Comparison of reliability levels of steel structures designed according to the Eurocodes and to the standards of the Republic of Belarus is provided . The main differences between the basic principles of both standards (such as load combinations, the system of partial factors) with a particular focus on design of steel structures are demonstrated. The main parameters characterizing load effects and resistances are compared on the general level. Probabilistic models of basic variables are adjusted to relevant conditions of the Republic of Belarus. In the numerical example, reliability of steel elements is analysed for different combinations of permanent and variable actions . It appears that the standards of the Republic of Belarus assure a lower reliability level than the Eurocodes (reliability indices ranging between 2.0 and 3.5). The main reason for this difference is attributed to the specification of design values of permanent and variable loads. As for both systems of standards under consideration, the reliability of structures exposed to the snow load is significantly lower than the reliability of structures exposed to other types of the load; therefore, further harmonization is required. Further studies concerning more complicated structural elements made of various steel grades are needed.

The author describes the concept of integration of art in the contemporary architecture. The relevance of this topic is determined by the need to develop a scientific approach to the problem of integrity of modern architecture on the level of art. The author analyzes modern architecture as the art that connects specified and spontaneous conditions into a uniform artistic ensemble, or a work of architectural art. Their interaction results in new forms of architectural and artistic expressiveness and “kinds” of architectural art of a special synthetic quality. By describing the concept of artistic integrity of space, the author proves that the relevant urban understanding is related to the periodic transformation of the “space-time” concept. The architecture embodies the “form” of time, while the integrity of the historic environment is determined by development of the concept of its identity.Integration of art into architectural activity is represented by a system of integration “fields” in the space-time context, in the art system in terms of an individual creative activity of an architect. Conceptions of synthesis of architecture and art demonstrated by masters of contemporary architecture determine the unique nature of personal approaches and methodology of the author’s creative activities from the standpoint of unity of an individual language of an architect, multidimensional context and work concept. Integration of art is presented as a procedure of inter-systemic and inter-discipline interactions aimed at the achievement of a new level of creative development and described by a theoretical model.

Physical concepts of time in relation to historical and modern architecture are considered in the article. A number of tendencies in the evolution of architectural phenomena and methods of restoration of historical monuments are criticized. Attention to formation of new paradigms associated with identification of the physical status of time is driven.Comparison of the historic and the present-day information has proven the synchronism of existence of spontaneous and organized beginnings in the creation of the architectural environment, especially now when the government loses control over urban planning programmes that are managed by the private capital.There is an opposition between a traditional vision of an urban environment as the systems of historically stable images and conservative comfortable representations, on the one hand, and actions aimed at sanitation, improvement of public services and transportation networks, on the other hand.An unsuccessful experiment involving the design of Gasprom headquarters in St.Petersburg is a lesson of admissibility. New buildings should not suppress the environment.In the past, architecture appealed to feelings of monumentalism, stability, while present-day fast-to-build structures often look like fake products. Ancient buildings grow old beautifully. Present-day new buildings don’t grow old, their destruction is accompanied by formation of a heap of garbage composed of bent metal stripes, fragments of broken glass and plastic that never loses its bright colors.The problem of preservation of a family of wooden monuments in the Russian North is particularly relevant, as no actions can extend the life span of a wooden structure beyond 300 years. The architectural monuments of the Kizhi island are on the verge of destruction.The pulsation of technological and artistic fundamentals as catalysts boosting new architectural directions has the vector of development focused only onto the future and fixed by the anisotropy of time. Nothing confirms the thesis that «anything new is the forgotten old», there is only an accumulation of archetypes of figurativeness and processing methods, and any reincarnation, including the architectural one, is only a symbol, the dramatized reminiscence which is in its own way attractive.

The article covers the experimental research into corrugated web beams exposed to the concentrated static load that has varied values of the width of load exposure. The authors describe the methodology of the experiment, instruments and machines involved in it, as well as the findings of the tests.Six beams with sinusoidal webs were selected for testing purposes. The beams were 6, 9 and 12 m long, and their cross sections were 500, 750 and 1,250 mm long. All beams were tested as single-span simply supported structures with hinged rigidly or loosely fixed supports.Beam tests have demonstrated that any failure to adhere to the beam manufacturing technology may seriously affect the load-bearing capacity of a beam. Any deviation of longitudinal axis flanges of beams from the longitudinal axis of a corrugated web in excess of 3 mm adversely affects the bearing capacity of beams and contributes to the overall beam stability loss.The research findings have demonstrated that the limit state of tested beams arises due to the stress in the web corrugation.

