Original Construction Research Articles

"Recipes" for original socio-cultural construction in pre-Revolutionary Old Believer journals

"Recipes" for original socio-cultural construction in pre-Revolutionary Old Believer journals

On the reliability of steel frame joints in earthquake zones exposed to low temperatures

The paper analyzes the existing construction solutions of steel frames with a box-section column and an I-beam crossbar in order to use them in earthquake zones, including areas with low temperatures. Such solutions will allow the structure to accept the seismic inertial forces, while maintaining its bearing capacity throughout the entire period of operation. In order to solve this problem, the study proposes to use steel frame joints, which can be used both for the entire frame of the building and on individual floors, thereby creating a “flexible story” effect. The authors studied articles, books and patents issued in Russia, the United States, Japan, China and Iran, analyzed the factors that reduce the reliability and performance characteristics of the joints. The main factor consists in a welded joint, which is used to attach the crossbars to the columns, transverse ribs in the column body, and to form the box section of the column from sheets, angles or channels. The reliability of the welded joint is reduced even more under conditions of seismic zones with low temperatures in Russia. However, units without welded joints require special cast parts or structures, thereby reducing their availability. In this regard, the task consists in developing new original construction solutions for joints that meet the requirements of reliability and availability.

THE PROSPECT OF USING GEOTECHNICAL SEISMIC INSULATION MADE OF GRUNTOSILICATE TO PROTECT ARCHITECTURAL MONUMENTS

The article explores the prospects of utilizing geotechnical seismic insulation made from gruntosilicate to protect architectural monuments from seismic influences. It highlights the advantages of this technology, including the preservation of the integrity and authenticity of historical buildings, minimal interference with their original construction, and the durability of the materials used. The article outlines the primary methods and technologies of seismic insulation, such as insulating layers, dampers, and shock-absorbing materials. Additionally, it provides examples of successful applications of seismic insulation in various historical buildings. The importance of adopting modern technologies to safeguard cultural heritage in regions with heightened seismic activity is emphasized throughout the discussion. The primary aim of the article is to demonstrate the effectiveness of geotechnical seismic insulation in preserving architectural heritage. Experimental studies have shown that gruntosilicate, when used as a seismic insulation material, significantly reduces the amplitude of seismic vibrations, thereby enhancing the safety and longevity of buildings. The article posits that geotechnical seismic insulation represents a promising approach in earthquake-resistant construction, necessitating an integrated approach that takes into account technical, economic, and geological factors. This research underscores the potential of this technology to provide sustainable solutions for the protection of cultural heritage in seismically active regions.

Classification and Distribution of Traditional Grass-Roofed Dwellings in China Based on Deep Learning

Traditional grass-roofed dwellings are important components of Chinese vernacular architecture. Building a comprehensive nationwide database of traditional grass-roofed dwellings is crucial for the inherence of this cultural heritage and its traditional ecological technologies. This study proposes classifying traditional Chinese grass-roofed dwellings into three types according to recognizable appearance features. Based on the YOLOv8 deep learning framework, a recognition model is constructed to recognize and spatially locate various grass-roofed dwellings from the image dataset on a county-level. Further, by conducting spatial overlap analysis with a variety of natural and socio-environmental factors on ArcGIS, their influences on the distribution pattern of traditional grass-roofed dwellings were examined. The study findings are as follows: (1) Traditional grass-roofed dwellings are concentrated on the southeast side of the Hu Line with different distribution patterns according to their types. (2) The natural environment influences the original construction and distribution of traditional grass-roofed dwellings in terms of the growth of grass resources and the ecological adaptability of grass material. (3) The development of economy, population, and urbanization pose challenges to the retention of grass-roofed dwellings. This research provides useful references for the precise preservation of various grass-roofed dwellings and introduced a novel approach for the classification of traditional buildings.

HIERARCHICAL NEURAL NETWORKS IN PREDICTING THE PROPERTIES OF OIL AND GAS RESERVOIRS BASED ON WELL AND SEISMIC DATA

This paper describes a technique for hierarchical neural networks based on the nearest neighbor method with preliminary clustering of the original training dataset and construction of a search cluster decision tree. This method is a promising alternative to neural network technologies with deep learning and has quite a few advantages: high learning rate, identification of objects with a low degree of similarity, and the ability to generalize and retrain. As shown by testing the hierarchical neural network method on real data from the West Siberian oil and gas province, predicting the oil saturation in the Vikulov suite interval is much faster and more efficient than inversion approaches to quantitative interpretation of seismic data while achieving fairly similar geological results. This characterizes the proposed method of hierarchical neural networks as an effective tool for the quantitative interpretation of seismic data to solve geological problems.

