paper presents a theoretical analysis that models the effects of temperature load induced on a two-pole, twobox reinforced concrete bridge. Implemented was theoretical analysis of thermodynamic effects, which was performed on a closed double-box reinforced concrete bridge structure. The modelling and analysis only considered the upper part of the load-bearing bridge structure. This type of bridge was selected to present the results of this study which analysed the worst effects of temperature acting on the bridge structure.

The building industry, like many other industries, is driven to take a significant turn due to the pressing issue of global climate change. The potential in digital technologies and digital design approaches is pushed forward and exploited in architecture, structural, civil, and geotechnical engineering. The challenges such as the overheating of buildings and urban spaces, lack of drinking water, expensive and environment-aggressive building materials, and many more are investigated in more depth in Volume 17 of the Selected Scientific Papers - Journal of Civil Engineering.

Water losses due to leakage are a pernicious problem for water utilities. Understanding and quantifying Non-Revenue Water (NRW) and water loss components is the first step in the management of urban water losses. Hydraulic modeling is a powerful tool to predict the impacts of different management scenarios on the hydraulics of the Water Distribution Network (WDN). The water distribution network (WDN) can be divided into a number of District Meter Areas (DMAs) with suitable sizes in order to apply pressure management. In this study, the Fixed Area Variable Area Discharge (FAVAD) concept and the number of leaks were analyzed for a number of water network pressure management areas in the city of Bendjerrah – the district of Guelma, Algeria. The analysis identified some anomalies concerning the parameters of some networks; especially those related to leakage exponent N1 values greater than 1.5. The approach used in this framework is based on the estimation of the leakage from the Minimum Night Flow (MNF) and the burst frequency of Average Zonal Pressure (AZP). After the use of this approach and the calibration procedure using the Epanet-calibrator on real District Meter Areas, the obtained results are very close to the real state of the network. In addition, this paper studies the possibility of explicitly incorporating the variation of the leakage zone in the hydraulic modeling of the water distribution systems. The results show that the power equation leakage exponent N1 estimates the total system leakage with an error of up to 20%. From the Minimum Night Flow, obtained by using the South African Night Flow (SANFLOW) practical tool, it was found that the actual losses calculated for sectors 1, 2, and 3 are respectively 25%, 45%, and 30%.

In recent times, extremely dry seasons have been occurring more and more often in the eastern Slovakia, alternating with extremely wet seasons like torrential floods from extreme rainfall. Trend of reconnaissance drought index (RDI) and streamflow drought index (SDI) was evaluated in the paper using the Mann-Kendall test. The indices were evaluated at six climatic and river stations in the eastern Slovakia. The Mann-Kendal test results showed that the trend in the SDI index is not significant in 5 stations and only in one station the trend is significant. In the RDI index the trend is not significant in four stations and the trend is significant in two stationshe abstract is to indicate the subject of the paper, how the author proposes to develop the subject and its overall objective, aim or outcome.

The paper provides information on the solution of project supported by the Scientific Grant Agency of VEGA of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sports of Slovak Republic and of the Slovak Academy of Sciences of Slovak Republic. There is project: VEGA 1/0674/18. This research project is programmed for the years 2018 to 2021. In this paper are presented information on the results obtained in 2019, solution of this project objectives and project solution. The results are presented in realized publications. We focused mainly on the presentation of major publications, articles in domestic and foreign journals, articles in conference proceedings with an emphasis on publications that are indexed in the WOS and SCOPUS databases.

The paper deals with the experimental analysis of the local stability of short axially compressed rectangular concrete-filled steel tubes (CFSTs), in which the load acted on the steel pipe. This analysis is one part of the research oriented to the local and global stability of rectangular concrete-filled steel tubes. This part presents the comparison of the coefficients of critical stress, which were obtained from experimental tests of investigated members with standard value in Eurocode 3. Some results and research findings of this analysis are published in the paper.

The paper presents a comparative analysis of the application of two nonlocal gradient-formulated models to evaluate the concrete cover degradation time. Calculations were made taking into account the increase in the volume of the steel ring around the perimeter of the reinforcement bar. The results of the calculations were compared with the results of experimental studies published in the literature and with the elastic-plastic model based on the Menetrey-Willam surface, in which the objectivity of the obtained results depends on the fracture energy. In addition, the paper compares solutions using different contact models and cohesion models.

