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Geoenvironmental Hazards in Development Planning
The usability of the natural environment for settlement can be analysed based on geoenvironmental conditions: groundwater levels, terrain elevations, subsoil construction suitability. They are all important elements of urban development planning. Developing a method for selecting areas with favourable construction conditions and determining future urban development trends based on geoenvironmental conditions is essential for proper formation of space for construction purposes. This article presents a proprietary approach to determining geoenvironmental indicators and the ongoing correlational changes in these indicators, which are the basis for choosing optimal areas for construction. The selected geoenvironmental factors influence the development and spatial growth of cities. The research area is located within a small agglomeration inhabited by up to 20,000 residents. Direct results concerning geoenvironmental data and urban development were obtained from an area of 9 km2. Within this area, data were collected on subsoil conditions, terrain elevations, groundwater levels, and the spatial pattern of development throughout the historical evolution of the agglomeration up to the present day. The analysis also identified the points in the city’s development history when local flooding or other environmental hazards occurred, which may have resulted from improper urban growth tendencies. Interpretation of the resulting graphs, particularly the interactions between geoenvironmental conditions (indicators) and development during the studied periods, can support urban planning processes.
Analiza wrażliwości ustroju nośnego konstrukcji nawystąpienie oddziaływania o charakterze wyjątkowym
W artykule przedstawiono wrażliwość elementówkonstrukcyjnych budynku na oddziaływanie o charakterze wyjątkowym.Podjęto się analizy awarii budynku mieszkalnego po uderzeniusamochodem ciężarowym. W obliczeniach uwzględnionoróżne symulacje obciążeń ze względu na prędkość poruszającegosię pojazdu. Celem przeprowadzonych badań i analiz byłowskazanie uszkodzeń konstrukcji nośnej obiektu wynikającychz oddziaływań wyjątkowych. Wnioski wynikające ze skutków katastrofywskazują na konieczność uwzględniania zdarzeń wyjątkowychoddziaływania pojazdów na konstrukcje budynków lubteż wyznaczenia stref bezpiecznych w obrębie dróg.
Numerical and Experimental Validation of Homogenization Techniques for Bubble Deck Slabs
This study investigates the deflection behaviour of Bubble Deck slabs using numerical and experimental approaches. Two techniques—numerical homogenization and 3D cross-sectional integration—are applied to derive equivalent properties for simplified finite element models. A scaled slab specimen (1020×2040×60 mm) with a reinforcement mesh of Ø4 bars spaced at 30 mm (top and bottom) and plastic spheres (Ø40 mm, spaced at 60 mm) is tested under self-weight and a mid-span linear load. The slab, simply supported on two shorter edges, is modelled both in full 3D and using simplified 2D model with homogenized parameters. Experimental deflections are compared with numerical and analytical/theoretical predictions to validate the proposed techniques, demonstrating their effectiveness in simplifying structural analyses while maintaining accuracy.
Biocementation as a Pro-Ecological Method of Stabilizing Construction Subsoil
The principle of sustainable development imposes an obligation on societies to manage natural resources rationally and to care for the quality of the environment, by, among other things, reducing CO2 emissions. Alternative ways of stabilising building substrates by increasing their shear strength (cu) are increasingly being sought. This paper presents how microorganisms can influence cu and thus the load-bearing capacity of building substrates. Tests were performed in a triaxial compression apparatus in three variants. The first variant of testing was carried out on cemented soil samples, which were cemented in situ. The next two series of tests were performed on reconstructed samples, i.e., natural soil and soil inoculated with a solution of Sporosarcina pasteurii bacteria. The results obtained show that carbonate cementation increases the shear strength of the soil; in addition, this biomineralization-induced cementation gives higher cu results than natural carbonate cementation.
