bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement and Interpretation Methodology for Determining Comfort in Passive Buildings and NZEB Buildings
Authors: Kowalska-Koczwara Alicja , Pachla Filip , Tatara Tadeusz , Fedorczak-Cisak Malgorzata
Published: September 2019

The article contains good practise recommendations related to the proper performance of measurements of comfort in passive buildings. Passive building is a high-quality building due to impeccable construction in terms of building physics. The passive building is so well insulated that it can only be heated by supplying fresh ventilation air. Such buildings have certain features such as: balanced temperatures, there is no overheating of the rooms in summer due to the high insulation of the partitions, high insolation due to the optimal positioning of the windows, acoustic comfort, reducing pollution in the interior, high quality of thermal comfort, no aeration, high indoor air quality, permanent protection against moisture and fungiculation of partitions, etc. In all the features listed above, there was no vibration comfort, which could be a problem especially in the city centers with extensive transport infrastructure. This kind of comfort is mostly neglected during the design process, not only in the passive buildings. In this article comfort in passive buildings for all its aspects is described. The main emphasis in the article was put on the guidelines relating to the measurement of thermal comfort and measurements of vibration comfort. The recommendations contain all stages of the measurement process from the preparation of measurements with the local vision and the measurement plan, through the in-situ measurement to pre-processing and analysis of measurement data. All measurement stages are shown on the real example of passive building located in Poland. The good practise guidelines for comfort measurements could be very useful in the diagnosis of passive buildings and NZEB buildings.
Factors Affecting Compressive Strength Development in Alkali-activated Slag Concrete
Authors: Mohamed Osama , Khattab Rania , Alzo’ubi Abdel kareem
Published: September 2019

Studies show that the production and use of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) is responsible for more than 5% of the global CO2 emission. Alkali-activated slag (AAS) has been studied for decades as potential alternative to OPC. Engineers are interested in understanding and quantifying the fresh properties, mechanical properties, and durability of concrete made used AAS as sole binder. This paper reviews some of the literature highlighting the factors affecting compressive strength development in AAS slag. These include water-binder-ratio, temperature, humidity, and amount of Na2O, molarity of the alkaline activator solution, and type of alkaline activator. For instance, certain studies reported that AAS concrete activated using sodium silicate solution (water-glass) produce higher 7-day and 28-day compressive strength compared to similar concrete that use 100% OPC, concrete activated using sodium hydroxide (NaOH), or concrete activated using potassium hydroxide (KOH). When NaOH is used as activator, mechanical properties of concrete improved with increase in molarity of the alkaline activator solution. Compressive strength of concrete cubes increases with increase in the amount of Na2O supplied by the activator solution but to an optimum beyond which further increase in Na2O results in decrease in compressive strength. However, the optimum amount of Na2O, often reported as percentage of total slag content, varied from one study to another, probably dependent on the type of activator used as well as the water-to-binder (w/b) ratio.
Numerical Analysis of RC Slab with opening strengthened with CFRP Laminates
Authors: Mohamed Osama , Khattab Rania , Okasha Nader
Published: September 2019

Openings in reinforced concrete (RC) structural floor slabs are sometimes necessary created as a result of variations in architectural function or structural upgrades, amongst other reasons. Architecture reasons for making openings may include change-of-usage, or improvement of air circulation, and lighting. Openings in structural slabs may reduce their strength and stiffness or may transform the original failure mode of the slab to different failure patterns. In the past decades, externally bonded fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) sheets have become popular to strengthen or rehabilitate RC structures for traditional force actions such as flexural, shear, or torsion. Strengthening and rehabilitation of beams, floor slabs, and columns may be necessary for seismic or non-seismic applications. This paper reports the results of numerical study to evaluate the effectiveness of strengthening of two-way RC floor slabs with openings, using carbon FRP (CFRP) composite sheets. Ten numerical models were created, consisting of a reference model with the slab having opening but not strengthened, and nine models with an opening and CFRP laminates applied to the tension side of the slab. The strengthening laminates varied in thickness and width. The results indicate that CFRP laminates can significantly enhance both the flexural capacity and overall stiffness of the floor slab containing openings. Increasing the thickness of CFRP laminates decreases the deflection of mid span. Load-deflection curves were generated, and ultimate load, and ductility index were discussed.
Impact Responses of the Highspeed Railway Track Slabs
Authors: Mlilo Nhlanganiso , Kaewunruen Sakdirat
Published: September 2019

