Abstract: The increase in population and industrialization leads to an increase in the solid waste year by year. The limited availability, increasing cost and adverse effect of climate change on fossil fuel leads to encouraging the research in the field of finding alternatives for energy sources. The organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) can be utilized as a bio-energy source, which reduces the environmental impact and the requirement of landfill areas to dispose of municipal solid waste. Anaerobic digestion is the widely used sustainable approach to treat OFMSW. In recent years, the generation of methane from municipal solid waste has received increasing attention in research. This paper reviews literature published in recent years considering various characteristics of input feedstock parameters like pH, total solids, volatile solids, and water content which affect the digestion quality of the OFMSW and increase the production of methane. A regression model is developed to identify the relationship between methane production and various feedstock parameters. When the chemical compositions of feedstock were used as independent variables, the percentage variation accounted for by the model is low (r2 = 0.63) and also the important observation from the analysis is that the pH of the feedstock influences majorly methane production. PubDate: Sat, 28 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: The paper presents the adiabatic installation of compressed gases energy storage. The authors present the results of analyzes for this type of installation due to the selection of thermal storage material. The simulations were carried out for basalt, granite and ceramics (alumina) as well as for porosity value from 0.375 to 0.39 of basalt-filled reservoirs in Thermal Energy Storage (TES) installation. Characteristics of outlet air temperature, air pressure drop amount of energy stored and external heat losses as a time functions during the charging phase are presented. The research indicated that due to the lowest density and average heat capacity of the materials studied, granite has the fastest and most intense physical exit loss from the storage tank which was approximately 1100 W. However, there was no significant effect on air pressure drop depending on the chosen accumulation materials. The effect of rock bed porosity on the pressure drop of flowing air was investigated. For a constant mass flow rate, pressure drop values ranging from 2200 Pa to 6200 Pa were obtained depending on the porosity value. PubDate: Sat, 28 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Synthetic dyes are extensively used in various industries like textile and food industry and are responsible for generation of colored and toxic wastewater. The aim of study was to evaluate decolorization efficiency of White Rot Fungi P.ostreatus (strain BWPH) for dyes belonging to different classes: Anthanthrone Red (anthraquinone dye) and Disazo Red (azo dye) having concentration of 0.08g/l. The Daphnia magna immobilization test was performed to check zoo toxicity of samples during and after treatment. The result show that maximum decolorization efficiency achieved for Anthanthrone Red and Disazo Red dye after 168h was 94.31% and 73.13% respectively. The zoo toxicity test reflects that the pure dyes were much less toxic to D.magna at higher concentration. In contrast, the post process samples were more toxic to organism. It reflected production of toxic metabolites because of enzymatic degradation/biotransformation of dye. For anthraquinone dye, post process sample of 0.25 h was less toxic as compared to 168 h sample. Toxicity Unit was 23.52(class IV), and 2.61(class III) respectively for Anthanthrone Red and Disazo Red post process sample. The conducted research showed high potential of BWPH strain for decolorization dyes belonging to different classes. But the mycelium produces toxic substances during the decolorization process. It may be related to the biodegradation of these substances to toxic metabolites. Further studies have indicated to optimize the process of decolorization. PubDate: Sat, 28 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Presently, the expenditure on construction materials grows dramatically along with the enduring effect on the ecosystem, and it has led the academics to the recognition of natural plant fibres such as abaca fibre (AF) for enhancing the mechanical properties of concrete. AF is plentifully obtainable making it fairly relevant to be employed as a strengthening material in lightweight foamed concrete (LFC). Moreover, natural plant fibre-reinforced concrete has been progressively utilized in construction for several decades to decrease crack growth under the static load. This paper anticipates examining the effectiveness of the addition of AF in LFC to enhance its mechanical properties. LFC specimens of 550 kg/m3 density were reinforced with AF at weight fractions of 0.00%, 0.15%, 0.30%, 0.45% and 0.60%. Three parameters have been assessed which were flexural strength, compressive strength and tensile strength. The results revealed that adding 0.45% AF into LFC enables optimal compressive, flexural and splitting tensile strengths. The presence of AF augments material strength by filling spaces, micro-cracks, and gaps inside the LFC structure. Additionally, AF helped reduce crack spreading when the plastic state of the LFC cementitious matrix was loaded. Though, further, than the optimum level of AF addition, accumulation and the non-uniform distribution of AF were identified, which triggers the lowering of the LFC strength properties substantially. The output of this preliminary investigation would give a better understanding of the potential utilization of plant fibre in LFC. It is of great importance to drive the sustainable development and application of LFC material and infrastructures. PubDate: Sat, 28 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Starting from theoretical principles on the production of space and the role of perception, imagination, signification and their possible temporal overlap, the research addresses an innovative way of representing historical urban space. This, borrowing the sequentiality of the comic strip, intends to amplify its dynamics, transposing them beyond the pages and bringing them into a three-dimensional virtual environment for a synchronic narration of the transformations of the urban space over time. PubDate: