bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Relevant is Energy Efficiency in The Marketing of Homes? Evidence from Real Estate Agents in Spain
Authors: Marmolejo-Duarte Carlos , Spairani Silvia , Moral Consuelo del , Delgado Luis , Egusquiza Aitziber , Ai Chen
Published: September 2019

In order to foster informed transactions, the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive has made it mandatory to get an Energy Performance Certificate in the marketing of the Communitarian Real Estate. Due to energy savings and environmental preservation, it is expected that efficient buildings do receive an increased willingness to pay. The evidence coming from a number of statistical studies has confirmed the existence of such premium. Nevertheless, such finding is contradictory in relation to the conclusions of opinion-based studies. This paper seeks to study whether energy efficiency drives market price and the marketing of homes in Spain. In doing so, a survey applied to realtors across the country has been implemented. The results are in line with other opinion-based studies pointing out that energy performance has a negligible impact on the marketing of homes. Furthermore, real estate agents suggest that companion policies in the sphere of subsidies and fiscal exceptions are needed in order to bring energy efficiency to the first line of elicitation attributes in the residential market.
Effect of Adhesion Between EPS Granules and Cement Matrix on the Characteristics of Lightweight Concretes
Authors: Major Maciej , Halbiniak Jacek
Published: September 2019

The paper presents the results of examinations of the effect of modification of EPS granulate on the compressive strength of lightweight concrete composites. EPS granulate was used to volumetrically replace mineral aggregate with the amount of 50% and 75%. Modification of EPS granulate consisted in coating with cement slurry and cement slurry with silica dust. It was found that the coating of the EPS granulates followed by preparation of the concrete mix leads to an increase in adhesion of EPS to the cement matrix. This results in significantly higher compressive strength compared to concrete based on unmodified EPS aggregate. Concrete made with 50% of EPS granules previously coated with cement slurry with silica dust obtained an average compressive strength of 18.3 MPa, which was by 18.1% higher than that of concrete with unmodified EPS.
Functional and spatial aspects of the riverside areas development in cities of the Silesian Voivodeship
Authors: Pancewicz Alina
Published: September 2019

The subject of the article are rivers in urbanized areas with a particular role of introducing functional and spatial changes in areas adjacent to rivers. The research concerns the contemporary ways of transforming and introducing new development in the urban riverside areas of the Silesian Voivodeship. The experiences of recent years have shown the diversity of creative activities leading to the shaping of the new image and landscape identity of the cities. This diversity results from the changing economic, political, social, cultural or natural conditions. The new directions of development of areas located along the rivers also play a significant role. Research presents selected activities undertaken on a local and regional scale. They reflect ways to search roads towards sustainable cities. Improving the quality of riverside public spaces is associated with the desire to improve the living conditions of urban communities. This process depends on the financial, legal and organizational possibilities as well as the willingness of the municipal authorities. Some of the undertaken activities are a reflection of the aspirations of local communities for whom a well and safely developed riverside space becomes a place of the nearest recreation and leisure. The article objective is to show the possibilities and limitations of the riverside areas development and the use of river potentials in the cities of the Silesian Voivodeship. It is also an attempt to answer the questions whether these activities are sufficient to create riverside public spaces, if they meet the needs of residents, to complete the functional and spatial urban structure, and whether the effect of these activities is visible in the cities landscape of the Silesian Voivodeship.
Community engagement as a sustainable tool in transforming mass housing urban structures. Case study of Petržalka estate, Bratislava, Slovakia
Authors: Kasala Viktor , Smatanova Katarina
Published: September 2019

Engagement of public in the planning and design of our cities is one of the most basic foundations of the democratic society and is directly reflected on the quality of life of each individual. The public participation is necessary at least from two reasons - firstly, in order to define the real needs of local residents, and secondly, to gather feedback on the top-down of proposed regulations and planning documents. Especially in the countries after transition, a particular environment of panel mass housing estates presents a specific challenge to meet these trends. These areas can be characterised by lack of identity and individual attachment of local resident to their everyday spaces, the lack of demarcated public/private spaces - or, in other words - the plethora or “shared” no-one space. This leads to serious problems for city officials. The lack of organised communities means very difficult position in acquainting the inhabitants with development of the district, for example the area of central axis which was planned as main transport and facilities corridor but which was never built and so today has become a huge abandoned space. In Slovakia, at the same time, the areas of mass housing areas represent at least 70% of the whole housing stock, and the methods of their sustainable transformation are therefore an urgent topic for many urban planners and municipality offices. The proposed article deals with the case of redevelopment of area in mass housing estate in Petržalka, part of the capital of Bratislava in Slovakia, based on the piloting various different methods of community involvement and community building. Furthermore, the article contributes to the general topic of finding the balanced tools of planning and regulating the sustainable city development and applicability of proposed methods as a standard urban design and planning tool from the municipal level.
Shaping of Public Space in Downtown Area on the Example of the City of Częstochowa
Authors: Solkiewicz-Kos Nina
Published: September 2019