In the article, the author proposes an original method of identification of upper and lower bounds of critical values of loading parameters in respect of three stability problems for a non-uniformly compressed rectilinear one-span elastic rod with a varying longitudinal bending stiffness value.Initial variational formulations of stability problems under consideration are presented through internal bending moments that emerge at the moment of the rod stability loss and that satisfy uniform boundary conditions rather than additional integral conditions. The author has obtained forms of the bending moment and respective loading parameter values in case of the rod equilibrium bifurcation in the basic problem of stability of an elastic rectilinear rod with a constant cross section, compressed by longitudinal forces at the rod ends.The calculation of the lower bound is reduced to determination of the greatest eigenvalues for the matrices presented in the form of modular matrices of the second order with the elements expressed through the integrals of available forms of bending moments. The calculation of the upper bound is reduced to determination of the greatest eigenvalue for the matrix that almost coincides with one of modular matrices.

The article covers the problem of parameters that underlie the choice of mechanical properties of the clay stone used as the foundation material in Perm. The object of this study is the clay stone of the early Permtric modulus, effective cohesion intercept and angle of internal friction constitute tian age. Mechanical properties, including the deformation modulus, oedomehe subjects of the study. The authors enumerate the following tasks:1) description of geological conditions of the two sites of experiments in Perm,2) development of the methodology of identification of strength and deformation properties of the clay stone in the laboratory (oedometry testing and shear box testing of water saturated and water free samples) and on site (cone penetration tests, pressuremeter tests) according to the Russian technical regulations,3) experiments aimed at identification of mechanical properties of the clay stone,4) analysis and comparison of mechanical properties of the clay stone using various methods,5) provision of conclusions and recommendations concerning mechanical properties of upper layers of the clay stone in Perm.A lot of attention is paid to the analysis of results of cone penetration tests, pressuremeter and laboratory tests. The study has revealed a significant effect of test methods on the resulting values of strength and deformation properties of the local clay stone.

The authors discuss peculiarities of engineering geological surveys of contaminated urban and rural soils. The authors provide examples of the influence produced by the scope and composition of geological engineering surveys on the reliability of foundation soils. The authors also provide their assessments in terms of deformation-related properties of filled soils and their employment as immediate foundation soils for a residential house in Marfino. The article is polemical, and it may raise animated discussions of the problem.The authors believe that geological engineering tests held in urban areas and preceding the implementation of any construction projects should not be limited to cone penetration and field tests of soils limited to the grid, and at the stage of the project design, any tests shall be held within the perimeter of a designed building according to the effective legislation. In the course of field tests, geologists must pay special attention to the identification of contaminated soils of different origin, especially if the foundation is made of plates. The depth of the contamination may reach 10 meters in Moscow and in the Moscow Region. Identification of backfill soils may be particularly difficult.

Application of mathematical methods of optimization of the process of filtration as part of recovery of used engine oils is considered in the article. The method of the full factorial experiment which contemplates generation of the mathematical model of the filtering process is applied with account for numerous factors and missing data. The mathematical model provides the information about the influence of various factors to identify the quantitative values of response functions in the pre-set mode of the process to serve as the basis for optimization.Permeability of polymeric membranes, liquid flow velocity and temperature have been chosen as filtration optimization criteria. As a result of the mathematical processing of the experimental data, factors have been calculated and verified in terms of their importance, and the process description has been provided in the form of a regression equation. Dependences obtained by the authors are recommended for use in the calculation of the process of permeability. For example, they may be used to substantiate the periodicity of maintenance of filtration units.

A mathematical model of the process of classification of granular materials using vibration screens is proposed by the authors. The objective of the modeling process is to describe the kinetics of extraction of granules sieved through upper and bottom sieves. The proposed model takes account of the pattern of diffusion and segregation of particles migrating through vibration screens. The model is based on the cell presentation of the process. The matrix of transition probabilities controls the particle distribution over each screen sieve. Sieved fractions are described separately, and successful sieving depends on the probability of a fraction to get through the sieve cell in the course of one sieving attempt. This probability depends on the ratio of the particle size to the sieve cell dimensions as well as on the screen oscillation parameters. The model may be used to calculate the kinetics of sieved fractions if the pre-set feed rate of particles, particles size distribution and velocity of their motion over the sieve surface are available.