Impact loads pose a lot of hazards including causing severe damage to both railcars and rail track components, for example, cracking of slabs or sleepers. The impact loads can be as a result of several factors including flat spots on rail wheels attributed to the train braking, dipped rails, rail squats, corrugation, crossing transfers, etc. The impact loads are often over a short duration but of very high magnitude. For instance, the typical loading duration produced by wheel flats is about 1-10 milliseconds, while the force magnitude can be over 400 kN per rail seat. This paper highlights an investigation into the behaviour of a slab-track subjected to impact loading. A parametric study has been carried out using the finite element analysis software, Strand7, to investigate the behaviour of slab-track under the action of the impact loading conditions. This was done by analysing the ratio of maximum impact moment to maximum static force under varying slab support conditions. The outcome of this study will potentially lead to a better understanding and hence, the design of slab track systems in highspeed railway tracks subjected to the impact loading. Our study revealed that for a slab-track under the action of impact loading, the slab-track is more sensitive to changes in the support stiffness at midspan than at the rail seats and effects of increasing or reducing support stiffness are more significant at these locations.
Façade Art Glass in Three Contexts: Urban Landscape, Elevation of the Building and Its Interior
Authors: Lipowicz-Budzynska Alina
Published: September 2019

The aim of this publication is to define the effect of façade art glass on the architectural space. The façade art glass – unlike stained glass – has a pronounced visual presence in three compositional structures of an architectural space: It is seen as part of the urban landscape, the form and façade of the building, as well as its interior. The dissertation describes the characteristics of each of these areas. The wide range of impact of monolithic art glass on the perception of the architectural space is connected not only with the application techniques, but mostly with the specific image structure, which dictates how double-sided layers are made that are seen both with the light shining at them and coming from behind them. This paper lists several strategies used to create double-sided layers. Monolithic art glass is a relatively new phenomenon, and its influence on the surroundings is still being discovered with each new project. An image put on glass becomes an integral part of the building it adorns and is key to a number of important aspects. As an artistic element, it affects how the building’s aesthetic values are seen – determining its’ expression, symbolism, nature and colour scheme – as well as becomes integrated into the façade. As a divider, it plays a part in the modification of the passing light, determining how the interior, and indirectly also the exterior, is seen.
The effect of aggregate composition on a bond between the steel reinforcement and the normal and high-performance concrete
Authors: Walach Daniel
Published: September 2019

This paper is focused on verification and evaluation of the influence of the coarse aggregate size used in concrete mix composition on the bond properties between ribbed steel reinforcement and concrete. The mechanism of the bond between reinforcing steel and concrete is highly dependent on the mechanical properties of the concrete, such as its tensile strength or splitting, and on the intensity of the “aggregate interlock” phenomenon, which involves the interlocking of concrete particles in the ribbed spaces of the reinforcing steel. Given this, the aggregate composition used in the production of a concrete mix can have a significant role to play in the process of transferring loads from steel to concrete and the vice versa. As a part of the study, the bond and the compressive strength of specimens made of three high-performance concretes and two normal concretes. The research has shown that the choice of the aggregate composition used in the concrete mixture, depending on the type of ribbing of the main reinforcing bars, may increase the bond strength of the reinforcement to the concrete. Due to the different properties of HPC in relation to the NC, it can be assumed that the bond mechanism runs similarly in the concrete, while the individual phases of the bond failure may occur at different intensities and with the other ranges of displacement of the bar relative to the concrete.
Impurities of recycled concrete aggregate - types, origin and influence on the concrete strength parameters
Authors: Jaskowska-Lemanska Justyna
Published: September 2019

Current development megatrends are aimed at finding a balance between the economy, social and environmental aspects. It is also required that the economic processes that are undertaken should be highly effective in these three dimensions. Both the finite amount of the natural resources and the need to manage the construction and demolition waste, while the constant demand for the concrete mix, makes it necessary to develop knowledge and practice in the field of concrete recycling. One of the main issues in the recovery of concrete aggregate is the presence of impurities. Aggregate treatment is a possible solution, but these are energy consuming and costly processes. Therefore, there is a need to estimate their impact on concrete parameters. Such knowledge is necessary for assessing the need for additional aggregate treatment processes. Harmful aggregate impurities are materials that hinder the curing of the concrete, reduce its strength and tightness, cause splinters, violate the anti-corrosion protection of reinforcement. The paper analyses the type of impurities in RCA, as well as its sources and their influence on the technical parameters of the concrete. Six concrete mixes with the same content of coarse aggregate and water-cement ratio were prepared for the research. The first mix contained only natural aggregates, while the second mix was replaced in half by recycled aggregates. In subsequent samples, the recycled aggregate in 5% by volume was successively replaced with: glass, brick, foamed polystyrene and a mixture of these impurities. Both impurities and the recycled aggregate were prepared in 2/8mm fractions. The obtained results were compared to the results presented in the literature.
The Influence of Nanosilica on Unconfined Compressive Strength of Frost-Susceptible Soil
Authors: Zieba Zofia , Garlikowski Daniel , Monka Jakub
Published: September 2019