A virtual reconstruction method for corridor gable buildings based on the knowledge of structural dynamics: taking Leiyin Cave as an example

Virtual reconstruction of ancient buildings often has incomplete records of the original design and construction details, and can only be reconstructed based on limited data, drawings and photography, which is different from the actual conditions. The unique overhanging structure of the corridor gable building makes it vulnerable to damage in extreme weather conditions. In order to ensure that the virtual reconstruction results can not only reproduce the original appearance of history, but also ensure that the reconstructed model maintains structural stability in the long term. This paper proposes a reconstruction method of the original appearance of the corridor gable building remains based on structural dynamics analysis. This method comprehensively uses three-dimensional reconstruction, structural engineering, dynamic analysis, and computer simulation technology to ensure the structural accuracy and historical authenticity of the virtually reconstructed corridor gable building. First, through data collection and analysis, combined with ancient architectural construction techniques, a preliminary three-dimensional model was created, which included all structural elements and details. Several groups of reconstruction schemes are determined based on material properties. Then, using finite element analysis software, perform dynamic analysis on the three-dimensional model. Evaluate the stability of the reconstructed structure and optimize the material selection plan to ensure the feasibility and accuracy of the virtual reconstruction. Taking the virtual reconstruction of the eaves in front of Leiyin Cave as an example, it shows that this method is effective and feasible to achieve the virtual reconstruction of corridor gable buildings. It provides new ideas for virtual reconstruction of ancient buildings and has important practical application value.

Rhythmic and Poetic Qualities in Sinhala Speech. By Mahagama Sekera. Translated by Garrett Field and Ravinda Mahagamasekera.

Mahagama Sekera (1929–1976) investigates how rhythmic qualities and poetics inhere in figurative language found in everyday Sinhala speech; the formation of original constructions in poetry and song lyrics; prosodic features in child storytelling; colloquial expressions generated from one light verb; aperiodic rhythms in context-specific utterances and proverbs; and the moraic structures of doublets (yugala pada). Citation: Sekera, Mahagama. “Rhythmic and Poetic Qualities in Sinhala Speech.” Translated by Garrett Field and Ravinda Mahagamasekera; edited by Richard K. Wolf. Ethnomusicology Translations, no. 16. Bloomington, IN: Society for Ethnomusicology, 2024. DOI: Originally published in Sinhala as pages 39–51 in chapter 2, “Rhythm and [Sinhala] Speech” in Sinhala Gadya Padya Nirmānayanhi Ridma Lakṣana (Rhythmic Qualities of Sinhala Prose and Verse), S. Godage & Brothers, 2007 [2001].

Drainage Characteristics, Capillary Barrier Effect, and Diversion Length of Flat Earthen Roof of Historical Kemaliye Houses

ABSTRACT Kemaliye houses stand out as remarkable examples of Anatolian architecture, renowned for their distinct mixed construction method and the utilization of diverse and sustainable materials. The flat earthen roof, constructed using local soils and traditional techniques, adds to the unique character of these houses. However, due to the need for roof maintenance, particularly in winter, residents have adopted modern roofing methods. In order to preserve the architectural integrity of historic houses, research into the mechanisms and performance of flat earthen roofs using local materials and original construction techniques is essential. To achieve this objective, original materials, and construction techniques were investigated with 1D infiltration laboratory tests and analyzed using numerical modelling. The results indicated the existence of a capillary barrier effect on the roofs. Additionally, water balance and diversion length of the roof is obtained through experimental study and numerical analysis. Furthermore, numerical analyses indicated that the capillary barrier effect may be reduced or weakened as a result of frost heave and the formation of desiccation cracks. Understanding these phenomena is a vital step in developing effective solutions for preserving and maintaining roofs in their original architectural form.