Protection of structures and materials from the adverse effects of the environment is a relevant challenge to be tacked both by the teams of researchers and workers on site. A universal method of protection contemplates the use of cladding and paints. There are classes of finishing materials that have special protective properties.Flame-resistant finishes obstruct the burning of structures, and in some cases they can even prevent inflammation. A universal method of protection is the plastering of the surface of a structure. Plastering is applicable to concrete, masonry, metal as well as timber. Development of heat resistant plaster is relevant due to numerous fires in Russia.This article represents an overview of the research into the influence of composite binders and fillers onto the physical and mechanical properties of the heat resistant plaster.Portland cement M 500 was used as a composite binder. Liquid sodium water glass with the density of 1,300 – 1,500 kg/m3 and the silicate modulus value of 2.4 – 2.8 was also applied. Glass sand with the fineness of 0.315 – 1.25, mineral wool fibers that were4 - 6 mm long (with the density of 50 kg/m3) were applied as fillers.Sugar is known as an excellent inhibitor of Portland cement. Liquid glass binders are very effective if added to heat resistant concretes and mortars. This fact was mentioned in the works of K.D. Nekrasov, A.P. Tarasov, G.P. Gorlov, B.D. Toturbiev and others, and it has been proven in practice. It is noteworthy that liquid glass demonstrates high adhesive strength in terms of all materials. Its adhesive strength is 3...5 times higher than that of the cement, and this fact can serve as the basis for the development of highquality heat-resistant solutions.The resulting composition is an excellent heat resistant plaster; its physical-mechanical and thermal properties are not inferior to heat resistant mortars based on imported additives.

The purpose of the research consists in development of integrated micro dispersive additives designated for effective fine-grained concretes of the new generation and based on the inferior grade quartz sand.The academic novelty of the research consists in substantiation of feasibility of generation of effective fine-grained concretes that demonstrate improved physical and mechanical properties due to the adjustment of the structure of the integrated micro additive developed by the authors.The integrated additive comprises quartz sand milled in the ball mill together with C-3 plasticizer, the content of which is equal to 1 % of the mass of the material, and the milling time is 60 min. Another objective of the research is the study of the effect of micro-additives produced onto physical-mechanical properties of samples of fine-grained concretes (dimen-sions 4×4×16 cm) made of cement M 500 D20 and quartz sand with Mhardened according to the regular procedure.= 0,9 andThus, the authors have discovered that the integrated micro-additive improves the compressive strength of the concrete to 50 MPA, flexural strength — up to 8,3 MPA, water absorption — to 1,4 % and frost resistance — to F75, while its content reaches 5—10% of the cement mass.

The objective of the research project was to design multi-component concrete with an optimized pore structure designated for sewage water treatment facilities. It was followed by the study of their stability in aggressive environments. Measurement of mesopores and macropores with diameters of 0.0055 to 360 mcm was taken using AutoPore IV 9500 porosimeter. X-ray analysis of samples was performed using diffractometer ARL X’TRA produced by Thermo Scientific (Switzerland). Modified 28-day concrete cubes were exposed to aggressive environments for 1 year at low (+4 ± 2 °C) and high temperatures (+20 ± 2 °C) to identify their linear deformation characteristics. Compressive strength of samples was tested upon completion of each three-month period.The authors have found out that degradation of concrete samples in the corrosive environment of waste waters accompanied by generation of thaumasite is less intensive than that in the waste waters that have ettringite generated. Thus, the authors have discovered that the lower the temperature of the aggressive environment of the waste water, the more intensive the formation of ettringite that causes destruction of the concrete. Optimization of the concrete structure is attained through the optimization of the concrete composition. Application of fine-grained silica causes generation of concrete that is highly resistant to the aggressive effects of sulfates and chlorides.

