A significant portion of the overall heat loss is due to the heat loss through the building envelope. According to the opinions of experts, the surface area of exterior walls has the insulation of about 65 % of the total envelope of apartment buildings; therefore, thermal protection of external walls of buildings is a key issue in ensuring the thermal performance of envelopes of apartment buildings.
The author has developed design solutions that assure the thermal protection of exterior walls and that are aimed at identifying the optimal solution in terms of the location of insulation materials, their thermal performance and insulation of exterior walls of apartment buildings in central regions of China.
The author presents a comparative analysis of the main methodologies of thermal insulation designated for the exterior walls of multi-storey residential buildings: internal and external insulation, as well as the insulation in-between the wall layers. The analyses of wall designs are based on the insulation performance, thermal insulation performance, methods of mounting different systems of insulation, and cost of work.
As a result, practical recommendations originate from the statement that the most optimal designs of exterior walls of monolithic high-rise apartment buildings of central regions of China are those that have insulation on the outside of the building. They include layers of insulation made of extruded polystyrene, which is currently planned for use in the construction of high-rise monolithic residential buildings in central China.

<br />
The totality of all environmental influences, including domestic and industrial noise, must be taken into account in the design of building structures. Building envelopes that have appropriate acoustic protection properties are to be used in the practice of the acoustic protection (soundproofing, etc.). According to the principles of structural design, design of soundproof buildings can be broken down into the two groups: design with account for the security conditions (eg., windows, doors, walls, floors), and design of noise-proof structures (eg., partitions, suspended ceilings).<br />
<br />
Multi-optional design of building structures or buildings that meet the terms of acoustic protection requires a modern approach to the process of their development. Any progress in this area is associated with computer-aided design supported by multiple analysis options. Automation allows adjustments in order to comply with the variety of the input data or objective functions to provide for optimal cycling options. In this regard, the authors describe the algorithms and principles of design of building envelopes on the condition of and subject to the acoustic protection. The proposed solution represents a software package capable of performing a multivariate analysis of options of acoustic protection at each stage of building design. Practical application of the software package used to solve practical problems in the design of building envelopes has demonstrated its higher efficiency that the one of traditional design methods.<br />

The article covers the problem of development of the communication space of present-day metropolises. The significance of the issue is based on the fact that modern globalization has established new specific forms of urban lands, such as agglomeration and megalopolis. They accumulate extensive human resources and modify traditional forms of sociality. The author uses the philosophical methodology and communicative tools based on the latest publications on the problems of urban planning and architecture.
The author states that new technologies shaping the information society change the very structure of communication. The structure of an act of communication composed of information, communication, and understanding, is implemented on different levels of the urban semantic structure. If the information level is available to almost everybody, the culture of communication (understanding) appears as an elite skill that is complicated to master. Therefore, it's a great problem, as understanding is the basis of sociality.
A well-known Russian researcher V. Glazychev proposed an efficient methodological approach to the research into the transformation of the city in the history of the human civilization. He believes that the periodic breakdown of urban functions and the forms of cities was a very important
nodal point in the process of urban growth. A classical form of a traditional city remains as one of the most important aesthetic values, although now it's a vanishing trend. Centrifugal tendencies are strengthened in the process of urbanization. A metropolis, reflecting the diversity of its functions, becomes a dynamic "space of stream" (M. Castels) with a polycentric structure, imbued with functional links. A city becomes a machine that is constantly reproducing new massages. This continuity is perceived as a form that can only characterize the modern city as a whole. Informative saturation of the social environment leads to confusion of the genuine and non-genuine.
The conception of Cristian De Portzamparc, a French architect, is considered as an example of an active research into the formation of the communicative space of a metropolis. A metropolis is presented as a complex self-developing system full of various social networks where physical space is no longer an alienating barrier.

Simplicity of formation of the monolithic reinforced concrete and benefits of its use in the restrained conditions of the terrain make its application lucrative. Retaining walls and stairs are the most widely spread monolithic concrete elements used in the landscaping of private allotment gardens on the terrain.
In the article, the authors propose their design solutions for reinforced concrete elements integrated into the landscaping of allotment gardens on the terrain: a sheet-pile retaining wall with stairs and a monolithic reinforced concrete arch bridge.
The authors provide their sample analysis of a monolithic sheet-pile retaining wall with a stairs. Its steps and stair-head were analyzed as flexural elements tightly coupled with the retaining wall, with a platform on three sides and steps on two sides. There are formwork drawings and reinforcement drawings of a monolithic sheet-pile retaining wall with a stairs in the article.
Analysis of a monolithic reinforced concrete arch bridge was performed using LIRA software. To reduce the temperature and shrinkage stresses in an arch bridge, as well as stresses that arise in it in case of installation of supports, a two-hinged arch was chosen as the design bridge model.
There are dimensions of the formwork, pattern of the steel frame of the reinforced concrete arch bridge and the design solution of a swivel support unit in the article.

