The author examines destructive and creative opportunities of criticism. The criticism of experience and creative ideas in the architecture lead to the progress in the compositional harmonization of buildings and to the optimization of building technologies.In general, the historical aspect of the mechanism of criticism kept the profession in tone; in respect of the aromorphosis it filtered the quality of architectural solutions.In earlier societies, criticism used to be syncretical. Later, there could be distinguished social, professional and administrative criticism.Social criticism is concentrated on human vital requirements to the living environment. Its subjects are: protests against annoying unauthorized buildings and advertising, protection of historical monuments and green belts, protests against migration and migrant workers, and improvement of the living conditions.General environmental positions are divided into retro resistance, modernization and compromise.In the article, a historical overview of social criticism is given with specific examples of its influence on architecture.

This article provides an example of the calculation of eccentrically compressed reinforced concrete elements exposed to dynamic loads and fire effects. The dynamic factor for the concrete under regular conditions is available, and it exceeds one in any case. However, in case of a fire exposure, the value of this factor varies from 0,4 to 0,8, depending on the loading rate and temperature. The value of the dynamic factor was identified in the course of an experiment; thereafter, the pattern of influence of the dynamic effect caused by the progressive collapse of buildings and produced onto the bearing capacity and fire resistance of compressed elements of the pylon and the column was identified. ANSYS 12.1 software package was employed to perform the fire resistance analysis of the pylon on the 1st floor of a 59-storey building. The problem was modeled in the 3D formulation. It represented a pylon exposed to static loading and standard fire conditions. For comparison purposes, bearing capacity values were calculated for different values of the thermal load.The calculation of temperature fields was based on the resolution of boundary value problems of transient heat conduction in capillary-porous bodies.The solution to the problem of the four-sided fire exposure at standard fire temperature values was obtained in characteristic points of the support structure to assess the change in its load-bearing capacity.It is proven that dynamic effects of a fire reduce the bearing capacity of columns by 40 %. Therefore, the analysis of the bearing capacity of structures in terms of their fire resistance should take account of the possibility of progressive collapse of buildings.

The author considers the problem of stresses arising in the roll in case of higher tension value in the roll-forming belt. It is noticed, that if some force is applied to the loose end of the roll-forming belt, outer layers are set in motion — they stretch and slightly slip along lower layers. The slipping surface gradually shifts to the center of the roll and either reaches the surface of the core, or stops at some distance from it. The penetration depth depends on the initial tension, the intensity of the applied force and the belt material properties. Thus, the two zones are formed — the outer zone where the belt slides, and the inner zone, where no relative motion of layers is demonstrated, but where layers compress under a higher pressure produced on the zone boundaries. At some values of influential parameters, the third zone appears near the core area, which is also a slip zone. Stress redistribution occurs here both due to the relative shift of layers, and to the higher pressure produced by the outer part of the roll. The analytical solution to the problem is found assuming that the formed roll is a homogeneous isotropic cylinder.

In the paper the author presents the results of calculations of the system «structurefoundation-base» in case of using the two-layer and the single-layer beam models on an elastic basis with variable and constant coefficients of subgrade reaction. The analytical solution is obtained using the method of initial parameters. The calculations are carried out in case of building up the structure.The method of calculating two-layer beam with variable flexural rigidity along the length on an elastic foundation was described in the author’s previous articles, while in the present paper variable coefficients of subgrade reaction are taken into account. A two-layer beam is a beam of variable rigidity, the lower layer simulates the foundation, and the upper — the structure, at the same time the weight of each layer is considered.For comparison, the problem is also considered in its traditional statement. That means the problem of single-layer beam bending is solved with cross-section of constant length, which is freely lying on an elastic basis of Winkler’s type.The results of calculations of two-layer and single-layer beams show, that the values of the internal forces and stresses are higher with variable coefficient of subgrade reaction than with the constant one. When comparing the two-layer and the single-layer beam models with the same foundation characteristics, the values of internal forces in two-layer beams are much higher.On the basis of the calculations we can make the following conclusion: in order to obtain more reliable prognosis of the stress-strain state of the system «structure-foundation» on an elastic basis, it is appropriate to carry out calculations with the use of a contact model in the form of a two-layer beam on an elastic basis of Winkler’s type with variable coefficients of subgrade reaction. The model allows us to take account of such factors as rigidity changes in the base and the rigidity of the upper structure.

Cracking of different nature may occur in the process of construction of multi-storeyed reinforced concrete buildings. Usually, the diagnosis of their causes is not complicated. However, in some cases the diagnosis is a sophisticated problem due to the special distribution of rigidities over the building frame.The article focuses on the technique of the three-dimensional modeling and analysis of building frame elements based on shrinkage cracks using the finite element analysis in Abaqus. The concrete damaged plasticity model is used to describe reinforcement steel. Simulation of cracking process was made using the partial model of a building having solid elements (for the concrete) and membrane and beam elements (for the reinforcement). Two cycles of simulation were implemented. Firstly, the calculation of crack propagation due to the nominal load was made. Simulation showed no cracks in the mid-span zones of beams. The second step was the simulation of crack propagation in case of shrinkage deformation propagation. This evaluation showed the possibility of crack formation and growth inside beams and slabs. The first shrinkage cracks appeared 25 days after the concrete curing completion. The first shrinkage cracks appeared in the midspan zone of beams in the aftermath of 29 days.Simulation of shrinkage deformations in the floor structure has showed that formation and propagation of cracks in the floor beams is possible. As a result of calculations, cracks appeared in the bottom part of the beams. In some beams, formation of shrinkage cracks may occur solely in the supports.