In engineering practice there are numerous methods to improve the mechanical properties of subsoil. The paper presents the analysis of changes in the unconfined compressive strength of frost-susceptible soils stabilised with nanosilica (NS). Tests were conducted on samples of fine-grained soil at the maximum dry density (MDD) and optimum moisture content (OMC). Four variants of samples were prepared: soil without additive, soil with 1% NS, soil with 3% NS and soil with 5% NS. Due to the frost-susceptible character of the soil, tests were conducted on non-frozen samples and on samples subjected to ten cycles of freezing and thawing. Cyclic freezing and thawing of soil mixtures allowed for determination of the additive effectiveness in the temperature conditions encountered during the winter season. Based on the research results of unfrozen samples, it was determined that the addition of nanosilica leads to the increase in their unconfined compressive strength. On the other hand, the strength of pure soil samples after ten cycles of freezing and thawing decreased. This is a commonly known trend that results from the soil and soil mixtures freezing. However, in the same conditions, the unconfined compressive strength of samples stabilised with nanosilica demonstrated a significant increase with the increase of the additive content. The highest values were noted for samples stabilised with 5% addition of nanosilica. In order to explain the obtained results, further tests are required. However, the preliminary research has shown the effectiveness of nanosilica as an independent additive stabilising frost-susceptible soils, although it is not commonly used in engineering practice.
Designing of Buildings in the aspect of prediction of people from traffic included vibrations
Authors: Koziol Krzysztof
Published: September 2019

Newly designed buildings must meet conditions regarding the limit states of strength and serviceability. These conditions must be fulfilled in case of static load, dynamic load as well as both of them at the same time. Bearing in mind that the current sources of vibrations are located closer and closer to the neighborhood of inhabited buildings, particular attention should be paid to this issue. The mentioned problem of vibrations is even more important as it can concern loads (sources of vibrations) as well as buildings that are both existing and designed. It should, therefore, be considered - depending on the existence stage of the dynamic load and the building - four possible cases of analyzed problem. These are diagnosis, diagnosis with prognosis, designing and designing with diagnosis. The study describes methods of how to include in the design and protection of buildings the impact of traffic-induced vibrations on people staying at the facility. The criteria for assessing dynamic influences on people (as it is presented in codes) are specified. Particular attention was paid to the situation when we dealt with an existing road (vibration source) and designed a building. In this case, we are able to determine (by measuring in situ) parameters of kinematic excitation and then affect the FEM model of planned building to meet its dynamic parameters criteria’s imposed during assessing of the impact of vibrations on people. The paper presents a calculation example of the building, which location is planned 12 m from the national road. Possible various technical conditions of the road surface including damaged surface and its permissible by national code unevenness that may occur in the surface course were considered. As a criterion for admission selected building to the operational state the provisions contained in the PN/B-02171:2017 Evaluation of the vibration influence on people in buildings were used. Since the main factors determining the fulfillment of the code requirements were the vertical accelerations during the analysis, author focused on choosing the appropriate thickness of slabs.
Optimization of green roof processes
Authors: Korol Elena , Shushunova Natalia , Gorbachevskii Valentin
Published: September 2019

This research is devoted to the optimization processes of installation of the green roof systems in combination with the Building Information Model (BIM) technologies used in the engineering design of such systems. There is a decision of such models which contained the most optimal parameters for the cost and time of the construction processes. The aim of our study is to explore the potential of a patented green roof technology for the residential and office buildings. The modular green roof system is the upper roof structure, technically advanced design solution of roofing, with innovative technological multifunctional advantages and the ability to integrate devices that convert solar and wind energy - solar panels and wind turbines. This technique has proved to be highly effective in reducing the nutrient load in a runoff, controlling watering over a period of time.
Material Craft: An Approach to Teaching Building Materials in Architectural Education
Authors: Mishra Anamika
Published: September 2019