The author considers the process of development of the architect's personality depicted in Vitruvy's and as a based on the work of L.B. Alberti where his role is the one of the founder of the imaginary world generated in the XVIIth century.
The image of an architect is not static, it is transformable. Each time changes in the architectural mode of thinking, as well as in science, technology and arts, are reflected in his "faces".
The paper represents a comparative analysis of antique, medieval, renaissance architectural consciousness of the XVIIth century. The idea of a universally educated personality (uomo universale), generated by Vitruvy, loses its importance in the Middle Ages.
According to Alberti, the true goal of an architect was reduced to consideration of a plan and to its implementation in detailed drawings. That was already enough to speak about the project as a work of architectural art. In that case implementation of a project in reality became the business of workers rather than architects.
Ideas of Alberti will find their reflection in the almost unknown novel and treatise that dates back to the end of the XVth century. It is entitled "Hypnerotomachia Poliphili'. Its authorship is attributed to Francesco Colonna, a Venetian monk. The model of «the paper architecture» which deals with ideas, rather than their material implementation will be more explicit here. (In spite of the fact, that the concept of the «paper architecture» is related to the name of G. B. Piranesi, architect of the XVIIIth century, the sources of this phenomenon are found in the Age of the Renaissance). Colonna actually cited Alberti, telling him to deal with the plan in his soul, "to always keep its completeness and wholeness", and not to fall to the level of simple builders and make building decorations. However the author of "Hypnerotomachia Poliphili", in his turn, overcomes the architectural tradition of Early Renaissance (brought up by Virtuvy and Alberti), and becomes the author of the next centuries. He develops his allegorical imaginary world filled with ideal samples and the fantasy of an architect, and not with projects or theories. Architectural descriptions of "Hypnerotomachia Poliphili" represent an utopia, developed by such authors of the XVII century as T. Campanella and G. Marino.

The authors consider the central symmetric problem of the theory of elasticity of inhomogeneous bodies for thick-walled spheres exposed to the external pressure in a stationary temperature field. The essence of the inverse problem lies in the identification of such dependence of the elastic modulus on the radius whereby the stress state of the sphere is the same as the pre-set one.
Maximal stresses in thick-walled shells exposed to internal or external pressures occur in the proximity to the internal contour. Thus, destruction in this area is initiated upon the achievement of the limit state, while the rest of the shell is underused. The essence of the problem solved in the paper is the following. The problems are solved using the simultaneous exposure to forces and temperature loads.The two theories of strength are considered at once: a maximum normal stress theory and a maximum shear stress theory. It is proven that according to the first theory maximum stresses in an inhomogeneous shell are 1.35 times smaller than those in the homogeneous shell. The stress reduction rate equals to 2.5, if the maximum shear stress theory is employed. Thus, the introduction of artificial inhomogeneity leads to the optimization of shells by reducing their thickness or increasing loads.

The results of numerical modeling of conjugate heat transfer in an IGU with account for its deformation caused by excessive negative pressure in the glazing cavity are presented in the article. The influence of the IGU glass pane deformation on thermal characteristics and gas flow regime within the cavity are studied. A method of assessment of reduced thermal resistance of IGU is provided.
The effects of different climatic impacts lead to the deformation of glasses within an IGU (and its vertical cavity, respectively). Deformation of glasses and vertical cavities reduces the thermal resistance of an IGU. A numerical simulation of conjugate heat transfer within an IGU was implemented as part of the research into this phenomenon. Calculations were performed in ANSYS FLUENT CFD package. Basic equations describing the conservation of mass, conservation of momentum (in the Boussinesq approximation), conservation of energy were solved. Also, the radiation of the cavity wall was taken into account. Vertical walls were considered as non-isothermal, while horizontal walls were adiabatic. Calculations were made for several patterns of glass deformations. Calculation results demonstrate that the heat flow over vertical walls intensifies as the distance between centres of IGU glasses is reduced. The temperature in the central area of the hot glass drops.

Composite steel and concrete slabs are often used in the reconstruction of architectural monuments to replace timber elements. Insufficient awareness of the nature of the stress-strain state of
steel-concrete slabs limits their use in the construction of residential housing. This article describes the composition, geometry, reinforcement, and anchors to enable the use of concrete slabs and steel beams. The article contains photographs that illustrate the load distribution model. Methods of testing of fiber strains of concrete slabs and steel profiles, deflections of beams, shear stresses in the layers of the "steel-to-concrete" contact area that may involve slab cracking are analyzed. Dynamics of fiber deformations of concrete slabs, steel beams, and layers of the "steel-to-concrete" contact areas, deflection development patterns, initial cracking and crack development to destruction are analyzed. The author also describes the fracture behavior of the floor model. Results of experimental studies of the three-dimensional overlapping of structural elements are compared to the test data of individual composite beams. Peculiarities of the stress-strain state of composite steel and concrete slabs, graphs of strains and stresses developing in sections of middle and external steel-and-concrete beams, deflection graphs depending on the loading intensity are provided. The findings of the experimental studies of the three-dimensional performance of composite steel-and-concrete slabs are provided, as well.

Results of the theoretical analysis of experimental diagrams of deformations of columns made of wood sawdust and concrete mixtures and of wood sawdust and gypsum mixtures exposed to uniaxial compression are provided in the paper.
The findings of the prototype testing include identification of the two areas of deformations: areas of elastic deformations and areas of intensive development of deformations. The first area of partial elastic deformations is characterized by the linear stress function, while the second area demonstrates that this relationship is nonlinear. Permanent deformations appear as of the startup of the loading process and disproportionate stress is demonstrated throughout the deformation process. However, in the first area (partial elastic deformations) residual deformations are so small that this area is considered as the area of "the area of incomplete elasticity".