Soil swelling in road layer is the complex phenomenon. The paper aims to derive a concise expression for two challenging design parameters when the subgrade layer is expansive in geotextile-reinforced unpaved road. The design parameters considered in the present study are the mobilized bearing capacity and swelling pressure for expansive soil. Herein the dimensional analysis via Buckingham’s π method is applied to derive the design parameters by forming the dimensionless group for prototype and model system. The model testing for the swelling pressure and mobilized bearing capacity are carried out in the laboratory by using consolidometer ring and CBR set up. The test results reveal the swelling pressure of 22.03kN/m2 for the soil sample having 76% as degree of saturation. A linear relation is observed between swelling pressure and degree of saturation and becomes equal upon surcharge. The mobilized bearing capacity for the expansive soil sample is 0.47kg/cm2. The failure pattern observed during testing is general shear failure in unsoaked condition and punching soil failure in soaked condition. The paper provides geometric ratio of 1:6 for model and prototype and also suggests modification in Giroud and Han generic equation by including the developed dimensionless group.

The paper deals with the reconstruction of four-span bridge carrying the third-class road over the Hron river nearby village Hronovce. The need of immediate reconstruction of the bridge object was evocated by an accident of the middle pier. The reconstruction consisted of two phases: the sanitation of the substructure and the replacement of the original superstructure, which was in bad technical condition. This paper deals mainly with the second stage, e.g., the design of new superstructure, which was suggested as a continuous, three-span steel and concrete composite structure.

The size effect is a well-known characteristic of concrete structures. However, in the case of fibre-reinforced concrete (FRC), this issue is not thoroughly explored. Most design recommendations of FRC neglect the size effect or handle the behaviour of FRC structures in case of different structural sizes similar to plain concrete structures (assuming FRC is a homogeneous material). The aim of this paper is to show that the size effect of FRC can be divided, the share of the concrete matrix and the fibres in the size-dependent properties is separable. For the size effect research fifteen synthetic macro fibre reinforced concrete and six plain concrete beam specimens were prepared and tested in three different sizes and then evaluated with the semi-discrete analytical (SDA) model. The analysis of the experimental specimens has shown that the size effect significantly influences the concrete material in the case of FRC with softening material behaviour, but the residual loadbearing capacity which mainly arise from the local bridging effect of fibres is essentially independent of the structural size. It is also shown in this paper that the two defining parameters of the SDA model is independent of the structural size, so the model provides an excellent tool in case of the design of real-sized FRC structures.

The paper discusses the importance of the Professional Profile Map (PPM) in the context of architecture and civil engineering education. It acknowledges the dynamic nature of these fields due to technological advancements and evolving industry practices, emphasizing the need for professionals who possess practical skills in addition to academic knowledge. The PPM is introduced as a valuable tool that acts as a bridge between academia and industry by defining the essential knowledge, skills, and competencies (KSC) required for success in these professions. Furthermore, the paper discusses the role of the PPM in Erasmus+ projects, highlighting its ability to facilitate customization and adaptability in education. It encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, practical experience, and employability enhancement, aligning with the goals of Erasmus+ projects. A case study from the TAB4BUILDING project illustrates how the PPM was used to identify KSC related to the use of Fibre Reinforced Polymers (FRP) in construction. The PPM's role in harmonizing educational programs across different countries and promoting international collaboration is emphasized.

The work presented in this paper aims to study the durability of mortars, in which part of the sand has been replaced with rubber aggregates from used tires and have undergone a surface treatment with a sodium hydroxide solution (NaOH). The substitution rates studied are 10%, 17.5%, and 25%. The results are compared with ordinary mortar and mortars with untreated rubber aggregates while samples with the same substitution rates were used. To do this, the following properties have been studied: compressive strength, flexural tensile strength, water absorption by capillarity, water absorption by total immersion, water-accessible porosity, water permeability, and resistance to the chemical degradation by sulfuric acid H2SO4.