The author deals with the evolution of public spaces in the city of Częstochowa over the years. The choice of a medium-sized city such as Częstochowa results from a broader analysis of cities that are important in Polish history and belong to the culture-creating places of the nation. In such places one should expect, above all, urban and architectural solutions that emerge from the uniqueness of the place and its role - a pilgrimage city, an academic and tourist centre. On the basis of collected archival, cartographic and photographic materials, the author presents changes in selected urban spaces from the early 20th century to modern times. Selected examples of urban spaces are located in the key places of the compositional axis of the urban layout of the city and play a vital role in the minds of inhabitants. The first example showing urban changes in downtown areas is the urban park zone near the Jasna Góra monastery. This area stayed at the beginning of the composition canvas for the urban layout of the city of Częstochowa (1826). The location of the area and historical background creates a huge potential of the place attracting city residents as well as tourists and pilgrims. Secondly, The central part of the historical urban axis of the city is Biegański Square. The urban development program developed by the city authorities assumed the elimination of vehicular traffic and the creation of a cohesive public space in the city centre (2011). Thirdly, urban spaces of the city and the Old Market Square are discussed. This is the area closing the historical axis of the Częstochowa urban foundation. This problematic area requires revitalization activities in response to contemporary functional requirements and newly defined social needs. The discussed changes within the urban space illustrate the process of transforming these areas into special places - important for the urban development of the city.
Sea defences design in the vicinity of a river mouth: the case study of Lignano Riviera and Pineta
Authors: Petti Marco , Pascolo Sara , Bosa Silvia , Uliana Erika , Faggiani Matteo
Published: September 2019

To guarantee the proper functioning of sea defences over a medium-long period, the knowledge of the complex interaction between tidal currents and nearshore wave field is fundamental in order to estimate the longshore sediment transport. In particular, the morphological evolution of coastal environments close to river mouths is deeply affected also by the riverine sediment transport, which can contribute to the overall coastal balance of erosion and deposition processes. Groynes are commonly used to intercept the longshore sediment transport and to stabilize the littorals, as the case of Lignano beach near the Tagliamento river mouth. In particular, the groyne closest to the river has been shortened in the recent years, influencing in this manner the coastline balance. In this study, a numerical model coupling a morphodynamic model and a wave generation spectral model has been used to study the effects of the variation of the groyne length on the beach. Results are presented and discussed, showing that the numerical modelling can be used for the sea defences design to improve the integrated coastal zone planning and management.
Stakeholders - an Important Part of a Sustainable City Concept
Authors: Vitkova Lubica , Urban Jan
Published: September 2019

Cities and their representatives need to respond adequately to societal, economic, cultural, climatic and demographic changes that are reflected in new concepts of transformation and the development of spatial urban structures. These changes and new approaches that are linked to responsibility towards the environment and the sustainability of cities require a larger number of professionals from different fields and disciplines to be involved in planning processes. Due to the fact that the behaviour of its inhabitants (their habits and their lifestyles) has a major influence on the character of the present city, it cannot be limited to rational and technical approaches. Which planning methods should be applied in the concepts of sustainable, gradual and vital transformation of space, city and landscape? Which entities should be involved in the planning process? How to communicate with stakeholders? What tools should be applied when designing with the long-term perspective of gradual transformation of space, city and landscape? The submitted contribution deals with these questions and examines them on the implemented project - DANUrB. It aims to evaluate the cultural and landscape heritage in selected small and medium-sized towns along the Danube, through the involvement of stakeholders. The contribution presents the research and the applied methodology connected with stakeholder engagement in the process of seeking a vision aimed at making their city more attractive through cultural tourism. As part of the project’s research, a methodology for data collection, common to all participating partners (university institutions, municipal and regional authorities) was established. The methodology was aimed at gaining a wide range of stakeholder information, including their requirements and expectations for the future development of their respective territory, including the identification of interest in active participation. The methodology was applied to selected small and medium towns along the Danube. Our partners in the project in Slovakia are the towns of Komárno and Štúrovo. We have therefore researched the stakeholders with links to these cities and their surroundings. Part of the research is also a comparison of the stakeholders’ approach in individual cities, depending on the nature of the city and its cultural background.
Strength of Unreinforced Joints of Masonry Walls Made of AAC Masonry Units
Authors: Jasinski Radoslaw , Galman Iwona
Published: September 2019