The methods and techniques used to estimate calculations can give us quite an adequate prediction of stress-and-strain state of load-bearing structures of traditional buildings with simple architectural forms.Traditional calculation methods take the basic parameters of a designe model as constant: a set of elements of a model, their geometry and stiffness properties, external relations with the environment. Loads upon the model are also taken as constant. However, the creation of even relatively simple structures is not a single-stage process. Building is a multistage process, where one may single out separate stages of "closing" a local subsystem of a structure. Each of the operations determines a certain stage of the building process characterized by a definite design model that differs from the design model of a complete structure.Consideration of stagewise changes in the design model parameters is especially necessary in the process of designing high-rise buildings with reinforced concrete framing. The thing is that while constructing each floor the formwork is put in the position predetermined by the design, thus ignoring deformations of the lower structures. The calculation technology is based on the principles of stagewise change tracking in the basic parameters of the design model with the subsystem closing at each stage of construction. All the calculations are made presuming validity of common assumptions in the linear structural mechanics for each stage. Generally, that problem becomes non-linear at the expense of changing the design model in the course of transition from one stage to another. Typically, a special case of operating period begins after some time of normal operation. Hence, the stress-and-strain state of load-bearing structure system that appeared during the main operating period was an initial condition for the next stage of analysis. The problem of an accurate prediction of stress-and-strain state for buildings and structures during different operating periods may be solved only by applying a calculation technology based on the history of erecting, loading and deforming of load-bearing structures of a building. It is necessary to take into account the history of erecting, loading and deforming of the structure elements including variations in structural behavior of the elements during operational period.

The authors draw attention to possible problems in the process of construction and operation of monolithic frame buildings, construction of which is now widespread. It is known that cracks can often appear in the facade and side walls. The size of the cracks can exceed the allowable limits and repair does not lead to their complete elimination. Also cracks significantly mar the appearance of a building. Thus, the relevance of this study lies not only in fuller understanding of the operation of walls, but also in the ability to prevent undesirable effects.The authors calculated temperature effects for boundary walls of the building blocks made of heavy concrete. The original dimensions of the walls conformed to a grid of columns for the majority of residential and public buildings.The stress-and-strain state of the walls in case of temperature changes is observed in detail, including the transition from sub-zero to above-zero temperatures within the same section (wall). It was revealed that the temperature variations within the established limits may cause stress-and-strain state in the walls, in which the temperature tensile stresses can exceed the tensile strength of materials. The article contains effective means of reducing thermal strains, which can prevent temperature and shrinkage cracking.

In this paper, we study the effects of local variations in the thickness of orthotropic cylindrical shells exposed to the longitudinal impact by a perfectly rigid body. The appearance of these "irregularities" in the geometry can be caused by manufacturing defects and by technical requirements. In the first case, the area having shell thickness variation will be small. It can be considered using the finite-difference method. In the second case, we should deal with variable shell thickness.A Timoshenko type differential equation of the thin shell motion is used in the analysis of longitudinal and transverse motions of cylindrical shells with local variations in their thickness, if exposed to the longitudinal impact by a perfectly rigid body. Geometrically nonlinear equations take account of the thickness variation, the shift and rotatory inertia of the shell element. Equations of motion are presented as explicit finite-difference pattern. Calculations were stable in all cases. Calculations were carried out with account for the increasing impact velocity on the assumption of the infinite elasticity of the material, thus, deflections, equal to the two thicknesses of the shell, were obtained.The results are presented in the form of solutions of two-dimensional and threedimensional graphs that show a picture of a wave over the entire surface of the shell. All the figures show the location of "defects" on the surface of the shell.Heterogeneity of the stress state, caused by the process of propagation of waves of deformations in length, influences significantly the pattern of the buckling of shells. The shapes of wave formation differ from wave formation patterns in statics. The change in the geometry of thickness distribution along the shell length requires new calculations for each specific case.

Generation of objectives should take account of the requirements of cost efficiency, technological effectiveness, reliability and safety. Complex objectives include the production cost of a reinforced concrete slab, operating costs and risks.Possibility of an emergency situation should be taken into account while calculating and constructing elements. The most reasonable way to minimize the damage caused by an emergency situation is to analyze the failure. A risk is defined as a probability of structural failure with implications of a certain level taking place within a certain period of operation. The damage caused by the total or partial destruction of a concrete slab is calculated on the basis of its residual cost, as well as the lowest required expenses for its repair and reconstruction. The «R – S» (risk–damage) function is most closely approximated by an exponential curve. Typically, reduction of the risk value leads to the cost increase of the construction. On the other hand, the risk increase may result in the structural failure in a shorter period of time. The proposed objective function offers the most adequate evaluation of the cost of designed projects considering the probability of emergency situations.

This article is dedicated to 7 degree S -splines of the class C4 that maintain four continuous derivatives and though remain stable. S -spline is a piecewise-polynomial function. Its coefficients are defined due to two criteria. The first part of coefficients is defined by the smoothness of the spline. The other coefficients are defined by the least-square method. At this moment we have investigated 7 rate S -splines of the class C4.The classic problem the elasticity theory is handled by solving nonhomogeneous biharmonic equation using Galerkin method, where fundamental S -splines are chosen as the system of basic functions. This approach not only provides high accuracy of solution, but also lets determine the required loads easily. It is known, that in the process of determining the loads the obtained potential (which is the solution to biharmonic equation) ought to be differentiated twice, which leads to roundoff accumulation.The methodic of S -splines constructing is given. In the paper the authors introduce the theorems of existence and uniqueness, convergence and stability for constructed S -splines. We described methodics of the problem of space discretization using S -splines. The obtained numerical solution is compared to the known analytic solution to the problem. The approximation error is 0(h8). Taking h = 0,5236, which is equal to 24 grid points, the approximation error is about 0,005. For comparison, it would take 500 first members in order to provide such an error by using a tragicomic function system as basic function of Galerkin method.Described S -splines give an opportunity to use high degree polynomials without fear of stability loss, which provides significant reduction of the grid node quantity. Besides, S -splines provide a simple solution. In order to calculate it in every point the knowledge of only two arithmetic operations is required.