The strongest research potential is demonstrated by the areas of application of high performance steel fiber reinforced concrete (HPSFRC). The research of its rheological characteristics is very important for the purposes of understanding its behaviour. This article is an overview of an experimental study of UHSSFRC. The study was carried out in the form of lasting creep tests of HPSFRC prism specimen, loaded by stresses of varied intensity. The loading was performed at different ages: 7, 14, 28 and 90 days after concreting. The stress intensity was 0.3 and 0.6 Rb; it was identified on the basis of short-term crush tests of similar prism-shaped specimen, performed on the same day. As a result, values of ultimate creep strains and ultimate specific creep of HPSFRC were identified. The data was used to construct an experimental diagramme of the ultimate specific creep on the basis of the HPSFRC loading age if exposed to various stresses. The research has resulted in the identification of a theoretical relationship that may serve as the basis for the high-precision projection of the pattern of changes in the ultimate specific creep of HPSFRC, depending on the age of loading and the stress intensity.

The use of thin shells with the filler in the building industry as one of the most efficient types of building structures are considered in this paper. The fields of application of thin shell structures are specified, including civil, industrial and hydraulic engineering. Theoretical researches of the joint performance of fillers and shell materials that keep the fillers in the design position have proven the efficiency of the joint performance of structural components, while other insufficiently explored areas of their joint performance have been identified.
An overview of the experimental research of the stress-strained state of thin shells and fillers is provided in the paper. Studies were conducted using the model of a vertical cylindrical shell filled with a loose material. Dimensions and material properties of the model are defined according to the similarity theory, subject to the scale-based proportion of rigidity of the shell structure model. Clear dry sand served as the model filler, as loose soil is capable of simulating the behaviour of the filler of a real structure due to the absence of cohesion.
Scaling conditions are satisfied in respect of the model exposure to loads. Eccentric load was applied to the shell during the experiment. Stresses in the bearing zone of the model were registered with stress gauges. Model deformations were traced and registered by mechanical displacement sensors. Computer simulation and calculations were performed using the finite element method (FEM), and internal forces and calculated displacements were identified in the shell as a result. Further, calculated values of stresses within the body of a thin shell were compared with the data obtained in the course of model tests. The area exposed to compressive stress in the bearing zone of the shell was considered in detail: the experimental data and stress distribution patterns identified in the course of calculations were compared. Possible reasons for their non-compliance were provided. Lines of development of a mathematical model describing the stress-strain state of eccentrically loaded shell structures that interact with the internal environment of the filler and that rest on elastic or rigid foundations were also generated.

The authors consider up-to-date methods of implementation of requirements stipulated by Federal Law no. 261-FZ that encompasses reduction of heat losses through installation of progressive heat-insulation systems, cement plaster system (CPS), and ventilated facades (VF). Unresolved problems of their efficient application caused by the absence of the all-Russian regulatory documents capable of controlling the processes of their installation and maintenance, as well as the projection of their behaviour, are also considered in the article.
The authors argue that professional skills of designers and construction workers responsible for the design and installation of façade systems influence the quality and reliability of design and construction works.
Unavailability of unified solutions or regulations serves as the objective reason for the unavailability of the respective database; therefore, there is an urgent need to perform a set of researches to have the unified database compiled.
The authors use the example of thermal insulation cement plaster systems designated for facades as results of researches into the quantitative analysis of safety systems. Collected and systematized data that cover defects that have proven to be reasons for failures, as well as potential methods of their prevention are also studied. Data on pilot studies of major factors of influence onto reliability of glutinous adhesion of CPS to the base of a wall are provided.

The authors have identified the relation between the value of intensity of the piece-wise linear inclined load, displacement of the pre-set area of the half-plane boundary and the soil sediment value. Availability of this relation makes it possible to identify the value of intensity of the inclined load applied to the pre-set section on the basis of the displacement, sediments and physical-mechanical properties of the medium. Examples of solutions to the aforementioned problem are provided in respect of an arbitrary trapezoidal inclined load.

Results of testing of laterally loaded pile models demonstrate that the "load -to-displacement" dependency has a nonlinear character. This dependency may be regarded as linear within the interval of (0.2…0.3) Pul only. Tests were performed in a box with displacement indicators and power equipment. The pile model length was 200 mm, and its diameter was 40 mm. A hollow steel tube was used as the material for tested piles.
Based on the analysis of testing results, a pattern of the non-linear damage of the base was formulated. According to the pattern, the increase of the load intensity (damage factor =Ph/Pul) involves an increase in the damage of the continuity, or the rebuff ability of the soil foundation.

The paper deals with the formation of limiting bulk densities of sandy soils of different origin against different values of humidity and varying structural features. The authors have identified that the optimum moisture content is typical for sands and clays exposed to mechanical compaction. The nature of this dependence is different from the one between the density and humidity of clay soils. These differences are driven by the peculiarities of formation of bound water shells in the event of low humidity. A linear dependence between the optimal humidity of sands and maximal molecular moisture capacity has been identified. The authors make a statement based on the proven de
pendence between the maximal molecular moisture capacity and the morphology of sands. Their statement is that the formation of bound water shells in the low humidity environment is dependent not only on the fineness of particles, but, to a higher extent, on the peculiarities of the shape and the nature of the surface of sand grains. Another important factor of impact on the density of sandy soils in the natural environment consists in their humidity.
Multiple researchers believe that the correlation between density and humidity of sands is to be the subject of research. It is noteworthy that limit densities of air-dried sands are to be assessed. Therefore, any sands have some particular bound water content, and the lower the intensity of treatment of sand particles, the higher the water content. The findings demonstrate that in most cases typical coagulatory and transitory contacts of non-saturated sands are to be considered in line with the ideas expressed by V.I. Osipov, as the above contacts determine the formation of effective stresses from the prospective of the physicochemical theory.