Fri, 11 Nov 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: The aim of the paper is to present outcomes of the first phase of the ongoing EU-funded Project BIMaHEAD focused on building digital readiness in higher education institutions as well as supporting students in AEC related degrees to adjust to the new online education environment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic through integrating digital technologies with teaching and learning practices. An in-depth comparative analysis of 132 case studies focused on Building Information Modelling education in a Higher Education sector in Europe was completed and conclusions were drawn. A great amount of data was collected, studied, and analysed. The benchmarking analyses were fundamental for understanding the state of the art in the area, defining gaps and deficiencies, and rethinking teaching and learning methodologies. The findings also revealed evident differences in curricula as well as in the roles and responsibilities of main actors in the AEC sector in European countries. Therefore, they allowed to specify prerequisites and outline a vision of an open-access online platform to be developed within the second and third stages of the BIMaHEAD Project. PubDate: Fri, 11 Nov 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: The conservation and transferring of cultural heritage to future generations have been facilitated by the increasing development of digital modeling and architectural visualization software. With the help of a virtual environment, heritage data can be archived more permanently and accessed by numerous users. This paper aims to put forward how heritage from a certain period can be documented, analyzed, and transferred using different digital techniques. Additionally, it claims that as a method, digital documentation is a practice that also contributes to different areas including culture, education, and tourism. Within the scope of this paper, Çağlayan Apartment Building from Karşıyaka, İzmir was selected as a case study for applying the digital documentation method. The methodology of the research comprises the following steps: literature review, on-site observation, identification of the period, area and specific case(s), photo shooting, having measured drawings, archive scanning, oral history studies, 2D architectural drawings in CAD medium, 3D modeling/rendering, illustration and poster preparation, website, e-catalog, and social media designs. In conclusion, it has been revealed that digital documentation of modern architectural heritage including interior elements has a positive impact on three interrelated areas: cultural sustainability, educational activities, and touristic popularity. PubDate: Fri, 11 Nov 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: The paper undertakes the topic of architectural heritage of post-war modernism in Poland. Beside the typical single-family housing solutions from the second half of 20th century (the so-called “Polish cube”) it is possible to point out some examples of houses designed according to the world's leading design tendencies of that time. Those buildings were established on individual requests of the social elites including scientists, directors and government officials. One of such objects is a modernist villa from the 1960s located in Ustroń – a popular resort at the foot of the Beskid Mountains and built for General Jerzy Ziętek. There is a lack of its accurate, systematic documentation, which would become a basis for a conservation project. Here, we demonstrate a response to this problem which results in the development of a precise inventory documentation and representation of the investigated object, which is a valuable heritage of post-war modernism architecture. Methodology presented in this paper is based on combination of digital tools such as UAV photogrammetry and HBIM modelling and by adding a rich database obtained through thorough research. PubDate: Fri, 11 Nov 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: This paper is a study on the problem of sludge formation in water treatment processes. Various physical and chemical processes used in technological systems of water treatment were described and those which are the source of sludge were indicated. The chemical composition of the sludge was presented, with particular emphasis on hazardous organic and inorganic pollutants. An essential part of the work was to consider the possibilities and ways of valorizing sludge. It was determined that the type of generated sludge depends on the applied process and its pollution degree depends on the type and quality of the water taken. Most of the sludge is formed during the coagulation process of surface waters, which may be contaminated with various heavy metals. Among the possibilities and methods of sludge valorization, an interesting way to use it is in construction, as an admixture to various building materials. It is also possible to use sludge as an unconventional adsorbent or reaction catalyst in the oxidation of organic pollutants present in wastewater. PubDate: Sat, 06 Aug 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: The subject of the paper is the revitalization of urbanized areas, considered in terms of the importance of degraded areas and objects that require adaptation, protection, and creation measures in this process. The research focuses on cities belonging to the core of the Metropolis GZM – Poland’s first metropolis whose industrial origin, history and dynamics of development make it necessary to carry out revitalization activities. To conduct the research, the available source materials were collected and analyzed, including planning documents, information portals, scientific articles and items, cartographic and photographic materials. The collected information was compiled according to the adopted functional criteria. The research aims are to identify the implemented and planned revitalization activities, analyze their distribution in the context of individual cities and the entire core of the Metropolis GZM, and as a result assess their impact on the direction of city development and the quality of life of the inhabitants of the post-industrial metropolis. PubDate: Sat, 06 Aug 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Contemporary requirements on the quality of swimming pool water necessitate the improvement of the classical technology of its treatment. It is associated with the need