In the paper the paths of bubbles emitted from the brass nozzle with inner diameter equal to 1.6 mm have been analyzed. The mean frequency of bubble departure was in the range from 2 to 65.1 Hz. Bubble paths have been recorded using a high speed camera. The image analysis technique has been used to obtain the bubble paths for different mean frequencies of bubble departures. The multifractal analysis (WTMM - wavelet transform modulus maxima methodology) has been used to investigate the properties of bubble paths. It has been shown that bubble paths are the multifractals and the influence of previously departing bubbles on bubble trajectory is significant for bubble departure frequency fb > 30 Hz.

Measurements of the absorption rate of carbon dioxide into aqueous solutions of N-methyldiethanoloamine (MDEA) and 2-ethylaminoethanol (EAE) have been carried out. On this basis a mathematical model of the performance of an absorption column operated with aqueous solution of a blend of the above amines at elevated temperatures and pressures have been proposed. The results of simulations obtained by means of this model are described. The work is a part of a wider program, aimed at the development of a new process.

The aim of this article is to identify opportunities for using synergies obtained by incorporation of the two methods of management: Lean Management and Agile Management on the example of the process of column concreting. Despite the seemingly contradictory assumptions the two concepts complement each other in analysed example. The strategy is based on using the idea of "one piece flow" in accordance with the Lean Management which led to a reduction of costs due to increased turnover of formwork. At the same time the success of the project resulted in a significant dependence on the ability to provide a rapid response to changing conditions during in the maturation of concrete (depending on weather conditions, which can be expected on the basis of projections having different reliability). The simultaneous use of Lean and Agile Management allowed to achieve positive results for different scenarios of environment impact on the analysed process.

Two types of submerged membrane bioreactors (MBR): hollow fiber (HF) and hollow sheet (HS), have been studied and compared in terms of energy consumption and average shear stress over the membrane wall. The analysis of energy consumption was made using the correlation to determine the blower power and the blower power demand per unit of permeate volume. Results showed that for the system geometries considered, in terms the of the blower power, the HF MBR requires less power compared to HS MBR. However, in terms of blower power per unit of permeate volume, the HS MBR requires less energy. The analysis of shear stress over the membrane surface was made using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling. Experimental measurements for the HF MBR were compared with the CFD model and an error less that 8% was obtained. For the HS MBR, experimental measurements of velocity profiles were made and an error of 11% was found. This work uses an empirical relationship to determine the shear stress based on the ratio of aeration blower power to tank volume. This relationship is used in bubble column reactors and it is extrapolate to determine shear stress on MBR systems. This relationship proved to be overestimated by 28% compared to experimental measurements and CFD results. Therefore, a corrective factor is included in the relationship in order to account for the membrane placed inside the bioreactor.

Bromate is well known by-product produced by the ozonation of drinking water; the allowed concentration for human consumption has to be regulated to few μg/dm3 ranges. A method using ion chromatography has been developed, which will quantify bromate on this level, even in the presence of high levels of common anions such as chloride, nitrate and sulphate. The present article presents results of study of bromate determination in drinking water by two ion chromatographic methods. First was a direct method according to ISO 15061 with conductivity detector and limit of detection 4,5 μg/dm3. The second was new post-column derivatization reaction to produce tribromide ions, which was detected by UV detector. Limit of determination in this method was 0,5 μg/dm3. Both these methods are suitable to determination of bromate anions, because acceptable contents of bromate in drinking water in UE countries are 10 μg/dm3.

Distillation boundaries originate from saddle azeotropes, dividing the composition space into distillation regions. In heterogeneous mixtures distilled in packed columns, distillation regions overlap. The common area of distillation regions is parametrically sensitive, and it determines the possibilities of crossing (at a finite reflux) the distillation boundaries defined for a total reflux or reboil ratio. This work is an extended research of the paper (Królikowski et al., 2011) conducted to scrutinize whether the distillation regions overlapped in heteroazeotropic systems distilled in staged columns. Presented studies were performed by finding such composition points of the products, for which the rectifying profiles of staged columns were ended in different distillation regions. Calculations were executed for the heterogeneous mixture classified under Serafimov's topological class as 3.1-2: ethanol - benzene - water. Distillation regions for staged columns were found to overlap each other in the heterogeneous systems. As a result, their common part was parametrically sensitive.

This paper investigates the behaviour of axially-loaded tubular columns filled with M20 grade concrete and partially replaced concrete. The parameters varying in the study are slenderness ratio (13.27, 16.58 & 19.9), and normal M20 grade concrete, partially replaced quarry dust and concrete debris. The effects of the various concrete mixes and composite action between the steel tube and the concrete core are studied and a graph visualizing the differences between the load carrying capacity and the axial deflection is plotted. Some of the performance indices like the Ductility Index (DI), Concrete Contribution Ratio (CCR), Confinement Index (θ) and Strength Index (SI) are also evaluated and compared amongst the CFST columns. From the results it has been noted that an increase in the L/D ratio decrease the behaviour of the composite columns irrespective of the in filled materials. The composite action was achieved in the CFST columns filled with partially replaced quarry dust and concrete debris when compared with hollow steel columns. The load carrying capacity of the CFST column increases by 32 % compared with the hollow tubular columns.