The problem of expansion of a spherical cavity is solved using models of the plasticity theory, proposed by Grigoryan S.S., Zuev V.V. and Ioselevich V.A. The theory allows us to take account of a number of significant features of the soil deformation behavior. It is shown that the solution can be reduced to the solution of the Cauchy problem for the system of three differential equations. Specific calculations were made for the loamy ground at different depths of the spherical cavity. Distribution of displacements and stresses in the soil mass as well as loading trajectories were obtained. It was found out how fully the suggested model reflects the real work of the soil in mass by comparing specific engineering solutions based on the theory, experimental and observation findings. For the same purpose, simpler problems are solved, those that axxept a solution in the presence of different hypotheses about the relation between stresses and deformations. The analysis of these solutions allow us to detect differences between commonly used schematizations and the pattern proposed by the current model.The tasks under concern are of practical use in the construction industry.

For the first time classifications of soil in the base of buildings and structures were offered in the soil classification given in All Union State standard "Soil" 25100—2011. The soil masses can consist only of dispersed soil or of rocks and dispersed soil. In the second case strong rocks alternate with the precipitates which haven't received natural hardening. Classification tables are provided for the masses consisting entirely of soil, and also for soil masses of rocks and dispersed soil. For the second class the abbreviated name "SKADI" is offered. For the class of dispersed soil masses the classification by the principle of their origin is used: sedimentary, vulkanogenic-sedimentary, eluvial (aeration products), technogenic. For the class "SKADI", in which soil and rocks come together, the classification is: magmatic, metamorphic, sedimentary, vulkanogen-sedimentary, eluvial and technogenic. Subtypes are also classified by origin. For example, in the sedimentary soil type, the subtypes are: sea origin and continental origin. In the class "SKADI" in sedimentary type we distinguish: sea locally strengthened by nature, continental locally strengthened by nature, sea locally destroyed by aeration to the state of soil, continental locally destroyed by aeration to the state of soil, and mass of rocks with crushing zones. The reasons for the offered classifications are given and discussed. The offered classifications are intended for planning engineering-geological researches for construction. The reason is that the quantity of boreholes, types and number of tests of soil and rocks depend on soil class, type and subtype. The classifications can be useful in case of choosing the method for soil masses simulation to calculate the bases and to preliminary estimate the level of the base model complexity.

Some results of high-rise buildings monitoring program are presented in this paper. The monitoring system is currently operating at the high-rise apartment building in Moscow. The vibrating wire strain gauges were embedded in the foundation slab and groundlevel walls during the construction. Measurements are carried out automatically at 6-hour intervals, and received in real time by the monitoring station. In this paper the result of measuring the strain in the concrete walls during 4 years is reported.The computer model of the building was made in order to compare the experimental and predicted data. Mathematical models of a high-rise building are simplified, but we are taking into account the main factors, that influence the stress-strain state of reinforced concrete structures. These factors are: influence of soil base, phases of construction and change of concrete deformation characteristics. The total strain in constructions was calculated as a sum of a strain under load, thermal strain, plastic shrinkage and creep. This data was compared with the total strain in structures measured by the gauges.The analysis of quantitative and qualitative correspondence between the model and actual data was performed. The comparison shows that the theoretical results obtained by the performed procedure are similar to the experimental data. It demonstrates that the model reflects the actual behavior of constructions. The differences found during the comparison are due to the redistribution of stresses from one part of a construction to the other that can occur even if the load is constant. This phenomenon is clearly seen during the suspension of construction. Some differences due to unaccounted factors were found, which should be investigated later.

In the article the dependences of concrete compression strength from fluidity of concrete and water cementitious ratio for non-modified and modified concrete with superplasticizing and organo-mineral admixtures are cited and analyzed. The problems of application efficiency assessment of concrete and reinforcing steel of high classes of strength in reinforced concrete elements are examined. Calculating algorithms are presented with the use of an economic-mathematical method, which allow to improve calculation and designing of a monolithic reinforced concrete framework. Results of the researches are applied in the process of designing some objects in Ufa. The article presents design solutions using concrete and reinforcing steel of higher strength classes.The co-authors present the generalizing approach to the solution of the problems of optimized application of high-strength concrete and efficient armature classes in bendable ferroconcrete elements. The decision is made by the criteria of reducing reinforced concrete and concrete consumption.The methods of analysis offered and developed by the authors are widely used in the Republic of Bashkortostan and allow to reveal effective fields of application of the effective classes of concrete and reinforcement steel in reinforced concrete elements with evaluating expediency at the design stage and in order to estimate their efficiency. That is especially important in the process of choosing modified concrete and modern steel for building frame and monolithic structures.

Ceramic technology is based on three requirements: maintaining the product properties on the required level, reduction of energy costs, optimization of raw materials consumption and technological parameters. It is possible to obtain a product with improved operating abilities, at the same time optimizing the energy consumption, with the use of modern methods of thermal treatment, which include a combination of burning mechanisms in one technological conversion.The service durability of products is determined by the simultaneous influence of the factors, which are characterized by the properties of raw materials, the conditions of molding powder preparation, molding and thermal treatment. The usage of innovational technological methods allow to reduce the duration of the main energy consuming operations — the process of powder preparation can be reduced from 8—12 hours (traditional technology) up to 2—3 minutes, and the process of drying and burning from 2—3 days to 1—1.5 hours. The quality of ready products remains high.Ceramic tiles are primarily used as finishing material in the construction of residential, public and industrial buildings. Modern technologies of ceramic tiles provide not only crock glazing, but also applying other materials on it. This can extend the range of ceramic tiles application.

