The paper is focused on the model uncertainty related to the shear resistance of steel elements with transverse stiffeners on the basis of available test results. The paper shows the general characteristics of resistance models for shear which are used in the regulatory documents EN 1993-1-5 and SNIP II-23. Their areas of application are described. The procedure for selecting the experimental values of shear resistance is described, as well. Comparison of experimental and theoretical values of the shear resistance is performed. Statistical characteristics of the model uncertainty of the shear resistance of steel elements having transverse stiffeners are obtained. Variation of the model uncertainty using basic variables is analyzed, and significant variables are identified for the models specified in SNIP II-23. In the paper, probabilistic description of model uncertainties is analyzed. The proposed probabilistic description of the model uncertainty consists of the lognormal or normal distribution having the coefficient of variation of 0.16 and the mean value of 1.18. The author believes that further research into the models of shear resistance specified in SNiP II-23 is required with a view to their improvement. The database of experimental findings in the area of shear resistance is compiled.

Nikolaev railway depot is one of the first locomotive depots in Russia. It is a monument of cultural heritage, and it belongs to a group of buildings of the Leningrad Railroad Station in Moscow. The depot was designed by renowned architects K.A. Ton andR.A. Zhelyazevich in 1951. The depot building is round; it consists of 22 sections. The bearing structures of the building, its columns, arches and vaults are made of masonry. The depot building was remodeled several times, following changes in its intended use. Therefore, the original look of the building has lost its initial splendour. Now its structures are badly damaged, and the bearing capacity of its masonry columns and arches has changed for the worse. Its reconstruction will be accompanied by the restoration of its original exterior. Its reconstruction must be accompanied by the comprehensive monitoring of the stress-strain state of its surviving structures. The renovation must be based on the structural analysis of changes of its properties and damages. Currently, the engineering staff of our university is monitoring the strained state of the building to give advice in the course of its further restoration.

They cause mistakes in the transfer of forces in specific points and invariability of sizes and types of cross sections of rods in the course of their deformation. The approach to the analysis of rectangular section columns is proposed. The new approach originates from the three-dimensional theory supplemented by the superelement technology. The column is divided into sections and finite elements. The analysis of physically nonlinear structures is executed using the PRINS software. The flow theory is used to identify the characteristics of finite elements. Huber-Mises plasticity criterion is applied. The console beam loaded by concentrated forces on the free end is calculated to verify the element. The limiting load value identified by PRINS software complies with the theoretical values derived using the theory of limit equilibrium.

In the article the authors provide their assessments and recommendations concerning the influence produced by the structural parameters onto the stress-strain behaviour of slabs having a wooden frame, if the veneering is integrated into the structural behaviour. The authors have completed a research into the pattern of distribution of regular compressive stresses over the width of the veneering surface. The authors have identified the values of reduction factors to be used to analyze integrated structures on the basis of simplified slab design and analysis patterns.The degree of heterogeneity of distribution of regular stresses over the width of the veneering is mainly driven by the rib-to-rib distance and the thickness of the veneering.Any unbiased assessment of the operational reliability of integrated wooden slabs requires development of specialized recommendations concerning their strength and rigidity analysis with account for the real parameters of structures adopted at the stage of their design.The research project was implemented by the authors with the support of the RF Ministry of Education and Science pursuant to Agreement 14.U02.21.0129.

Advanced building materials technologies widely employ polymers. Viscoelastic and viscoplastic mixtures are used in the manufacturing of building materials and finishing products. Rheology studies deformation and flow patterns of different bodies.Markus Reiner developed mathematical formulations for rheological flows of viscous and plastic materials, processes of deformation of different bodies, behaviour of materials exposed to strain loads.A rheological flow of any material depends on deformation. Integrated analysis of linear deformations and strain is used to identify a relative change in the volume of an elasto-viscoplastic body. The flow of materials depends on their physicochemical properties. The flow of an elastic-viscous-plastic mixture in channels demonstrates its viscoelastic properties. Rheological equation of Oldroyd is used to relate strain to speed of displacement and the time of relaxation. The flow of polymeric materials is examined using Bingham’s rheological model.

