Comparative analysis of a cooling systems working on an environmentally friendly refrigerants

The paper treats with refrigerants which affect on excessive heating of atmosphere. They are in group offluorinated greenhouse gases which are regulated by European and polish law. The main aim is to lower their amount in industry leading to overall removal from use. We present possible way to design refrigeration system lowering their adverse effect on natural environment. So three options of cooling systems are analyzed: one-stage refrigeration system working with R449A, cascade refrigeration system with R744 (carbon dioxide)/ R134a and R717 (ammonia) refrigeration plant. Due to the nowadays raising use of the cascade systems, an analysis of the operating parameters of such installation was carried out with considering the cascade heat exchanger as a condenser/evaporator. The installations concerned are three alternative offers for meat processing manufactory. A thermal balance was prepared for chambers located in building and the operating parameters of the installation were assumed. The equipment corresponding to the required cooling capacities were selected.

Enviromental factors as the elements determing the development of floating homes

The popularity of Floating Homes in Western Europe and North America is noticeable. The interest in these facilities in Poland is also constantly growing. The popularity of Floating Homes is due to climate change, rising land prices and population density in city centers. However, environmental factors play a significant role in their development. The publication presents the results of research on the impact of environmental factors on the development of Floating Homes in Poland. As part of the research, the most important environmental factors were identified and then, using the State of the Surroundings Scenarios (SSS) method, an initial scenario of their development was developed. The most probable scenario was developed, the purpose of which was to identify the most favorable factors - strengths and unfavorable factors - weaknesses responsible for the development opportunities of Floating Homes in Poland. Additionally, a surprise scenario was prepared, which indicated factors that may unexpectedly accelerate the development of Floating Homes in Poland or slow it down.

Defining the thermal conductivity of thermally heterogeneous hollow wall bricks used as elements for increasing the comfort of buildings

The article presents numerical calculation analysis in the scope of determining thermal conductivity coefficient λeq [W/(m·K)] of thermally heterogeneous hollow bricks of thermally heterogeneous structure (a combination of structural material with thermal insulation material). Numerical calculations were conducted by means of professional software TRISCO-KOBRU 86, serving thermal circulation analysis in a 2D field in stationary approach. The analyzed hollow wall bricks may be used, for instance, as a structural layer of layered outer walls of a building. In the article also the results of the Uc thermal conductivity coefficient calculations for double-layer walls with the use of the analyzed hollow wall bricks are presented in regard to thermal requirements.

Elastic shakedown limit of a steel lattice girder

This paper presents a solution for the problem concerning the behaviour of a steel lattice girder subjected to dynamic load pulses. The theory of shakedown is used in the analysis. It is assumed that such loads cause a non-elastic response which includes dissipation of energy causing deformations and residual forces developed in the structural members of the girder. At a certain intensity of these forces, the girder can react to subsequent load pulses without further dissipation of energy, behaving in the elastic region after shakedown. This condition is referred to as adaptation of the structure to assumed cyclic loading. Elastic shakedown limit is determined through a direct analysis of the girder's dynamic behaviour, i.e. by checking if energy dissipation decreases with loading cycles. This gives the number of load applications after which no further increase of the energy dissipation is observed. The existing permanent deformations persist and residual forces remain in the same state. The analysis takes into account the possibility that compressed members can buckle which may result in non-elastic, longitudinal and transverse vibrations of these members. Non-linear geometry of members is taken into account. Then a perfectly elastic-viscoplastic model of the material is used. The main goal is to determine the state of the non-elastic movements of the girder joints and the residual internal forces developed in the girder members after each load application. The values obtained in this way serve as the basis for describing the next loading cycle. It is possible to use the approach presented in the paper to evaluate the effects of accidental loads. Then it is checked whether a small number of repetitions of accidental load would result in exceeding the serviceability limit state criteria of the maximum permanent deformation or displacement and/or strain amplitudes. If so, the magnitude of accidental load is greater than the elastic shakedown limit. Some examples are given to illustrate the application of the theory of shakedown.

