{"title":"The Use of Vertical Gardens as a Network of Urban Navigation Elements with a Positive Impact on Biodiversity and Microclimate in a Dense Urban Environment","authors":"Miriam Zaťovičová, Martina Majorošová","doi":"10.2478/sjce-2023-0027","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/sjce-2023-0027","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Horizontal green areas are becoming valuable, yet extruded spots, and their constant elimination at the expense of commercial and housing developments is disrupting green infrastructure. Interlocked existing urban structures seldom allow for the creation of parks and larger green open spaces, which could provide a habitat for a wide range of insects, birds, and other small animals. The lack of green spaces causes urban heat islands (UHI) over the cities. Vertical gardens are alternative solutions for urban areas, where it is not possible to increase biodiversity by creating new horizontal green areas. They effectively utilise surfaces that would otherwise be unused and transform them into effective green infrastructure elements. Using the example of the historical city district of Bratislava, i.e., Old Town (Staré Mesto) in Slovakia, we present an alternative approach for resolving the lack of green areas. A case study was conducted to create a map of all the potentially suitable areas for the construction of vertical gardens. We divided these spots into three groups, i.e., walls, columns, and free-standing structures and proposed construction methods for each type. Regarding the placement of potentially suitable areas along the roads connecting important transport hubs with the city centre, we created an original proposal for a district-wide network of vertical gardens as orientation elements for tourists and residents with significant aesthetic merit as well as ecological and hygienic values.","PeriodicalId":43574,"journal":{"name":"Slovak Journal of Civil Engineering","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.4,"publicationDate":"2023-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139192169","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effect of Recovered Fibers on the Behavior of Concrete in Tension","authors":"Djamal Atlaoui, A. Adjrad, Y. Bouafia","doi":"10.2478/sjce-2023-0024","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/sjce-2023-0024","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract This study evaluates the performance of concrete under the effect of the addition of non-straight fibers recovered during the machining of steel parts and then studies the effect of the addition of corrugated fibers (chips) on their behavior in direct traction of the fiber concrete. In order to characterize the mechanical behavior and tearing of these fibers, three lengths of fibers were used (4 cm, 5 cm, and 6 cm); for each length we varied the percentage by volume (0.3%, 0.5%, 0.8%, 1%, and 1.2%). To make a comparative study, a second series of tests was carried out with control concrete (BT) without any fibers of the same composition. The results of the tests carried out indicate that the resistance and stiffness are significantly improved and that the fibers imparted significant ductility to the material compared to the control concrete. It was also observed that the percentage of fibers significantly influences the appearance of cracks. Moreover, with an increase in the percentage of fibers from 0.3% to 0.8%, the resistance increases, but beyond a content of 0.8%, the mechanical characteristics decrease.","PeriodicalId":43574,"journal":{"name":"Slovak Journal of Civil Engineering","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.4,"publicationDate":"2023-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139193005","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Behavior of an Embankment on Stone Column-Reinforced Soft Soil","authors":"T. A. Wassie, Gökhan Demir","doi":"10.2478/sjce-2023-0022","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/sjce-2023-0022","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Reinforcing soft soils with good drainage and load-bearing material is a common practice in the construction of embankments. Stone columns are among the granular materials that accelerate consolidation settlements due to their high drainage capacities. This study aims to investigate the behavior of an embankment on stone column-reinforced soft soil. The embankment was analyzed using the Plaxis 2D Finite Element Method. The columns were converted into equivalent walls using the plane strain conversion method. This method was validated with field measurement results from previous studies and showed good agreement. According to the research findings, stone columns significantly reduced deformations and improved consolidation. For instance, the ultimate settlement was decreased from 54.3 mm to 33.1 mm for 10% and 20% area replacement ratios, respectively. As the safety analysis verified, basal geosynthetics contributed substantially to the embankment’s stability. Furthermore, the safety factor values increased for all stages of the construction, and the global safety factor increased at the end of the construction. Stone columns and basal geogrid-reinforced soft soil can reduce settlement and increase the stability of an embankment.","PeriodicalId":43574,"journal":{"name":"Slovak Journal of Civil Engineering","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.4,"publicationDate":"2023-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139190743","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Experimental Contribution to Study the Physico-Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Lightweight Cellular Concrete Prepared With Different Types of Sand and Waste Marble Powder","authors":"Moufida