In the article, the two-dimensional boundary layer is considered on the basis of the Lagrangian approach to the continuous medium description using coordinates of particles. Classical L. Prandtl’s method of Navier-Stokes equation simplification through expansion of dependent variables in a series is applied to develop the model. Direct transformation of widely used Euler equations derived by L. Prandtl generates the same result. Boundary conditions are regarded as one-sided or non-holonomic restrictions from the viewpoint of analytical mechanics.The mass conservation equation can be detached from the main equation of motion. At the same time, one can conclude that a particle starting its motion from an internal part of the layer will remain there without reaching any boundary in a finite time. The perpendicular coordinate evolution can be calculated when one has a law of motion along the boundary employed using the standard approach to the certain PDE solution. The model presentation is based on the Hamiltonian apparatus of classical mechanics. Derivatives of spatial variables take the form of the Poisson brackets. Hence, the full equation for the Newton’s second law has acceleration and doubled application of Poisson brackets. The pressure gradient is a function of a single coordinate; therefore, it can be eliminated by another Poisson bracket application due to the symmetric property of the skew.

The authors have employed analytical methods to identify the nature of dependence of the elastic modulus distribution over the thickness of a cylinder, loaded by internal pressure p , if the equivalent stress is the same in all points, according to Mohr’s theory of strength. The problem in which dependence of an elastic modulus is to be identified along the radius, and the stress value is available, is called the inverse prob- lem. The idea of the method is that if a certain area of a body has the value of its elastic modulus lower than the one in the homogeneous material, stresses in this area are also reduced. The problem is solved for the case of plane strain and plane stress in the elastic formulation. It is proven that assurance of artificial heterogeneity reduces the maximal equivalent stress. Therefore, we have taken two variants of shells: one having inner radius a = 1 m and outer radius b = 2 m, the other one having inner radius a = 1 m and outer radius b = 0.52 m. The value of the maximal equivalent stress calculated using Mohr’s theory reduces almost two-fold in the first case and 1.5-fold in the second case. Moreover, the use of non-uniform thick-walled cylinders can significantly reduce their thickness with the value of the internal pressure being the same. In our case, the shell thickness reduces from 1 m to 0.52 m, which is almost 2 times. We also proven that the first, second and third strength theories in the case of an axisymmetric problem are the special cases of Mohr’s strength theory. This result coincides with well-known analytical and numerical solutions.

The paper is an overview of nationwide testing results demonstrated by pulse-discharge technology piles exposed to the vertical load under conditions of soft soils of Tunis coastal area. Bored cast-in=place piles are constructed through the employment of the pulse-discharge technology (PDT). In the construction norms of France, PDT piles are classified as bored piles, which are cast-in-place using a hollow stem auger; they are reinforced, and their diameter exceeds 25 centimeters. PDT piles are made through the application of high pressure to the surrounding soil in the course of concreting.Photos of testing facilities are provided in the paper. Graphs of cyclic and experi- mental load testing of piles, complying with the values of design loads for a 10-storey building under construction, are analyzed. The findings obtained by the authors have proven a considerable growth of the PDT pile bearing capacity in comparison with the analytical solutions obtained in accordance with Russian and French construction norms and regulations. It is pointed out that the results of pressuremeter testing can be reason- ably used in calculations as stated in the French norms. Negligible pile settlements and the high value of the bearing capacity of piles prove the expediency of employment of this technology in the course of construction of piles in the soft soils of the Tunis shoreline. It is concluded that further elaboration of the PDT pile calculation technique is required.