Assessment of threat arising by closed - volume explosions of fuel - air mixtures

The method of estimation of maximal parameters of combustion of gaseous mixtures in closed space is presented. Estimation of chemical composition of combustion products is based on simplified rules of decomposition of reactive medium. Exemplary calculations of temperature, pressure, heat of combustion of hydrocarbon/air mixtures are presented. The accuracy of presented method was validated by comparison with calculations performed by thermodynamic numerical code that include wide list of chemical substances present in combustion products. The obtained results confirm applicability of the proposed method to predict closed space combustion parameters of gaseous mixtures. Semi-empirical methods of estimation of flammability limits are briefly referred

Deformation and damage to buildings caused by ground movements in mining areas (case study)

Human activity causes transformations in the near-surface layers of the rock mass, which result in long-term impacts on buildings and engineering infrastructure. Mining activities are particularly disadvantageous in this context, as they trigger severe deformation processes that reach the soil surface as a result of the excavation of deposits. The prevention of accidents and disasters caused by these impacts is based on knowledge derived from observation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to acquire and update knowledge on the impact of mining-related ground deformation and tremors on buildings. The paper presents the results of measurements carried out on a group of buildings located in an underground mining area. The buildings have been affected by mining impacts since their construction in the 1980s. Despite the implementation of appropriate structural protection, the structures have been suffering deformation and damage. For the purposes of the study, two two-axis inclinometers were installed on the 15.2 m high bell tower, taking measurements at 6-hour intervals. Over a period of 10 months, changes in the leaning of the tower were measured and the condition of the other buildings observed.The study resulted in obtaining: values for the change in tilt of the two perpendicular walls of the tower (over a period of 10 months), correlation of the results with tremors measurements and periodic surveying measurements of the inclination of the vertical edge of the tower, image of damage to buildings caused by mining deformation of the ground. On the basis of an analysis of the location and timing of minefields excavation, the occurrence of real ground movement in the mining areas, continuing even after the end of mining works, was confirmed and irregular deformation of the originally perpendicular walls of the masonry tower building was demonstrated. The tower did not behave as a rigid body; its horizontal profile was deformed.

Ensuring safe working conditions during the rehabilitation of operated combined insulated rolled roofs

The recommended option for rehabilitation of operated combined insulated rolled roofs allows to reduce the cost of measures to ensure safe working conditions. The article proposes a construction solution similar to an inverted roof. In the proposed solution, the role of a vapor barrier is played by the repaired layers of the existing waterproofing layer to which the insulation board has been attached.

Design of joints of thin sheet parts with mechanical connections (according to EN 1993-1-3)

The main direction of development of steel building structures is to reduce the cost of implementation of buildings without changing their load-bearing capacity and value in use. Therefore, an essential factor in the development is the introduction of modern technologies. Solutions from other industries such as automotive or aerospace, have been adapted to perform building structures. As a result, today in the construction industry we use lightweight steel profiles from cold-bent elements. Modern technology and advanced calculation theory make it possible to build these structures much more economically than previous conventional systems. Elements and products made of thin sheets allow to reduce costs of construction, but at the same time is associated with the possibility of defects resulting in the appearance of a state of failure of structural elements or the entire facility. Connection zones of thin-walled elements are always the critical points, hence the need for a particularly thorough assessment at the design stage, and then at the implementation of the investment. Correct application of the presented calculation procedure in article will allow the design and realization of modern structures, which will be durable and safe in operation for the expected period of time.

Life cycle engineering of a construction object

Building objects are anthropogenic objects that are born - planning, arise - design, develop - build and die - are demolished or modernized at the end of their lives. In this way, they create a life cycle in which human needs in the field of broadly understood construction are met.The article presents the use of engineering for the analysis and assessment of the construction life cycle."The essence of engineering object construction is the procedure leading to the creation of a safe object throughout its life cycle."

Implementation of innovative technologies for the improvement of concrete properties for freezing and thawing processes

For over a hundred years, concrete has been a well-known building material and is widely used in construction. Its properties have convinced construction engineers, architects, contractors and investors, which is why it is currently difficult to find a building completed without the use of this material. However, the influence of atmospheric conditions and other environmental influences means that over time they leave more and more visible signs of progressive destruction even on the best building material of the century. Taking into account the problems related to aeration and surface hydrophobization, the aim of the work was to demonstrate that by using an admixture in the form of an anionic bitumen emulsion and a superplasticizer based on polycarboxylate ethers, it is possible to obtain hard-to-wet concretes with a favorable porosity structure and increased resistance to environmental influences. For static calculations and dimensioning, an original calculation model of the pavement made of concrete with dispersed reinforcement in the form of fibers was used, which made it possible to eliminate the reinforcement in the form of bars. Laboratory tests with the use of concrete samples taken during concreting carried out after 28 days of maturation confirmed the high compressive strength.