Knowledge of building materials is critical for architects in order to integrate material selection and related structural thinking within the design process, rather than considering it as an after-thought. It prepares future architects to work in collaborative ways with engineering professionals and equips them to work in a field where sustainability related mandates will require them to make responsible decisions regarding material choices. However, with a packed curriculum, architecture students have limited time to acquire this knowledge and more importantly to sufficiently consider how this knowledge can be applied. Lecture-based theoretical content has limitations in the way this knowledge is transferred to design, thus curtailing innovative ideas from being generated. The paper discusses an approach towards teaching building materials, during the formative years of architectural education and has been developed through experience at teaching a first year Building Technology studio for an architectural program at a University. Details regarding the use of a design-based exercise, involving the creation of physical models, which are guided by the possibilities and limitations of the assigned materials, are presented to highlight the benefits of the approach. The use of physical models, experimentation and structural scaling methods promotes the embedding of materials knowledge in design contexts. Underlying educational value of utilizing this approach is emphasized by discussing the principles on which the exercise was based, the outcomes observed and suggestions for possible improvement. Findings from this paper are expected to be of value to those concerned with architectural education as well as built environment professionals.
Influence of Amount of Calcareous Fly Ash on Heat of Hydration of Portland Cement
Authors: Miera Patrycja , Golaszewski Jacek , Giergiczny Zbigniew
Published: September 2019

For the reason a common strategy to reduce the emitted CO2 the clinker in the cement is oft replace by supplementary cementitious materials, like blast furnace slag or fly ash. Therefore, it is important to investigate the influence of these materials to the hydration in blended cements. This study is dedicated to the contribution of a calcareous fly ash to the hydration of a blended cement. To assess this contribution five calcareous fly ashes were chosen. The hydration of samples of Portland cement and Portland cement with 10% mass of cement (mc), 20% mc and 30% mc of calcareous fly ash was investigated by means of isothermal heat flow calorimetry. Calorimetric investigations were carried out with a TAM Air heat-flow calorimeter. Tests were conducted in 20°C. Water-binder ratio of cement pastes for hydration heat examinations was equal 0, 5. Research had shown that the addition of calcareous fly ash showed a retardation of the hydration reactions and increasing the initial heat period. The induction period of samples of Portland cement with 10%, 20% and 30% mc of calcareous fly ash is retarded compared to the samples of Portland cement. There is no difference in the cumulative heat normalized to the amount of Portland cement with 10% mc of calcareous fly ash compared to the Portland cement after 72 h. When amount of calcareous flay ash increases above 10% mc the cumulative heat is lower.
SCAN to BIM Beyond a Final BIM: Why, When and How
Authors: Corso Sarmiento Juan , Marco Bercero Adria , Casals Fernandez Jordi , Garcia-Almirall Pilar
Published: September 2019

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has become a must in architecture when it comes to new buildings, but in heritage buildings and in rehabilitation projects, it is still a debate if it’s useful or efficient to make a BIM model. In this paper we analyze and propose When, How and Why modeling in BIM should be a standard process for rehabilitation projects in which an architectural has been performed. In the field of heritage architecture, archeology and rehabilitation, to create an as-built model to work on, it is needed an architectural survey using a laser scan or/and photogrammetry, which captures dense 3D measurements of the building, so architects can make studies of its geometry, detect pathologies and use it as a base for their new designs. However, even though the 3D surveying technics has evolved in the recent years, in the world architecture, the point clouds are still pretty unknown, therefore for many architects are useless information in that format. So, it is necessary to convert this 3D information as point clouds to a more common file like 2D vector drawings in CAD. For this process, it should be question if and how modeling in BIM from the point cloud (scan to BIM) helps to this purpose, without taking into the account that modeling in BIM you get a BIM model, which in rehabilitation and heritage is still not common enough to work with it. Analyzing the information of the point clouds, the typology of the building, the timings, the precision required, and how works a BIM software (Revit) and its libraries; we conclude that, in some particular projects, as far as technology and architecture field are nowadays, to make a useful documentation for rehabilitation modeling in BIM the building in a specific LoD directly from a point cloud (scan to BIM), it is an upgrade in the process beyond the fact of having a BIM model, that is to say, you can get the same documents, but with better quality results, in a more efficient way and less time spend. We ended up with a list of characteristics a building must have for this scan to BIM process is an efficient step and how this should be performed. This paper explores the efficiency of the Scan to BIM process for specific rehabilitation projects, testing it in two different case studies: a large scale building with repetitive elements (old military hospital in Valencia) and a small one with unique elements (classified single family house in Barcelona).
Modal Split – Different Approaches to a Common Term
Authors: Ungvarai Adam
Published: September 2019