Various methods are used to compare results of stability analyses. A simple design model was considered by the authors, i.e. a slope composed of the homogenous loose soil, for which the assessment may be made by considering the stability of a particle that remains in place due to the sliding frictional force on the slope. In this case, the critical circle method gives approximate results. More accurate results may be obtained by reducing the soil mass using the method of numerical modeling of the stress-strain state. In spite of the fact that there is a deficiency of vertical stresses in its central zone, the slope stability coefficient is close to that obtained by simpler methods. Besides, it is proven that the results of the analysis of the natural (non-restructive) stress-strain state of the soil mass may be used in the stability analysis on the basis of the critical circle method. As for the
estimation of friction forces, it is necessary to calculate normal stresses on the sliding surface with account for all components of the stress tensor.

In the article, the authors present their findings generated at the laboratory of aerodynamic and aero-acoustic testing of structural units of MGSU. The authors provide information about the principle of operation and a brief description of the experimental test bed designated for the physical research of patterns of air flows arising inside building premises of various geometric shapes. The authors also demonstrate the basic parameters of the test bed, the principle of operation of its recording devices and some of its characteristics.
The test bed is designated for the identification of characteristics of three-dimensional flows of models under research and for the verification of results of numerical studies. The measurement bed has advanced measurement and registration units. The management principle is based on the method of digital flow visualization, PIV method and Doppler flow meter implemented in the LDA anemometer. The test stand generates two or three component vector fields of turbulent gas flow velocities. It may be applicable to the study of liquids in case of research of hydraulics-related problems. Some results of the flow study are provided in the article, as well.

Advancements in the field of nanotechnologies have converted the concrete into a high-tech material; its structure may be "tailored" to specific functional criteria, including strength, durability, and reduced environmental impacts. This feature will help keep the concrete as the main structural material in the foreseeable future.
Nanotechnologies are still on the way from the pool of basic sciences to industrial enterprises. Today full-scale practical application of nanotechnologies in the construction industry is extremely limited for the reason of high costs of their implementation. However, the strongest potential of nanotechnologies is concentrated in the improvement of the properties of conventional materials and processes. Recent progress of nanotechnologies prompts us that many of the problems that are now considered as fantastic will be successfully resolved in the coming decade.
Portland cement is one of the most widely used materials; it has a huge though underexplored potential. A better understanding and precise identification of the engineering properties of the complex structure of cement materials in the nanoscale science will give way to a new generation of concrete.

Thermal insulation properties of phenolic foams that demonstrate low thermal conductivity and relatively low costs of initial components make them an efficient mineral material. An effective
method aimed at reduction of toxicity of phenolic foams consists in the introduction of a composite mixture of chelate compounds. Raw materials applied in the production of phenolic foams include polymers FRB-1A and VAG-3. The aforementioned materials are used to produce foams FRP-1. Introduction of 1% aluminum fluoride leads to the 40% reduction of the free phenol content in the foam. Introduction of crystalline zinc chloride accelerates the foaming and curing of phenolic foams.
The technology that contemplates the introduction of zeolites into the mixture includes pre-mixing with FRB -1A and subsequent mixing with VAG-3; thereafter, the composition is poured into the form, in which the process of foaming is initiated.
The content of free phenol was identified using the method of UV spectroscopy. The objective of the research was to develop methods of reduction of the free phenol content in the phenolic foam.

The authors have employed methods of molecular dynamics to complete their analysis of the physical phenomena that occur in the process of spattering of nanoparticles over the metal surface. The contact between moving nanoparticles and the surface contemplates several simultaneous physical processes: transformation of the kinetic energy of motion into the thermal energy, partial or complete melting and partial melting of nanoparticles in contact with the surface, rapid cooling of nanoparticles and the surface, and crystallization of the melted portion of nanoparticles and the surface.
The intensity of these physical processes is substantially dependent on the sizes of nanoparticles, their initial temperature and velocity. Therefore, the final state of the metal surface strongly depends on the process parameters. Numerical methods of molecular dynamics were employed to identify the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the process depending on the size, shape, chemical nature, velocity and temperature of nanoparticles.
The authors have demonstrated that by changing the technological parameters of solenoid injection nanoparticles (by changing the composition of nanoparticles, their size, shape, temperature and initial velocity), nano-crystalline and amorphous states of the surface may be changed, and the surface strength may be improved.

The authors argue that the experts believe that further development of production and use of non-autoclaved foam concretes can be implemented through introduction of methods and technologies that provide for the strength characteristics of foam concretes similar to or exceeding those of autoclaved aerocretes. There are many methods and compositions that enhance the strength of non-autoclaved foam concretes. The results of activation of raw materials and the foam mixture in electromagnetic devices demonstrate that an increase in the treatment time of water-cement pastes from 10 to 100 seconds leads to a shift of distribution curves toward a bigger number of small fractions of cement. The authors have discovered that the activation can increase the surface area of solid components of the foam concrete mix by 25 - 30 %, the binding activity - to 35 %, and the reactivity of the filler is also increased.
Their interaction involves formation of a more durable material. It also improves the quality of macro- and microstructures of foam concretes due to more intensive homogenization of components. This phenomenon is evidenced by the 5 - 8 % foam concrete density reduction and increase in the value of the structural quality coefficient of foam concretes by 40 - 60 %. It is very important
to improve the quality of products and to meet the growing demand in the market of construction materials.