The paper presents the results of experimental tests performed on six wall joints. The tests were performed on the models made of AAC blocks with thin joints and unfilled head joints. The joints were constructed as traditional masonry joints. The tests were performed in a dedicated test stand in which force was transferred linearly along the whole height of the wall. Specimens were loaded in one cycle until failure. The paper discusses the mode, morphology and mechanism of failure, and analyses the load–displacement relationships which allowed to define the phases of joint behaviour. By applying code procedures, authors provide the parameters required for the design of the joints. Using the values of cracking and failure forces obtained in experimental tests characteristic strengths at the moment of cracking and failure were determined. The obtained shear strengths were compared with the code values specified by Eurocode 6.
Building Information Modeling in Small and Middle Sized Buildings – Case Study
Authors: Grzyl Beata , Migda Wojciech , Apollo Magdalena
Published: September 2019

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a technology designed to improve and integrate all engineering aspects in the construction design process. Tools that incorporate the idea of BIM are becoming more advanced and also more popular. Available software solutions have already reached an assumable high level of development, but still are not as widespread and used on nearly as many construction projects as could be expected. Therefore the aim of this paper is to show the advantages and limitations of BIM by looking at projects of small and middle sized buildings from the conventional (2D) and BIM approach perspective. The study was based on the present projects executed in Poland and first-hand experience. In addition, the paper also presents a literature review and the results of a survey on the level of knowledge and scope of BIM technology application in Pomerania (Poland). The results of the study indicate that, against common opinion, BIM software is not only useful for large investments, but can also be recommended for the design of small and middle sized buildings. Presented case study reveals, that the use of BIM in smaller projects also provides significant advantages, especially in the context of time consumed for the design process.
Liquid Spaces: Understanding of Urban Spatial Networks through the Human Data
Authors: Novacek Oto , Diezka Milos
Published: September 2019

Today’s cities are changing faster than ever before, mainly because they have ability to produce spaces for everyone, but only when they are produced by everyone [1]. This phenomenon was even multiplied with enhanced informatisation and digitalisation. It would be wrong to perceive Smart City only as plain product of technological innovations. New markets are rising and new types of behaviour are emerging hand in hand with technological innovations [2]. Therefore technological innovations, mainly than enhanced communication and digitalisation change the habits of analogue civilisation towards more liquid spaces. Cities are forced to adapt to those changes in order to stay competitive. Therefore it seems that traditional planning reaches its limits and can’t fully address challenges produced by such change, which makes it unsustainable approach on the long term perspective. Project aims to develop set of tools and approaches towards creation of more liveable and resilient cities of 21. century by combining modern technologies, and humanocentric approach. Focus should be put on the research of relationship between the technological innovations (namely digitalisation and enhanced communication) and societal changes that transforms into material (urbanised) environment [3]. Understanding of urban spatial structures via gathering and analysing a new type of information about the city – the data – plays a key role in the research. As such, focus will be put on the analysis of urban structures through the online and offline participatory platform (Emotional maps), spatial footprint of the city (Master plan and field research), and segment analysis of the city’s structure (Space Syntax).
History and Evolution of Full Bricks of Other European Countries
Authors: Fiala Jan , Mikolas Milan , Fiala Junior Jan , Krejsova Katerina
Published: September 2019

In our article, where we have named History and evolution of full bricks of other European countries where we focused on the full brick, which is the main construction material since the year 1964. Since the year 1964, many other products were created which replaced bricks in some parts of the constructions and buildings. I also named variations types in individual states of Europe. I focused on the progress up to nowadays. The history of brick reaches up to the year 8300 BC. During the period of 10000 years, the brick has been the main construction material. It made its breakthrough in constructing of vertical constructions. Wars in the medieval times, destruction and burning of wood structures made extreme progress/development among brick buildings and constructions. It made constructional expansive possible from low one-story buildings to many story buildings. The brick was also able to unite functionally and esthetic. The brick is able to resist many centuries. It is recyclable, without any health dangers, anti-allergic, none fire able, chemically resistant. The brick became the basic constructional point since the19th century until now. It has been used on many vertical buildings which resist to all weather conditions, full-fill esthetical and functional work.
Numerical Study of Application of PCM for a Passive Thermal Energy Storage System for Space Cooling in Residential Buildings
Authors: Rucevskis Sandris , Akishin Pavel , Korjakins Aleksandrs
Published: September 2019