In the civil engineering practice, construction operations in loose and high compressibility soils require the application of compressed sand cushions. Recently, there has been a substantial decline in the use of compacted ground beddings in the practice of industrial and civil engineering. This can be partly explained by the weaknesses of the existing calculation methods that may often generate higher values of the size of compacted cushions (width and thickness) and, consequently, cause a substantial increase in their cost. It is noteworthy that the existing methods of calculation do not take account of strength and deformation characteristics of the cushion material in the course of identification of the cushion size and their operating bearing capacity.However, the studies implemented by different authors suggest the possibility of reducing the size of compacted soil cushions applied to loose and high compressibility soils. Therefore, the most effective are the pads reinforced by high-strength reinforcing elements (as geo-textile, geo-grids, etc.) The author elaborates on the possible methods of expanding the scope of compacted ground bedding in the practice of industrial and civil construction. The analysis of the findings of experimental and theoretical studies of compacted and reinforced soil bedding in loose soils is performed

The authors summarize the results of long-term studies of the monuments of civil architecture on the territory of the Russian Federation. Legislative and engineering aspects of the process of monitoring of the aforesaid monuments are described in the article. Geodetic monitoring is the most efficient method of systematic observations. Unlike traditional geometric leveling that solely contemplates the identification of sediment values for displacement points, geodetic monitoring employs the method of trigonometric leveling. This method makes it possible to conduct systematic observations of both the vertical strain in the points of observation and their horizontal displacement. Thus, trigonometric leveling makes it possible to identify the sediment differences and to determine deviations from design surfaces and their time dependence, which is very important in case of cultural heritage items.The authors describe various methods of geodetic monitoring of civil architecture monuments: linear-and-angular measurements, method of side leveling, use of vertical projection devices, etc. It also provides information concerning methods of measurements of crack opening values.The authors provide references to regulatory documents and sources covering the problems of monitoring (systematic observations over a long time period) of industrial and civil projects; they cover the monitoring of architectural monuments, particularly, in hazardous situations.

The article represents a summary of findings of various research projects aimed at the optimization of specific items of small size machines developed and pilot tested at different stages of construction operations.For 15 years, Department of Mechanization of Construction Processes, Kharkiv National University of Civil Engineering and Architecture has been engaged in design, pilot testing and monitoring of practical application of small size construction machinery. All machines and items of equipment have adsorbed numerous research findings, and no similar products are available in Ukraine and worldwide.The authors analyze different items of construction machines that have already been tested in the course of construction operations. They include a twin-piston coun- terflow mortar-and-concrete pump, two-piston direct-flow mortar-and-concrete pumps equipped with ball valves, spring valves and disk valves, advanced cascade concrete mixing machines. Each of the above machines can operate in pursuance of a pre-set pattern of shotcrete operations.All machines are universal, as twin-piston concrete pumps may pump concrete mixes having different workability rates; they can also be used to transport building mixes in horizontal and vertical directions; they are applied for shotcrete operations. They are efficiently used in the preparation of different mixes.All machines and items of equipment are protected by Ukraine-wide patents. They are recommended for wide-scale use due to sophisticated structural solutions invested into their design.

Effectiveness of thermal insulation products is determined by a set of criteria that can be expressed in terms of energy costs: reduction of the cost of heating (the main criterion), energy consumption in the course of construction, energy consumption in the course of production of materials having pre-set properties, and service durability of the material.On the one hand, service durability (as a property) is generated in the course of material production, and on the other hand, it depends on the conditions that the material is exposed to in the course of any construction process. The same parameter affects energy-related criteria. Insulation replacement or unplanned repairs add supplementary energy costs.The manufacturing process of thermal insulation materials contemplates processing of a significant amount of non-renewable natural resources, namely, fuel combustion. Optimization of these costs is necessary and possible through appropriate organization of processes, including the process of heat treatment of products.Layered materials can improve the product performance and durability. Production and heat treatment of mineral fibers are the most energy-consuming steps of the mineral wool production. Optimization of these processes can involve significant economic effects.