The authors have made an overview of the status of production of cement concrete using nanotechnologies. The authors also provide their analysis of domestic and foreign researches into the application of nanotechnologies in the field of building materials. The authors have picked out positive examples of introduction of nano-scale particles into the concrete mix. The process needs continuous monitoring for the composition and the mixing time to be adjustable. The findings have been solely made by local developers of nano-materials and technologies.
The authors propose their method of cement consumption reduction through the introduction of nanoparticles and simultaneous grinding of cement. The authors provide a new procedure of treatment of materials that contemplates enhanced mixing processes accompanied by simultaneous grinding of materials and their exposure to the electromagnetic treatment.
The experiments completed by the team of authors have proven the efficiency of a combination of two nanotechnologies within one process, including the treatment of wet cement at the final grinding stage of processing to ensure specific cement properties for a specific surface area of 8,000 cm2/g, and the introduction of nano-scale particles into the process of manufacturing of cement compositions.
The use of carbon nanotubes in the process of manufacturing of cement concrete can improve its physical and mechanical properties and reduce the cement consumption rate while maintaining the design strength of concrete.

The authors demonstrate that the number of buildings in the world exceeds one billion according to the statistical data; their potential negative impact on the environment can be disastrous; moreover, the main cause of the ever-growing demand for buildings consists in the constant growth of the world population that makes the global environmental situation even more complicated.
As a main conception, the authors focus on the concept of sustainable development. They consider that the core idea of this concept is that the present-day generation should do everything in their power to preserve the natural environment and its resources for the future generations. The authors mention that back in the middle of the 20th century academician V.I. Vernadsky formulated the concept of the noosphere closely linked to the notion of sustainable development.
According to the authors, "green" construction can be considered as a vehicle for sustainable development of territories that accommodate construction sites. The authors define "green" construction as a comprehensive system of knowledge structured on the basis of design and construction standards. "Green" buildings demonstrate their high construction quality along with minimal costs and maximal comfort. Although a "green" technology is a new and not the simplest way of development, it has proven its incredible efficiency.
The major achievement of the authors consists in the classification of principles, approaches and available technologies that can be applied or are applied in the "green" construction to ensure the environmental safety of construction activities. The authors have also selected environmental, economic and social benefits of "green" construction and provided their recommendations concerning the implementation of "green" technologies in Russia.

The authors argue that development of car service companies has caused a new environmental problem: waste water produced by transport enterprises. Their number multiplies day to day in
big cities of Russia. At the same time, the quality of the waste water treated by local water treatment stations fails to meet the present-day standard requirements. Moreover, potable water shall not be used for the purpose of washing transport vehicles.
Within the recent 10 years, MGSU has developed a number of research projects aimed at the resolution of this problem. The concept developed by the MGSU specialists is to attain the highest quality of treated waste water generated by car washes and transport enterprises using the most advanced technologies of water treatment rather than to design new water treatment plants. Various methods may be applied for this purpose: restructuring of water treatment facilities, advanced feed, updated regulations governing the operation of water treatment plants.

The authors analyze the problem of implementation of principles of "green construction" in the Russian Federation. Despite the availability of the appropriate legislation in the field of environmental safety of construction, there are no legal, social, or economic incentives that may boost development of "green" technologies.
Until recently, fundamentals of the state policy in the field of environmental protection of real estate development have not succeeded in motivating market players to implement advanced green technologies.
However, recently, the government has begun motivating the construction industry towards the use of "green" technologies. The first activity is aimed at improving the legislation and updating the international voluntary certification according to BREAM and LEED standards.
The result is the acceptance of the National Green Building Standard for real estate valuation that will open up new opportunities and prospects to the participants of the construction market. However, at the initial phase of implementation of "Fundamentals of the State Policy in the Field of Environmental Development of the Russian Federation", government authorities should provide their support to proponents of green buildings, including financial inflows.

The findings of the research project that encompasses 137 small municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) are presented in the paper. The source data for the research is the official statistical reporting according to Form № 2-TP (water) submitted in 2010, as well as the information on completed and approved projects that demonstrate admissible discharge standards.
The method of environmental assessment of barrier capabilities of municipal WWTP based on six major indicators (TSS, BOD, N-NH4+, N-NO2-, N-NO3-, P-PO43-) is proposed to ensure compliance with the present-day environmental standards.
The maximal likelihood of incompliance with the pre-set standards is demonstrated by phosphorus phosphate (97 %), ammonium nitrogen (95 %) and nitrite nitrogen (79 %). The substances that demonstrate their maximal excessive content in the wastewater include phosphorus phosphate (its content exceeds the admissible standard 18-fold), ammonium nitrogen (21.7-fold excess) and nitrite nitrogen (7.6-fold excess).This overview indicates a low possibility of compliance of the content of N-NH4+, N-NO2-, and P-PO43- with the environmental standards that extend to biological WWTPs.
The highest relative excess of the admissible content of admixtures is typical for the plants that have a design capacity of 600-800 m3/day and that process 50-200 m3/day. The lowest relative excess of the admissible content of admixtures is typical for the plants that have a design capacity of over 1,000 m3/day and that process over 500 m3/day. The average relative excess of the admissible content of admixtures for all plants equals to 8.4 times.
The ecological assessment of the barrier capabilities of small municipal WWTPs has proven that their compliance with the standards of admissible content of N-NH4+, N-NO2-, and P-PO43- in the wastewater is impossible to attain in practice.