In this paper, effectiveness of phase change materials (PCMs) for application in passive thermal energy storage (TES) system for space cooling in residential buildings is investigated numerically. PCM is encapsulated in steel containers and integrated into the building interior under a ceiling slab. Thermal response of two phase change materials with different melting/solidification temperatures under the typical summer conditions of the Baltic States is analysed by using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software Ansys Fluent. The results showed that integration of the passive TES system can reduce the overheating problem and improve thermal comfort; however full advantage of the PCM storage capacity cannot be taken without active regeneration of the PCM.
Evaluating the Aesthetics and Ecology of Urban Green Spaces: A Case Study of Latvia
Authors: Veinberga Maija , Zigmunde Daiga
Published: September 2019

The current situation of planning and managing urban green spaces in Latvia suggests that there is a necessity for new concepts for improving the aesthetic and ecological quality of public green spaces developed in the Soviet era. Urban green spaces with high qualities in both characteristics are assumed to be more attractive for local residents and to provide better conditions for ecological processes. Thus, there is much discussion on how to balance aesthetics and ecology in the urban environment – and whether both can be optimised or whether there are trade-offs. The aim of this research was to consult experts from different scientific fields and to clarify and rank criteria used for assessing the aesthetics and ecology of urban green spaces. Twelve criteria were selected for the landscape assessment from different theories of aesthetics and ecology: compositional unity, uniqueness, coherence with architecture, condition of constructed elements, decorative quality of plants, maintenance and upkeep, naturalness, landscape typicality, wilderness, the presence of wildlife, vegetation structure and the use of local plants. These were assessed and analysed through a combination of a Delphi study and in-depth expert interviews of twelve Latvian and foreign experts from different fields (architecture, landscape architecture, biology, environmental science). The data obtained from the research were processed with mathematical statistics methods such as determination of descriptive statistics and Mann-Whitney U test. The results include a summary of expert statements of definitions, assessment methods and characteristics of selected criteria. The correlation of criteria showed differences in the experts’ opinions. Naturalness was one of the most important criterions according to both, Latvian and foreign experts. Foreign experts more likely ranked Presence of wildlife as important compared to the Latvian experts. The results also showed differences on how experts could express criteria related to their research field. The final assessment of criteria confirmed the interconnections between the selected 12 criteria. Results of the criteria ranking discovered that all the experts got consensus on the most important criteria, while on not so important criteria experts shared different views. This research prepared criteria for the assessment of aesthetical and ecological values of green spaces according to definitions and rankings given by different experts.
Conception of Green Infrastructure as a Tool of City Development Planning
Authors: Nitavska Natalija , Zigmunde Daiga , Markova Madara
Published: September 2019

The role of the greenery in the urban environment is priceless – both for maintaining ecological balance, and for enhancing visually aesthetic quality, as well as home for small habitats and the key to urban identity. The development of greenery structures in a city or part of a city is often chaotic and spontaneous – developing greenery only for certain objects and not linking it with one another. Planning of greenery in the urban environment is influenced by several regulatory documents, which mainly focus on the preservation of the existing greenery structure and the restrictions on the planning of the greenery. Unfortunately, the detailed guidelines for the planning of the greenery are not sufficiently reflected in the existing normative documents. The concept of greenery is one of the tools for urban planning that, together with other planning tools (infrastructure, spatial planning, architectural design, urban planning, economic urban development planning, etc.), forms a single framework for urban planning tools that helps to develop urban environment smoothly and identify priorities. The aim of the research is to develop a model of the concept of greenery of urban areas, which in practice can be used on the Latvian scale, as the planning document of greenery in local governments. The development of greenery plans and concepts has become topical in recent years and more and more municipalities are interested in this planning tool, which helps to plan the distribution of finances for maintaining the structure of greenery and developing new structure. In the last ten years, four concepts of greenery for medium-sized cities have been developed in Latvia.
Works of Karol Jankowski (1868-1928), Czesław Przybylski (1880-1936) and Rudolf Świerczyński (1883-1943) as the background for the changes in architectural design teaching at the Faculty of Architecture of Warsaw University of Technology in the 1920s
Authors: Agata Wagner Anna
Published: September 2019