Bourema, I. Goual, A. Ferhat","doi":"10.2478/sjce-2023-0023","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/sjce-2023-0023","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Algeria is currently undergoing an evolution in civil engineering, which has resulted in a higher use of aggregates, especially sand. This study contributes to the development of locally produced materials. Its goal is to explore how the type of sand and waste marble powder (WMP), which can be used as a partial replacement of cement and aluminum powder (Al) with different percentages as an expansive agent, can affect physico-mechanical properties such as the bulk density and mechanical strength at 28 and 90 days, as well as the thermal conductivity of lightweight cellular concrete. Non-autoclaved cellular concretes (CC) were investigated based on three types of sand, i.e., sea sand (SS), river sand (RS), and waste marble sand (WMS); a hydraulic binder (a mix of cement and waste marble powder), and aluminum powder. The experimental results indicate that the nature and particle size distribution of the sand used had an impact on the properties of the CCs. Furthermore, it can be seen that the increased aluminum contents decrease the density, mechanical strength, and thermal characteristics of the CCs. Using 10-15% WMP as a cement substitute improves the mechanical strength, offers better thermal conductivity values, and contributes to sustainable development by developing a new class of environmentally friendly cellular concrete.","PeriodicalId":43574,"journal":{"name":"Slovak Journal of Civil Engineering","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.4,"publicationDate":"2023-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139192493","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Calculation of the Constructive Nonlinearity of Ribbed Reinforced Concrete Slabs of Self-Stressed Covering Panels","authors":"Anton Hasenko, Volodymyr Semko, Serhii Skliarenko","doi":"10.2478/sjce-2023-0016","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/sjce-2023-0016","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Precast reinforced concrete constructions meet the requirements of industrialization, high manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness at a reasonably high level. The ribs in constructions perform load-bearing functions, and the slab part performs enclosing functions. Often before the installation of such structures at a construction site, they are mounted from assembly elements. The overall dimensions of the elements are limited by transportation requirements. During such an aggregated mounting, the assembly units work according to a calculation scheme that differs from an operational scheme. The structural nonlinearity of ribbed reinforced concrete slabs during transportation, mounting, and installation, and the operation of a combined spatial covering panel were investigated in this paper. The effects were identified, and a rational design of nodes connecting the individual prefabricated units into a spatial structure was developed. With the help of these nodes, it is possible to create unloading support moments, which will reduce the internal forces in the design cross-sections. The effects of changes in the width of the reinforced concrete slab shelves on the internal forces of the load-bearing ribs of a wall and a roof panel were investigated.","PeriodicalId":43574,"journal":{"name":"Slovak Journal of Civil Engineering","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135588658","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Preparation and Modification of Chip-Cement Wooden Composites Based on Recycled Plastics","authors":"Terézia Cabanová","doi":"10.2478/sjce-2023-0020","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/sjce-2023-0020","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The production of plastics and the associated increasing amount of plastic waste is currently a serious environmental problem that has a negative impact on the environment. It is necessary to develop new methods of recycling and also solutions for the further use of already recycled plastics. Thus far, a lot of research has been devoted to this issue, which focuses on the effective recycling and reuse of recycled plastic in the construction sector. One of the possibilities is the application of a filler substitute in concrete, which is an economically and ecologically advantageous solution that ensures optimal thermal insulation and acoustic properties. The aim of this study was to analyze the potential replacement of conventional aggregates in lightweight concrete, with a filler made of recycled plastic with a lower bulk density. In the research, wood chips were used in combination with recycled waste fillers including polystyrene (SE), polyethene (SP), and polyurethane foam (SU) in ratios of 1:3, 1:1, and 3:1 as an alternative to conventional filler. Concrete composites from these materials were prepared and characterized by their bulk density, thermal conductivity and compressive strength parameters.","PeriodicalId":43574,"journal":{"name":"Slovak Journal of Civil Engineering","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135588670","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Raising of Embankment of an Ore Tailings Pond and an Analysis of its Stability","authors":"Dagmar Chropeňová, Ivan Slávik","doi":"10.2478/sjce-2023-0017","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/sjce-2023-0017","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The article presents a method for the intensification of a tailings pond. A tailings pond serves for the hydraulic storage of silt-sand waste arising during a flotation treatment and the processing of polymetallic ores. The intensification of the tailings pond consisted of raising its dam system to increase its accumulation space. The total proposed height of the