Characteristics of magnetic separators are analyzed in the article. Magnetic separators are used to treat various construction materials. Unfortunately, the nature of the magnetic field, generated in their operating zone, is generally not taken into account by their designers. Academic publications fail to provide any detailed basic characteristics of the field induction emitted by magnetic separators in the course of their operation.Magnetic systems of any magnetic separator have a modular structure; they consist of several modules. Single and opposite magnetic elements are usually integrated into one module within a system having permanent magnets. If opposite magnetic elements are used, magnetic field intensity inside the module increases.In this study, characteristics of magnetic induction for single magnetic elements inside various modules of magnetic separators were assessed in a laboratory experiment. Similar characteristics of magnetic induction for single and twin (opposite) magnetic elements were compared. In the module consisting of two opposed magnetic elements, the magnetic field becomes stronger compared to the field of a single magnetic element. Magnetic induction in the module recedes as the distance between magnetic elements increases, because of the isolation of the field generated by the opposed magnetic elements.The authors have proven the feasibility and expediency of employment of the superposition principle used to obtain the resulting characteristics. It may be employed to substitute modeling by calculations.

Electromagnetic fields have intensified in residential areas due to higher electricity consumption rates. The adverse effect of low-frequency electromagnetic fields produced on the human environment is well-known.The main sources of low-frequency electromagnetic fields (EMF) in the urban environment include power lines, transformer boxes, electricity distribution hubs, electricity grids, traffic flows, etc.Presently, low-frequency electromagnetic fields are monitored by taking measurements of peak values of electric and magnetic fields at different distances from sources of radiation. The energy parameters and the nature of low-frequency electromagnetic fields are poorly covered in the academic literature.The authors find it useful to develop new approaches to the environmental monitoring of electromagnetic fields and to study patterns of distribution of low-frequency electromagnetic fields.The authors demonstrate the relationship between the magnitude and direction of active and reactive intensity of an electromagnetic field based on the polarization of electromagnetic waves and the distance to the source.The need to identify the active and reactive intensity of electromagnetic fields in residential areas and to select the most effective means and methods of protection are evident. The authors make an attempt to identify the energy parameters of the EMF, to develop new theoretical propositions, methodologies, techniques and tools for the monitoring of electromagnetic safety of residential areas, which may cause revision of the effective regulatory framework.Approaches proposed by the authors help identify the characteristics of electromagnetic fields and sources that make a maximum contribution to excessive electromagnetic pollution, and develop the most effective tips and techniques aimed at reduction of negative effects of electromagnetic fields.

In this paper, the authors analyze the quality of the groundwater in the north-western region of Ukraine and propose the reassessment of a number of retrofit technologies for their comprehensive treatment. The authors argue that the underground water is a multi-component system. The authors propose a set of biological, physical and chemical methods of water treatment for a synergistic effect.The authors suggest reducing the number of consecutive water treatment units and using an advanced technology (activation of biological and physicochemical processes in a constant magnetic field). Another suggestion is the application of a set of technologies integrated into traditional methods of biological treatment. The authors also propose a consistent process of water treatment, so that the sub-processes within it were able to activate each other at each subsequent stage to achieve a synergistic effect. Degradation of organic iron requires a biologically active environment. The underlying technology can be transformed into more sophisticated process patterns depending on the quality of water exposed to treatment.

The author considers the issues of management of the urban environment in light of the paradigm of noospheric and co-evolutional development of social and natural networks. The analysis of different aspects of the urban environment substantiates the inefficiency of existing norms regulating maximal permissible concentrations of harmful agents in the aquatic medium, air, soil and food. The inefficiency is witnessed by the rise of so-called maladies of the age: oncologic, cardiovascular, allergic, endocrine and other diseases that the residents of industrial and post-industrial countries suffer from.The author proposes to undertake a fundamental reconsideration of the criteria to be applied to evaluate the urban environment based on the assumption that the morbidity of citizens should not increase and that the protection of the population shall be the top priority of environmental and economic activities. Therefore, scientists should develop new norms for maximal permissible concentrations of polluting substances. The efficiency of new regulations can be confirmed by medical statistics to witness the decrease in the morbidity of the urban population.The author also points out the new regulations to be developed by scientists and to be legally adopted as environmental protection regulations binding for industrial enterprises. The author insists on the manifold increase in the penalties for the breach of the environmental legislation, so it would not be profitable for economical entities to violate the environmental laws in the market conditions.