to modernize installations or implement a new technology. The purpose of the analysis is to compare the effects of using classical and modified technologies for the treatment of swimming pool water in sports and recreational pools with similar characteristics. The research was carried out for ten pools, which were divided into two groups – pools with a classical water treatment system and a modified one. The conducted tests showed significant differences in water quality in terms of: pH, redox, permanganate index (CODMn), total organic carbon (TOC), free chlorine, combined chlorine, chloroform and trihalomethanes (THMs), and no differences in terms of: temperature, turbidity, nitrates and ammonium ion. It was found that the modified swimming pool water treatment technologies made it possible to obtain water of better quality with regard to physical, chemical and bacteriological properties. PubDate: Sat, 06 Aug 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: According to the data of the Central Statistical Office for 2017, the average amount of municipal waste generated per capita is 486 kg. Poland ranks last but one in terms of the amount of municipal waste generated. About 56% of municipal waste is processed, but still about 40% is landfilled. They may contain chlorides, especially those from the winter period, resulting from the use of deicing agents. Chlorides cause salinity of surface and ground waters and soil salinity, which in turn leads to deterioration of water purity and a decrease in biodiversity of aquatic organisms, changes in the microbiological structure and increased toxicity of metals. Chlorides also damage road surfaces and bridges, corrosion of plumbing pipes. Once the chlorine-containing sweepers are deposited in a landfill, this waste may contribute to an increase in chemical aggressiveness, which is important in the design of anti-filtration barriers, and in the rehabilitation of contaminated land and soil. The level of water and soil salinity has a significant impact on the critical infrastructure, especially in terms of water supply – the risk of corrosion of pipes and their decline in species biodiversity. An important role in the critical infrastructure is played by the storage of dustmuds – the risk of failure of security measures in storage yards. Therefore, it is very important to determine the salinity level in this stored waste. The salinity level of street sweeping waste from different street locations is not commonly studied. Therefore, such a study was conducted for a midsized city. The study shows that the highest chloride concentrations in street and sidewalk sweeping waste are found around manholes and the lowest concentrations are found on sidewalks.The aim of the research is to determine the amount of chlorides in sweepings in the annual cycle to determine the potential risk associated with their impact on selected aspects of the environment. PubDate: Sat, 06 Aug 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: The paper describes the problems of intentions of the rapid introduction of BIM technologies in the construction industry of Ukraine. The research methodology involves analysis of national building standards, BIM technologies that have already been partially tested and a new logical structure of design processes in the logic of BIM technology in Ukraine. It is proposed to introduce into the design practice a number of actions aimed at harmonizing the key stages of BIM-technologies development with the regulatory framework. The European LOD stages and Ukrainian stages of designing are compared; it is proposed to introduce and gradation enshrine it in state building standards. The correctness problem of competitive tender documentation form for the development of project documentation in Ukraine is highlighted. The issue of the need for a detailed review of European Union standards in terms of national specifics and their gradual implementation in the Ukrainian legal framework was raised. It is proved that the proposed measures will improve the quality of design solutions in terms of economic feasibility and environmental friendliness, and government agencies will be able to qualitatively control all design and construction processes. PubDate: Sat, 06 Aug 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: The authors of the paper examine the specifics of the design and construction of Soviet centers of innovation in the former Soviet Union “naukogrady” (science cities). Science cities are considered as an industrial and urban phenomenon, characterized by significant internal diversity in the nature and profile of scientific complexes. The geographical, town-planning, and planning features, the specifics of the functional structure of the Ukrainian science cities, which developed in the Soviet times, are studied on the example of the science city of Kharkiv – Pyatihatky. The history of the origin of the Ukrainian Institute of Physics and Technology and the main stages of the creation of the science city at it is covered. It is concluded that science cities are special urban formations, the population of which consisted mainly of people with higher education. They were distinguished by the high quality of infrastructure, social facilities, culture and services, housing, urban planning, and urban development, as well as advanced environmental thinking. The science cities which had two waves of development in the 20th century intended to rise to the crest of the third wave now. PubDate: Sat, 06 Aug 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Fire is one of the most common risks to the environment and human health. Fire, depending on the conditions of combustion and the type of fuel, can emit many toxic products. The paper presents numerical analyzes of the conditions that can occur in a building during a fire. The conditions were analyzed in terms of the safety of the occupants and possible emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere. The temperature, propagation of smoke, and emission of pollutants were analyzed. A numerical model was created using Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) software. The model represents a staircase and a corridor in a real building located at the Silesian University of Technology in Poland. The results show that safe conditions are only ensured for a limited time, and emissions can also be harmful to occupants and the environment. PubDate: Sat, 06 Aug 