tailings pond dam system after its elevation will be 60 m. The structural and shape arrangement of the dam in the dam system of the tailings pond was the result of a stability analysis of the state of the tailings pond before and after the dam system was raised. The article presents the results of experimental verifications of the geomaterial properties that form quasi-homogeneous units of the tailings pond (subsoil, dam system, and sediment) that serve as the inputs for stability analyses. New limiting and critical water levels are modelled based on the stability analysis for the intensified dam system of the tailings pond, taking into account the standard requirements for its overall stability.","PeriodicalId":43574,"journal":{"name":"Slovak Journal of Civil Engineering","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135588672","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Assessment of the Probability of Exceeding the Limiting Deformations of a Building Foundation","authors":"Oksana Kichaieva, Dietmar Adam","doi":"10.2478/sjce-2023-0018","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/sjce-2023-0018","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract The level of ground settlement under the effect of certain factors is one of the markers indicating the adequacy of adopted design solutions. By comprehending settlement values, it is possible to infer the degree of risk associated with a project and, if necessary, introduce changes to the design. The concept of reliability management here manifests itself in the timely adjustment of the decisions made, while it is necessary to use the procedure of the quantitative assessment of the probability of the occurrence of a particular limit state. A qualitative assessment indicates only the limits of an area, which approximately characterizes the effects of changes in the geotechnical situation. In this article, a method for determining the probability of exceeding the limit deformation of a building-base massif using the Monte Carlo statistical method is developed, and an algorithm and computer program implementing the proposed calculation method are created.","PeriodicalId":43574,"journal":{"name":"Slovak Journal of Civil Engineering","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135588784","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Development of a Conceptual Snow Sub-Model: Application in Meteorological Stations, Slovakia","authors":"Miroslav Kandera, Roman Výleta","doi":"10.2478/sjce-2023-0015","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/sjce-2023-0015","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract A semi-distributed rainfall-runoff Approximate Redistributive Balance (ARB) model is currently in development as a tool for the assessment and analysis of the water management balance at the level of micro-basins on the territory of Slovakia. For the winter season, it is necessary to supplement the model with a sub-model for calculating the snow water equivalent (SWE) with a comparatively low amount of the input data necessary. Since SWE models generally operate in a daily time step, a new sub-model was developed and tested in monthly and weekly time steps in 30 meteorological stations in the north of Slovakia. When compared in a weekly time step with the snow sub-model of the HBV rainfall-runoff model and when the impact of switching from a monthly to weekly time step on the quality of the runoff simulation was evaluated, the results showed that the snow sub-model does react to sudden snowmelt better when compared to the modified version of the HBV snow sub-model used. Using a weekly time step for the snow sub-model in a monthly ARB model runoff simulation showed an increase of accuracy (NSE change from 0.89 to 0.92) in one case, while maintaining the same level of accuracy in the second one.","PeriodicalId":43574,"journal":{"name":"Slovak Journal of Civil Engineering","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135588671","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Experimental Study on Concrete vy Adding Polyester Fibres","authors":"D. B Nirmala, Akshay Angadi","doi":"10.2478/sjce-2023-0019","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2478/sjce-2023-0019","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract There are increased innovations in the field of concrete because there are endless opportunities for innovative materials, techniques, applications, and design. Today’s construction industry is looking for cost-effective materials to improve the strength of concrete structures. As a result, an attempt has been made in the current research to investigate the impact of adding polyester fibres (Recron 3s) to concrete. Fibres improve concrete's tensile and flexural strength, fatigue properties, durability, shrinkage properties, impact and erosion resistance, and serviceability. Polyester fibres (Recron 3s) are micro fibres; they contribute to enhancing the resistance of concrete to shrinkage and cracking and also help to improve mechanical properties such as the flexural / split tensile and transverse strength of concrete along with improvements in abrasion and impact strength. An experimental study was done using a M30 mix design. Polyester fibres (Recron 3s) were used in the concrete with varying dosage rates of 0.50 kgs / cu.m – 2.00 kgs / cu.m. This study describes the enhancement in the strength of the M30 grade mix concrete by the addition of polyester fibres (Recron 3s) in the proportions of 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2.0kg/cu.m, and M30 concrete with varying dosages of the polyester fibres (Recron 3s) were mixed and cast.","PeriodicalId":43574,"journal":{"name":"Slovak Journal of Civil Engineering","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135588661","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}