The modal split, also known as modal share or mode choice, is a common and widespread indicator in transportation engineering to evaluate transportation behaviour. In brief, the modal split shows the percentage of travellers using a particular mode of transport compared to the ratio of all trips made. For example a higher modal split number of bicycle users indicates a more sustainable city. But when going deeper into the analysis, it turns out that surprising variations in the definition emerge, each with a more or less different meaning. But even if definitions would be crystal clear, the measuring practice makes it almost impossible to regard certain mathematical numbers as the one and only result. However, scientific research still uses it as an indicator. Crucial exact conclusions and result may be drawn from modal split numbers. As the origins date back to the 1960’s, how can this indicator still work? How can it still be the best method to calculate trends in transportation? Isn’t there nowadays a better indicator nowadays? It turns out there is not. Modal split is still the best evaluation method in measuring quality of some regions transportation system. In this article I try a theoretical approach to this term, and also point out practical issues. I give a short overview of the history of modal split, and finally focus on examples based on real cases to explain where problematic approaches can occur.
Transportation Aspects of Shaping the Public Spaces of Urban Squares in Warsaw (Poland)
Authors: Zalewski Andrzej
Published: September 2019

The aims of this paper are recognition of transport and urban characteristics of urban squares of the big European city on examples of Warsaw - capital of Poland, examine the relationship between the spatial and functional structure of urban squares and the solution of the road-street system and their transport service and presentation of transportation typology of urban squares. The analysis covered thirty selected Warsaw squares located in various parts of the city, mainly situated in the downtown and city center at left bank of Vistula River. The size of the square measured by the surface of the square, road-street layout of the square, public transportation service, with distinction of individual means of transport and exchangers, presence of pedestrian zones or green zones with pedestrian traffic in the area of the square and linear bicycle infrastructure serving the square and the Public Bike System station as well as possibility of parking solutions were analyzed. The results of the presented in this paper confirm that the analyzed squares are a very important element of creating the functional and spatial structure of the city of Warsaw. The tested squares are characterized by a very large diversity: in terms of surface area, solutions of the street system shaping the spatial structure of the square, the functions and categories of administrative streets crossing the square, traffic density volume, forms of transportation service by public transport and bicycle. Five types of squares were distinguished in terms of transport: pedestrian square, autonomous square, city local traffic square (urban square with local traffic), urban transit square of 1st and 2nd category. Pedestrian zones and green zones with dominant pedestrian traffic are an important element of shaping the space of squares and significantly affect the function of a given square. The analyzes show that, especially in the downtown and center, there are relatively few parking spaces located in Warsaw’s squares, and their number is decreasing. This is the result of the actions of city authorities promoting sustainable development policy, including travels to the city center and to downtown by public transport and bicycles. With a view to improving the attractiveness of public spaces in Warsaw squares, attention should be paid to the aesthetics and technical, functional and material standards of the transport infrastructure being implemented, as well as to improve the accessibility of public transport stops, ensure the consistency of the squares’ spaces with the bikeway system in the city.
Dynamic Effects at Internal Deflagration Explosions
Authors: Korolchenko Dmitry A. , Evich A.A. , Polandov Y.X.
Published: September 2019

The effects of quick pressure balance during deflagration explosions in the test chambers are considered. The experimental records of pressure time dependence obtained from various tests, as well as the results of the explosive combustion numeral modeling have been analyzed. The load levels of the explosion-affected structure and equipment elements due to the impulse and vibration actions formed during deflagration in the combustible gas have been assessed. It was demonstrated that the explosive actions formed during deflagration in the combustible gas in field could lead to dangerous loading of the critical equipment elements - sensors, instruments, electronic boards, etc., including the fire system elements of buildings and constructions, sea platforms, vessels and ships, as well as other sophisticated civil and military facilities. The experimental development programs for security systems of such facilities should include deflagration explosion testing with low prime cost and short periods of execution. Such testing cannot be replaced with the development on vibration and shock tables due to specific nature of loading during deflagration emergency explosions.
Investigation of the Fire Resistance of Panels of Porous Papercrete, Containing Expanded Polystyrene Gravel
Authors: Cherkina Vera , Korolchenko Dmitry
Published: September 2019

Papercrete panels are used in low-rise and individual construction intensively with each year. This article is devoted to the study of fire resistance of fragments of wall panels, which made of porous papercrete on wood shreds and containing expanded polystyrene gravel. While maintaining the compressive strength, partial replacement of the crushed stone with polystyrene gravel allowed to reduce the humidity, reduce the average density and increase the thermal resistance of the products. In order to determine the time to the onset of the limiting state of fire resistance of papercrete panels with a modified composition, fire tests were conducted. In the process of fire exposure in the heating zone of the sample, polystyrene was smelted from the volume of papercrete with the formation of voids and microcracks. The results of the study under the effect of fire on the “standard fire” mode for 3.75 hours and 2.5 hours on samples of fragments of wall panels made of porous papercrete containing expanded polystyrene gravel showed that none of the two limiting states was reached. There is a possibility of practical application of the obtained scientific results in questions of increasing the operational reliability of low-rise construction.
Power Quality in Energy Efficient Buildings – a Case Study
Authors: Romanska-Zapala Anna , Dechnik Miroslaw , Grzywocz Karina
Published: September 2019