The authors consider the problems of influence of corrosive water media onto underground buildings and structures and various methods of their waterproofing. The market overview of up-to-date waterproofing compounds is provided in the article. The authors set forth their research findings identified at Moscow State University of Civil Engineering recently. A new mineral-based waterproofing coating material is presented. The authors deal with the issue of chemical interaction within the system of cement - microsilica - soda-silica glass and the issue of optimization of particle packing aimed at the assurance of superior protective and durability-related properties of the composition. The main process strengths of the new coating material are enlisted.The authors introduce the results of comparative tests of basic hydro-physical and mechanical (compressive strength, adhesive strength) properties of the new material and its analogues currently applied in the construction industry with a view to the assessment of the protective ability and the economic effectiveness of the new waterproofing material.

The article covers the research into the structure and technology of building composites produced on the basis of nano-portlandite and aluminosilicate contact condensation systems of hardening. The authors have proven that the use of non-equilibrium portlandite crystals synthesized on the basis of a specialized technology and combined with nano-scale, microscale particles of the aluminosilicate component can lead to the production of composites that demonstrate acceptable strength (at least, 10 MPa) immediately after compaction absent of any heat and moisture treatment, if optimal mixture compositions are compacted using compression methods.Principal process-related procedures are provided in the article. Under certain circumstances, composites of this type can replace clinker binders to improve the structure efficiency. Research and development solutions are based on the principles of the sol-gel technology; the nanotechnology is implemented according to the “bottom-up” pattern in terms of synthesis of portlandite crystals, and the “top - down” approach is employed in terms of mechanical and chemical activation of aluminosilicate components used as fillers. The research can be considered as the basis for development of process flow diagrams and provision of consultations concerning the manufacturing of advanced building products.

The article covers the importance of environmental assessments of building materials. Magnesium binding materials were selected as the subject of the environmental analysis. The water resistance of these materials is regarded as one of environmental criteria. Thus, the purpose of this paper is an assessment of the life cycle of additives proposed to improve the water resistance of magnesium binding materials. Redispersible polymer powder based on the copolymer of vinyl acetate and vinilversatata, polyvinyl acetate dispersion, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, oxalic acid, chrysotile asbestos, modified using concentrated sulfuric acid and micro-silica were selected for research purposes.The following findings have been generated in the course of the research:1. Correlation between the environmental assessment of the application of modifiers with the strength test results of caustic magnesite samples in dry and saturated states is identified.2. Organic additives classified as producing an unsatisfactory environmental impact do not significantly affect the water resistance of the caustic magnesite sample.3. Oxalic acid, chrysotile asbestos modified using sulfuric acid and micro-silica are acceptable for magnesium binding materials in terms of their environmental analysis.4. Micro-silica is the additive that demonstrates the best properties both in terms of its environmental analysis and in terms of improving the water resistance of magnesium binding materials.5. Environmental analysis of the life cycle of modifiers can be recommended as an important stage in the planning of experiments aimed at improvement of properties of building materials.

Overview of application of nanotechnologies in production of construction materials is provided in the article. Successful cases of application of nano-materials and nano-particles in the construction industry are described, including molecular indicators informing about the stress-deformable state of bearing structures, coatings accumulating solar energy, and self-cleaning paints and varnishes. One of the core difficulties of introduction and uniform distribution of nano-particles is identified in the course of consideration of nano-modification and nano-disperse reinforcement of the cement stone. The problem is caused by the miniature dimensions of particles of modifiers and their small amounts. Employment of vortex layer devices, namely, the Process Activation Device, is proposed by the authors. These devices can ensure an appropriate extent of hashing. Thus, the two problems are eliminated by one solution: one is the uniform distribution of nano-disperse additives over the modified cement system and the other one is activation of initial input products. In the article, certain optimal parameters of the process of mixing a small mass of nano-disperse modifiers with building mixes (cement systems) are provided.

