Filters
The Impact of Plant Debris on Hydraulic Conditions in a Semi-Natural Fish Pass
Fish passes are essential hydraulic structures that maintain longitudinal connectivity in regulated rivers, but their hydraulic performance may be affected by debris accumulation at chamber openings. This study investigates the influence of partial and total inlet blockage by plant debris on flow conditions within a semi-natural fish pass under field conditions. Hydraulic measurements were conducted at multiple locations along the fish pass, and the effects of debris covering were evaluated using statistical and mixed-effects modeling approaches. Field measurements demonstrated that the Froude number decreases systematically with increasing distance from the inlet, indicating progressive longitudinal dissipation of flow energy along the chamber sequence. Partial debris accumulation caused only marginal changes in the Froude number, remaining close to the threshold of statistical significance. In contrast, mean flow velocity decreased markedly with increasing inlet blockage, by approximately 17% at 50% covering and by about 36% under full blockage, indicating that debris primarily acts as a hydraulic damper rather than inducing a change in flow regime. The highest variability in hydraulic conditions was observed in chambers associated with changes in flow direction and local geometry. These results highlight the dominant role of longitudinal layout and chamber geometry in shaping hydraulic conditions in semi-natural fish passes, while moderate debris accumulation affects local velocities without fundamentally compromising hydraulic functionality. From an ecological perspective, transition zones with elevated hydraulic variability may represent critical locations influencing the swimming effort and passage efficiency of migrating fish.
Field Measurements and Machine Learning Algorithms to Monitor Water Quality in Lakes Located in Landscape Parks – A Case Study
Application of a multi-criteria decision support system for assessing development potential in flood risk areas - Case study of the Warta River
Laboratory Research on Hydraulic Losses on SHP Inlet Channel Trash Racks
There is currently a growing trend towards renewable energy sources, which are characterised by a guaranteed power supply and low failure rate. Hydropower plants (small or large) are an example of such a source. They supply a total of 16% of the world’s electricity. The advantages of a small hydropower plant include the relatively simple construction process and the lack of need for upstream water storage. SHPs are one of the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly energy technologies, which is why they are steadily increasing in popularity. One of the important components of SHPs are the trash racks in the inlet channels. Their main purpose is to catch debris and other elements carried downstream and to prevent these pollutants from reaching the turbine units. They can also protect migrating ichthyofauna such as larger fish. If trash racks are installed in the inlet channel, hydraulic losses are to be expected due to the reduction in the flow cross-section through the racks (bars) themselves and through the accumulation of debris and various types of trash on these racks. Energy losses on the trash racks affect the financial aspect of SHP investments. This paper presents the results of laboratory tests on trash racks for SHPs by taking into account the different shapes of the bars used, their number and spacing, and the angles of the trash racks to estimate the hydraulic losses on the trash racks. The measured values of hydraulic losses Δh on the trash racks varied according to the type of trash racks, the density of the bars in the cross-section, and the angle of the trash racks from the horizontal, reaching the highest values on the trash racks with angle bars (AB). They were almost eight times greater than those recorded on cylindrical-bar (CB) trash racks, although they involved different angles. It was shown that the discrepancy in the magnitude of losses on trash racks can be large, even for the same type of trash racks. It depends significantly on the design (shape and bar spacing) of the trash racks and the way the trash racks are installed. Depending on the inclination angle, the increase in energy losses reached 70% for angle bars, 60% for flat-bar trash racks, and almost 40% for cylindrical bars. The values of energy loss as well as the loss coefficient β varied non-linearly for the different bar types depending on the angle of inclination of the gratings, and the degree of this non-linearity depended on the type of bars and the blockage ratio of the section. The presented research results can be useful both during the design and the operation of an SHP.
Determination of the Variation of the Geometric and Dynamic Parameters of the Floodplain Vegetation
Floodplain vegetation is characterized by its ability to resist deformation and destruction and to deform elastically and plastically under the influence of external mechanical forces. The force of water that presses on the plant induces stress and deformation in it, but once the force is removed, the elastic properties of the vegetation return it to its original state. It regains its original size, shape, and volume. In this paper, the deflection arrow was analysed based on the field tests conducted, and then the modulus of elasticity of natural shrub vegetation was determined. Measurements were made at different plant heights. Analysis was carried out at different growing periods to estimate the variation of plant elasticity with growth, development, and season. The results confirm the loss of flexibility during winter for all the shrubs analysed. Based on the measurements carried out, the elastic modulus E of the shoots was estimated. The average modulus of elasticity ranged from about 2100 to about 4000 MPa and showed high variability, reaching even µ = 50%, both within a given shrub and depending on the measurement season. The results presented here indicate a high natural variability of mechanical parameters even within the same plant.