Nine types of nanomodifiers designated for asphalt binder are considered in the article. Three mineral material types of are considered, including dolomite powder MP-1, diatomite and activated silica sand. As the second component cotton oil, synthetic rubber and a colloid solution of ferric (III) hydroxide and silica acid are selected. The results of the study disclose the influence of nanomodifiers on needle penetration depth at 0 °C and 25 °C, as well as the softening temperature, brittleness properties and stability after aging. The penetration depth is a criterion of the ability of the bitumen to resist mechanical stress, while brittleness and / or softening are the criteria of its ability to resist temperature. The generalized effectiveness criterion of bitumen modifiers is also taken into account. The generalized effectiveness criterion of nanomodifiers was revealed based on the obtained data. One of the most effective modifiers is diatomite with a colloid solution of ferric hydroxide (III) and silica acid. Dolomite powder with sol and diatomite with synthetic rubber (layer 70 nm) are promising methods of modification, though they require optimization in terms of their technology and formulations.

Orthosilicates of bivalent metals are widely employed by various technologies, including the production of building materials. In the last decades, several sol-gel methods were proposed to obtain high-purity orthosilicates in a laboratory environment. The objective of this research was to prepare powdered crystalline orthosilicates of calcium, magnesium, zinc and cadmium using a new sol-gel technique that comprises a hydrogel combustion stage.APSTOL (3-aminopropylsilanetriol), a water-soluble silicone having low polymerizability and high stability at any ambience, was used as a silica precursor. Metal nitrates were used as metal oxide precursors, water was the solvent. Nitric acid was added to every precursor mixture to prevent precipitation of metal hydroxides. Solid hydrogels, capable of spontaneous combustion, were generated in the aftermath of the dry-out of the prepared solutions. Combustion products were studied using FTIR method (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) and TG-DSC methods (Thermogravimetric Analysis and Differential Scanning Calorimetry), and heated thereafter. Final products were also studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.It was found that all combustion products (except for the Cd-silicate system) were poorly crystallized orthosilicates in stable or meta-stable crystalline forms. Upon subsequent heating, well-crystallized orthosilicates (willemite, larnite and forsterite) were formed.As a result, the proposed synthesis procedure demonstrated its efficiency for the synthesis of powdered crystalline or semicrystalline orthosilicates and oxy-orthosilicates of bivalent metals. The main strengths of this procedure include its high synthesis rate and absolute stability of the precursor solutions.

Energy saving is a top-priority task for any country. Presently, power engineering and its relevance grow year after year. The problem accrues particular significance in the following two cases: in the event of energy resources deficiency or in the event of adverse climatic conditions in a country. For example, in some regions of the Russian Federation, where the lowest outside temperature can reach 50 °C and below during the cold season, heat losses for heating systems can exceed 50 % of the heat supplied by heat sources.Thermal insulation is a universally recognized effective method of control over heat emissions into the environment. The authors present the performance of a liquid thermal insulation applied to the surface of a pipeline. Infrared thermometry devices (a pyrometer and a thermal imager) and classical equations of the steady-state heat transfer are applied to analyze the efficiency of advanced methods of heat insulation. The authors present a graph of linear heat loss for a steel pipeline depending on the thickness of the thermal insulation layer. Images, generated by the thermal imager, are analyzed together with the data obtained by the pyrometer. They demonstrate a gap between the temperature of an isolated section of a pipeline and the temperature of the unpainted pipeline, which is equal to 5—10 °C.The authors also present a histogram characterizing the annual fuel consumption (in standard measurement units) depending on the thickness of the heat insulation layer. The findings have demonstrated that 1 mm layer of thermal isolation saves 126.1 m3 of natural gas per one running meter of a pipeline a year, which is equal to approx. 500 rubles (in prices of 2013). The payback period this energy-saving project should not exceed six months. It is noteworthy that the increase of the liquid thermal insulation layer is not a criterion for its economic expediency. If the thickness of liquid thermal insulation is equal to 1 mm, fuel savings will reach approx. 65 %; if it goes up to 1,5 mm, fuel savings go up by mere 8 %.The paper demonstrates the authors’ findings in terms of the heat conductivity declared by the producer. Some problems remain unresolved, including the issue of identification of the properties of liquid heat insulation, if the heat insulation layer is exposed to external factors (such as the temperature and humidity of the environment, heat transfer temperature), etc.

Recently the requirements to the high quality of works for critical groups of buildings are more rigid in Russia. This also concerns the transport structures, which play the key role, such as bridges, tunnels, overpasses and other similar facilities. Particularly high requirements for these structures are: reliability, frost resistance, water resistance, crack resistance and durability. In this article the main principles of providing high consumer properties of these objects are highlighted. Modern achievements in concrete researches are used, which are based on scientific studies performed in JSC CNIIS.The main problem in the process of concrete curing is not only in thermostressed state, which depends on the temperature and on the features of structure formation related to the changes in temperature regime of hardening concrete. The service properties of concrete are also influenced by different kinds of thermal stresses, occurring during concrete hardening: submicrostresses, microstresses and macrostresses. A special role in the theory of concrete hardening is played by the so-called own (or residual) thermal stress, which increases or decreases fracture of constructions. With the help of the accounting for these types of thermal stresses, the author shows how to increase crack resistance of concrete constructions without use of extra means of protection from temperature cracks. Furthermore, the author vividly shows, how to consider the magnitude of the temperature drops properly, which occur in concrete and lead to the formation of residual thermal stresses. The research of thermal stresses helps to reduce the cost of the device for additional thermal insulation of concrete, and to achieve high consumer properties of a construction. Positive results from the performed work were used in the construction of a number of transport tunnels in the city of Moscow, which led to the acceleration of their construction and reduced the cost of providing perfect quality of performed works.