The objective of the research performed by the authors is to identify the role of energy efficient engineering systems and to assure the energy saving and comfortable indoor environment. The choice of supply-exhaust ventilation systems versus cold supply systems with heat recovery are also considered in the article.The authors argue that the most comfortable and efficient heating system is the one composed of heating panels incorporated into enclosing structures of buildings to ensure the radiant temperature on the premises. This system used as a supplementary heating system backing the hot water heating system that has heating panels integrated into enclosing structures makes it possible to limit the solar heat supply into the premises in summer to improve the indoor environment, whereas any heat perceived by the water from the solar radiation may be expediently used for hot water supply purposes. In the summertime, the proposed system may reduce the solar heat supply, if chilled water is supplied into the system by chillers.Besides, the authors remind the audience that the choice of heating, ventilation and cooling systems needs to be made at the initial design stage depending on the purpose of the building and other factors affecting the rational choice of engineering systems. In some cases, zone heating systems or hot air systems are expedient.

The authors argue that there is a need to develop a system of monitoring of landslide processes, particularly in the city of Moscow. Widespread landslides around the world that lead to enormous social and economic losses make the resolution of this problem truly relevant. Landslides occur in 725 cities of Russia. 6 to 15 emergencies caused by landslides are registered in Russia each year.Having analyzed the current status of the system of monitoring and forecasting of landslide patterns in Moscow, the authors conclude that the present-day projections can only suggest a general idea of the pattern of future geological processes.Based on these references, literary sources and other materials, the authors are going to develop a geological cartographic model of the landslide pattern in Moscow using ArcGIS software developed by ESRI. The research information available to date will be useful if presented in the unified GIS environment as overlapping thematic layers. Each factor affecting the landslide process will be presented in the form of a layer entered into the database. Spatial Analyst is the most convenient tool that will take account of the interaction of factors.The result of the research and calculations will represent an interactive map of landslide processes in the area provided in the scale requested by the user.The interactive GIS system map will identify the characteristics of each process in the area to assess the reliability of engineering solutions, positive and negative consequences of environmental protection actions in order to make prompt decisions depending on variable environmental conditions.

Natural calamities cause destruction of highways and artificial structures that they accommodate, thus, inflicting a substantial damage onto the national economy. The authors describe various natural phenomena and geological processes typical for North Vietnam. The reasons for and the characteristics of each type of disasters are also provided in the article. The authors have generated a set of actions aimed at prevention or mitigation of damages, and they are enlisted in the article. The authors make their conclusions in respect of the future areas of research and the monitoring of interaction between the road surface, the transport infrastructure and the environment. Attainment of the aforementioned objective involves road surface monitoring to be accompanied by specific researches and compilation of maps of the areas exposed to frequent natural calamities. Timely notification of upcoming natural calamities and provision of effective recommendations are needed for the population to get prepared for the adverse events in advance. Besides, restriction of earth works in the areas exposed to natural disasters is necessary.Road building projects must incorporate environmental protection, organizational, technology and designelated actions aimed at the improvement of operating parameters of road beds of highways and at prevention of any further negative consequences in the course of operation of highways. Intensive wood planting and restriction of mining operations in specific areas are to be implemented.

The authors consider the restructuring of Moscow residential housing areas and identify potential wind energy capacities to be based on the integration of wind turbines into urban buildings. The authors propose their original method designated for the assessment of wind patterns and developed in furtherance of Guidelines for Assessment and Management of Wind Patterns of Residential Areas, developed by Central Scientific Research and Design Institute for Urban Planning. Moreover, the authors describe several options for the restructuring of residential buildings, namely, such restructuring techniques as over-stories, link buildings, attics or building extensions added to the existing buildings.The authors provide their typological classification of planning concepts designated for the residential housing development, including the ribbon-type concept, key-type concept, low-storey concept, sporadic concept and their combinations. A comparative analysis of different wind patterns of buildings and various types of their restructuring is proposed. The authors make an attempt to prognosticate the prospects for the application of the wind power potential assessment methodology and its possible application in the course of design of multiomponent restructuring of residential buildings. The article is written within the framework of State Contract 16.552.11.7064 dated 13.07.2012.