Assessing the feasibility of using Machine learning algorithms to determine reservoir water quality based on a reduced set of predictors
Multi-criteria diagnostics of historic buildings with the use of 3D laser scanning (a case study)
The protection and use of historic buildings is a difficult and costly task. Most often, these objects are under conservatory protection and any interference in their structure requires appropriate consent. On the other hand, conducting construction works on historic buildings carries a high risk of their damage or even destruction. Therefore, proper prior diagnostics is an extremely important factor affecting the scope and manner of works to be conducted. The paper presents the use of 3D scanning to determine the deflection of the ceiling under the Column Hall of the historic Palace, the floor of which showed elasticity, recorded during changing service loads. After identifying the places with the greatest deflections, based on data from 3D laser scanning, test holes were made and wood samples from the ceiling were taken to perform moisture content and mycological tests. An endoscopic inspection camera was inserted into test holes, providing the basis for recognizing the structure of the ceiling, i.e. arrangement of layers as well as dimensions and spacing of ceiling beams. Strength calculations were made with the limit state method resulted in the determination of the maximum permissible service load on the ceiling. The presented course of action in diagnostics of the analysed historic building may be an example of a preliminary procedure to be taken before deciding on changes in the manner of use of historic buildings or the functionalities of their individual parts.
Hydraulic Calculations of a Slotted Separator Using the SSIIM Program
Analysis of the results of the hydraulic calculations of a slotted separator, allowed for changes in the separator design taking into account the reduction of flow turbulence, ensuring the continuity of water flow and sediments as well as optimal location of the slots. The separator is an important element of the installation for hydromechanical removal of sediments from the bottom of a water reservoir. Tests were carried out on the physical and mathematical model. Hydraulic calculations and numerical simulations were carried out using the SSIIM (Simulation of sediment movements in water intakes with multiblock option) program. The program enables three-dimensional analysis of flows and transport of sediments in rivers and canals by solving the Navier-Stokes equation and the turbulent model k-. A number of numerical experiments of the separator work were carried out for various design solutions regarding the geometry of the inlet and outlet channels and their connection with the chambers as well as slots system. The numerical simulations and conducted research on a physical model, allowed to develop an optimal solution.
Destructive Effects of Slag from Municipal Waste Incineration Plants on Cement Composites
The increasing production of solid waste and the scarcity of natural aggregates as a matter of fact have made waste recycling a necessity. One such waste, which is generated in large quantities, is slag. However, slag from incineration plants may contain harmful elements that adversely affect the physical, chemical and mechanical properties of cement composites. This study presents laboratory research results on the effect of slag from the Poznan Municipal Waste Thermal Conversion Plant (Poland) on the physicochemical properties of cement composites. The samples were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). It was shown that the slag analyzed contained significant amounts of aluminum, which had a direct effect on the structure of the concrete. An example of this influence is the release of hydrogen during reactions, which causes swelling and cracking of the concrete and reduces its mechanical strength. The authors emphasize that waste aggregate (slag) can be effectively used in the production of concrete after appropriate processing that reduces the risk of adverse effects.
Analysis of the Changes in the Mechanical Properties of Branches of Salix Energy Plants After Shearing
As a result of the energy crisis due, among other things, to climate change, most developed countries have taken steps with the main aim—among other things—of increasing the use of green energy sources that do not rely on fuels (including primarily liquid fuels) but use renewable energies. Plant biomass is a versatile substrate that can be used in many areas of the economy and production, but also for the production of various types of fuel. These range from rapeseed oil used as a component of biodiesel or maize starch for ethanol production to typically cellulosic plants such as energy willow, which can be used for direct combustion. The floodplain is home to this type of vegetation. It is characterized by great diversity in terms of geometric dimensions and mechanical and morphological properties. In addition, the location (easy access to water and sunlight) influences its potential energy value. Vegetation, thanks to favorable conditions, can achieve large weight gains in a relatively short period of time. Therefore, its properties should be carefully recognized in order to make more efficient use of energy and operating equipment used during harvesting. This paper presents an analysis of the changes in the elasticity of willow branches over a period of 16 days following harvesting. The changes were analyzed for branches taken from three different shrubs at three different plant height levels during the post-growth period. Based on the measurements carried out, the elastic modulus E of the shoots was estimated. The average modulus of elasticity ranged from about 4500 two days after cutting to about 5500 MPa 16 days after cutting and showed high variability, reaching even CV = 37%, both within a given shrub and depending on the measurement date. The results presented here indicate a high natural variability of mechanical parameters even within the same plant.