Energy-efficient buildings are increasingly equipped with modern automation and control systems that enable significant energy savings by providing energy in the exact place and time of the demand. Moreover, high-performance LED light sources are used as interior lighting. Since the computers, automation system controllers and LED light sources require a lower voltage than the mains voltage, the buildings use a large number of power electronic converters adjusting the power supply conditions for the devices being serviced. Operation of this type of strongly non-linear receivers leads to an increase in transmission losses of electrical energy related to reactive power flow and generation of higher harmonics. Striving to reduce energy consumption in buildings leads to increasing use of these devices, which in consequence will aggravate the problem of insufficient quality of electricity. The paper discusses the provisions of standards for the quality of electricity. The paper presents the results of research on the quality of electricity in the Malopolska Laboratory of Energy Efficient Building – an experimental building equipped with a building automation and control system.
Blast Charge Technique as a Method of Soil Improving to Locate the New Supporting Runways
Authors: Mieloszyk Eligiusz , Milewska Anita , Wyroslak Mariusz
Published: September 2019

A quick and effective method of reinforcing the ground base designed for the construction of engineering structures used for performing various types of air operations was presented. It allows to use wastelands, wetlands, swamps, etc. for these purposes, thus creating a dispersed network of landing sites, increasing the access of large social groups to air transport and increasing their mobility.
Tensile tests of embedded laminated glass connections
Authors: Zdrazilova Michaela , Sokol Zdenek , Eliasova Martina
Published: September 2019

The trend of modern architecture is heading towards maximum transparency of structures, which makes glass very popular building material. It becomes common to use glass as a material for load-bearing components. Glass facades, roofs, beams or columns must be able to bear stresses occurring during the lifetime period and meet high aesthetical standards at the same time. The most problematic parts of the glass structure design are usually the connections. A lot of alternative connection types have been developed so far. The embedded laminated glass connection is the most modern one and there are many ongoing researches focused on its characteristics. This paper is dealing with series of tests focused on embedded laminated glass connections under short-term tensile loads. Different combinations of glass panes and types of foils were tested. The main goal of the experiment was to determine the tensile resistance of this type of connection. However, all the visible changes of appearance (development of bubbles in the connection area or possible delamination) that occurred during the test and the mode of failure were carefully observed and noted. There were three failure modes that were expected to arise. First one is the failure of the weakened glass pane due to reaching the tensile resistance limit. Second way is represented by the failure of foil caused by reaching the normal stress resistance limit and the last failure mode is caused by delamination. It occurs when the tear resistance limit is reached, and the steel element separates from the foil. The samples were subjected to several loading and unloading cycles. During the tests, the deflection of the glass panel was measured at two points. The experiment shows that the majority of samples collapsed because of the failure of weakened glass pane. Nevertheless, further research consisting of additional tests and numerical modelling is in progress.
Torsional Behaviour of Irregular Buildings with Single Eccentricity
Authors: Sherif Mehana Mohamed , Mohamed Osama , Isam Feda
Published: September 2019

Torsional response in building structural systems arise from two sources: a) eccentricity between the centre of mass and centre of stiffness of vertical lateral force resisting elements and (b) accidental torsion due to the rotational component of ground motion about a vertical axis, the eccentricity between assumed and actual stiffness and mass, uncertainty in live load distribution, and uncertainty in dead loads due to variations in labour and materials. This paper addresses the effect of the ratio Ω between structure uncoupled torsional frequency (ωƟ) to uncoupled transition frequency (ωx) or (ωy), on the torsional behaviour of the structure. A parametric study is carried out using the equivalent static force (ELF) method applied to one story building with single eccentricity by examining different values of Ω. The study shows that structures with ratio Ω > 1.0 are torsionally stiff and displacements values are not sensitive to the increment in eccentricity ratio, in other words, the structure shows planer frame behaviour and the deformations are mainly transitional rather than torsional. Conversely structures with ratio Ω < 1.0 are torsionally flexible and displacements values are sensitive to increases in eccentricity ratio, therefore, the deformations are mainly torsionally twisting rather than transitional motion. It is also observed that when Ω = 1.0, no significant increase in torsional response occurs. Torsional irregularities coefficient as defined by ASCE 7-10 building code, i.e., the ratio between maximum story drift at one end of the structure to the average story drifts at the two ends of the structure, have been calculated for different values of the ratio Ω. Results shows that irregularity coefficient increases as the ratio Ω decreases. In addition, structures with Ω < 1.0 are more sensitive to the value of eccentricity between centre of mass and centre of rigidity. Subsequently irregularity coefficient increases dramatically, and excessive torsion occurs as the value of eccentricity increases for structures with ratio Ω < 1.0, while minor increment is observed on the value of irregularity coefficient when eccentricity increases. This paper discusses the significance of utilizing the frequency ratio Ω to control the torsional behaviour of building structures.
Utilizing Big Data for Enhancing Passenger Safety in Railway Stations
Authors: Alawad Hamad , Kaewunruen Sakdirat , Min An
Published: September 2019