Mutual consistency of regularities demonstrated by the flow and hydraulic resistance is analyzed in this article. It is proven that the values of friction factors of pipes, identified through the employment of traditional methods, differ from those of channels by 4 times. It is also proven that the average velocity deficit inside pipes and channels, identified by integrating velocity profiles that depend on the Karman parameter, differ by only 1.5 times. The relation between the Karman parameter and the average velocity deficit provides this parameter with a clear physical sense.The original method of reconciliation of the experimental regularity of smooth pipes against the resistance ratio formula, obtained by integrating the logarithmic velocity profile, adjusts the value of the Karman parameter and the second constant of the velocity profile, as both are slightly different from the experimental values identified by I. Nikuradze.The average velocity deficit identified for the flow in rough pipes by integrating the velocity profile coincides with the same in smooth pipes, and they both have the same dependence on the Karman parameter. The adjusted Karman parameter value is almost the same for rough and smooth pipes. The adjusted value of the second turbulence constant for rough pipes is a little higher than the experimental value identified by I. Nikuradze.Adjusted first and second constant values of turbulence for rough and smooth pipes assure more consistency between the regularities of resistance and distribution of velocities inside smooth and rough pipes.

Operation of anthropogenic industrial facilities misbalances the natural environment. The study of interaction between production facilities and the natural environment is performed using mathematical modeling techniques. In ecological forecasting, mathematical models are used to simulate the pattern of outspread of various pollutions into the air, water and soils. Mathematical models are employed to identify changes of environmental parameters and to measure the environmental friendliness of production processes.The research into projected or existing waste generation patterns can be used to assess or predict the scope of damage inflicted on the nature and the society and to provide recommendations concerning selection of process technologies. Any flow of fluid or gas is turbulent in almost every case, while the presence of solid particles reduces the amplitude of pulsation speed in a turbulent flow. The calculation of time or distance of travel of contaminants is based on the coefficient of turbulent diffusion. The coefficient of turbulent diffusion in a turbulent flow is no constant value. MGSU laboratory of hydraulics conducted experimental studies of open streams in a rectangular channel to identify patterns of correlation curves and limitations of applicability of well-known formulas. In furtherance of three main geometric constraints of patterns of correlation curves, turbulent flows can be conditionally divided into three types. Types of correlation functions and shapes of vortices are driven by the distance at which the mixture will spread over the turbulent flow. Therefore, the tasks of the theory of diffusion can be classified depending on the purposes of research.

The authors analyze an analytical model of a counter vortex flow of the incompressible viscous fluid in a cylindrical channel. The model is based on the resolution of a system of Navier — Stokes equations using the Fourier — Bessel decomposition method. The authors have generated analytical distribution functions of azimuthal velocities along the length and radius of the channel in the event of interaction between adjacent concentric and inversely twisted flows. The authors have performed their analysis of the proposed solution.The authors have identified that the value of the viscosity of the medium produces a substantial influence on the length of the active zone of the flow, or on the intensity of diffusion of vortices within the counter vortex flow. Using the distribution function, the authors have identified that wherever viscosity is present within the Reynolds number, the viscosity value is inversely proportionate to the length of the active zone: the higher the viscosity, the shorter the active zone, and the lower the viscosity, the higher the active zone.