Experimental Validation of Deflections of Temporary Excavation Support Plates with the Use of 3D Modelling
Almost every project is accompanied by earthworks, very often involving various types of excavation, and the work of people in the excavations. One of the most important tasks in earthworks is to ensure that the walls of the excavation are protected against sliding and that people working in and around the excavation are safe. Very often, in addition to criteria relating to safety and stability of the excavation, economic considerations are also an important criterion. This issue arises as early as the design stage and is related to the choice of construction and materials of which the shoring is to be made in such a way as to be able to withstand the pressure of the soil, ground loads resulting from stored excavated material and the operation of working machinery. Ongoing monitoring of the excavations and their reinforcement is also very important. The paper describes the unique results of experimental field tests, the purpose of which was to analyse the values of deflections of steel support plates of temporary excavation carried out on the object in 1:1 scale. The course of the experiment is presented for excavation support plates with a total depth of 6 m. Direct tests of the deflection arrow were carried out using two techniques, traditionally with a patch, and with laser scanning. Field tests were carried out for the designed situation without backfill load as well as for backfill load of 3.84, 15.36, 26.88 and 38.4 kN·m−2, respectively, for two measurement stages. Stage-I of the study consisted in collecting the results for soil in intact condition, whereas Stage-II collected results for loosened soil. The research experiment was supported by numerical calculations performed using the finite difference method in variational approach. The measured maximum deflections ranged from 14.40 to 16 mm, and the calculated values were 14.95 and 14.99 mm. The comparison of calculation results and tests proved to be very consistent. The analysis of the values of deflections showed that backfill load does not have a significant effect on the deflection of the lower plate, but it does affect the deflection of the first plate up to a depth of 1.2 m. Based on the obtained results, it is recommended to assume the limit (maximum) deflection arrow for support plates of temporary excavations at least as wgr = L/130, where L is the span of the plate. The calculation of deflection values was based on deflection values obtained experimentally and numerically for two steel variants: S235JR and S355JR. The wgr indicator of the maximum deflection arrow proposed by the authors is not stipulated by the industry standards, but it can be very helpful for the designing of excavation reinforcement.
Decision-support tools for diagnosing and selecting the optimal method of repairing buildings
This study introduces an innovative algorithm that leverages Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) and the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) for the optimization of building repair methodologies. Focusing on multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM), it showcases a methodology for evaluating and selecting the most effective repair strategy for building elements, balancing various conflicting criteria. The research applies TLS for rapid and accurate geometric data acquisition of engineering structures, demonstrating its utility in structural diagnostics and technical condition assessment. A case study on a single-family residential building, experiencing floor deformation in a principal ground-floor room, illustrates the practical application. Maximum deflection and floor deflection distribution were measured using TLS. Utilizing FAHP for analysis, the decision model identifies the most advantageous repair method from a building user’s perspective. This approach not only provides a systematic framework for selecting optimal repair solutions but also highlights the potential of integrating advanced scanning technologies and decision-support methods in the field of building materials and structural engineering.
Fuzzy analytical hierarchy process methods in changing the damming level of a small hydropower plant: Case study of Rosko SHP in Poland
The Influence of Fibers from Domestic Laundry Wastewater on the Clogging Process of a Filter
This study presents the impact of the size and shape of particles in laundry wastewater on the clogging process of a porous material. Clogging can be defined as a mechanical limitation of flow through porous media. The process of mechanical clogging was investigated in this study. The research was conducted in laboratory conditions in a filter column filled with glass beads whose diameter corresponded to coarse sand. The results reveal the influence of graywater quality on filter hydraulic conductivity and bed clogging, showing the impact of fiber particles in wastewater (sewage from home laundry) on the clogging process in soil. The results confirm that fiber particles significantly reduce filter permeability, particularly due to the formation of a filter cake. As analyzed in this paper, the distribution of quantitative data on particles of different sizes found in laundry wastewater indicates that they mainly accumulate in the upper layer, where particles with fiber lengths ranging from 0 to 1600 µm can be found. The average length of the fibers decreased with increasing depth. At a depth of approximately 10 cm, fibers with dimensions in the range of 0 to 100 μm were predominantly observed.