The 20th century Polish architecture reached its turning point in the middle of the 1920s, a decade after the creation of the Faculty of Architecture at Warsaw University of Technology and soon after Poland had regained its independence. National forms emphasizing the autonomy and distinctiveness of Polish architecture were sought for and enhanced, which is characteristic of the first years of the Warsaw school of architecture. New aesthetic trends of the artistic avant-garde hailing from the West changed the perception of architecture. New, modern architectural perspectives were particularly enthusiastically received by the youngest generation of architectural adepts. Striving for simplicity, for purist forms, was related to the construction and logic of the materials used. Changes in the didactics that emphasised the significance of technical subjects and design resulted in a much more rationalistic approach to the problems of architectural design. These changes are also visible in the works of the professors - practitioners who at that time ran the Architectural Design Departments at the Faculty of Architecture at WUT. Using the works of Karol Jankowski, Czesław Przybylski and Rudolf Świerczyński as the example, I would like to present changes not only in the artistic approaches of the leading creators of Polish architecture of that period, but also those affecting the teaching at the Warsaw school of architecture. As the body of the written texts left by these outstanding teachers is relatively scant, their work remained the most powerful form of expression while assimilating innovative currents of the 1920s - a synthesis of their views and ideas contained directly in their architectural works.
Housing Policy in Slovakia
Authors: Rentkova Katarína , Gejdos Pavol
Published: September 2019

The need for housing is the basic physiological need of a person. The level of satisfaction of housing needs corresponds to the degree of socio-economic development of the given society. The basic criteria are the quality of housing, the availability of housing, the type of ownership, the possibility of purchasing own housing, the financial support and the financial possibilities of the individual / household. A suitable market environment created by the state is also a prerequisite for satisfying the need for housing. The mission of the state is to create an appropriate market environment that combines economic, social and environmental factors. This is the concept of sustainable housing. The analysis focuses on Slovakia and deals in more detail with responsibility and the position of self-government/municipalities in the context of Slovak housing policy. The paper is processed by using a wide scale of the scientific methods and procedures. The first part is based on preparation and explanation of key terms, such as the housing policy, concept of sustainable housing and state housing policy in Slovakia. The paper was elaborated on the basis of a study of related legislation, in particular the Act on the State Fund for Housing Development and the Concept of State Housing Policy - the State Document for the Housing Area. Methodology contains of identification of research assumptions, as well as methods and sources used in the paper. Results part consists of the main findings and is prepared by using a comparative and causal analysis. Statistical data was used to analyse the current state of housing in Slovakia. Prospects housing development in Slovakia are developed by the resulting trends and processing the statistics and are presented at the end of paper.
Water Quality Evolution in Gozna and Secu Reservoirs, Semenic Mountains, Romania
Authors: Armas Andrei , Beilicci Robert , Beilicci Erika
Published: September 2019

Knowing and tracking the evolution of water quality in reservoirs is very important, especially if one of the functions of the reservoir is to provide the water supply to the localities. The chemical, thermal and physical changes which the flowing water undergoes when it is stilled through hydrotechnical structures, like dams, can seriously contaminate water from the reservoir and the river downstream. The grade of deterioration in the water quality is in general related to the retention time of the reservoir, its storage capacity in relation to the amount of water flowing into it. The parameters of water quality determine the treatment technology and implicit, influence the cost of drinking water. Gozna and Secu reservoirs are located in the Semenic Mountains, were built as multi-purpose systems for water management. Their purpose was to produce hydropower, to supply drinking water to Resita city, mitigate flood waves and to be used as recreational areas. In this paper, the evolution of water quality on both reservoirs is analyzed based on the water samples collected over 11 years’ time period (2001 - 2011). The main water quality parameters from these reservoirs are: water transparency, temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, CBO5, CCOMn/O2, total nitrogen, total phosphorous, density, suspensions. On the base of the obtained results from the water quality evolution process analysis, the specialists in the domain can anticipate the problems, causes of water quality degradation and can establish the adequate measures for water quality conservation and improvement. Today, worldwide, is an increasing interest in the reservoir water quality since the water resources are not expanding as fast as the water demands. Because the fresh water becomes more limited (due to pollution, climate change etc.), the quality of the water becomes increasingly important.
The Impact of Timber Roof Framework Over Historical Masonry Structures
Authors: Onescu Eugen , Onescu Iasmina , Mosoarca Marius
Published: September 2019