The problem of potable water supply is becoming increasingly relevant. This problem is particularly important in the countries of Oceania, where neither surface, nor subterranean water is unavailable due to the harsh terrain and climate. Therefore, construction of marine water intake structures is the only solution. Peculiarities of construction of water intake facilities and their operation in the environment of the Pacific Ocean are considered by the author. The author provides his layout solutions of water intake structures. The author has given up the idea of a water intake facility capable of taking water from the channels because the sand brought by the waves from the bottom may inflow into the water inlet structure. Besides, channels drain in the low tide period; therefore, water intake facilities remain idle.Also, high aggressiveness of the sea water constitutes another problem. The sea water may damage any water intake structure, as some of their elements are made of reinforced concrete, while others are made of steel. Steel corrosion resistance may be improved by alloying additives (chromium, Nickel, copper, etc.), or, alternatively, by a zinc and aluminum coating which must be 120—250 microns thick.

The article represents an overview of conditions facilitating aeration of a stream. The authors describe the spillway formation process that has enjoyed poor attention of researchers until now. The authors also consider the problems that accompany stimulation of aeration which is impossible to reproduce in the laboratory environment.The analysis is based on the Voynich-Syanozhentskiy criterion of aeration initiation, which contemplates superficial tension and the Froude number equivalent of the aeration commencement. The intensity of the impact produced by the surface stress factor, the flow depth and the bottom slope of the water conduit on the Froude number are also taken into consideration. The analysis findings have proven that superficial tension begins to produce a substantial effect on the aeration beginning criterion if the flow depth is below 0.2 m, as in this case the superficial tension value prevents perturbations of the free surface. Liquid masses concentrated in the upper layer of natural flows having sufficient depths have a considerable kinetic energy which is sufficient for the flow to overcome the resistance of superficial tension forces. Laboratory modeling of free streams cannot assure sufficient depth values; therefore, the aeration process is not similar to the one of natural flows. The analysis performed by the authors makes it possible to adjust conditions of hydraulic modeling of aeration to assure accurate reproduction of this phenomenon.

The author describes the current practice of scheduling and organization of the work performance in the construction industry, which has assimilated the most advanced international standards. Any construction project contemplates a need to manage an extensive number of flows of information and material resources. Each of them is characterized by different values of intensity, versatile directions and scopes of work. Therefore, the author believes that a multi-level approach to scheduling of construction projects may intensify construction operations. It means that the whole range of scheduling actions shall apply to each level of the hierarchy of construction operations.In terms of long-term and medium-term planning, there is a need to formulate and approve a plan for attainment of key technology-related objectives throughout the entire period of construction works. Annual planning is necessary to outline the roadmap for implementation of annual delivery plans in accordance with the pre-set technological and economic parameters, to ensure timely commissioning of facilities under construction and efficient management of human and material resources. Quarterly schedules are to clarify the structure of an annual schedule, while monthly and weekly scheduling is primarily to clarify relevant sections of the annual plan in case of its alteration caused by changes in the project status.

Research into the corporate culture, identification of its role in the occupational guidance and adaptation of employees are truly significant in the present-day economic envi- ronment. The essence of the corporate culture is identified in the process of its practical implementation, whereas its adaptation function is an essential constituent of the process, as it allows new employees to understand and accept the priorities of an enterprise.The term “occupational guidance and adaptation” is analyzed in the article. It is an integrated conception associated with professional self-determination of a person choosing his or her career that represents a balance of his or her inclinations and the needs of the labour market.The following problem constituents were identified by the Russian researchers: the majority of employees of construction companies have no professional degrees; they do not pursue any personal goals associated with their work in the building industry; their career guidance is very inefficient; the rate of corporate loyalty is very low; employees do not strive for corporate success and disregard the corporate culture.The authors have developed an occupational guidance/adaptation model in the context of the present-day corporate culture. It contemplates incorporation of specialized departments in organizations, teambuilding actions and psychological support of new employees to be backed by occupational guidance seminars based on professional testing methods. Surveying and testing findings will help to identify the optimal conditions for the adaptation of new employees and to adequately assess the quality of their work.The model developed by the authors will contribute to reduction of the skilled personnel turnover, improve the efficiency of the employee’s adaptation and work performance and reduce the adaptation period.Thus, corporate culture plays a significant role in the process of occupational guid- ance and adaptation, as it helps both sides of the process to balance the expectations of employees and executives. As a result, it improves overall corporate efficiency.