The authors have demonstrated the possibility of development of a process technology of treatment of domestic and similar types of sewage waste water accompanied by minimal generation of excessive activated sludge or sediment using bioreactors that have biomass attached to them. Wet sludge rate reduction is driven by intensification of aerobic stabilization. The article has experimental data generated in the course of the project implementation.
There are various aspects to be considered, including technical, economic, social and ecological issues. According to the above, there is a strong need for a combination of proper waste water treatment methods that contemplate minimal sludge formation and further use of sludge. One of the ways to attain the above goal is to use the biomass in the aeration tank.
The experiments were held by MGSU Department of Waste Water Treatment and Water Ecology. The authors provide the design scheme of the facility and other parameters of the experi
ments held. A combination of aerobic and anaerobic processes helps provide the proper quality of integrated biological treatment. Chambers of the aeration reactor are also equipped with the polymer feed of various compositions. Sludge treatment that is also strongly needed was performed by means of aerobic stabilization accompanied by ejecting aeration.
The experiment findings demonstrate its substantial effect in terms of both components, including sewage and sludge treatment.

The research encompasses the field testing of wall-mounted boilers with sealed chambers integrated into flat-heating systems operating in different modes. Results of field tests of items without the indication of their producers and equipment brands are provided. The testing procedure involved a double-circuit wall-mounted boiler. Its capacity was 30 kW, and it had a sealed natural gas combustion chamber. The main regularities of its operation were identified and boiler heating parameters were assessed when the boiler was in operation at full capacity.
The findings make it possible to state that the reduction of capacity of the heat generator causes an increase in the heat loss. Besides, the results of calculations make it possible to perform
the heating system analysis and to define the area of application of various systems of heat supply. The principal decision based on the basis of the above analysis is the decision to install an independent or a centralized system of heat supply.

Problems of power efficiency are analyzed in the article. They constitute the following two trends: the problem of independent systems of heat supply operating on the basis of renewables, on the other hand, and the problem of municipal power planning and zoning, on the other hand.
The main criteria that underlie the choice of the system of heat delivery to construction sites are provided. The zoning map of renewables available in the Krasnodar Territory is presented.
A comparative analysis of efficiency of heat saving methods is demonstrated, inclusive of architectural, urban planning, technological, and engineering solutions. The author argues that their efficiency in the mountains needs thurough substantiation.
Resolution of the above problem needs a system approach. Federal construction program of the North Caucasian tourist cluster contemplates the analysis of design, development, heat supply and heatsaving solutions implemented at the Olympic sports facilities in Sochi. Any design solutions
must take account of the consequences of the Krymsk flooding in 2012, as well as the anthropogenic loads coupled with the parameters and processes of restoration.

Concrete massive head buttress dams and gravity dams with extended air cavities were widely used in the hydraulic engineering of Russia and CIS countries. Most of them were built in the severe climate with low average annual temperatures. These circumstances are to be considered in design of the above structures to contemplate technological and design actions aimed at improvement of the stress state of dams.
The solution to the three-dimensional temperature problem is considered in this paper on the basis of the following example of a dam: the height of a concrete buttress dam is 225.0 meters; it will be built in severe climatic conditions; the average annual temperature is - 8.5 °C; the minimum temperature in winter reaches -33 °C in January (average annual value) with an absolute minimum of -60 °C; the period of negative temperatures continues for 7 months in a year. As a result, the solution to the non-stationary temperature problem using the finite element method consists in the method by virtue of which the temperature field of the analyzed area for any moment in time is calculated on the basis of pre-set values of temperature factors variable over the time.
The thermal regime of the concrete dam with an air cavity can be adjustable by simple structural elements, including a heat-insulating wall and artificial heating of cavities. The required intensity and duration of heating are to be identified. Final conclusions about the most favorable thermal regime pattern will be made upon completion of fundamental calculations of the thermal stress state of the dam to be performed in the next phase of the research.

Objective processes that have been underway in the community cause significant changes in the economic development of Russia. The country has witnessed growth of its high-tech industries, driven by the need to implement large-scale modernization projects involving its production facilities. This effort requires accelerated update of its range of products.
Statistics demonstrates that metal processing factories supplied enough metal to construct the total floor area of about 2,000,000 m2 in 2010.
Design of any structures requires structural engineering skills and awareness of related industries. So, for example, essential influence is produced by the economic component. The main factors influencing selection of the optimal option include the metal consumption rate, structure of costs and labour input. Design projects that do not constitute any ambiguity in terms of selecting optimum indicators are frequent. Therefore, each case needs identification of the main factors of impact.
It is noteworthy that this problem enjoyed much attention back in the past when the country suffered from steel deficit, and metal processing plants could not keep up with the needs of consumers. This problem was dealt with by Y.M. Lihtarnikov, a Soviet scientist, who published his work "Variant design and optimization of steel structures" in 1979.
The authors employ the theoretical base developed by the scientist to perform their research into the optimum solutions to the problems of several types of metal joints.

The authors argue that the cluster-based power generation industry has a complex organizational structure. The elements of this structure must be responsive to advanced technologies and improved problem solving methods. The cluster-shaped structure makes it possible for small market players to make their contributions and to be successful in the market. Any organization, regardless of its size, can be highly effective if it employs advanced technologies and offers unique products. High efficiency of companies depends on the optimized use of limited resources. The basis of efficiency consists in the "proper planning", or clarity, understandability, changeability and controllability. Attainment of the above objective of high quality planning and control requires development of a detailed road map to mitigate errors and unconsidered collapses at the project development stage. Today the information-based model of a building and multi-dimensional design patterns make it possible to attain the major portion of objectives throughout the life cycle of any construction facility. This complex approach provides new opportunities in the use of information and makes it possible to project consumption of resources in respect of each process and the whole project. It ensures accurate project budgeting and timing with account for the restrictions imposed in the course of the project development and implementation.

