Urban construction and architecture

This article analyzes potential failures and malfunctions in the operation of a hydraulic turbine and guide vane in a hydroelectric power plant, as well as ways to resolve these issues through appropriate repairs to both the turbine itself and components of the hydraulic control system. Ensuring the uninterrupted operation of a hydraulic turbine not only impacts the quantity and quality of electricity generated but also improves the operational reliability of the entire hydroelectric power plant. Research has shown that the most important step is the timely detection of hydraulic turbine malfunctions, which may include component wear, increased noise, reduced power and uneven operation, oil leaks in hydroelectric power plant units, corrosion of turbine shaft components, and more. The article examines in detail the early signs of malfunction in hydraulic turbine equipment, the consequences that such malfunctions can lead to, and also presents possible solutions through appropriate repairs to the hydroelectric power plant equipment.

The objective of the study considered in this article is to clarify the role of longitudinal reinforcement in ensuring the strength and forming the physical picture of the work and failure of reinforced concrete beams of a rectangular cross-section in the zones of transverse bending depending on the length of the shear span. The results of tests of three series of test specimens with three specimens in each series are presented. The specimens are reinforced concrete beams of a rectangular cross-section, reinforced only with longitudinal reinforcement in the form of two bars of class A500. Within the series, the test specimens had different reinforcement and the same shear span. The series differed from each other in shear spans. The test specimens were tested as simply supported beams loaded in the span by two identical concentrated forces. The obtained results allowed us to draw conclusions about the role of longitudinal reinforcement and the length of the shear span in ensuring strength, forming the stress-strain state and the nature of failure of reinforced concrete beams of a rectangular cross-section in the zones of transverse bending.

A new technology has been proposed for filling window and balcony openings in residential buildings with a frame structural system up to 9 floors high. The relevance of the introduction of this technology with a fairly large-scale housing construction in the Russian Federation is justified. Examples of traditional filling of window openings in residential buildings are analyzed. Domestic and foreign regulatory framework and practical experience in filling openings in residential buildings were considered and analyzed. The advantages of the new technology of installation of elements for filling light openings are justified. It was noted that the proposed technology was successfully tested during the construction of residential buildings in Samara. The economic effect of the proposed technology is to reduce the volume of expensive and time-consuming work on the construction of bridges, reduce the volume of masonry, wet processes, increase the speed of installation of window and balcony blocks and generally reduce the construction time of residential buildings.

Analyzes modern scientific ideas about the mechanisms of formation of corrosion and salt deposits (scale) on heat exchange surfaces. Special attention is paid to the influence of the ionic composition of water, pH value, alkalinity, oxygen concentration, and dissolved hardness salts on the kinetics of scaling processes. The article discusses the regulatory requirements of the Russian Federation for the quality of heat transfer fluids for heating systems and industrial power engineering. A critical review of existing protection methods, including water treatment, inhibition, ultrasonic, and magnetic treatment, is provided. Based on the review data, the necessity of developing a mathematical model to predict the intensity of deposits in plate heat exchangers depending on the regime and chemical parameters is substantiated. It is shown that such a model is a tool for optimizing the water and chemical regime and increasing the energy efficiency of heat exchange equipment.

The dynamics of infiltration of a drop of liquid falling on the ground into a porous soil is considered in a one-dimensional (1D) approximation. A differential infiltration equation is used, taking into account both the viscosity and the inertia of the liquid at the same time. The numerical solution of this differential equation is carried out for some of the most common types of raindrops and the most common soils. It is shown that when a liquid droplet collides with a porous medium, the process of liquid introduction into the medium proceeds in two stages. At first, some of the liquid is almost instantly «injected» into the medium, while slowing down quickly. Then the almost stopped liquid is absorbed relatively slowly by the «inertia-free» mechanism. The role of the «injection» absorption mechanism increases during the transition from less permeable soils (loams, sandy loams) to more permeable ones (sands) and during the transition from larger droplets to smaller ones.

Presents the results of a comparative analysis of natural and technogenic materials used as components of a multicomponent filter medium for treating filter backwash water generated at groundwater iron-removal stations. The physicochemical and microstructural properties of peat, lime, and drinking-water treatment sludge were examined to assess their potential for sorption and catalytic oxidation of iron and manganese species. The study included batch leaching tests (aqueous extracts), microscopic and elemental analyses (SEM/EDS), and an evaluation of filtration performance. The results showed that drinking-water treatment sludge containing iron and manganese oxides exhibits pronounced catalytic activity; lime provides buffering capacity and stabilizes pH; and peat is characterized by high porosity and a well-developed sorption surface. The combined use of these components in a multicomponent filter medium enhances the removal of iron and manganese from filter backwash water, reduces waste generation, and enables the reuse of secondary materials.

The use of natural stone in cladding increases the durability of buildings and structures. Rocks are a beautiful and environmentally friendly building material. Samara embankment, one of the most picturesque and long on the river. The Volga is a kind of open-air museum where you can study the variety of uses of natural stone. The article shows the features of the use of rocks as facing material on the example of the Samara embankment. The main types and origins of the rocks used to create the monuments and cladding of the town’s structures on the existing four quayside queues are described.