The process of manufacturing of various construction products is accompanied by the generation of huge amounts of versatile wastes. Application of construction waste in further production processes is possible in the aftermath of its pre-processing or even without it. Construction waste recycling can generate high revenues. The pattern of waste generation and further logistic flows of waste generated in the process of construction and demolition are presented in article. The analysis of the market of secondary, or recycled, construction products has revealed weaknesses of its operation. The proper choice of effective technologies for the treatment of building waste may turn into the basis for successful economic development of the construction industry in the Russian regions. The backwardness of the market of secondary resources misbalances supply and demand for market products. In this article, the pattern for development of logistics-based models of intensive development of the market of secondary construction resources is proposed. Application of this logistics-based approach will generate economic benefits and prevent environmental pollution.

Development of systems for intellectual interaction in general and intelligent multimodal interfaces in particular involves employment of specific methodologies for development of an specific architecture composed of a converter of perceptions and situations, modifiers of models of user’s behaviour and the environment, recognizer of situations, as well as units responsible for storage of formal models of the user behaviour, environment and represented perceptions. In this case, various development methodologies may be employed, including Gaia, Mase, UML, IDEF8, based on samples, graph theory and components. In the course of the comparative analysis of the above methodologies, special requirements are applicable to the above methodologies are identified and basic strengths and weaknesses of existing methodologies are considered.

In this article, the authors present their original algorithm for the methodology of the efficiency assessment of distributed intelligent power management systems of construction facilities in the context of arbitrary limitation of resources.The method is designated for the analysis of implemented design solutions, and it applies to the systems engineering, classification and management of processes, let alone the evaluation of the efficiency of implemented designs.At first, the engineering systems are identified and described. Then, the processes are split into processes that accompany changes in the the parameters of a building and the management processes that accompany changes in the parameters of a building. For each process, the percentage of the total energy consumption is calculated.The coefficient of intelligence and building automation is based on the percentage of the total energy consumption. Further, the coefficient of efficiency of the implemented management system is identified. Therefore, the method helps to assess the effectiveness of a distributed intelligent power management system, and it may also be employed to minimize the impact of biased factors, such as peer reviews.

The article contains summarized results of the research into developed software programme capable of processing findings of hydraulic experiments held at pressure pipelines (protective coatings). The authors describe the algorithm of the analysis procedure, sequential analysis, mathematical and hydro-mechanical modeling of the process of transformation of hydraulic values. The authors provide their concept of the dialog box and description of input and output information, as well as functions of the software programme at intermediate stages of the hydraulic analysis. Basic input information supplied into the hydraulic analysis software programme includes the pipeline, its inner diameter, length, and acceptable roughness error.Whenever a user presses the “display result” button, interim information is displayed on the screen and, if necessary, a set of output information is provided in the form of tables and graphs. The choice for the optimal solution is made on the basis of the minimum margin of error between experimental and analytical values of the pipe roughness.The findings may be useful to researchers involved in the study of hydraulic characteristics of pipelines made of various materials and to designers and builders engaged in renovation of sections of pipelines.

