No 1 (2025)



Presentation of the editorial board Travush Vladimir Ilich
Abstract
Кавалер ордена Трудового Красного Знамени, заслуженный строитель РФ, заслуженный деятель науки РФ, почётный строитель России, почётный строитель Москвы, лауреат премии Совета Министров СССР, трижды лауреат премии Правительства РФ в области науки и техники, лауреат Государственной премии РФ в области науки и технологий.



Standards and Quality
Quality control in concreting massive foundation structures of the multifunctional “Lahta Centre” complex
Abstract
Introduction. The paper discusses the fundamental principles of quality control when concreting the massive concrete structures, using the example of foundation structures of the Lakhta Center complex in St. Petersburg.
The aim of research is to develop and implement a three-level concreting quality control system for the concrete plant, on a construction site and applicable to different structures.
In order to achieve this goal, the following tasks were formulated: to analyze the regulatory framework governing quality control requirements while constructing the concrete structures; to consider the establishment of a quality control system based on a three-level approach, to formulate the fundamental principles of monitoring the concrete mixtures and the concrete within the structure.
Research outcomes. Special emphasis is placed on establishing a framework for evaluating the properties of concrete mixtures, concrete itself, and the main concreting processes, as well as their incorporation into organisational and technological documentation (work production project, process maps, process regulations).
Conclusions. The primary findings of this research can be used in the development of methodological, organizational and technological documentation supporting in the construction of massive foundation structures of unique buildings and constructions.



Materials
Comparison of thermal insulation properties in different types of insulation used for apartment block construction
Abstract
Introduction. In the current state of sustainable development and increasing energy consumption, the selection of the most energy-efficient insulation is increasingly relevant. Insulation efficiency is a crucial consideration for both the construction of new buildings and for renovation of existing ones. The choice of insulation is often determined primarily by cost or availability, resulting in unfavourable outcomes. Therefore, when choosing the material, one should evaluate criteria such as thermal insulation capabilities, moisture resistance, vapour permeability, and the environmental safety of materials. Modern technologies offer a wide range of insulation materials, ranging from traditional mineral wool to cutting-edge eco-polymer solutions. Each option possesses distinct advantages and disadvantages, necessitating thorough investigation prior to decision-making. Thus, the importance of choosing the right insulation cannot be underestimated. Effective insulation not only reduces heating costs, but also fosters a more sustainable and eco-friendly construction industry, thereby directly influencing individual quality of life.
The aim of research is to comparatively analyse the results of a study of various thermal insulation materials for enclosing structures, aimed at identifying the most effective insulation materials in terms of the price-thermal properties ratio.
Materials and methods. The study evaluated the thermal insulation characteristics, moisture resistance, fire resistance, durability of several insulation materials, and the expenses associated with insulating an apartment block in Yoshkar-Ola. Seven thermal insulation materials were chosen for comparison: mineral (stone) wool (75-120 kg/m³); glass wool slab P-85; extruded polystyrene foam (EPS) (40 kg/m³); expanded polystyrene PSB-50; polystyrene concrete (200 kg/m³); autoclaved aerated concrete (D600); and ecowool (60 kg/m³).
Conclusions. Research revealed that mineral wool insulation can be regarded as the most effective thermal insulation material. Besides its excellent thermal insulation capabilities and affordability, mineral wool possesses other features that make it particularly appealing for construction applications.



Analysis of the potential market capacity and consumption volumes of wall building wood-mineral composite materials meant for individual developers
Abstract
Introduction. Ensuring the integrated waste-free use of forest resources, including low-quality wood and byproducts, is an important challenge for both forest users and government officials. The use of wood raw materials can go in various directions, but first of all it is necessary to identify highly marketable competitive products that can be produced from these resources and to ascertain their demand and consumption volumes. Thermal insulation and structural materials are products that are in high demand within the rapidly evolving sectors of multi-storey and individual construction.
The aim of research is to analyze the potential market capacity and consumption volumes of thermal insulation and structural materials – wood-mineral composites for individual residential building. To achieve this objective, the following tasks were undertaken: to analyze the trends, rates and volumes of housing construction in the Russian Federation, to determine the features of individual housing construction technologies, to assess the prospects and volumes of potential use of wood-mineral composites as a wall material. The focus of research is arbolite, a structural and thermal insulation material composed of lightweight concrete with an organic filler, and its position within the building materials industry.
Materials and methods. In the course of the work, literary sources were analyzed, hypotheses were put forward, methods of abstraction, generalization, analysis and synthesis were used.
Research outcomes. The housing construction sector is a driver that ensures the delivery of millions of square meters of housing and the development of related industries and logistics of building materials. The growth rate of housing construction volumes reaches 15 to 17 percent per year. Since 2021, there has been a steady trend of exceeding the volume of housing commissioning built by the population over the volume of multi-apartment buildings. A trend towards widespread savings and a decrease in the level of consumption of individual developers has been identified. Houses are built in a single-story design, with a relatively small area ranging from 80 to 120 square meters. A modern developer avoids a complex, expensive and labor-intensive multi-layer wall structure. Aerated concrete is the predominant material in the wall construction market, with production volumes above 15 million m3. Wood-mineral composites are not inferior, and in a number of indicators surpass aerated concrete and frame technologies of house construction, and can completely replace the volumes of application of these materials and technologies.
Conclusions. The analysis of housing construction rates and volumes in Russia indicates the industry's important role in supplying housing to the population, facilitating the efficient functioning of the mortgage and lending banking sector, and supporting numerous industries involved in construction and production of finishing materials, as well as logistics and transportation companies. Wood-mineral composites, as a competitive material, can effectively capture a substantial segment of the wall building materials industry.



