The functio-spatial structure of airport surroundings: the case of Kraków Airport

The area around Krakow airport is an attractive developmental urban area. The concentration of passenger traffic and the flow of goods is conducive to new development projects. These projects are associated with the operation of airports, as well as new uses which see the proximity of an airport as an additional asset in operating a business based on access to a form of high-speed transport. This paper presents the findings of research concerning the existing spatial structure, transport accessibility and compositional determinants within an area around Krakow Airport, which can be used to assess the phenomena present and formulate principles and trajectories of shaping them in the future. The study was based on an analysis of selected elements of the existing functio-spatial structure, as well as available materials and subject-specific planning documents. Due to the specificity of areas around airports, which undergo dynamic change, it appears key to determine the individual form of development and land cover, that skilfully combines modernity and comfort of use with meshing with the local landscape, featuring a network of linkages and the character of suburban space. The issues present in this area are distinctive of many cities and require coherent land development proposals.

Simplified analytical method for the robustness assessment of precast reinforced concrete structural systems

The article presents the simplified implementation of alternative load path method based on the energy balance approach. This method should be used to check the global resistance of a damaged structural system after the occurrence of an accidental event. Basic assumptions of simplified analytical models for modelling resistance of horizontal ties in a damaged structural system, taking into account the membrane (chain) effects, were presented. An approach to modelling the dynamic resistance of a damaged structural system based on the energy balance method is described. Calculated dependencies for checking the robustness of a prefabricated multi-storey building with hollow-core slabs after the loss of the central column are proposed and considered using an example. On the considered example, a comparison of the required tie sections area with the dynamic resistance designed using the energy balance method (EBM) and according to the current standards, and a statistical assessment of the reliability of the load-bearing capacity models are carried out. In the end, a brief algorithm for the simplified calculation of the dynamic resistance of a damaged structural system is proposed.

The acoustic climate of spaces located under overpasses in the context of adapting them for outdoor public events – a pilot case study

Due to the current shortage of traditional public space because of its privatization, commercialization, and securitization, there is an urgent need to reclaim areas affected by motorized traffic in the urbanized areas. On the other hand, the process of adapting them for new purposes should be carefully carried out, addressing several issues, among them environmental acoustics. This study is meant to contribute to our understanding of acoustic conditions of a general model of the bridge underspace. Therefore, the aim of the research was to examine the existing acoustic climate by measuring noise levels and comparing them with equivalent acceptable noise levels for the expected type of space development and Noise Rating curves. In this research, a pilot case study approach was used, as measurements were taken for a chosen space located under an elevated road that represents certain criteria set by the researchers. The results allowed us to: (1) verify the relationship between the geometry of the bridge underspace and the noise levels, (2) assess the initial acoustic conditions in terms of possibilities of acoustic adaptation of the examined space for outdoor public events, and (3) formulate hypotheses and preliminary assumptions for the planned further and broader studies of the issues raised in this article. The presented results and their analysis show that it is possible to bring the acoustic conditions in the studied space to the state required for public or cultural meeting spaces. In comparison with earlier findings, the research undertaken appears to be pioneering and the results can be used as valuable input for further research on this topic.

Comparison of methods of monitoring structure deformations based on tests of a column-plate slab

This work includes a comparison of the methods of monitoring the deformations of a structure on the example of a flat plate slab test. Classic ESG (electrofusion strain gauges) and modern DFOS (distributed fiber optic sensors) were compared. During the research, both types of sensors were used on some of the reinforcing bars. The study aims to indicate the differences between the compared monitoring methods, both in terms of the obtained results and their utility values.

Size effect at testing strength properties of concrete

Various strength characteristics of concrete are considered as fracture parameters. The compressive strength of concrete is of paramount importance when designing concrete structures, whereas tensile strength of concrete is the basic property when estimating cracking resistance of a structure and analysing fracture processes in concrete. When testing the compressive strength of concrete, the results are dependent on the shape and dimensions of used specimens. Some findings reported in the literature suggest that size effect exists also when testing such fracture properties of concrete as tensile strength. Unfortunately this problem is much less recognized and described compared to size effect in compressive test results. In this paper, the experimental investigation is presented on how the length of cylindrical specimens influences the tensile splitting strength of concrete obtained by means of the Brazilian method. Additional variable parameters were: type of aggregate (natural gravel and crushed granite) and cement-water ratio (C/W = 1.8 and C/W = 2.6). In conducted laboratory experiments a higher splitting tensile strength of concrete was noted for all specimens with nominal dimensions of 150×150 mm, compared to specimens 150×300 mm in size, regardless of type of aggregate or cement-water ratio.