In light of the increasing demand and capacity in the railway industry, it is imperative to maintain safety in relation to the complexities of the substantial railway stations. Thus, it is important to take note of the time where investments in new technologies directed at the safety of the railway enable safety and protection in this area. Novel technological techniques such as big data analysis (BDA), data mining or machine learning (ML) have been developed and applied in many areas such as sales, banking and healthcare. The development of such methods has important benefits within the context of railway safety, however, these new methods need to be implemented and developed with consideration of whether these operational models can help to solve the various difficulties that currently exist in the risk analysis of railway stations. Moreover, as the adoption of the Internet of thing (IoT) grows, it is expected that analytical needs for handling data will also increase. It has been shown that the progression towards automation and applying such innovative new technologies such as BDA may be a powerful tool for integration in the future of transportation in general and the railway industry in particular, whereby analytical predictions can aid in the development of safer railway stations which have greater potential for ensuring the safety of passengers. In this paper a Bow Tie (BT) framework model has been created to combine BDA into the risk assessment process. The BDA can be beneficial to the risk assessment, support the decision makers in real time, and reduce human errors. This method can be fully integrated into passenger data and the business model for the railway station. Employing the existing safety records utilizing BDA is expected to mitigate risks, predict hazards, raise safety and security efficiency and reduce the cost.
Design Considerations and Guidelines in The Use of Grade 600 Steel Reinforcements for Reinforced Concrete Construction
Authors: Hooi Tan Teng , Ba Nguyen Ngoc , Li Bing , Chuan Chew Keat , Kwang Thung Sek
Published: September 2019

There is growing interest within the construction industry in using Grade 600 reinforcing steel for certain applications. There are areas where Grade 600 steel reinforcement can help include improvement in construction efficiencies and reduction in manpower. However, the implementation of these Grade 600 reinforcements in designs and construction still pose some challenges, as a number of unresolved design issues still remain. Notably current EC 2 design provisions do not provide explicit guidelines on the use of these high strength steel reinforcements and may not have addressed some distinctive performance characteristics. This paper lists potential issues with the use of Grade 600 reinforcement, and also provides a comprehensive assessment of available literature on the impact of Grade 600 steel reinforcement on design practices.
The hidden costs of urban and territorial planning
Authors: Mundula Luigi
Published: September 2019

Approaching the urban and territorial planning process two main facts need to be considered. First, this activity, as a decision-making process oriented to define and introduce specific policies, is generally influenced by the actions of pressure groups. Second, urban and territorial planning, via the conditionings and limits imposed upon the ways in which land can be used, may affect many social dynamics in ways where there is not always a clear distinction between the costs and the benefits. The contribution highlights these issues using the economic analysis tools and aim to consider in particular the hidden costs of the urban and territorial planning, namely: transaction, operational and assessment costs. The results of the analysis highlights how the planning process allows to protect public goods, such as environmental health and safety, as well as to ensure competitive markets. But an excessive or misusing of the planning instrument is harmful, produces unnecessary costs for businesses, citizens and public institutions, fuels corruption, improves injustice, paralyzes economic activities and loads the action of government. Too many rules or confusing and contradictory rules are equivalent to no rules. The normative proliferation feeds the uncertainty and asymmetric information, increases the possibilities of interpretation encouraging elusory behaviors that constitute the first step towards the illegality. Improving the planning system is therefore an essential prerequisite to modernize the countries, but taking actions to correct, from time to time, individual dysfunctions caused by wrong, outdated, unnecessary invasive and rigid rules it’s not enough. It is necessary to change the decision-making process, from hierarchical systems to a more complex system that involves participation, monitoring and evaluation and is able to help decision makers to better understand the outcomes of their choices (minimizing the cost for the public institution), to limit (if it is not possible to eliminate) the opportunistic behavior and, if verified, to punish it immediately.
Comparative Study of Formal Public Transport Network and Informal Public Transport Network of Nagpur, India
Authors: Sawarkar Rajesh A , Patil Akshay P
Published: September 2019