Parametric Modeling and Column Grid Analysis of the Sakyamuni Pagoda at Fogong Temple: Insights into the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda

The Sakyamuni Pagoda of Fogong Temple, also known as the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda or the Wooden Pagoda of Ying County, is China’s oldest and tallest wooden pagoda. This pagoda was constructed in 1056 and has faced many challenges, including earthquakes, wars, and mistreatment. However, it is currently in danger of potential collapse due to severe structural challenges. Preserving this historic monument requires interdisciplinary collaboration across architectural history, materials science, and engineering. This paper proposes the development of a parametric model to build the pagoda that can be used for future preservation efforts. While not precisely reflecting the pagoda’s current condition, with the changes in inputs, the geometries of the structural members can be updated in real time, which offers adaptability crucial for preservation efforts. With the understanding of the original construction techniques, including its leaning column systems, the model not only helps preservation but also reveals the creativity of the architects or the craftsmen at the time. The 3D model, which includes more than 32,000 pieces along with the parametric files that can generate the column grid and dougongs, has been published along with this paper, and those files are available in the Data Availability Statement. In summary, the full digital model presented alongside this paper, unavailable elsewhere to the general public, serves as a practical preservation tool that can also be used for raising awareness for this cultural heritage site.

Peculiarities of icing in a flow with supercooled droplets and ice crystals

Abstract New results of aircraft icing are obtained. New mathematical models of physical phenomena are formulated. Original construction of adaptive wing was invented, developed and prototypes were built. New algorithm of aircrafts’ surface with nanorelief are developed. Parametric studies of aircraft icing peculiarities were carried out.

Evolution of the Pd0/PdO phase change on Pd-MCM-41 catalyst for efficient production of furfural from the fast pyrolysis of cellulose

Furfural (C5H4O2) is a high-value platform chemical that is traditionally derived from the solvolysis of hemicellulose. However, its production from pyrolysis is far from satisfactory. In particular, the abundant cellulose within lignocellulosic biomass has yet to be successfully upgraded into furfural. Consequently, the overall yield of furfural from a lignocellulosic biomass is extremely low. Herein, we report a facile heterogeneous catalyst prepared from a simple impregnation of palladium (Pd) onto MCM-41 mesoporous silica. The catalyst demonstrated a remarkably high selectivity of ∼58.5% and yield of ∼32.5 wt% for furfural from the fast pyrolysis of wet cellulose. It was also confirmed to reach a selectivity of 65.4% and yield of 44.5 wt% for furfural from wet xylan, as well as a furfural yield of 23.9 wt% from wet sugarcane bagasse. All these values are superior to the literature reports. Through advanced characterisation including in-situ synchrotron high-temperature XRD and DRIFTS measurement, the loading of Pd in a tiny quantity of 1 mol% was confirmed to be sufficient in enhancing the surface hydrophilicity of the MCM-41 support, promoting the adsorption of reactants especially the formaldehyde group (HCHO), as well as the desorption of the target product furfural. In addition, Pd oxide (i.e., Pd2+O) was confirmed to be the catalytic active site. However, it was partly reduced into metallic Pd0 during the cellulose pyrolysis, due to the preferred reduction by adsorbed formaldehyde group and other reductants including H2 and CO in the vicinity of the PdO sites on the Pd-O-Si interface. Nevertheless, the catalyst was proven to retain the memory of its initial state after combustive regeneration in air, having oxidation state of Pd, particle size, and dispersion degree being reversed to its original construction. Accordingly, its activity remained stable upon cyclic testing. All these results demonstrate a high practical viability of this heterogenous catalyst for the valorisation of cellulose-rich biomass, an otherwise abundant crop waste across the world.

Innovative Methods of Constructing Strict and Strong Fuzzy Negations, Fuzzy Implications and New Classes of Copulas

This paper presents new classes of strong fuzzy negations, fuzzy implications and Copulas. It begins by presenting two theorems with function classes involving the construction of strong fuzzy negations. These classes are based on a well-known equilibrium point theorem. After that, a construction of fuzzy implication is presented, which is not based on any negation. Finally, moving on to the area concerning copulas, we present proof about the third property of copulas. To conclude, we will present two original constructions of copulas. All the above constructions are motivated by a specific formula. For some specific conditions of the variables x, y and other conditions for the function f(x), the formula presented produces strict and strong fuzzy negations, fuzzy implications and copulas.

Computably and punctually universal spaces

We prove that the standard computable presentation of the space C[0,1] of continuous real-valued functions on the unit interval is computably and punctually (primitively recursively) universal. From the perspective of modern computability theory, this settles a problem raised by Sierpiński in the 1940s.We prove that the original Urysohn's construction of the universal separable Polish space U is punctually universal. We also show that effectively compact, punctual Stone spaces are punctually homeomorphically embeddable into Cantor space 2ω; note that we do not require effective compactness be primitive recursive. We also prove that effective compactness cannot be dropped from the premises by constructing a counterexample.