Numerical analysis of heat transfer and surface condensation risk in the plinth zone of basement-included building
Modular Buildings as a Potential for Small Trade Development in a Sustainable City
The development of retail stores is determined by many factors, including the availability of retail space. The construction of a new building requires time, resources, and permits. This article aims to examine the possibilities of implementing small modular retail facilities built on the principles of vending machines, which do not require constant service and social space, by examining important groups of factors: architectural and structural, production, environmental, and costs. A vending machine in modular construction technology provides new opportunities for the development of a retail network in previously inaccessible places. The research presented in this article was conducted based on a literature review and interviews with experts, on the basis of which, using the network thinking methodology, critical factors were isolated and analysed in detail. The research results show the benefits of using modular technology, meeting the assumptions of the circular economy in terms of reducing the carbon footprint and improving the construction stage and investment costs, while taking into account the aesthetics of the surroundings. The results can contribute to the popularisation of the use of modular facilities, which can complement the development of downtown areas, making cities more sustainable.
Water Level Rise and Bank Erosion in the Case of Large Reservoirs
The article presents an analysis of the complex mechanism of abrasion of shorelines built of non-lithified sediments as a result of rising water levels in the reservoir, along with its quantitative assessment. It allows forecasting the actual risks of coastal areas intendent for urbanization with similar morphology and geological structure. The task of the article is also to point out that for proper assessment of abrasion it is necessary to take into account the greater complexity of the mechanism in which abrasion is the result of co-occurring processes of erosion and landslides. During the analysis, the classic Kachugin method of abrasion assessment was combined with an analysis of the stability of the abraded slope, taking into account the circular slip surface (Bishop and Morgenster–Price methods) and the breaking slip surface (Sarma method). This approach required the assessment of the geotechnical properties of the soil using, among other things, advanced in situ methods such as static sounding. The results indicate that the cliff edge is in limit equilibrium or even in danger of immediate landslide. At the same time, it was possible to determine the horizontal extent of a single landslide at 1.2 to 5.8 m. In the specific cases of reservoir filling, the consideration of the simultaneous action of both failure mechanisms definitely worsens the prediction of shoreline sustainability and indicates the need to restrict construction development in the coastal zone.
Modele pracy termoizolacji w obszarze wieńca w dachach z kratownic prefabrykowanych
Artykuł podejmuje problematykę zapewnieniaciągłości termoizolacji w obszarze wieńca w dachach wykonanychz kratownic prefabrykowanych, stanowiących coraz popularniejszerozwiązanie w budownictwie mieszkaniowym. W pracyzidentyfikowano kluczowe wyzwania techniczne, główniezwiązane z trudnościami w integracji warstw termoizolacyjnychz konstrukcją dachową i elewacją. Przeprowadzono analizę wybranychwariantów rozwiązań termoizolacyjnych, oceniając ichefektywność cieplno-wilgotnościową oraz pozostałe aspektyistotne dla poprawności i trwałości zastosowanych rozwiązań.Wyniki badania podkreślają znaczenie właściwego projektowaniadetali konstrukcyjnych, które pozwalają zminimalizować stratyciepła i zapobiec potencjalnym problemom związanym z zawilgoceniem.Artykuł dostarcza praktycznych wskazówek dlaarchitektów i inżynierów, wspierając ich w tworzeniu bardziejefektywnych, trwałych i zgodnych z nowoczesnymi standardamirozwiązań budowlanych.