Romania is a European country, crossed by Carpathian Mountains and Danube River, with two important seismic zones. First and most dangerous one is Vrancea zone, near the capital of the country, Bucharest. The second most important seismic area is Banat, characterized by shallow earthquakes and a peak ground acceleration of 0.2. The most important city located in the second seismic zone is Timisoara, a city known in the past as Castrum Regium Themes which dates from 1212. Timisoara has been influenced by many cultures, such as Ottoman, Hungarian and Austrian, influence that can be seen also through the architecture of the city, especially in the historical zones, characterized by 1-4 storey masonry buildings with very complex and elegant timber roof framework. The dominant architectural styles are Secession and Art Nouveau. During the life period of the historical buildings, there were registered few seismic events, but the actual state of the buildings is a good one, with small problems caused by lack of proper maintenance or time-passing over construction materials. The global good behaviour of the buildings from the historical areas of Timisoara, despite the small seismic site-source distance and epicentral depth, remained a subject of interest for years. This article studies if and how the existence of such a complex timber roof framework influence the seismic behaviour of the masonry structure and entire building. The study was made based on non-linear analysis obtained with Tremuri software, determining the seismic vulnerability of the case study buildings with and without considering the timber roof. In the context of Timisoara European Capital of Culture 2021, the assessment of the seismic vulnerability of the most important buildings of the city is highly relevant. In the same time, considering the actual trend of replacing the historical timber roof framework with more modern structures, there is mandatory to understand how this specific timber structure contributes to the structural integrity of the historical masonry buildings.
Education in the Landscape of Historic Urban Systems from the UNESCO World Heritage Lists
Authors: Antolak Mariusz
Published: September 2019

Education in space is usually associated with nature and takes place in educational paths, in botanical and zoological gardens and other similar spaces. However, education takes place in the open landscape also in other fields. One of them is architecture and urban planning. The aim of the work is to present the results of the research on the issue of education in the landscape of the historic urban systems and discussion on the phenomenon of open space education. 10 objects from Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, Chile, Kenya, Seychelles and Cape Verde inscribed or proposed for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List were selected for the analysis. The article presents a case study of representative facilities - historic urban systems of towns, villages, concentration camps and mission settlements. The content of the information boards located in these places was analysed and the basic information about these objects was summarized in a tabular form. A catalogue of examples of design, exhibition and educational solutions was prepared. Despite the fact that these places have not been inhabited for a long time, in most cases, they are still lively and are visited by tourists from all over the world. The way of spatial development of the analysed objects is diverse and usually consistent with the surrounding space. The content presented on the information boards is, however, clichéd and boring, and the tourists are not willing to acquaint with them. The research shows that the old urban layouts have a great tourist potential. The greater number of tourists poses a threat to the historic systems, but it is also an opportunity for the more effective society education in the field of architecture and urban planning. Tourists expect modern forms of content presentation, and knowledge is most easily absorbed in practice - in the open space. Presentation of too much information is not recommended, and the selection of information materials should be consulted with the potential users of these facilities.
Impact of Additives on the Foamability of a Road Paving Bitumen
Authors: Iwanski Mateusz M , Chomicz-Kowalska Anna , Maciejewski Krzysztof
Published: September 2019

Because of the needs for the increased efficiency and environmental concerns that now emerge environmentally friendly techniques are more sought for and more commonly utilized in the road paving industry. Typical asphalt mixes are produced in temperatures exceeding 150˚C depending on the type of asphalt binder used, but new techniques are being developed, permitting decreased production and paving temperatures. One of the most effective techniques that are being studied are the Warm Mix Asphalt and Half Warm Mix Asphalt methods utilizing water based bitumen foaming that allow production of asphalt mixes at temperatures as low as 100˚C. Due to the extremely low processing temperatures, it is often difficult to obtain satisfactory results regarding the physical and mechanical properties of the resulting mixes, specifically the resistance to moisture the damage and resistance to the permanent deformation being in concern. As these issues were found to be originating in the inadequate coating of aggregates, a surface active agent in amounts of 0, 2% - 0, 6% and synthetic wax in amounts of 1, 0% - 2, 5% were added to 50/70 paving bitumen to improve its foamability and coating potential. Foaming characteristics were established in terms of bitumen foam expansion ratio ER and its half-life HL as a function of foaming water content ranging from 1, 5% to 4, 0%. It was found that the addition of surface active agent in the amount of 0, 6% resulted in the most favourable foaming performance at 2, 5% foaming water content, resulting in a doubling in expansion ratio and more than a 2, 5 times increase in half-life compared to the base bitumen. It is believed that the improved foaming characteristics of the bitumen would significantly benefit the performance of a subsequent warm or half-warm asphalt mix.
Examination of Concrete Elements Bending Strength Reinforced by Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Waste
Authors: Kinasz Roman , Bilozir Vitaliy , Shmyh Roman , Bilozir Volodymyr , Bidenko Ivanna
Published: September 2019