This paper explores the impact of balconies on the energy demand required for cooling in the arid climate zone of the city of Adrar, in Algeria. For the purpose to assess several situations of the balconies, we have chosen a parametric method based on a campaign of thermal simulations. The open and eliminated balcony type were selected and characterized by four parameters: the balcony to room ratio, the orientation, the window type, and the balcony position. A set of 100 simulations was selected randomly based on the Monte-Carlo probability technique. The final sample was corrected based on Cook’s distance which gave 85 simulations as a final sample size. A generalized regression model was performed to identify the impact of each parameter. The accuracy of the model is above 97% and the sensitivity analysis shows that the most important factor is the balcony to room ratio which could reduce the energy demand up to 26% followed by the window type (24%), the orientation (8%) and the balcony position (5%). This conclusion stresses the idea of considering the balcony as a passive solution to reduce the cooling energy demand.

The key design strategies that reduce the energy demand of buildings are not present in most thermal codes in many countries. Therefore, modeling techniques offer an alternative to combine the architects' modus operandi with the energy efficiency in the early stages of architectural design and with higher speed and precision. However, a review of the scientific literature using modeling techniques shows that most researchers use a relatively large sample of thermal simulations. This paper proposes a simplified method based on the linear regression modeling technique and considers a relatively smaller sample of thermal simulations. A total of 6 key building design strategies were identified, related to the urban context, building envelope, and shape factor. A simulation protocol containing 60 possible combinations was designed by random selection. In the present study, the Pleiades software was used to estimate the annual energy demand for heating and cooling for a typical dwelling in a humid climate zone. A parametric study and sensitivity analysis to identify the most efficient parameters was performed in SPSS 21. The resulting model predicts the annual energy demand with an accuracy of 93.7%, a root mean square error (RMSE) of 5.88, and a scatter index (SI) of 8.59%. The models performed could efficiently and quickly assist architects while designing the buildings in the architectural practice.

Technological progress is reflected in all industries. Obsolete project manuals in the construction industry are being replaced by digitized automated controls that monitor the project in real-time. One of the main trends is the introduction of technologies based on data analytics. Effective use of technology to collect and analyse data is key to improving a building's planning and management across its life cycle. Building information models, which process digital content related to the entire life cycle of a building, are becoming an effective tool. The main goal of the paper is to design and identify the structure of the developed database, which, based on the acquired knowledge, contains graphical models that have selected non-graphical information.

The negative impact of the production and use of building materials on the environment has become evident, so in recent decades, to find more sustainable, eco-friendly, and low-cost materials, the last research tends to reconsider the use of natural fibers and traditional building materials. This paper aims to develop a bio-composite based on the southern Algerian region's local materials consisting mainly of plaster and waste from date palm trees. Many properties were examined experimentally through previous research of our team (physical, mechanical, and microstructure characteristics) [1, 2] to characterize these materials. Several samples of bio-composite of plaster configurations with short length (20mm) and eight-weight ratios (0.5% - 4%) of palm fibers were prepared for mechanical, thermal, and physical characterizations. In addition, tested all previous properties on the specimens after 28 days of curing in normal conditions. The results show a clear improvement in the bio-composites mechanical performance (an increase in the bending strength with achieving compressive strength) and their thermal properties, which have been well developed (density, thermal conductivity, and specific heat capacity). To enhance the resistance of palm fibers to chemical degradation in the plaster's alkaline environment and improve the adhesion between them, these fibers were treated with a NaOH solution of 1% concentration. The plaster's composites reinforced with date palm fibers can be qualified as eco-friendly and thermal insulation building materials.

Geopolymers are believed to become in the future an environmental friendly alternative for the concrete. The low CO2 emission during the production process and the possibility of ecological management of the industrial wastes are mentioned as main advantages of geopolymers. The main drawback, causing problems with application of geopolymers as a building material is the lack of the theoretical material model. Indicated problem is being solved now by the group of scientists from the Silesian University of Technology. The series of laboratory tests are carried out within the European research project REMINE. The paper introduces the numerical analyses of tungsten mud waste geopolymer samples which have been performed in the Atena software on the basis of the laboratory tests. Numerical models of bended and compressed samples of different shapes are presented in the paper. The results obtained in Atena software were compared with results obtained in Abaqus and Mafem3D software.