The Key Role of Floors for the Sustainability of Retrofit Interventions in Older Existing Reinforced Concrete Buildings

In recent decades, the seismic performance of existing reinforced concrete (RC) buildings has played a key role. Nevertheless, the performance and reliability verification of important structural elements such as floors has often been neglected. Floors are primary structural elements that can affect the life cycle life of a building. However, the widespread lack of maintenance planning over time and the original construction practice (which was not always correct) are frequently the cause of unpredictable local or global collapse. In addition, although recent standards and codes recognize the importance of floors by prioritizing their verification with respect to gravitational load conditions, the verification of floor reliability with respect to the load combinations required by modern standards and codes is often not satisfied. Consequently, the intervention costs could be significantly affected by the floor conditions, and their overall amount might even discourage the implementation of interventions. The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects (in terms of sustainability) of interventions on residential RC buildings, considering the need to retrofit their existing floors. To this aim, the most vulnerable and potentially most degraded floor types are identified, and their capacity–demand relationships are evaluated. In the case of unverified floors, the main and most popular intervention methods are evaluated and related to the overall intervention costs, taking into account the main uncertainties in performance and cost predictions. The problems and critical issues of floors are key in determining the safety of the building and the cost-effectiveness (i.e., sustainability) of the retrofit intervention. Professionals and decision makers could benefit from the proposed study cost model to define intervention strategies on a regional or national scale.

The Mansion at Mouzinho da Silveira Street, in Lisbon, Portugal

The present article is about the history of a house, more precisely the Mansion at no. 5, Mouzinho da Silveira Street, Lisbon (Portugal), which was once the residence of Amélia Leite Ferreira, a wealthy lady from the upper bourgeoisie. The house was constructed at the end of the nineteenth century, in the Barata Salgueiro Neighborhood, a place that was at that time being urbanized. It was designed in a late nineteenth century eclectic style, but was modified over time, mainly in the interior, to be repurposed as headquarters of the Portuguese Wine and Vineyard Institute. Besides trying to know who Amelia Leite Ferreira was, the questions that we wish to address in this article are precisely how is this building a significant example of the small palaces or mansions that were erected for the bourgeoisie in the newly urbanized areas of Lisbon? Being a house of a rich widow woman, does this have influence in the architecture of the house and its interior decoration? Is this mansion style typical of Portuguese and Lisbon architecture or does this typology can be found in other cities in the same period? Finally, how did the occupation by a public institution affected its architecture? As we will see, this house architecture is mainly typical of the Belle Époque, but the influence of the owner was important for its design, furniture, and decoration. We will also realize that, even though the house is still very similar to its original construction, the transformation from a residence to an institution had impact, especially in its internal structure.

Temperature rising and anti-freezing performance of gravel-clay mixed with PCM applying infrared radiation during winter construction

Freeze–thaw cycles could easily cause the structural damage and mechanic performance deterioration of clay. In order to prevent the freeze–thaw cycles problem in the core-wall zone of the high core-wall rock-fill dam in cold regions, gravel-clay mixed with phase change material (GC-PCM) can be used as damming material and present a certain level of anti-freezing performance during winter construction. However, GC-PCM construction work area is still likely to run a risk of freezing under the severe cold and strong wind weather. In order to solve the freezing problem of GC-PCM, this study developed an infrared radiant heating device without interfering with the original construction procedure and conducted an indoor test to investigate the temperature rising performance of GC-PCM after receiving infrared radiation. Also, a numerical simulation method was proposed for the temperature rising and anti-freezing performance of the GC-PCM construction work area and the effects of different factors (including radiant pass, moving speed of infrared device and wind speed) on the anti-freezing performance were analysed subsequently. Main results show that: (1) the effectiveness of proposed numerical simulation method is validated by the indoor test; (2) after receiving 8-pass infrared radiation, the GC-PCM construction work area at 4 % PCM content remains unfrozen in 24 hours under the typical weather in December; and (3) instead of increasing radiant passes, reducing the moving speed of infrared device can better improve the anti-freezing performance of GC-PCM. This study validates the feasibility of applying infrared radiant heating method on GC-PCM, providing a potential technical means for gravel-clay anti-freezing during winter construction.