The article covers a relevant issue - analysis of the system-evolutional paradigm and its impact on the improvement of the government regulation of the economy and self-regulation of
enterprises. Theoretical perception of the under-developed relationship between the government regulation of the economy and private self-regulation will contribute to the optimization of the economic mechanism functioning in the conditions of an economic crisis.
Having specified different economic, social, political, and spiritual sub-systems, the author concentrates on identification of dialectical interactions between the economic and political sectors of the public life. The article does not only identify the relations between the business interests of the market players and the government administration activities; rather, it demonstrates how the state as the main element of the political sub-system may actively influence the economic activities.
Having considered the essence of different models of regulation of economic phenomena, processes, activities and theories of A. Smith, J. Keynes and the concept of neo-conservatism, the author demonstrates the pattern of their influence produced on the present-day Russian economists. Some economists advocate the strengthening of the government regulation of the economy to be implemented by means of a systematic approach; others support self-regulation of enterprises.
Having analyzed the above theoretical points through the example of the construction industry as a fund-generating and social-oriented branch, the author substantiates the idea that in the present-day economic environment of Russia, Keynes' and neoconservative models should not be neglected. On the contrary, they are to be dialectically conjoined as a combination of the government regulation of the economy and self-regulation of enterprises.
At the end of the article, the author provides actions to improve the self-regulation of enterprises with regard to the construction industry as well as other branches of economy.

Improvement of water intake technologies are of great importance. These technologies are required to provide high quality water intake and treatment; they must be sufficiently simple and reliable, and they must be easily adjustable to particular local conditions. A mathematical model of a water supply area near the filtering water intake is proposed. On its basis, a software package designated for the calculation of parameters of the supply area along with its graphical representation is developed.
To improve the efficiency of water treatment plants, the authors propose a new method of their integration into the landscape by taking account of velocity distributions in the water supply area within the water reservoir where the plant installation is planned.
In the proposed relationship, the filtration rate and the scattering rate at the outlet of the supply area are taken into account, and they assure more precise projections of the inlet velocity.
In the present study, assessment of accuracy of the mathematical model involving the scattering of a turbulent flow has been done. The assessment procedure is based on verification of the mean values equality hypothesis and on comparison with the experimental data. The results and conclusions obtained by means of the method developed by the authors have been verified through comparison of deviations of specific values calculated through the employment of similar algorithms in MathCAD, Maple and PLUMBING.
The method of the water supply area analysis, with the turbulent scattering area having been taken into account, and the software package enable to numerically estimate the efficiency of the pre-purification process by tailoring a number of parameters of the filtering component of the water intake to the river hydrodynamic properties. Therefore, the method and the software package provide a new tool for better design, installation and operation of water treatment plants with respect to filtration and fish protection purposes.

This article covers data transfer processes in the automated system of parallel design and construction. The authors consider the structure of reports used by contractors and clients when large-scale projects are implemented. All necessary items of information are grouped into three levels, and each level is described by certain attributes. The authors drive a lot of attention to the integrated operational schedule as it is the main tool of project management. Some recommendations concerning the forms and the content of reports are presented.
Integrated automation of all operations is a necessary condition for the successful implementation of the new concept. The technical aspect of the notion of parallel design and construction also includes the client-to-server infrastructure that brings together all process implemented by the parties involved into projects. This approach should be taken into consideration in the course of review of existing codes and standards to eliminate any inconsistency between the construction legislation and the practical experience of engineers involved into the process.

The objective of this scientific research is application of the basic model of interaction between phases of a cycle of reorganization of organizational and technological processes underway at industrial enterprises.
The authors describe interactions between all six phases of the process of reorganization within the framework of the basic model of a cycle that contemplates organizational and technological processes.
Engineering studies are necessary to check for the feasibility of reorganization of industrial enterprises and application of results extracted from the design documentation with a view to reorganization of production activities and construction operations. Upon completion of the decision-making process concerning the need for reorganization in accordance with the basic model of interaction between phases, there occurs restructuring that incorporates processes of design and construction. The authors have demonstrated that reorganization of the basic model cycle should be used in the design of organizational and technological processes with a view to the integrated consideration of reorganization of enterprises in order to comprehend and improve the efficiency of reorganization at each stage, as well as the control over the reorganization of a construction facility.

The authors argue that globalization and the system-wide crisis jointly produce a strong impact onto real estate (RE) development projects. As a result, intensive alterations in RE project development patterns have converted into a new trend of the present-day investment and construction industry. Therefore, alterations in the area of real estate management cause numerous problems.
By virtue of this article, the authors make an attempt to provide their answer to the question whether it is possible to achieve such a sophisticated level of project management in the real estate development industry, so that project-related decisions encompassed supplementary potential opportunities in terms of social, economic and public development.
Towards this end, the new concept of real estate development is proposed and the system of priorities has been developed. This concept is believed to enable all players of the construction market to make higher quality decisions at early stages of RE development projects.
Besides, a lot of attention is driven to the term "potential of a construction facility", that is regarded as a set of yet unimplemented opportunities for improvements of the construction facility performance as a commercial and social vehicle.

The authors of the paper argue that a multi-component approach and employment of software are required to assure successful management of the manufacturing process in the construction industry. The authors propose different alternative models of day-to-day control and production scheduling to be implemented into the production procedures at factories engaged in the manufacturing of a wide range of reinforced products. A peculiar feature of the proposed production procedures consists in the capability of a factory to produce different types of articles within one day, although at a certain moment of time only one type of articles is manufactured.
The proposed model is used to develop a production schedule for the manufacturing of different articles for each day of a month to assure such throughput and daily stock of articles in the warehouse that could meet the demand for the products and structures in question.
Presently, the criterion to serve as the basis for the computer-aided identification of the production schedule within the framework of the process of manufacturing of different articles should include maximal revenues; however, the final selection of the production schedule option should be made by decision makers on the basis of the feasibility study.