The authors consider the strength development of sandy soils in the contest of the physical chemical theory of effective stresses. The authors drive particular attention to the assessment of formation of various types of energy contacts in sandy soils. The article is based on the overview of theories developed by several researchers, on the one hand, and on the findings of the experimental research of sandy soils that have different structural patterns, on the other hand. The experiments include both those that were held a while ago and the most recent projects. The authors have proven that the strength of sandy soils is, to a significant extent, driven by their morphological peculiarities that determine their condition in the context of the assessment of their “densitymoisture”. Strength values of sands are dependent on their moisture content both in terms of their maximal shear stress values obtained in the course of shear testing, or their per-unit penetration resistance, penetration values, as well as the inner friction angle and cohesion. The “strength-moisture” is presented as a curvilinear graph that has two upper limits, one for shear tests and the other one for penetration tests. Maximal strength, according to the shear test, is attained for dry sands, if their moisture content is close to the “optimal” value. As for the penetration tests, maximal per-unit resistance to penetration and penetration values are also close to the “optimal” moisture content value. The authors have identified that moisture content is an important factor of strength of sandy soils that demonstrate various structural characteristics.However, the process of formation of structural peculiarities of sands, namely, their morphological parameters and the nature of the surface of sand particles is influenced by the presence of various films on the surface of sand particles. The article represents a preliminary analysis of the theoretical and experimental findings, therefore, any discussions are welcome.

The analysis performed by the authors has proven that the rate of growth of the active income of residents of the Rostov region is far behind the rate of growth of the value of residential properties. There is no need to wait for any improvement in the welfare of Russians, rather, more houses need to be built and new financing patterns are to be implemented in respect of construction sites that are going to accommodate residential housing construction projects.Given that the number of families affluent enough to buy housing is equal to 11.5 %in the Rostov region, resolution of the housing problem needs a comprehensive approach.Analysis of the value of land in the Rostov region proves that investment projects that contemplate low rise housing construction in the cottage communities or areas with low values of land, i.e. the areas selected by low-income citizens, should be treated as projects that need state funding. Favorable conditions for citizens wishing to build or to buy private low rise houses could be part of the “stimulus.”The authors have developed an improved mortgage lending pattern that incorporates programmes of incentives, supplementary social security payments, and a lower interest rate.

An effective resolution of the housing problem may consist in development and implementation of low-rise housing projects. Intensive development of the low-rise construction sector in the Rostov region needs the balance of supply and demand factors to be implemented in the effective legislation applicable to this market.A balance of supply and demand factors is feasible if methods of forecasting of the future trends of the low-rise housing market are developed and implemented. The authors have chosen the approximation method in the mode of Microsoft Word 2010 options as the problem solving vehicle.By approximating the statistical series of the low-rise housing market trends for 2002-2010, the authors have built a graphic dependence describing the housing construction market development pattern. Thereafter, the authors have concluded that the economic and mathematical description of the market of low-rise housing in the Rostov region is preferable in the form of a model of linear or exponential approximation.Statistical processing was made using the method of distribution of factors in the form of a radar chart employed to generate a visual image of the distribution of factors and the impact of each factor on the growth of the market of private housing in the Rostov region.

Despite the widespread use of the logistic approach in many areas of human activities, analysis of references concerning its prospects causes the author to conclude that the prospects for the employment of the principles of logistics aimed at the improvement of efficiency of operation of the system of treatment of construction and demolition waste fails to enjoy sufficient consideration. Logistiсs-based management of streams of construction waste triggers production of raw materials, increases the output amount, reduces initial costs and prevents environmental pollution. The methodology of logistics makes it possible to optimize complex systems. Intensive development of the concept of an integrated system of waste control is boosted by the prospects for the application of secondary resources. In the article, expediency of introduction of principles of logistics into the theory and practice of construction waste management is proven. Substantial technological, economic and ecological effects of integration of the 3R (reduce, reuse, recycle) concept of construction waste management with logistic methods are considered.

Modeling of operation of cities and their transportation systems is a multi-component challenge composed of various data and decision options. Improvement of this analytical mechanism will make it possible to save the resources invested into development and operation of transportation and urban planning solutions.The mathematical modeling solution proposed by the author helps identify both predictable and accidental features of composite engineering and transport solutions. Assessments of the intensity of traffic, road capacity, speeds, parameters of geometrical elements, cost of construction and operation are also possible.Any thorough analysis requires specialized algorithms. Modeling of traffic streams in terms of the safety of the road motion reveals bottlenecks and dangerous areas to improve the traffic arrangements, or organization of the road motion.Cities and urban bridge crossings and their environment represent complex systems of interaction and mutual influence. Therefore, the mathematical model designed and developed by the author is based on the most relevant urban planning theories.