Concretes based on portland cement with modified diatomite additives
Abstract
Introduction. Concrete and reinforced concrete constitute the primary materials in the construction sector. As construction quality standards elevate, it is important to improve the quality of building materials. The quality of concrete is improved by incorporating finely dispersed mineral additives into cement. Their incorporation into cements enhances structural integrity and enables the development of next-generation modified binders. One of such additives is diatomite.
The aim of research is to develop concrete compositions using cement with the addition of modified diatomite.
Materials and methods. Portland cement of class CEM I 32.5 and CEM I 42.5 was used for the research. Diatomite modified with lime (DMI), diatomite modified with hydrochloric acid (DHV), diatomite modified with carbon particles (DMCMTS) served as mineral additives.
The strength of concrete was assessed against GOST 10180-2012 "Concrete. Methods for determining the strength using control samples"
Research outcomes. The research indicated that concretes with modified diatomite enhance the strength classification of concrete to B25 and above.
Conclusions. The incorporation of diatomite-modified cement in concrete production enables a reduction in cement usage by 15 % per cubic metre of the mixture.



Constructions
Frameless arch covering: practice of application
Abstract
Introduction. The research examines frameless arched buildings made of cold-formed steel profiles, which have gained widespread popularity due to their simplicity of production and installation, low cost, and technological efficiency. The drawbacks encompass the absence of regulatory and technical documentation, as well as design flaws, which frequently result in failures.
The aim of research is to analyze the load-bearing capacity of frameless arched roofs and develop recommendations for their design, construction, and operation to prevent failures.
Materials and Methods. To determine the load-bearing capacity of a frameless arched roof, the arch was analysed by numerical modelling in a finite element software suite, employing shell finite elements that accommodate both geometric nonlinearity (large deformations, displacements, etc.) and physical nonlinearity. The profile geometry was modeled using shell finite elements, incorporating all characteristics of the cross-section, taking into account the transverse corrugations on the shelf and the wall, as well as the unevenness of their height (on the wall). The calculations were carried out in a geometrically and physically nonlinear formulation of the problem.
This paper outlines the structural characteristics of frameless arched edifices, encompassing the materials used, profile varieties, geometric specifications, and their respective applications. The limitations associated with the functioning of such structures are also delineated.
Research outcomes. The analysis of a failure case is provided: the failure of an arched structure under a snow load that was below the regulation threshold. Characteristic errors include inconsistencies between design models and actual operating conditions, neglect of geometric nonlinearity, and improper installation practices. The analysis showed that design and operation of frameless buildings, without consideration of their unique characteristics and the lack of an appropriate regulatory framework, may result in structural problems.
Conclusions. In order to prevent failures, it is proposed to develop a unified methodology for calculating structures, incorporate it into regulatory documents, and develop technical specifications for each profile type.



Numerical simulation of the stress-strain state of beams with rigid composite reinforcement
Abstract
Introduction. One of the key stages of the BIM-model development is the assessment of loads and impacts. The framework for executing such calculations is integrated into specialised software applications. The finite element method, a prevalent numerical technique for addressing diverse scientific and engineering challenges, is arguably the most often used method for structural calculations globally, having acquired prominence due to its advantages. This method encompasses the ability to calculate structures with complex geometry by approximating surfaces to the necessary precision, the ability to take into account materials with different properties in the structure and so on. The primary downside of this method is the necessity of doing numerous calculations. The contemporary computational capabilities of IT equipment enable rapid calculations, yet the complexity and demands of these calculations are also increasing.
One of the promising materials gaining increasing interest in the building industry is the pultruded polymer profile. Structures reinforced with such profiles have only recently came to use in construction; hence, experimental data are available in restricted amount. In instances involving structures reinforced with composite polymer reinforcement, the application of pultruded polymer profiles in external calculation methodologies draws a parallel to rigid steel reinforcement, with modifications made to account for the features of these profiles. Regulatory papers for domestic constructions using rigid composite reinforcement have yet to be developed.
The aim of research is to develop a finite element model for assessing the bearing capacity of bending elements reinforced with rigid composite polymers and to evaluate the resulting data.
Materials and Methods. This study details the numerical implementation of the model using the SIMULIA Abaqus software package, which has several advantages. The application enables the simulation of both static and dynamic loading, provides detailed visualisation of results, and includes specialised tools for getting solutions that account for nonlinear factors such as plasticity, creep, and variations in rigidity. The problem is solved by a spatial formulation that considers the nonlinear characteristics of concrete and reinforcement.
Research outcomes. The numerical model can be used for further studies into the performance of structures with stiff composite reinforcement subjected to load. The proposed model enables the selection of ideal parameters for designing bending elements with pultruded polymer profile reinforcement, hence maximising the strength attributes of the composite profile. The model is based on the principle of deformation of concrete and reinforcement of various types, substantiated by experimental evidence.
Conclusions. New opportunities for predicting the strength and deformability of promising materials and structures in software packages integrated with BIM-models can provide modern and popular technical solutions. This corresponds to the strategic approaches to digital transformation in construction adopted in our country.