In Russia the standards for wastewater discharge have increased in the nineties of the twentieth century, and the main question was the removal of nutrients. In recent years there have been many studies in order to develop new methods of wastewater treatment, and to adopt Western technologies in Russian treatment plants. But the main problem now is that most of the plants in Russia were built more than thirty years ago. And now they need reconstruction. It requires great financial investments, but the possibilities are limited. Therefore it is necessary to reconstruct with minimal expenses, maximum usage of existing tanks and equipment, and the quality of wastewater treatment satisfying the standards. In Moscow State University of Civil Engineering (MGSU) extensive researches are carried out in the field of biological wastewater treatment, including the removal of nutrients. The results of the researches were used for constructions and reconstructions of treatment plants in Russia.Technological Scheme «Deep biological wastewater treatment system with ammonium-nitrogen removal», which was developed and patented in MGSU, treats wastewater biologically in the aeration tank, which is divided into a sequence of alternating anoxic and aerobic zones. The reconstruction of biological treatment plants under this Scheme is possible at minimal cost, and the quality of treatment satisfies the modern standards.Nowadays, in the Russian Federation there are about sixty two percent of plants with aeration tanks, thirty three percent of biofiltration plants, and five percent of the plants with only mechanical treatment. The main task of the present research was to investigate the possibility of applying single-sludge denitri-nitrification system in the reconstruction of wastewater treatment plants in the Russian Federation. Only plants with aeration tanks were studied, because only they can be reconstructed with the use of the Scheme.The research includes fifty three treatment plants of different Russian cities. According to the questionnaires the data for each treatment plant has been received. The date concerns influents and effluents, the features of a construction and operation of the structures at a station and the data about the cost of aeration in the aeration tanks and so on. The location of the studied treatment plants can be found on the map present in the article.From the initial data the basic parameters of the aeration tanks were calculated, including the amount of air required for denitrification and nitrification. The calculation of the required air amount has been carried out using the method developed in MGSU. This method includes both normative calculations and practical experience of operating procedure of the aeration tanks (working with the single-sludge denitri-nitrification scheme). The results of the calculations were compiled for further analysis.According to the analysis, sixty five percent of the studied wastewater treatment plants may be reconstructed according to the single-sludge denitri-nitrification scheme. It will lead to a serious improvement of wastewater treatment quality.It is important to note, that the calculations were made on the basis of air amount produced by the existing station`s blowers. Therefore reconstructions don`t require replacement of blowers and can be done stage-by-stage.

The article presents the authors’ analysis of the industrial wastewater treatment and recycling technologies based on conventional technologies. It is pointed out that conventional electroplating waste water treatment plants in Russian Federation have several disadvantages, such relatively high operating costs and low wastewater processing efficiency. Thus electroplating wastewater treatment plants have to be modernized according to Best Available Technologies (BAT).A modern electroplating wastewater treatment and recycling technology based on BAT such as electroflotation, ultrafiltration and industrial reverse osmosis has been developed and successfully implemented at several RF industrial enterprises. The represented system is free from the disadvantages such as conventional wastewater processing technologies have. It allows to achieve integrated treatment of electroplating wastewater from heavy metal ions down to 0,04 mg/l and from oil products down to 0,05 mg/l within low power and chemicals consumptions with further water reuse, significantly reducing water disposal and WWTPs operating costs and thus ensuring the profitability of WWTPs usage and as a result electroplating industry in general.

Metallurgy is an industry which causes great environmental stress. Ferrous waste used as the raw material in the building industry can lead to environmental pollution with heavy metals. The author offers a methodology of comparing different technologies of using the potential of waste in order to minimize the adverse influence of technology on the environment. The methodology is based on choosing the best available technologies accepted in the European Union.The methodological approaches to the development of new technologies of ferrous slag usage and identification of the existing ones were based on the concept of a complex ecosystem-based approach. The approach allows to estimate the required degree of acceptable environmental risks in the course of the implementation of a technology throughout the whole life cycle of waste: at the stage of its formation, generation of the desired product in the process of technological conversion by capturing the resource potential of waste, the use of the desired product by the consumer, and the expiry of the life cycle of a product (material) generated by the consumer from the desired product.The use of a complex ecosystem-based approach in the process of developing new technologies of slag usage and identifying the existing ones helps to judge if a technology allows achieving the following targets:technical feasibility of a technology in production quantities, on condition of achieving the degree of capturing the slag potential that complies with low-waste and wastefree categories of technological processes;the acceptable level of environmental security throughout the whole life cycle of theslag;generation of marketable end products of the pre-set quality, which exceeds thequality of other competing products;maximal prevention of the environmental damage by reducing the environmental stress on the environment and the population;availability of the technology in terms of finance and economy;social issues (new jobs, higher payments to budgets of all levels, improvement of the environmental and social image of a company, prevention of public protests as a result of favorable decisions for the protection of the environment).The proposed algorithm allows choosing the technology producing minimal environmental damage in order to maximize the economic attractiveness and technical feasibility.