Acoustic analysis of selected sacred buildings in Szczecin

The aim of this study was to assess acoustically selected sacred buildings located in Szczecin. The research part contains the research methodology and the results obtained. The research was carried out using two methods. The first one is the integrated impulse response method, where, using a bursting balloon, the time of sound pressure drop was measured at selected points of the object. In the interrupted noise method, the sound pressure drop was measured after the noise generated by the omnidirectional loudspeaker had ceased. Reverberation time was calculated for the results obtained, which is the main and basic parameter determining the interior acoustics. On the basis of the above-mentioned measurements, the reverberation indicators for the temples were also calculated. When analyzing the components of the reverberation indicator, it was noticed that poor acoustics in the sanctuary concerns speech, while interior acoustics is good for the reception of organ music. In the analyzed church, the reception of liturgical music is also better than the reception of speech, but the differences between these values are small.

The role of reliable mining and construction analysis in adjudicating mining damage claims

The basis for recognising claims for mining damage to a structure should be a mining and construction analysis, carried out following a detailed visual inspection of the damage and the results of surface deformation measurements. It allows to establish a cause and effect relation between the activity of the mining company and the damage. Unfortunately, there are cases when such an analysis is omitted and the following scheme is used: "since there is damage and the object is located in a mining area, it is mining damage". The problem is illustrated by two court cases where the author acted as an expert witness. Both cases are examples of the so-called pseudo-mining damage and confirm the thesis that the mere image of damage without professional analysis of construction and mining factors may lead to wrong conclusions regarding the causes of the damage.

Has the introduction of the possibility to build a single-family house on the basis of notification really improved the development process? The analysis based on the example of the Capital City of Warsaw (Poland)

On 28 June 2015 an amendment of the Polish Building Code that abolished a requirement to get a building permission to construct or reconstruct a free standing one-family house, which impact area is limited to the plot on that it is planned, came into force. Since then an erection of such houses has been possible on a basis of notification instead. The goal of this amendment was to simplify the development process in the case of one-family houses. This article is a contribution to the verification of this assumption. Therefore data on notifications that were submitted to respective capital city of Warsaw districts’ offices have been analysed. Detailed research has been limited to the districts of Bielany and Białołęka.

Granulation Of Porous Materials with Phase Change Material (PCM)

The paper describes the research on the method of production of granulated phase-change materials (PCM) used in construction industry for the accumulation of thermal energy. As mineral materials for the granules preparation zeolite from fly ash Na-P1 and natural diatomite dust were used which were impregnated with paraffinic filtration waste and granulated using a combined granulation method. Obtained granules were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherm, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Mechanical strength of the materials was determined in a “drop strength” test. Performed analyses revealed that mineral composition and micromorphology of the diatomite and zeolite granules were varied, with zeolite granules having higher mechanical strength.

Role and Factors of Solar Façades Shaping in Contemporary Architecture

The article deals with the issue of solar facades as the main external walls of a building, adapted to make use of solar energy. The aim of the article is to define the role of the facades and the factors that influence shaping thereof. The goal is of cognitive nature, whereas its implementation may contribute to strengthening the relationship between presumptions related to energy and architecture in the design of buildings. The need for the article results from the necessity to search for a possible balance between technical and humanistic spheres while shaping contemporary pro-ecological architecture, especially one aimed at receiving solar energy as a renewable energy source. In the article, both analytical and comparative methods are applied. The research was conducted on the example of four designs with solar facades of different characteristics, including two buildings planned by the author. The research results are observations that define relationship between the energy-related role of solar facades and urban, functional and aesthetic issues. These observations lead to the conclusion that the energy aspect, is not the only one to be considered while shaping solar facades in contemporary architecture. The solar facade combines both functional and artistic features.