In this article, the algorithm underlying the methodology for construction of distributed intelligent power management systems applicable to construction facilities in the context of arbitrary limitation of resources is considered by the authors. The methodology consist of a sequence of operations, including the analysis of design solutions in terms of the systems engineering, identification of their energy consumption rate, assessment of the feasibility of actions aimed at the automation or organization of an intelligent management system.The authors consider the algorithm of the calculation of specific energy consumption rate of each engineering system, as well as the calculation of acceptable process losses (based on the regional standards).After that, the most power-intensive engineering systems are identified. First, conversion of true values of measurement of energy consumption in tons of oil equivalent must be performed to assure the unbiased evaluation of the power consumption rate of engineering systems, irrespectively of the energy nature. Thereafter, the power consumption rate of management systems is calculated, and their degree of automation is assessed from the viewpoint of its technical and financial efficiency. The final step consists in the preparation of design specifications and estimates.

The authors analyze the capabilities of projective geometry techniques based on the method of tracing for diagrams, as applied to problems of Johnson polyhedra and formation of convex polyhedral structures. Johnson polyhedra, known as Johnson solids, demonstrate a specific type of symmetry. Each polyhedron can serve as the core for varied shapes capable of preserving their properties. The authors believe that the research into clusters of Johnson solids have a stronger potential than any research into a single Johnson polyhedron. The paper shows how the change of parameters (rotation angles, axis of symmetry, and number of facets) can be preserved for a variety of shapes; this is a very lucrative property in terms of architecture and design. Specialized computer software is used for the practical implementation of the method.

The authors state the main aspects of innovative construction of form graphics of the structural geometric model of the Informative Hypercube produced using the universal Protocube-Designer method. The process of construction of the Info-Hypercube model is based on a well-known geometric transformation (motion) technique, i.e. spatial displacement of two components of the initial cubic model represented by a pair of trihedrons, which complies with a well-known phenomenon of geometric componenthood (PGC). The use of the Protocube-Designer is used to construct the Info-Hypercube model form graphics stage by stage, on the basis of which the internal structure of the Info-Hypercube is formed. The method of Protocube-Designer makes it possible to reduce the cube model into a plane octagonal structure for the production of the pr-matrix lattice. Then, the required transformation of the plane structure with a pr-matrix into a spatial cubic model is performed. Thus, the aforesaid pratrix is used here as a structural unit for the production of a form graphics space lattice. The final fill-in of the whole internal structure of the Info-Hypercube is performed through completion of six additional intersecting planes (plates) passing through the central Infocube in accordance with a typical one-side form graphics obtained earlier. The total number of planes in the internal Info-Hypercube structure will be equal to 18 (6 planes restricting the cubic form and 12 planes intersecting inside the model). As a result of this visual graphic construction, a rational formalized geometric Info-Hypercube model is obtained. This model represents an informative form graphics structure. The model is used in different fields, including constructive geometry, shaping of structural design elements as well as design of modern buildings and engineering structures.

The author analyzes creative processes underway in architecture, particularly, at the stage of design. The author considers the psychology of choice of a source of artistic images, their transformation in the course of design, development of an architectural concept based on comparison of options, and use of metaphors.The role of such psychological features of a creative personality as associative thinking, imagination, ability to get inspired and critical assessment is demonstrated and analyzed in the article. General issues of transformation of the habitat of cities, psychological aspects of a conflict between old and new buildings are considered.The present-day design practice is a less creative process that the practice of the past, as the employment of information technologies accelerates drafting of documents and limits the involvement of creativity. The seeming simplicity of information technologies reduces architecture to the craft available to any “user”. As a result, the urban environment is filled with computer design, or ambitious and fake buildings.The psychology of creativity relies on associative thinking, imagination and esthetic sensitivity. The purpose of any creative process is achieved through attainment of the following sequence of objectives:arrangement of preconditions for development of an artistic image; search for sources of inspiration; availability of the input material possessing esthetic potential;use of mechanisms of associative thinking, intensification of figurativeness of the primary source using metaphors, so that the metamorphoses separated the new image from its original source;professional completion of work.The author proves that any creative process is based on comparisons, and associations serving as the basis for operations that consolidate into a creative process represent a psychological tool used by creative personalities.