Ukrainian enterprises of PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) waste recycling are still capable of processing only 1 thousand tons, and more than 10 thousand tons of PET granulate are imported to Ukraine every month. Therefore, the issue of reuse and disposal of used polyethylene terephthalate, especially in construction, is one of paramount importance. The aim of the research is experimental-theoretical study of the strength of bending of prisms, reinforced with fibers and strip reinforcement of used PET bottles. Objectives of the research: the study of the percentage of reinforcing fibers in volume (1% and 1.5%) influence on the flexural strength of concrete reinforced prisms, and the possibility of using ribbon reinforcement from used PET bottles for bending concrete elements, elaboration of proposals for the deformation method of calculation of PET fibrobone bent elements. In this research the experimental methods for determining the bending strength of prisms, reinforced by fibrous, trips and PET waste tapes; methods of materials resistance theory have been used. During the research, two concrete prisms of 400x100x10 mm were constructed and tested for compression together with two concrete prisms of three-point bend for a run of 350 mm, two PET-fibrous concrete prisms for bending with percentages of reinforcement in volume of 1% and 1, 5% and two prisms for bending, reinforced with glued PET strips, with 1% reinforcement per section area. As a disperse reinforcement, pre-fabricated PET bottles of 50x3x0.2 mm were used, designed in way that the required length of sealing in the concrete is no longer than half the length of the fibers. Strip fittings are made of 4 fragments of PET bottles of 200x80x0.25 mm in size, glued with cyanacrylate adhesive with each other, and 2 fragments of 120x80x0.2 mm in size, which glued on both ends to 4 glued sheets with a length of 30 mm. Thus, the total length of the reinforcing strip is equal to 380 mm. At the final sections of the tapes, 6 openings with a diameter of 5 mm were punched to improve the anchoring. The reinforcing strips were placed in the forms located 10 mm from the lower edge. According to the results of the tests, the average cubic strength of concrete is 31.21 MPa, of prisms - 23.23 MPa, the initial module of deformation - 28.02·103 MPa. The flexural strength of prisms without a fibre is 58.54 kN·cm, with 1% fibers in volume - 64.31 kN·cm, with 1.5% fibers in volume - 71.84 kN·cm, and of prisms, reinforced with glued PET ribbons – 79.80 kN·cm. As a result of the tests, it was demonstrated that the strength of the tapes was not used properly, and the fracture was fragile due to the loss of adhesion to concrete. Analysis of the results of experimental studies allowed us to develop a deformation methodology of calculating PET-fiber-concrete bending elements.
Contributions for the Rehabilitation of the Castro da Senhora do Bom Sucesso - Mangualde (Portugal)
Authors: Gomes Rodrigues M. V. , Ferreira Gomes L. M. , Cabral de Carvalho A. B. , Miranda Beato C.
Published: September 2019

Portugal is undoubtedly, a destination for the practice of Nature Tourism, containing a vast and rich natural, historical and cultural heritage. This settlement, Castro of Senhora do Bom Sucesso is a place where the surrounding landscape stands out with several mountains around it, in an environment where the flora and fauna, characteristics of this region, stand out. The whole history of the place, refers to a certain period of the past, valuing it and able to make the experience that the Nature Tourism can provide even better. Being one of the highest places in the central region of Portugal, it is for many people, a special place of enjoyment and relaxation. In this place, hundreds of years ago, there were between 80 and 100 houses of ancient people from the Celtic culture. Later, due to the abandonment by Men, these houses became disused, falling into a rapid decay process with the collapse of walls and roofs, making the roads impassable and the place covered with vegetation. Thus, in this work, in methodological terms, based on literature review, the collection of cartographic elements of the place, and in the field and cabinet studies, it was possible to develop an investigation on the Military Heritage of the region, in order to analyze in detail, the relation of the nature of the place with the architecture. This work resulted in a proposal for the site of the former Castro do Bom Sucesso, with the main objective of creating an Ecotourism Park, around the Celtic culture and autochthonous nature, organized in the following main equipment: i) Reception of the Ecotourism Park; (ii) “Celtic Bungalows”; iii) Celtic Interpretation Center; iv) biological pool and v) Camping. The paper presents the main elements developed, from the design to the form and location of the equipment that, to be built, is believed to improve the regional economy through a scientific, didactic, cultural and sustainable tourism.
Vertical Load Generated by Walking Person – Comparative Analysis of Selected Load Models
Authors: Pantak Marek , Marecik Kinga
Published: September 2019