Megacities like the most massive manifestation of urban settlements, will keep on growing due to the socio-environmental reasons. And the problems of house, industrial and socio-cultural construction will grow under the conditions of vacant land limit. The approaches to the building development of new territories and previously used ones are significantly different. That requires a modification of methodological approaches and the development of new principles of evaluation. In the current situation of understanding of the biogenic processes significance, new territories can be developed in environmentfriendly way. In respect of the previously built-up or polluted areas, the evaluation of the changes in anthropogenic ecosystem should be made.In general, urbanized landscapes are growing, but the territories suitable for urban development do not grow. That dramatically raises the price for land, particularly for the previously undeveloped land. At the same time, the value of previously used for agricultural purposes land within the city or within industrial zones also increases. For any landscape, used or not, should be regarded as non-renewable.The development of technologically polluted areas require significant economic investments. As a result, the development of optimal methods of the area valuation for further investment and construction is important. As commonly cited, soil and land have no value as such, which should be compared with the income. The market price of one square meter finally gives us the value of undeveloped land, and its location, status, and the possibility of further use is of crucial significance. Investors evaluate real estate not only by the location, but also by material, income and profitability. Systematic investigation of these criteria allows us to see the weaknesses and advantages of the land. The cost of real estate can change quickly in case of changes in its pricing factors. A good example is construction of a highway in the neighborhood: positive for industrial construction, negatively for living. Therefore, such signs should be permanently recorded and evaluated.

The article contains a brief description and comparative analysis of the organization and maintenance cost of alternative energy sources for a single-family house in the second climate zone conditions. For this aim, building energy consumption was calculated taking into account different family demography. Equivalent power supply of the building was admitted and on its basis the cost and payback of alternative energy systems were calculated. These energy systems are: solar panels and air-source heat pumps, ground-source probe and ground-source solar collectors, wind turbines, heat pumps. Comparative analysis was carried out using the following parameters: input and output power, device cost, service life, payback, operating costs and system drawbacks. Existing alternative sources of energy for individual dwelling can be divided into two basic groups: providing power supply and accumulating heat energy. Systems payback average time makes up 5 years. But all the systems have one common and essential drawback — they cannot provide independent energy and heat supply «single-handed». A new total energy system layout is presented. The principle of power supply system operation is based on compensation of the shortage of energy produced by another source. In our case solar panels and wind turbines are interchangeable. Calculation of a system generating electricity from solar panels was made in case that panels generate maximum 45 % of nominal output during heating season. The system operating with the help of wind turbine is calculated assuming that average wind velocity during heating season in Moscow region is 5 meters per second. Thermal energy is provided from ground-source heat pumps. Arrangement cost of indirect heating system and hot water supply on the basis of ground-source probe will be 665 000 rubles. Total cost of arrangement of independent power-and-heat supply system for a dwelling having 5 residents makes up 1699,6 thousand rubles. Payback time is 13,4 years. The article can be useful for power load determination and for appropriate system choice, that provides maximum independent energy supply for a single-family house.

The energy demand of a 5-storey residential building (a 105 series design structure built in 1980), located in the city of Khujand, Tajikistan, was simulated at the Fraunhofer Institute of Building Physics in Germany using WUFI+ software. The purpose of the simulation was to reduce the energy demand for its heating and cooling, as well as to ensure thermal comfort inside the building in the course of its reconstruction and modernization. Reconstruction and modernization of this residential building includes the construction of POLYALPAN ventilated façade, application of mineral wool insulation sheets, aerated concrete blocks, and replacement of old windows by the sealed double glazing.The analysis of micro-climatic parameters of this residential building is performed in furtherance of Category II of EN 15251 "Indoor environmental input parameters for design and assessment of energy performance of buildings addressing indoor air quality, thermal environment, lighting and acoustics", and it is based on the comprehensive assessment of the values of heat indexes PMV (Predicted Mean Vote) and PPD (Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied). The research is based on the modeling pattern limiting the air temperature values on the premises during the heating period and reducing the energy demand for its heating through the employment of a heat exchanger. The findings prove that the analysis of micro-climatic parameters of buildings would benefit from the comprehensive and integrated assessment of the values of thermal comfort indexes PMV and PPD and from the evaluation of thermal insulation properties of clothes. Moreover, the findings demonstrate the need for development of national standards of the microclimate inside residential buildings. The research was based on the data simulating the climatic conditions in the northern region of Tajikistan during an extremely hot summer season and the optimum indoor air temperature of +24,3 °C instead of 20—22 °C. The research has proven that it is advisable to record the cooling data for five hottest months (May through September) instead of three, which is a common practice. The energy savings of 47,5 % were achieved using a 90 % efficient heat recovery procedure during the winter period when mechanical ventilation systems are in operation. Using heat exchangers after the renovation and modernization of residential buildings can significantly reduce the load on the heating system of a building.

The article considers the critical Froude number dependent on the hydraulic friction number in open channels with high relative roughness, which is comparable with the depth of the stream.The author offers an equation, which presents the critical value of Froude number and shows that the value of critical Froude number decreases with the increasing in relative roughness.Experiments were made in the rectangular channel. Steady roughness was created by metal balls.The critical value of Froude number usually taken as 1, no matter if the flow changes(furious or tranquil).The article shows, that the critical value of Froude number is not constant and equal to 1, but it decreases with the increasing of the pipe friction number in channels with high relative roughness.