Building information modeling (BIM) can support effectiveness during many activities in the AEC industry. even when processing a construction-technological project. This paper presents an approach how to use building information model in higher education, especially during the work on diploma thesis and it supervision. Diploma thesis is project based work, which aims to compile a construction-technological project for a selected construction. The paper describes the use of input data, working with them and compares this process with standard input data such as printed design documentation. The effectiveness of using the building information model as a input data for construction-technological project is described in the conclusion.

This paper deals with design of environmentally friendly Rapid Hardening Engineered Cementitious Composite (RHECC) nanomodified with ultrafine mineral additives, polycarboxylate ether based superplasticizer, calcium hydrosilicate nanoparticles and dispersal reinforced by fibers. The incremental coefficient of surface activity was proposed in order to estimation of ultrafine supplementary materials (fly ash, methakaolin, microsilica) efficiency. A characterization of RHECC’s compressive and flexural properties at different ages is reported in this paper. Early compressive strength of ECC is 45-50 MPa, standard strength – 84-95 MPa and parameter Rc2/Rc28 – 65–70%. The microstructure of the cement matrix and RHECC was investigated. The use of ultrafine mineral supplementary materials provides reinforcement of structure on micro- and nanoscale level (cementing matrix) due to formation of sub-microreinforcing hydrate phase as AFt- and C-S-H phases in unclinker part of cement matrix, resulting in the phenomena of “self-reinforcement” on the microstructure level. Designed RHECC may be regarded as lower brittle since the crack resistance coefficient is higher comparison to conventional fine grain concrete.

The paper presents initial results of a new approach to FRP composite bridge construction that is presently being developed and tested in Poland. The concept combines lightweight concrete with FRP composites to create a durable highly optimised structure. The paper describes the bridge system itself and presents the research results on its development. The basic design is presented together with research results on its development: FEM analysis and a range of static test results of full-scale bridge beam experiments. The paper finishes with some test results of a full scale bridge that was constructed near Rzeszow in December 2015.

This paper presents an analysis and results of experimental tests of full-scale prefabricated balcony sets with dimensions (width × length × height): 2.0 m × 2.78 m × 0.186 m (in a slope to 0.17 m). The sets consist of reinforced concrete slabs (balcony and ceiling) connected with each other with double-type balcony connections. The paper analyses the impact of variable parameters on the load bearing capacity of the elements. Additionally, an overview of current scientific and technical papers in the field of balcony connections is provided.

Using of waste materials and secondary products from other industries in building industry to manufacturing building materials is one way to the sustainability. However, application of various waste requires serious monitoring and investigation of the safety of the new composites. Heavy metals presence and their releasing from the building materials can pose a potential risk to the environment and human health. The paper presents the results of a study of concrete composites with blast furnace granulated slag and special hybrid cement based on secondary mineral admixtures in relation to their heavy metals leachability. Selected metals (Cr, Pb, Ba, Ni, As) have been analysed using long-term tank and cyclic testing. The concretes with slag addition and hybrid cement proved more intensive releasing of analysed metals compared to the reference concrete. The aggressiveness of extracting media was strongly affected not only by pH but by the quantity of the ions presented in the liquids before the experiment as well. Although the leached quantities were not extremely high, results confirmed the need to monitor the building products with the incorporated waste.

Concrete is as a significant building material. Due to the fact that it is possible to incorporate by-products and industry waste into its structure, concrete represents an important sustainable material. Steel slag has a great potential for its reuse in concrete production. Despite that it is subject to volume changes over time, it can be used in concrete as a cement replacement or as a substitute for natural aggregates. The paper is focused at investigation the concretes with steel slag as a substitute of natural gravel aggregate of 4/8 mm and 8/16 mm fractions. In addition, a life cycle assessment within the system boundaries cradle-to-gate was performed. Results showed that some samples with slag have better mechanical parameters than samples with natural aggregate and significantly affect the utilization rate of non-renewable raw materials and reduce the overall negative environmental impacts of concrete up to 7 %.