The natural vibration frequencies of footbridges with a span length greater than 30 m are very often less than 5.00 Hz. This increases the risk of excitation of vibrations of these footbridges by their users and entails the need to perform their dynamic analyses with the use of appropriate models of the dynamic loads generated by pedestrians. The accurateness of estimation of the value of dynamic loads acting on the structure is one of the important issues from the point of view of the accuracy of dynamic analyses. In the paper, the results of comparative analyses of five selected mathematical models of vertical ground reaction forces (VGRFs) were presented. The modelled forces were compared with the VGRFs acquired during the laboratory measurements of the forces generated by walking people. Moreover, the dynamic analyses of single degree of freedom system (SDOF) were carried out to assess the differences between the dynamic responses caused by analysed load models. Performed analyses showed a good agreement between the time courses of the estimated and measured VGRFs. Nevertheless, because of the simplifications adopted in the individual models some of them allow predicting the lower limit and the other upper limit of the dynamic response of the structure.
Properties of a bond between the steel reinforcement and the new generation concretes – a review
Authors: Kucharska Milena , Jaskowska-Lemanska Justyna
Published: September 2019

The constant development of civil engineering has led to the creation of new generation concretes. Normal concrete is modified in order to provide a plethora of new properties, such as better mechanical characteristics, increased durability and lower environmental impact. This paper presents a literature review of bond behaviour in the new generation concretes, in particular high-performance concrete (HPC), self-compacting concrete (SCC) and high-performance self-compacting concrete (HPSCC). The bond strength test procedures, as well as bond-slip models, are presented. However, these methods are not entirely accurate in the case of new generation concretes due to various modifications of the materials. The scope of the research included, among other things, the influence of material choice on the bond properties. The paper also delineates the impact of compressive strength of the bond properties in the case of new generation concretes. Last but not least, the effect of rebar location is analysed. The study shows several differences in the bond behaviour of the new generation concretes and normal concrete under investigation.
Comparison of Protective Properties of Concretes with Low Alkali Cement
Authors: Szweda Zofia
Published: September 2019

Diffusion process determines the rate of chloride ions penetration in concrete and therefore diffusion coefficient values play a major role in the evaluation of protective properties in concrete with reference to reinforcement. This paper describes tests on protective properties of concrete cover made of ordinary concrete and different types of low alkali cement. The tests on four types of concrete mix which differed in a type of used cement was performed. The following types of cement were applied: in concrete C1 - cement CEM I 42.5 R characterised by high heat of hydration, rapid increase in strength and high early strength. In concrete C2 – cement CEM III/A 32.5 N-LH/HSR/NA characterised by high resistance to chemical aggression. In concrete C3 – cement CEM I 42.5 N/SR3/NA with high chemical resistance, particularly to sulphate corrosion, low content of Na2O alkali, tricalcium aluminate C3A and aluminium oxide Al2O3. In concrete C4 – cement CEM IV/B (V) 32.5 R – LH/NA characterised by a stable increase in strength, increased strength during longer stages of concrete curing. Protective properties of concrete cover for reinforcing steel were specified by determining values of chloride diffusion coefficients describing flow rate of chloride ions in wet concrete. Chloride diffusion coefficients were determined on the basis of the thermodynamic model of chloride flow in the electric field. Migration tests in the electric field were used to determine diffusion coefficients. Then, distribution of chloride concentrations in diffusion tests with the forecast distribution of chloride concentrations, taking into account the obtained values of chloride concentrations was compared. Consequently, reliable values of diffusion coefficients were determined. Also the forecast durability of concrete structure made of tested types of concrete was specified.
Waste Reduction by Lean Construction - Office Building Case Study
Authors: Nowotarski Piotr , Paslawski Jerzy , Skwarek Jedrzej
Published: September 2019

The proper organization and planning of building processes plays an increasingly important role in building projects, and appropriate management is becoming a more frequent problem. Tools of quality management are very often used in other areas of business, such as automotive, aerospace and production, unfortunately, rarely in the field of construction. The main goal of this article is to show that individual quality management tools and Lean Construction tools can be used in construction, and their use brings significant and visible benefits. Authors present their work as an example of implementing these tools in building processes at the construction of Pixel office buildings in Poznań. Authors present the basic concepts related to quality management and the tools used in the field of Lean Construction as well as assumptions of Lean Management. This aims to introduce the reader to the main concept, assumptions and allows to learn the principles of lean management. The reader needs to be aware, that all company employees and suppliers must be involved in introducing Lean Management to the enterprise, starting with the owner and ending with the employee. It is not possible to implement a lean philosophy into a company, without understanding the basics and purpose for which they were introduced. Practical part of the article is devoted to a detailed analysis construction process using the well-known Six Sigma cycle DMAIC - an abbreviation of the words: Define - Measure - Analyze - Improve - Control. The analysis was carried out on the basis of own knowledge and interviews with the construction management and employees of subcontracting companies present at the construction site. Results are presented in the form of conclusions. It can be said that using quality management tools (mainly Lean Management principles) it is possible to visibly improve building processes and it is likely to achieve better financial and time results during execution of works.