Implementation of the Results of Experimental Studies with the Use of the Sclerometric Method of Plane Elements in Wooden Buildings
Wood is one of the basic building materials. It is a completely biodegradable raw industrial commodity, the resources of which, with proper forest management, are virtually inexhaustible. Additionally, its acquisition and processing does not require large inputs of fossil fuels. At the same time, forest areas which we obtain wood from neutralize the negative effects of producing and acquiring other raw materials, as one hectare of pine forest (the most popular in Poland) can absorb approx. 20–30 tons of CO2. Wood is characterised by low thermal and electrical conductivity, having simultaneously high sound insulation, which perfectly meets the requirements of the present market and its regulations. This study aimed at verifying the technical parameters of wood, i.e., its bending strength, with the use of an innovative method of the correlation between the bending strength measured along and across wood fibres. The procedure was envisaged as effective for testing the strength of beams in historic buildings, in which—due to their valuable structure—only a limited number of sample holes can be made. The aim of this experiment was to create tables and diagrams, from which, based on the correlation between the side and the head of the beam, using in situ tests and the sclerometric method, it will be possible to derive the bending strength of existing wooden beams. In the study of spruce and pine wood, a correlation between the recess from the side and the recess from the head was found, ranging from 0.64 to 0.76, with an average of 0.72 for spruce elements, and 0.66–0.84, with an average of 0.70 for pine elements. This means that when testing an element fixed in a building, measuring the parameters from the head of the beam with a Schmidt hammer (often such elements are more easily accessible, i.e., on the building facade), the obtained values should be multiplied by 0.72 for spruce elements and by 0.70 for pine elements to obtain the strength of the beam. The authors of this article indicate that the confirmation of this observation requires conducting further research on various types of wood. It should also be noted that the material collected from one batch of sawn timber had a different structure, which was proved by analysing it using SEM imaging. Modeling wood numerically is, to some extent, a simplified issue that assumes wood to be an orthotropic, homogeneous (homogeneous) material. In fact, wood is an anisotropic, very heterogeneous material. The analysis of wood (on the technical scale, construction wood) as an anisotropic material is practically impossible. Adopting wood as an isotropic material is too simplistic. Therefore, the most appropriate methods of strength testing are destructive methods, as all non-destructive methods should not be used without verifying the results with other methods. The results obtained by non-destructive testing pose great difficulties in their interpretation. Obtaining reliable results of experiments entails collecting a large number of research samples. The method described in this paper will allow for obtaining the necessary data for effective expertise assessment regarding the safety level of structural elements in historic wooden load-bearing structures, which is crucial for making conservation decisions.
Three-layer Repair Coating System for Manholes, Pump Stations, and Tanks in Aggressive Sulfate Environment
Advancements in the repair and protection of water and wastewater infrastructure are now focused on using an innovative material called polyurea. Distinguished by its rapid curing time and versatile applications, polyurea is applied using a spray gun with high-pressure pumps. The introduction of new building materials is part of ongoing efforts to meet stringent environmental, health, and performance standards, and polyurea offers significant improvements by eliminating solvents and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This paper presents a technological protocol starting with inspection and cleaning, followed by drying, and ending with the application of three layers: a moisture-blocking base layer, a rigid polyurethane middle layer for structural reinforcement, and a final sealing and anti-corrosion layer. This innovative method ensures a homogeneous, seamless structure, enhances construction durability, and accelerates the repair process, allowing immediate resumption of operation. Designed specifically for aggressive wastewater environments, this system is characterized by excellent corrosion resistance, making it ideal for water and wastewater infrastructure elements such as reinforced concrete manholes, sewage pumping stations, and tanks. Customizable polyurea properties allow personalization based on environmental aggressiveness, structure size, and abrasion resistance, representing a significant advancement in infrastructure maintenance technology. The paper showcases this modern repair and renovation method, highlighting its applications, benefits, and potential to revolutionize water and wastewater infrastructure maintenance in challenging conditions. The effectiveness of this solution is also compared with traditional methods, demonstrating the superiority of the three-layer system in terms of waterproofing, sulfuric acid resistance, monolithic structure, and application time.
Experimental evaluation of the size and distribution of lateral pressure on the walls of the excavation support
Diagnostics and Renovation of Moisture Affected Historic Buildings
The work concerns issues related to the diagnostics of moisture in historic buildings. Moisture content is one of the basic physical properties of materials. Excessive and undesirable growth of moisture in masonry causes considerable damage to masonry wall assemblies. It reduces the load-bearing capacity of structural elements, causes difficulties with heating and contributes to the development of mould and fungi. The article describes diagnostic procedures, provides available drying methods for walls in buildings and the applied method of renovation based on the example of damage caused by moisture in an examined historic facility.