Slope type hydraulic structures are widely used in the construction. They are used both as fencing and as shore protection and are usually located on the coasts of offshore water zones. The interaction of such structures with external loads has been studied for quite a long time. The methods of calculating these structures have been developed. Defining the wave run-up height on a slope of a structure can be considered the main question in the calculation of these structures. The given article provides a brief survey of the methods of calculating the wave run-up height on slope of structures of various applications. These methods were developed on the basis of experimental studies. The author examines various solutions to this problem, previously obtained by different researchers.In order to calculate the wave run-up height on a slope type shore protection construction a large number of calculation methods were developed. The parameters of a wave approaching a structure were defined by linear or non-linear wave theory, but they are mostly true in the conditions of a smooth slope with constant gradient. In the case of complex slope configuration physical modeling is currently used.Slope structure having more complicated form can solve many problems, such as: reducing the crest level, increasing the slope stability, creating more aesthetically appealing appearance of the structures, but their calculation and design is currently difficult, since there is practically no reliable method of calculation and, therefore, it requires significant investment.At present the solution to this problem is relevant and necessary.

Nowadays in Russian Federation there is a growing demand for monolithic construction. Monolithic construction technology is developing to meet the requirements, such as reduction of construction time and improvement of the quality of the structures. Analysis of different situations that arise on construction sites shows a number of usual problems: increased construction period, increased cost, etc.Possible reason of this problem can be in using outdated approaches to the control of monolithic construction processes. Such approaches do not take into account deviations due to the abrupt changes caused by external influence of the environment. And it can lead to increase in technological expectations or increase in labor costs for eliminating these deviations. This article presents an approach, which helps to increase the efficiency of process organization in monolithic construction by means of adaptive control and operative control in real time. This approach is based on the methods of operative monitoring and processing of information about the state of the production system at any given time. In this paper organizational scheme for combining different production and control processes was developed, which is based on the following principles: Choice of criteria for comprehensive assessment of a production system, that reflect both internal state and external disturbances; Development of the methods and means of operational monitoring of the structures(includes previously selected criteria); Development of the methods of constructing situation models of the production system functioning (including modeling the hydration process of concrete and the influence of external factors on this process).Development of the methods of research and information decision support based on automated processing of information, obtained in the course of monitoring, and on the analysis of available options of controlling actions.

The article states the necessity of selecting software products that make up the corporate information space. The reason for establishing interoperability of enterprise information systems is justified. Two extreme approaches to the interoperable space formation were mentioned. Various criteria for choosing the optimal set of software products are offered. The question about the level of interoperability standards of corporate information space is raised. The author offers an option of choosing interoperable software products for a company in accordance with a certain coefficient. This coefficient is the probability of the event "satisfaction with the selected software product" by i -criterion of npossible. These criteria should be worked out by a board of competent staff of a company taking into account the optimization tasks and the problems set.This approach is based on the concept of simple and discrete distribution of coefficients. In the formula it is proposed to use a correction factor μ , which corresponds to the level of satisfaction with the software. It is determined by a person or a group of persons – professionals in the field. It is also required to find another coefficient βl — the need in selectable software product.It is known that interoperable enterprise information environment consists of a set of interoperable enterprise information spaces. Each of them has a number of functions. These functions have a their own level of importance. Then end result of software products selection is the reduction up to four types of formulas.We give the positive side of selection using coefficients, they produce a summation or multiplication. Negative aspects of each approach are also discussed. The final selection process of interoperable enterprise information space on the basis of these coefficients should be made by a competent board of a company.

The article describes the formation and implementation of virtual organizational structures for construction companies. We consider the components of virtual enterprises, the process of their integration and organization of system connections. Particular attention is paid to the method of forming the qualitative and quantitative elements of virtual structures.The introduction of virtual building production systems implies increased automation and the use of modern equipment in the offices of project participants and on construction sites, where the majority of technological operations is performed. Creating a virtual organizational structure requires a detailed study of all aspects of the future enterprise, no matter how long it will be functioning and what goals were set. Having determined the participants and the basic scheme of the virtual organizational structure, it is necessary put question of hardware and software.Obvious is the fact that the construction industry in our country is in need of highquality optimization and automation of the technological process components. Any innovation requires high-quality information base for successful implementation and operation in the given industry.

In the given article the author presents an algorithm of choosing a construction company for the purpose of tendering, the same as the techniques of complex efficiency index improvement. The developed algorithm offers a comprehensive approach in order to determine the readiness of a construction company for construction projects. An ideal organizational and management model is developed in order to improve the competitive ability of construction companies. According to this model complex efficiency index is calculated. Organizational and management model is formed by six parameters. Each of them have three levels of significance. Expert judgment was used in order to identify the importance of each parameter in the whole system. The six parameters are: the total value of the contracts of the construction company for the last calendar year; organizational and technological standards of the company; environmental standards; workforce management; information technology; the company's portfolio. As a result, the construction company with the highest CEI is pronounced the winner of tendering. Thus, the developed method of complex efficiency index calculation can be used to improve the efficiency of a company by adjusting the organizational and management system. The proposed method of calculation should contribute to the development of the construction industry within the framework of competition in the Russian Federation.

The main purpose of construction organization (CO) is putting an object of a required quality into operation within the established time limit with the lowest labor and resources input. This aim remains relevant also in emergency situations. However, apart from the main tasks of CO in emergencies, there are additional challenges to stabilize and arrange construction works, reduce the impact of emergency situations and their results. Due to the lack of information about the domain objects in emergency situations the complexity of formulating and dealing with management problems increases. This provokes rebuilding of the manufacturing processes of a construction enterprise in order to adapt them to the new conditions and to optimize the results obtained in these conditions. Fast and efficient decisions based on the functional model of the components and processes will improve the efficiency of CO in emergency situations.The essence of the model proposed by the author is that the tasks of the CO are divided into conditional permanent and conditional variable. The functioning of conditional permanent tasks remain unchanged in emergency situations, but conditional variable depend on the emergency. Their composition is determined by the construction characteristics. The resulting sets of tasks are ranked by priority. A higher priority is assigned to the tasks of operational planning of the building production rehabilitation by restructuring the production processes disturbed in emergency situations.