In this paper a finite-element analysis was carried out using Plaxis2D software to model a vertical cut reinforced by nails. Optimization of the effect of three input parameters on stability design is a key element of the analysis. We compare results obtained by three techniques of design optimization; Taguchi’s Design of Experiment (DOE), Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). The effect of three input factors on stability design was considered: nail length to wall height ratio (A), nail inclination (B) and vertical spacing (C). By altering the parameter variables, the design served to build and acquire a statistically significant mathematical model for optimizing soil nailing wall parameters. The aim is to minimize a single objective function of safety factor and identify the optimal parameters of design among all possibilities. DOE method and result analysis were carried out using MINITAB 18 software, while GA and PSO algorithm analysis were implemented by coding in MATLAB. According to the results, it was found that 9m of length, 2m of vertical spacing and 10° of inclination is the optimal combination minimizing safety factor. The results produced from this study show that all three techniques arrive at the same optimal combination of minimum response.

Coherent soils are very responsive in nature and are part of many human activities. They change in volume considerably with changes in moisture content. These soils are characterized by the presence of a large proportion of highly active clay minerals of the montmorillonite group which are responsible for the pronounced volume change capability of the soils. The objective of this paper is to investigate the influence of different polymers on the plasticity properties of swelling clays. A study of their physicochemical properties based on an experimental protocol in the laboratory was carried out, the results obtained showed that the addition of the different types and amounts of polymers favourably influences the behaviour of expansive soils and reduces swelling.

Existing approaches to indoor environmental quality in single-family residential buildings have been described, identifying their optimal preferred parameters for maintaining a human-healthy environment. The energy requirements for maintaining basic building systems (lighting, cooking, heating, ventilation, cooling) have been analyzed. Passive and active sources of energy production have been analyzed, prosumer buildings have been considered, and methods of obtaining maximum energy in winter periods and avoiding overheating of the building in summer periods have been discussed. Process schemes of using active shadow structures as an integral element with other systems acquiring energy from RES in single-family residential buildings have been presented. Architectural aspects of the use of energy-active shadow structures in residential buildings (single – family houses) have been presented together with alternative solutions. This paper presents process diagrams of the use of energy-active shadow integrated with other renewable energy sources used in single-family buildings, such as: BIPV, PVT and heat pumps, benefiting indoor environmental quality. Architectural considerations for the use of energy-active shadow structures in single-family homes have been presented along with alternative solutions. The purpose of this paper is to present a concept (especially effective in the summer) for an additional way to harvest electricity from energy-active shadows in single-family houses.

The paper describes two models for determining the constrained elasticity modulus of organic soils based on the settlement of an overloading embankment. In these methods, based on the settlement of the embankment of the load exerted on the subsoil, using the inverse problem, it is possible to determine the constrained modulus. A parameter determined in this way can also be determined during consolidation. Changes in the settlement at successive stages of consolidation can be used to determine the constrained modulus of the organic soil at a given point in time. Assuming a “temporarily stable” (quasi-stationary) state at each analysed stage of consolidation. The constrained elasticity modulus was determined for the settling at a given moment. constrained modulus tests of organic soils were carried out for two embankments previously described in the literature. In this case, the modulus was also analysed during consolidation. These embankments are founded on peat and peat-gyttja substrates. In both cases, the layer of organic soil was 4 m. The presented methods with the assumption of a one-dimensional state of deformation, despite the state of spatial stress, can be used during construction using the “design and build” technology. The constrained modulus determined from the embankment overload will represent the actual deformations – volumetric deformations (including other deformations that actually occurred) during the consolidation period. The paper was concluded with several conclusions.

In this paper authors have described the analytical method of continuous static load test Q-s curve conversion for any given pile. Authors have used data sets from static load tests conducted by Energopol Szczecin S.A. in a full range of loads which allows to use of measured values of pile maximum bearing capacity and determine relation between it and pile length and diameter. All the piles used in this paper were CFA piles bored in mostly loam soil conditions. The research described in this work was based on the Meyer-Kowalow method (M-K method) of static load test interpretation. The M-K method allows for a full description of the load-settlement relation, as a continuous curve (M-K curve) using three parameters that described pile-soil interaction. As a result of conducted research relations between parameters describing M-K curve and pile dimensions were established, which allows for a practical application of the proposed method.