Selected aspects of the design and construction of reinforced concrete sunk wells
The article provides basic information on the design and construction of sunk wells. Sunk wells are enginee-ring structures commonly used in construction, particularly under difficult soil conditions or when construction sites have a small area. Sunk wells are made using the “cut and lower” method, which means that the first segment to be lowered is equipped with a cutting-edge section (bottom blade) that cuts into the soil and the structure sinks into it. In design, it is necessary to take into account the phased execution of these structures and their spatial work. The article presents the loads working during the construction and operation of sunk wells, as well as the assumptions and guidelines for static calculations and dimensioning. When the sunk well steining is significantly high (the well is embedded deep), concreting and lowering are most often performed in two or three segments. The article describes the subsequent steps taken during the implementation of sunk wells, constantly changing static diagrams and the method of adopting them in calculations. It also presents the method of lowering sunk wells with possible implementation difficulties. The article is supplemented with exemplary drawings of the steining reinforcement, cutting-edge section and bottom plate of the well and the photos of selected realizations.
Generalized Shear Correction Factor for Non-Homogeneous Beam Cross-Sections with an Embedded Steel Core
Digital Twin Model for Predicting Hygrothermal Performance of Building Materials from Moisture Permeability Tests
Moisture transport in building materials significantly influences their durability, mechanical integrity, and thermal performance. This study presents an experimental investigation of moisture permeability in a range of traditional and modern wall elements, including autoclaved aerated concrete (ACC), ceramic blocks, silicate blocks, perlite concrete blocks, and concrete units. Both vapor diffusion and capillary transport mechanisms were analyzed under controlled climatic conditions using gravimetric and hygrometric methods. Among the tested materials, autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) was selected for detailed numerical modeling because of its high porosity, strong capillarity, and widespread use in modern construction, which make it especially vulnerable to moisture-related degradation. Based on the experimental findings, a digital twin was developed to simulate hygrothermal behavior of walls made of ACC under various environmental conditions. The model incorporates advanced moisture transport equations, capturing diffusion and capillary effects while considering real-world variables, such as relative humidity, temperature fluctuations, and wetting–drying cycles. Calibration demonstrated strong agreement with experimental data, enabling reliable predictions of moisture behavior over extended exposure scenarios. This integrated approach provides a robust engineering tool for assessing the long-term material performance of AAC, predicting degradation risks, and optimizing material selection in humid climates. The study illustrates how coupling experimental data with digital modeling can enhance the design of moisture-resistant and durable building envelopes.
Elastic Analysis of Three-Layer Concrete Slab Based on Numerical Homogenization with an Analytical Shear Correction Factor
Sandwich structures are widely used in construction, as well as in the aviation, spaceship, and electronics industries. The interesting result, among others, is the fact that individual layers can be freely selected to meet the planned requirements. In the case of sandwich structures in construction, they must meet the requirements of load-bearing capacity, thermal, and acoustic insulation, and additionally, they must be resistant to biological and chemical corrosion. The paper presents calculation algorithms for Hoff’s three-layer panels. In the first case, the well-known and proven method of finite differences in variation terms was used, assuming actual geometrical and material parameters. In the second case, the numerical homogenization method of the layered panel was used, replacing the stiffnesses of individual layers with a homogeneous equivalent plate with substitute stiffness corrected in shearing by an analytically derived shear correction factor. A comparative analysis of the results of the calculations with the use of both approaches was carried out. A good agreement between the displacement values and the calculated cross-sectional forces was obtained. On this basis, it can be assumed that the static analysis of a slab by simplified methods using numerical homogenization with an analytical shear correction factor is appropriate and can be applied to layer structures.
Diagnostics and Multi-criteria Analysis of Methods for Drying Buildings After Flooding. Case Study
This article presents guidelines for moisture and mycological diagnosis procedures for buildings after flooding. This paper proposes a division of the diagnostic procedure according to the medium of action and collects and presents methods for drying building elements. 54 companies dealing with drying were analyzed. The task of dehumidification is to use various methods to reduce the moisture level of building partitions to the equilibrium moisture level. An analysis of dehumidification methods in terms of ease of application, duration of the dehumidification process and level of structural interference is presented. In Poland, there are no guidelines formulated in legal acts or instructions regarding the procedure for moisture diagnostics and nor drying. It was noted that in situ studies cannot always lead to determining the actual values of mass moisture and thus to creating a real model of partition drying.