In the developing countries along with formal public transport network (FPTN), informal public transport network (IPTN) also plays an integral role by achieving high public transport ridership. IPTN caters effectively to the user’s expectations and appears to be highly integrated with urban fabric. IPTN either complements or compete with the existing FPTN, even though due credit is not given to IPTN and considered as unlawful entities. Efficiency and robustness of transport network is based on topological structure of network. To summarize which network is more efficient and robust, the study tests the network parameters of formal Public Transport Network and Informal Public Transport Network of Nagpur (India). A topological measure of network structure has tested based on elementary concepts of graph theory. We explore the network structure and their properties. The practical significance of the network parameters was then analysed. In the IPTN the degree of small-worldliness is smaller, as compared to FPTN, indicative of IPTN being more robust as compared to FPTN. This study provides an approach to understand the efficiency of an Informal public transport network in combination with Formal public transport network. The article identifies the importance of Informal public transport network to improve the Complementarity with the formal public transport network. Integrating formal and informal transportation network into a hybrid network has the potential to induce the desired relationships amongst FPTN and IPTN, i.e. competing or complimenting nature to improve the overall efficiency of FPTN.
Details of Krakow’s Modernist townhouses
Authors: Makowska Beata
Published: September 2019

The aim of this paper is to present the key features of façade details typical for townhouses erected in Krakow in the period 1918-1939. It emphasizes the importance of the townhouse details for Krakow’s cultural heritage and the pressing need to document them. Since the funds of the Social Committee for the Renovation of Krakow’s Monuments are allocated in the first priority to overhauls of public utility buildings and registered monuments, the modernist buildings have little, if any, chances for renovation. Meanwhile, they continue to fall into disrepair, which makes the documentation efforts even more urgent. Only a few most precious buildings from the interwar period are listed in the register of monuments. The remaining ones are not awarded by appropriate legal protection. Based on the analysis of the influences of a variety of trends on the development of Krakow’s townhouse façades and their details in the period 1918-1939, three basic groups of façades were identified. The first one relied on the historic style, the second, and most numerous one, combined historic and functionalist forms, while the third one emerged under explicit influence of functionalism. Key elements of the historic stylistics include: symmetry and division of the façade into three parts (bossage on the wall base, vertically articulated main part, finial), strong emphasis on the entrance portal, conspicuous cornices and decorations. In townhouses combining historic and functional forms, the prevailing stylistic elements include simple poles, lesenes (often worked in the plaster texture), enhanced with decorations (coats of arms, friezes, etc.). The ornamental-stylistic current typical of the ‘Krakow school’ comes in several different iterations. Few townhouses were explicitly influenced by the European functionalism. Designers aimed at simplifying the detail forms and their geometrization, producing an effect that revealed more deeply the functional content of the mass. The functionalist current in Krakow differed artistically from the avant-garde European projects. Nonetheless, it shared similar rationalist objectives – usability, economy and simplicity. Façade details often served as a link between contemporaneity and previous periods; they took account of features typical of the Krakow’s historic architecture.
Environmental Performance of a Social Housing Type Characteristic of South-Eastern Mexico
Authors: Alexis Barrientos-Gonzalez R. , Vega-Azamar Ricardo E. , Cruz Julio C. , Rosas-Correa Gabriela , Oropeza-García Norma A.
Published: September 2019

National indicators point that 85% of Mexico’s energy production come from fossil fuels. Quintana Roo is the state with the most significant increase on energy consumption with almost 20% from 2010 to 2017. This project carries out a holistic energy analysis approach in three case studies in typical dwellings built with average materials and construction systems under tropical climate conditions. Two validation levels were performed, one with an historical weather data file, and the second one with a costumed weather file corresponding to February 2019. The obtained values of mean bias error on an hourly-based analysis in interior conditions varied with the following ranges: level 1, from 1.57% to 2.11%; in level 2, from 1.17% to 1.74%. On the other hand, it was also found that the first level of simulation predicted the electricity consumption slightly closer to actual values reported for February 2019, with values ranging from 7.56% to 16.63%. However, further analysis with more detailed input data and monitoring of daily consumption is recommended in order to reduce the variation ranges.