In addition to ERP systems, there is a specific list of other systems: asset management, product lifecycle management at all stages, operations management, customer relationship management, the management of the overall performance of the company, supply chain management, project management, service management, portals outside interference.A construction company must be prepared to work with a great number of customers, to understand what they need and when, not to disappoint their expectations, be prepared for the fact that customers can be not in the same region as the construction company. Senior management should be able to work with subcontractors, time contracts, freelancer workers, be aware of the financial affairs of the company.When choosing software package, a company should be guided by its aims, clearly understand the expected effect. Choosing software system is an integral part of the process of information systems implementation. It should not be focused entirely on the selected software, after all, the main purpose of this introduction is to optimize the infrastructure management. In this case, not programmers, but business consultants must deal with the implementation.A system that will include the ERP-system is needed, which will be easy to operate, flexible and interoperable not only internally, but also with external applications. This system should be object-oriented for easy programming, reasonably standardized, functional, have a high level of self-organization and to have one of the representations in the form of business processes.The stages of the project of implementing interoperable enterprise information systems are the following: definition of the project aims; enterprise inspection and preparation for the project of implementation, the choice of software package supplier, management of the project of information system construction and development.

The article describes virtual organizational structure for the construction industry, which was formed as a result of a number of problematic issues. The development of the construction industry is one of the prior tasks for the state economy. Virtual enterprises, tailored to the industry, showed themselves as the most progressive means of production optimization and automation.Virtual organizational structures are becoming more widespread. They demonstrate positive effect after being introduced and used in various sectors of the economy. Today, foreign experience and technologies of implementing virtual organizational structures of enterprises is actively adapted in the realities of the Russian economy with harsh investment climate and the increased interest of the state sector. The introduction of virtual organizational structures for construction companies is a significant step in the process of the industry informalization. By setting a precedent and reinforcing it by appropriate methodological framework, we obtain a basis for the formation of information platforms, which contain the full list of theoretical and practical knowledge.Getting positive effect after creating virtual organizational structures of enterprises in the construction industry is only half the way. Any result from the introduction will result in a new area for research and development.

The paper deals with optimization of the process of purification and desulfonation of the flue gas in industrial and environmental systems.The objects of the research are industrial and environmental systems producing gypsum. The research presents the modes, methods and control circuits of the systems operation in order to monitor the quality of byproduct and end product. Also the subject of the research is the analysis and synthesis of organizational and technical solutions and the development of the methods for determining and assessing the feasibility of the process operational optimization on the basis of the received results. In the given theoretical research and practical studies the methods of structural organization and mathematical modeling of production processes were used, together with the methods of their engineering, operational optimization, and linear synthesis of organizational control systems.Analytical and idealized mathematical models of gypsum production on flue gas desulphurisation units were compared.The practical significance of the research is in theoretical base and recommendations for scientifically-based selection of organizational structures, modes, methods and control circuits. These organizational structures, modes, methods and control circuits are used for establishing new industrial and environmental systems, as well as updating and improving existing ones. Preliminary calculations show, that the obtained results will improve the quality of end products and improve the technical and economic performance. Also they will help to reduce the time and cost of research while creating industrial and environmental systems.

In the process of version design of structures an engineer is compelled to solve problems of parametrical synthesis (parametrical optimization). Existing design software systems contain modules of optimization. But they require the user to select a specific optimization method, used throughout the computing process, which does not always provide effective solutions. The recalculation of structure by the method of finite elements on each stage of optimization demands much time and computing. The solution to this problem is possible by using parallel computing and introducing a block of approximations, which would allow accepting a preliminary approximate solution to a problem without using FE-analysis. It can be realized using a group of intellectual agents organized as a multiagent system. A multiagent system is effective modern software, which uses the intelligent agents as the basic units. Agents can be arranged in groups and work closely together during the decision-making process. In the article the authors offer a multiagent system consisting of three types of agents in order to solve the problem of version design of structures. The agents are assigned for special functional roles: agentperformer, agent-calculator and agent-manager. The agent-performer is responsible for optimization of every element of the structure. The agent-calculator carries out design calculation by means of FE method. The agent-manager makes control over the process of task solution, interaction of agents in the system, resolves conflicts and defines current purposes of the computing system.

The problem of filtration in the conditions of suspended contact mass appears not only in the process of water purification, but also in other spheres of human activity.New theory on foreign particle motion inside suspended floc layer is observed (only their upward motion). The influence of horizontal limit of the suspended floc layer on foreign particle motion is considered. The co-authors present equations for calculating new space coordinates of a foreign particle.Therefore, the authors form mathematical model of the water purifying filter reactor functioning, which can be used in the process of studying the peculiarities of filtration and in prospect can be taken as the basis for experiment planning. Further specification of this model may be made in case of developing the method of calculating the free path length in space case.

The article describes an approach to developing the Internet portal of urban development in Moscow. The purpose for creating the portal is the analysis and monitoring of integrated urban development of Moscow. Database of the Internet portal is based on the data available in the bodies of executive power of Moscow of various levels. Data is grouped according to the relation to different urban programs and characteristics of autonomous regions.As a result of raw data processing, the user gets information that reflects the level of urban development in the area visually. The use of the proposed web portal will allow users to work interactively, provide them with remote access to the necessary information and will provide information in multimedia format. The technology of processing the data of the information-analytical Internet portal ofMoscow urban development is designed for several groups of people: specialists of the city and the municipal executive bodies (full access); specialists of organizations participating in investment or construction (limited access)population (access to public information). Configurable access levels for working with data allow using this resource in the open network Internet in order to inform residents about the urban development of the municipal districts of the city.