The article presents research aimed at increasing the strength of siliceous aggregate through one-stage treatment of grains with a solution of alkaline caprolactam production waste (CASPK). The grains were treated with a 5-10 % ASH solution for 3–5 minutes. This regime is sufficient to saturate the pores and cracks of the filler with sodium cations and form low-melting eutectics, which contributes to the most complete sintering. After processing, the samples were dried and fired at temperatures of 1100, 1150 and 1200 °C. An improvement in aggregate sintering in terms of shrinkage and compressive strength was established after all processing modes. The greatest strength, almost 2 times, was achieved after treatment with a 10 % ASH solution for 5 minutes.

The article examines methodological and design approaches to forming an architectural and urban planning concept for the city of the future, taking into account the transformation of sociocultural needs of information age generations. The object of research is the urban environment as a cognitive-adaptive system capable of integrating digital infrastructure, ecological sustainability, and conditions for social and creative self-realization. The author develops the concept of a «cognitive-adaptive city,» in which architecture is understood as a mediator between humans, technology, and culture. The methodological foundation of the research is based on scenario modeling, futurological analysis (Y. Harari, R. Kurzweil, M. Kaku, N. Bostrom, and others), conceptual mapping, and foresight methodology. The article proposes three scenarios for urban environment development (at horizons of 20, 50, and over 50 years), identifies a classification of architectural and urban planning solutions: adaptive structures, cyber-physical interfaces, and humanistic infrastructures. A comparison of 20th and 21st century utopias is conducted, and key value-ethical guidelines for design are identified: digital inclusivity, ecological justice, and support for personal self-realization. Conclusions are drawn about the formation of a new direction – cognitively-oriented architectural futurology.

The article is devoted to the life and work of Georgy Nikolaevich Moshkov (1871-1949), an outstanding Samara architect and builder, whose works are forever captured in the architectural appearance of Samara. His houses are located both on the main streets (Kuibyshev, Leningradskaya, Molodogvardeiskaya) and on other streets of the city, they are distinguished by the presence of an artistic image, style, peculiar composition, pattern, decorative elements, richness of plastic, expressiveness of volume and details. Throughout his career, Moshkov went from a simple worker to a recognized master. His work covered a wide range of styles during the eclectic period: from the «Russian style» to more modern trends such as Neo-Renaissance, Neo-Baroque and Neoclassicism. At the beginning of the 20th century, he began to work actively in Art Nouveau, skillfully combining in it various architectural languages and styles of the previous period. This made his work a vivid reflection of the transitional period in the architecture of the XIX-XX centuries. Moshkov successfully combined the functions of an architect and a builder, which allowed him to respond sensitively to the changing trends of his time.

The article attempts to analyze the architecture of the North Caucasus as an important element of the ethnocultural identity of the peoples of the region. The study emphasized that architecture reflects the historical and social characteristics of different ethnic groups, as well as the influence of climatic conditions and traditions. Globalization and migration lead to a mixture of cultures and the loss of unique traits, but at the same time contribute to a revival of interest in traditional architectural forms. The article also examines the history of the peoples of the Caucasus, starting from antiquity, in order to demonstrate the interaction of various cultures, which enriches the architectural landscape. Attention is focused on the importance of local building materials and technologies in the formation of unique styles, as well as on the relevance of the study of architecture as a reflection of cultural dialogue in modern conditions.

The problems of refugees in the world at the moment pose serious tasks for architects, politicians, sociologists and philosophers of our time. Architectural approaches to the formation of refugee camps today are undergoing great changes and go beyond the narrow professional plane. The key issue is the estimated temporality of the camps and their actual long-term operating period. In this article, refugee camps are illuminated through the prism of the concept of heterotopia and heterotopic space. The article examined the main criteria and their relevance for temporary refugee settlements.

The prospects of spatial development of the Samara-Tolyatti agglomeration are considered in the context of the strategic role of the region in the global transport transit system. Current trends affecting spatial development and related to current geopolitical trends are identified. Arguments are put forward in favor of finding traces of meridian routes connecting the northern Sea Route with the southern part of the country. In particular, the concept of creating such a route is considered and the grounds for forming the meridional axis of the transport corridor across the territory of the Samara region at various hierarchical levels are outlined: state, regional (Middle Volga region), regional, municipal and local.

The basic principles of redevelopment of urban industrial areas that have lost production functions, but which become relevant in the context of urbanization and changing economic conditions, are considered. Examples of successful redevelopment projects in different cities are shown. Their impact on economic development and social structure is analyzed. The need to develop strategies that take into account the unique characteristics of each territory to achieve sustainable and harmonious development of urban spaces was emphasized. Different aspects of the redevelopment process are shown, including the sustainable development of territories with a high social effect, the ability to generate income for the local population, create jobs and contribute to their economic development. The prospects for differentiating coastal areas for urban recreation are noted.