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Concrete is the most essential and demanding construction material that is mainly used to develop structural and nonstructural elements. Along with the better engineering properties, concrete has its drawbacks like the presence of pores and micro cracks, and this affects its properties like permeability and water absorption which tend to reduce its durability and strength. Carbon black dust (CBD) is one of the industrial byproducts that can be effectively used as an additive in concrete. It is a necessity for us to reduce environmental pollution arising due to CBD. This research paper attempted an investigation to assess the effect of CBD as an additive material into the concrete. The chemical properties of raw materials were determined by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy analysis and the mechanical properties of hardened concrete were carried out followed by destructive and non-destructive testing. Compressive strength of 150 mm concrete cubes was determined at 7th, 14th and 28th day of curing that contains various percentages (2.5%, 5%, 7.5% and 10%) of CBD. Concrete with 0% CBD served as the control specimen. On the basis of experimental investigations, the maximum compressive strength reported for concrete specimens containing 7.5% CBD as 17.23% was more than that of control specimen. At 10% CBD, strength got decreased but significant improvement with respect to control specimen was also noted. As per the chemical analysis, CBD contains substantial amount of fluxing and strengthening agents that improve the performance of concrete and it can be used as an additive admixture. PubDate: Sat, 06 Aug 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: The popularization of multimedia technologies and their active implementation into the process of the object-spatial environment organization is a pressing issue in scientific researches in the field of interior design. It was defined that the application of multimedia technologies, such as sensory touch objects, are fundamental in the process of the creation of an interactive interior for public use. The paper is devoted to revelation of the compositional location techniques of the interactive sensory objects in the interiors of public buildings. The complex of theoretical methods of scientific research has contributed to the analysis of the design of interactive public interiors through the prism of formal composition. The results of the study revealed the compositional techniques for interactive multimedia objects placed in the interior. We conclude that the location of sensory objects in the interior more often carried out by the use of composite grids: a rectangular mesh scheme and a radial scheme. Interactive multimedia objects add an adaptability and attractiveness to the interior, which is an important factor in the formation of public space. PubDate: Sat, 06 Aug 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Eco-neighborhoods are constructed to answer the call to protect our planet, our common home. They were first initiated as a grassroots initiative by eco-enthusiast, and gradually adopted as national or regional strategies. Various methods for certification and labeling were created by international institutions and national governments which evaluate ecological, economical, and societal aspects of their design and functioning. The recognized gap in knowledge concerns the development of health-promoting places within eco-neighborhoods. In this paper, a comparative study of two small certified eco-neighborhoods in Paris – ZAC Boucicaut and ZAC Frequel-Fontarabe is presented. These neighborhoods were assessed with the universal standard for health-promoting places. The results suggest that within eco-neighborhoods it is possible to care for ecological aspects without compromising on health-promoting places. PubDate: Sat, 06 Aug 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Contemporary floor vibration guidelines limit the discussion of walking-induced vibrations to single-pedestrian loading scenario. Nevertheless, the inclusion of more than one pedestrian in the vibration evaluation would result in a more realistic range of floor responses. In this paper, an attempt was made to experimentally and numerically investigate the combined effect of two persons walking simultaneously on an actual building floor. The floor fundamental frequency and damping ratio were obtained from physical heel drop tests and the footfall response was measured in a series of walking tests. A finite element model was created for prediction of floor responses under different walking scenarios. A probabilistic prediction was also performed where random variations in pacing rates, body weights and arrival times of the pedestrians were considered in a large number of Monte Carlo simulations. It was showed that the response due to a single person with resonant step frequency can be greater than that due to two persons walking at off-resonant pacing rates. However, the resonant response induced by two pedestrians can be 1.29–1.38 times greater than that caused by a pedestrian. PubDate: Thu, 04 Aug 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: By recognizing different meanings of place as well as influential parameters on the perception of place, it is possible to create a pleasant environment. This study aims to measure the factors contributing to the conception of place meaning and emotional experience of place. Also, it seeks to understand the mechanism of perceiving the different meanings and qualities of place from users’ point of view. The qualitative and quantitative methods were applied. In this regard, the emotional evaluation model of Pleasure-Arousal, interview, and questionnaire have been used. The study has been conducted on 3 buildings of Selcuk University in Turkey. The statistical population in the different groups consisted of architecture students. Results show that along with the emotional assessment of place, the factors such as morphological, sensory, and individualones affect the user’s assessment, and there is a meaningful relationship between the emotional evaluation of place and factors forming the meaning of place. Furthermore, place quality and its aesthetic components play important role in individuals’ preferences and judgments and led to psychological pleasure and positive emotional assessment. PubDate: Thu, 04 Aug 2022 00:00:00 GMT
Open Access journal