News reporting of public speeches in English on-line media: a constructional perspective

The paper argues that news texts split into stories dwelling on events and reports with their organization influenced by the content of documents or public speeches they render. The two levels of arranging news reports – compositional and semantic – are revealed by the comparison of the BBC’s and CBC’s reports on Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s address to the American Congress of 22 December 2022. The composition of news reports is three-layered: universal, typical of all news texts with the headline, the lead, the post-lead paragraph and the text body; implicit, with the conventional layout accompanied by descriptive, argumentative and background sections; explicit, with additional headings emphasizing the editorial view of the speaker’s ideas. Semantically, news reports are best structured in terms of morphosyntactic constructions, i.e., prefabricated pairings of form and meaning, which relate the content of news reports to the rendered address. It is found that with respect to the proximity to the original speech the constructions used in the news reports form five basic types: identical, equivalent with those in the speechto underscore the affinity of the speaker’s and readers’ worldviews; synonymous, reflecting the original content through meanings close to the new target audience’s worldview; modifying, changing the dependent elements of the author’s original constructions to adjust their meaning to the target audience’s views; generalizing, fitting the speech content into the public worldview; specifying, clarifying the concepts absent from the readers’ worldview.

New Construction Laws

The new Construction Act became the object of interest of many lawyers and representatives of towns and municipalities. Despite many amendments, the original Construction Act is outdated, cumbersome and inflexible, and along with it, the Act on Spatial Planning and Amendments to certain Acts is changing. Thanks to the introduction of the Urbion information system, the issuance of construction permits will be speeded up and facilitated, and 13 of the 84 actions required to issue a building permit should remain. It interferes with the competences of municipalities, and even reduces their decision-making on their own spatial development. The contribution is devoted to the legislative changes in question and, in addition to the approximation of the functioning of the new Urbion information system, it also presents the opinions and attitudes of representatives of towns and municipalities in relation to spatial development and spatial planning.

Growth of bulk β-Ga2O3 crystals from melt without precious-metal crucible by pulling from a cold container

We report the growth of bulk β-Ga2O3 crystals based on crystal pulling from a melt using a cold container without employing a precious-metal crucible. Our approach, named oxide crystal growth from cold crucible (OCCC), is a fusion between the skull-melting and Czochralski methods. The absence of an expensive precious-metal crucible makes this a cost-effective crystal growth method, which is a critical factor in the semiconductor industry. An original construction 0.4–0.5 MHz SiC MOSFET transistor generator with power up to 35 kW was used to successfully grow bulk β-Ga2O3 crystals with diameters up to 46 mm. Also, an original diameter control system by generator frequency change was applied. In this preliminary study, the full width at half maximum of the X-ray rocking curve from the obtained β-Ga2O3 crystals with diameters ≤ 46 mm was comparable to those of β-Ga2O3 produced by edge-defined film fed growth. Moreover, as expected, the purity of the obtained crystals was high because only raw material-derived impurities were detected, and contamination from the process, such as insulation and noble metals, was below the detection limit. Our results indicate that the OCCC technique can be used to produce high-purity bulk β-Ga2O3 single crystalline substrate.

Egg White and Eggshell Mortar Reinforcing a Masonry Stone Bridge: Experiments on Mortar and 3D Full-Scale Bridge Discrete Simulations

In this study, experimental and numerical investigations were conducted to examine the time-dependent creep and earthquake performance of the historical Plaka stone bridge, which was constructed in 1866 in Arta, Greece. During the original construction of the bridge in 1866, Khorasan mortar with an egg white additive was used between the stone elements. Furthermore, when the bridge underwent restoration in 2015, Khorasan mortar with an eggshell additive was employed between the stone elements. Consequently, two distinct 3D finite-difference models were developed for this study. In the first bridge model, egg white was used in the Khorasan mortar, replacing water at various proportions of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%. In contrast, for the second model, eggshell was incorporated into the Khorasan mixture at percentages of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%, relative to the lime amount. Subsequently, the mortars were subjected to curing periods of 1 day, 7 days, and 28 days, and their mechanical properties were determined through unconfined compression strength experiments. Taking into account the determined strengths of the mortars, the kn and ks stiffness values of the interface elements between the stone elements and Khorasan mortar were calculated. In the 3D model, each stone element was individually represented, resulting in a total of 1,849,274 stone elements being utilized. Non-reflecting boundary conditions were applied to the edge boundaries of the bridge model, and the Burger creep and Mohr–Coulomb material models was employed for time-dependent creep and seismic analyses, respectively. Subsequently, time-dependent creep analyses were conducted on the bridge, and seismic events that occurred in the region where the bridge was located were simulated to assess their impact. Based on the results of the time-dependent creep and seismic analyses, we observed that the use of 50% eggshell-mixed Khorasan mortar between the stone elements had a positive influence on the earthquake and creep behaviors of both restored and yet-to-be-restored historical bridges.