Technologies
Improving the technology of cross-cutting the sawn part of a tree trunk with core rot
Abstract
Introduction. The primary objective of roundwood processing is the effective application of the harvested timber. One method to enhance the efficiency of timber use is to obtain sawn raw materials capable of yielding high-value sawn products. Currently, the methods are being developed to identify high-quality zones of round timber for the targeted use of raw materials. Harvesting wood, taking into account high-quality areas will allow for significant economic benefits due to more efficient use of wood. However, tree trunks are often affected by soil rot. When processing harvested wood, the lumpy part of tree trunks affected by soil rot is completely removed. At the same time, it represents the most valuable section of the tree trunk, comprising straight, layered wood with superior strength properties. The enhancement of wood resources can be achieved by the use of roundwood, notwithstanding the presence of deleterious soil rot, in the production of high-quality sawn products.
The aim of research is to improve the technology of cross–cutting the sawn section of tree trunks in order to increase the volumetric yield of sawn grades.
Materials and methods. A mathematical model is utilised to describe the formation of the sawn section of a tree trunk. The allometric relationships between the variation in saw blade length and the dimensions of the trunk rot have been established. Optimisation of cutting and forecasting the output of sawn grades was conducted using the method of exhaustive solutions.
Research outcomes. An efficient technology has been developed for cutting the sawn section of a tree trunk, facilitating the manufacture of sawn segments from the bulk portion, despite the partial existence of destructive rot. It was found that as a result of using the traditional method of cross-cutting the sawn part of the tree trunk, the yield of sawn grades is 23-53 %. The application of a systematic approach to cross-cutting the sawn section of the tree trunk, along with the selective removal of grades exhibiting destructive decay, enables the attainment of 78-80% efficiency.
Conclusions. The production of sorts from the sawn part of the tree trunk with the presence of destructive rot increases the volume yield of the sawmill for the production of high-quality saw products.



Optimization of the manufacturing technology of circular saws
Abstract
Introduction. The paper examines the technological process for producing carbide circular saws. Unlike cutting with conventional tools, sawing is a complex process. The paper indicates the most common types of sawing. Structural spring and tool steels are used in the production of circular saw bodies. Steels alloyed with chromium, vanadium, tungsten, molybdenum and manganese are selected to achieve the necessary physical and mechanical qualities. These elements increase heat resistance, heat resistance and strength of circular saws. Additionally, to alleviate tension and dissipate heat during operation, compensators of diverse configurations are incorporated into the bodies of circular saws.
The aim of research is to describe the process of optimizing the technology for manufacturing circular saws exemplified by LLC PCC «Mahagoni» enterprise.
Research outcomes. The company LLC PCC «Mahagoni» is one of the leading enterprises in the manufacture of carbide circular saws. The company previously produced both monolithic and composite circular saws. Since 2000, the company has been producing only carbide circular saws with external diameters from 160 to 630 mm and internal diameters of 30, 32 and 50 mm with carbide plates made of steel grades VK6, VK8 and VK15. The company manufactures circular saws equipped with cleaning knives composed of carbide alloys. The company attaches the carbide plates to the body using two methods: the teeth are affixed using electrocontact soldering, while the cleaning plates are bonded via induction soldering employing calcined borax flux and L63 solder. Two types of solder are used - tape and wire-shaped. Steel grade 65G, which combines both rigidity and plastic properties, was chosen for the manufacture of circular saw bodies. This steel grade for circular saw bodies, calcined borax flux, and L63 solder yields products with superior physical and mechanical attributes at a moderate cost.
Conclusions. L63 solder containing over 20 % zinc enhances surface wettability, reduces soldering temperature, and increases the strength of the soldered joint.



Events
International Research Conference on "Current Issues in Construction.Structural reliability of buildings. Energy efficiency. Environmental safety. Artificial Intelligence."
Abstract
1-3 июля 2025 года состоится Международная научная конференция – XVI Акаде-мические чтения «Актуальные вопросы строительcтва. Надежность строительных кон-струкций. Энергосбережение. Экологическая безопасность. Искусственный интеллект», посвященные 100-летию академика РААСН В. М. Бондаренко и 96-летию академика РААСН Г. Л. Осипова.





