The guides are prepared primarily for the non-engineered construction of low-rise, single and two-storey masonry houses in earthquake-prone developing countries, where the consequences of strong earthquakes are severe as a results of massive destruction of local low quality masonry construction. At the same time, the guides can be also used for the design of medium-rise, five to six storey buildings in the case where the relevant technical regulations in the region are lacking instructions. In the introduction, mechanisms of seismic behaviour of confined masonry structures are explained and existing code provisions analysed. The major part of the guidelines is represented by detailed recommendations regarding structural layout, position of the tie-columns, their dimensions and reinforcement, as well as structural details. In the appendices, simplified methods of structural design, rules and methods for determination of mechanical properties of masonry materials, as well as quality control and inspection are given. An overview of seismic design requirements as specified in seismic design codes in different countries, is also provided.
F.17 Transfer of existing technologies, know-how, methods and procedures into practice
COBISS.SI-ID: 1829735In the EU project Cost-Effective (Resource- and Cost-Effective Integration of Renewables and Existing High-rise Buildings) in which 26 partners from 10 EU countries (with Fraunhofer ISE as coordinator) were involved, we implemented a pilot demonstration concept of a comprehensive energy renovation of an office building by solar energy driven heating and cooling. The main purpose of this demonstration, which includes a set of interconnected offices, was the integration of newly developed, vertically installed solar collectors for the active exploitation of the available facade surfaces. In addition, we wanted to show the effect of integration of an advanced low-exergy type of heating and cooling based on radiant ceiling system, and an energy-efficient ventilation system with the recuperation of energy. We also verified the operation of the sensoric measurement system and the appropriate connections that are necessary to establish the automatic operation of the entire building management system and to measure all the parameters necessary for complex data processing. The analysis of the measured values of the energy usage and the thermal response of the indoor environment has proved the excellent efficiency of the applied energy renovation concept. Based on that and regardless of some technical limitations, our demonstration pilot offices were with no doubt defined as very low energy offices. Moreover, user experience also showed significantly improved level of indoor thermal comfort.
F.17 Transfer of existing technologies, know-how, methods and procedures into practice
COBISS.SI-ID: 2025831A method for reinforcing porous mineral construction material is proposed, in which during the first step a solution of calcium acetoacetate Ca(OOCCH2COCH3)2 in a solvent is prepared, upon which such solution is applied onto each surface of said construction material in order to enable penetration thereof towards the interior of said construction material, namely into pores therein, by which calcium carbonate CaCO3 is produced and deposited within the pores in the construction material. Said application of said solution of calcium acetoacetate Ca(OOCCH2COCH3)2 onto the surface of each porous mineral construction material is optionally at least once repeated. The solvent is preferably water, but optionally the solvent can also be alcohol, namely methanol or ethanol, or a mixture thereof.
F.32 International patent
COBISS.SI-ID: 2211687The assessment of the existing road bridges as a part of bridge management networks has been a subject of several European research projects and actions in the last few decades. Bridge management includes a series of activities, interconnected in order to achieve optimal balancing of required costs, potential risks and overall bridge performance. This paper discusses a valuable link between a specific indicator (traffic load information calculated using Bridge Weigh-in-Motion measurement data) and the corresponding structural performance (reliability of existing bridge). It is shown that implementation of weigh-in-motion measurements in the probabilistic assessment of existing road bridges can reveal hidden bridge reserves and predict bridge reliability development over the required lifetime. Consequently, such approach can yield an unrestricted use of the bridge over a much longer remaining service life. Broader advantages lie in an improved road network management, road bridges in particular, and in a more sustainable development of infrastructure network and greater satisfaction of road users and owners.
F.17 Transfer of existing technologies, know-how, methods and procedures into practice
COBISS.SI-ID: 2340455The invention ensures economically efficient obtaining of construction material, which is be chemically neutral, inert and acceptable for the environment and human health, by using the soil, in which the concentration of water soluble compounds of heavy metals, in particular those on the basis of arsenic, cadmium, lead and zinc, essentially exceeds the values, which should be still acceptable for environment and/or not harmful for human health, so that the content of said contaminants in such obtained material should be below each pre-determined values.
F.32 International patent
COBISS.SI-ID: 2341991