Specific features in operation of road construction equipment in the Far North

The development of the Far North goes hand in hand with the use of road construction equipment. The article addresses the main factors that affect the operation of this equipment in extremely cold climates. The effect of low temperatures on the operation of machines and individual units is examined. In particular, information is provided on the effect of low temperatures on operation of the hydraulic drive, power plants, and metal structures. The influence of the requirement to observe the methodological recommendations regarding the ergonomics and physiology of workers on increasing the cost of works with the use of road construction machinery has been noted.

A Mobile Robot with Omnidirectional Tracks—Design and Experimental Research

This article deals with the design and testing of mobile robots equipped with drive systems based on omnidirectional tracks. These are new mobile systems that combine the advantages of a typical track drive with the advantages of systems equipped with omnidirectional Mecanum wheels. The omnidirectional tracks allow the robot to move in any direction without having to change the orientation of its body. The mobile robot market (automated construction machinery, mobile handle robots, mobile platforms, etc.) constantly calls for improvements in the manoeuvrability of vehicles. Omnidirectional drive technology can meet such requirements. The main aim of the work is to create a mobile robot that is capable of omnidirectional movement over different terrains, and also to conduct an experimental study of the robot’s operation. The paper presents the construction and principles of operation of a small robot equipped with omnidirectional tracks. The robot’s construction and control system, and also a prototype made with FDM technology, are described. The trajectory parameters of the robot’s operation along the main and transverse axes were measured on a test stand equipped with a vision-based measurement system. The results of the experimental research became the basis for the development and experimental verification of a static method of correcting deviations in movement trajectory.

Behavioral Assessment and Evaluation of Innovative Hollow Glue-Laminated Timber Elements

Due to the growing need to preserve our planet and reduce carbon emissions during construction, the use of the only carbon-absorbing material, timber, is increasingly being imposed. In addition to the requirement of reducing emissions, there is a necessity for the shortest possible construction time and the minimum use of construction machinery, which has led to the development of prefabricated construction systems. This paper deals with the innovative, hollow, glue-laminated timber elements which are intended for modular construction. Comparing this new system with existing modular systems, the main features and behavior of the constitutive elements, i.e., the hollow, glue-laminated timber elements, are presented. Experimental and numerical analysis of the mechanical performance of the timber elements was carried out and a comparative analysis of the behavior of two different types of hollow timber elements was conducted. The finite element method was used to predict the behavior of this innovative structural system. The results are compared with the analytical procedure to provide a background for the development of standardized methods for the design of timber structures.