The authors highlight three problems of the age of information technologies and proposes the strategy for their resolution in relation to the computer-aided design of civil engineering structures.
The authors express their concerns in respect of globalization of software programmes designated for the analysis of civil engineering structures and employed outside of Russia. The problem of the poor quality of the input data has reached Russia. Lately, the rate of accidents of buildings and structures has been growing not only in Russia. Control over efficiency of design projects is hardly performed. This attitude should be changed. Development and introduction of CAD along with the application the efficient methods of projection of behaviour of building structures are in demand. Computer-aided calculations have the function of a logical nucleus, and they need proper control. The system approach to computer-aided calculations and technologies designated for the projection of accidents is formulated by the authors.
Two tasks of the system approach and fundamentals of the strategy for its implementation are formulated. The study of cases of negative results of computer-aided design of engineering structures was performed and multi-component design patterns were developed. Conclusions concerning the results of researches aimed at regular and wide-scale implementation of the strategy fundamentals are formulated.
Organizational and innovative actions concerning the projected behaviour of civil engineering structures proposed in the strategy are to facilitate:
safety and reliability improvement of buildings and structures;
saving of building materials and resources;
improvement of labour efficiency of designers;
modernization and improvement of accuracy of projected behaviour of buildings and building standards;
closer ties between civil and building engineering researchers and construction companies;
development of competitive environment to boost competition in the market of structural design companies and in the market of developers.

The authors discuss the procedure of measuring and managing risks that investment projects in the construction industry may be exposed to in the process of their implementation.
The qualitative analysis results in description of uncertainties characterizing the project as well as in the breakdown of the reasons for these uncertainties. Risks identified in the course of analysis should be ranked according to their significance and possible losses that they may involve. The main risks need research through the employment of the quantitative analysis to make assessments more accurate.
The authors compare the applied methods used in practice to perform a quantitative analysis of project risks with the new ones based on the fuzzy logic concept. All models are broken down into three groups: stochastic (probabilistic), linguistic (descriptive) and non-stochastic (behavioral).
Aims, advantages and disadvantages of methods are arranged into a table. Some methods can be implemented in combination to assure a reasonable efficiency of decisions.

This article deals with the infographic modeling of hierarchical management systems exposed to innovative conflicts. The authors analyze the facts that serve as conflict drivers in the construction management environment. The reasons for innovative conflicts include changes in hierarchical structures of management systems, adjustment of workers to new management conditions, changes in the ideology, etc. Conflicts under consideration may involve contradictions between requests placed by customers and the legislation, any risks that may originate from the above contradiction, conflicts arising from any failure to comply with any accepted standards of conduct, etc.
One of the main objectives of the theory of hierarchical structures is to develop a model capable of projecting potential innovative conflicts.
Models described in the paper reflect dynamic changes in patterns of external impacts within the conflict area. The simplest model element is a monad, or an indivisible set of characteristics of participants at the pre-set level. Interaction between two monads forms a diad.
Modeling of situations that involve a different number of monads, diads, resources and impacts can improve methods used to control and manage hierarchical structures in the construction industry. However, in the absence of any mathematical models employed to simulate conflict-related events, processes and situations, any research into, projection and management of interpersonal and group-to-group conflicts are to be performed in the legal environment

The author examines the main stages of the process of modernization of higher education in Russia over the past two decades, including its involvement in the Bologna process. The author has identified the principal purpose and objectives of the reforms; he makes his conclusions concerning the divergence between the goal and the results of modernization and responds to the question about the reasons for the discrepancy.
Initially, the main goal of modernization was to improve the competitive strengths of Russian universities in the global market of educational services. The objective was to make education more affordable and to improve its quality and effectiveness. However, in spite of the reforms, local universities are not yet able to compete with the best schools of America, Europe and Asia. The reason for this failure consists in the lack of coordination between various actions that constitute modernization and the divergence of viewpoints about the reforms. The reform of higher education in Russia has not raised any significant social unrest; however, it has encountered a number of problems, including the "blind" resistance of the teaching staff. Many reformers, especially those who are immediately involved in the process, view the ongoing modernization unfavourably. They are opposed to the transition to the new model of education; they say that Russia is unprepared for this innovation and the reform. They believe that Russia is joining the Bologna process, at least, ten years before the time when it could make a difference here. The main negative outcome of the Bologna concept is that the basic principle of the system of higher education - the fundamental knowledge - may be lost.
Meanwhile, Russian higher education needs reforms. Globalization has intensified competition in the market of educational services. In this connection, the international educational community is searching for a more effective educational policy and a transition to flexible high-tech knowledge delivery systems. The Bologna process is designated to attain these objectives. Any failure to upgrade the system of higher education means its further isolation and a smaller share of the global educational market. Globalization and free assimilation of the above principles by the domestic market would be disastrous for the system of education and the country as a whole.
The author agrees with the representatives of the teaching community that the above process is nothing more than survival and adaptation to the ongoing changes in the social and political reality. However there is an obvious inconsistency in the implementation of the planned actions. The reform was developed by a narrow range of officials and it was not accompanied by any extensive public discussions or thorough scientific examinations. Lack of any constructive dialogue between the government and the teaching community and a blind imitation of the Western educational pattern accompanied by underfunding make this reform inefficient, give rise to multiple problems and make the goal of the reform unattainable.