Assessment of the flexural buckling resistance of bisymmetrical I-section beam-columns using FEM is widely discussed in the paper with regard to their imperfect model. The concept of equivalent geometric imperfections is applied in compliance with the so-called Eurocode’s general method. Various imperfection profiles are considered. The global effect of imperfections on the real compression members behaviour is illustrated by the comparison of imperfect beam-columns resistance and the resistance of their perfect counterparts. Numerous FEM simulations with regard to the stability behaviour of laterally and torsionally restrained steel structural elements of hot-rolled wide flange HEB section subjected to both compression and bending about the major or minor principal axes were performed. Geometrically and materially nonlinear analyses, GMNA for perfect structural elements and GMNIA for imperfect ones, preceded by LBA for the initial curvature evaluation of imperfect member configuration prior to loading were carried out. Numerical modelling and simulations were conducted with use of ABAQUS/Standard program. FEM results are compared with those obtained using the Eurocode’s interaction criteria of Method 1 and 2. Concluding remarks with regard to a necessity of equivalent imperfection profiles inclusion in modelling of the in-plane resistance of compression members are presented.

Slender systems are mostly studied when Euler’s load or follower load is considered. The use of those types of external loads results in well-known divergence or flutter shape of the characteristic curve. In this study, one takes into account the specific load which allows one to obtain an interesting divergence – pseudo flutter shape of characteristic curves on the external load–vibration frequency plane. The curves can change inclination angle as well as one can observe the change in vibration modes along them. The shape of those curves depends not only on the parameters of the slender system but also on loading heads that induce the specific load. In this study, one considers the slender multimember system in which cracks are present and weaken the host structure. The results of theoretical as well as numerical simulations are focused on the influence of the parameters of the loading heads on vibrations, stability, and loading capacity of the investigated system as well as on the possibility of partial reduction of unwanted crack effect.

The paper presents research results of bond tests in completely concrete encased steel Isection columns made of self-compacting concrete (SCC). The results of push-out tests obtained by elements made of SCC were compared with those elements, which were made of vibrated concrete. The influence of selected factors on resistance to the vertical shear was considered in this study. The analysis of research results shows that the resistance to the vertical shear between steel I-section and SCC concrete depends on distance between stirrups and concrete age. Shrinkage has important influence on interfacial bond forces. The test results were compared with a recommendations given in the Design code – Eurocode 4. This standard can be used only for composite elements made of lightweight and vibrated concrete. In the case of completely concrete encased I-section composite columns the shear resistance after 28 days and after concrete shrinkage was higher than design resistance strength given in the standard. This means that the design value of the shear strength given in the standard should be verified and checked, if it can be applied to elements made of SCC concrete. Further tests should be carried out to determine the value of shear resistance for such elements.

The problem of setting out in civil engineering applications has been addressed in the literature for a long time. However, technological development has provided researchers with an opportunity of having other procedures in line with modern techniques in surveying sciences. One of the most important procedures in erecting steel structures, bridges, and precast columns of a building is the accurate placement of the anchorage system in concrete. The traditional method for staking out anchor bolts relies on sight rails, string lines, and tape measure. The precision of this art depends not only on the accuracy of observed offset distances during layout operations but also on the centerline of the anchoring template itself. Nowadays, the process of designing structures is executed using software that can perform a digital plan in CAD environment, where the coordinates of each anchor bolt can be defined. This research presents an accurate approach of positioning anchor bolts based on the second problem in surveying and total station. Error analysis and field application are described to evaluate the performance of the proposed method. However, the results indicate that the developed technique increases productivity, reduces the cost, and improves the positional accuracy.

Method for determination of carbendazim residues in fruits, vegetables and cereals was described. The compound was extracted with methanol-hydrochloric acid mixture, and after liquid-liquid partition step with dichlorornethane, was determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with column switching and ultraviolet (UV) detection. The average recoveries of carbendazim from fortified sample were from 68.7% ± 4.3% to 92.6% ± 4.5%, the coefficients of variation were from 2.9% to 6.3%, and the limits of quantification at "A = 279 nm were from 0.02 mg/kg to 0.2 mg/kg.

Numerical analysis of robustness assessment of steel planar framed structures under sudden external column removal is presented. The analysis is based on the previous experimental and numerical analyzes conducted in the Ph.D. project.Advanced and validated finite element models of steel structures with bolted end plate joints were used using Abaqus software. Six different cases of analysis using flush and extended bolted end-plate joints were performed. The actual results of the axial forces and rotations of the joints, failure models, and other important factors about structure behaviour are presented. The clear division of the results obtained depended on the type of joint used in the structure. In the cases of application of extended end-plate joints in frame analysis, the required level of robustness was reached in all cases and stopping of collapse development was obtained. In all cases of frame analysis with flush end-plate joints, an insufficient level of robustness on progressive collapse was obtained and partial failures of the structures were reached. Due to the location of the external column, the catenary actions to mitigate progressive collapse were very limited.

Experimental tests of steel unstiffened double side bolted end-plate joints have been presented. The main aim of the conducted tests was to check the behavior of joints in an accidental situation and possibility of creating secondary mechanism, i.e. catenary action in the scenario of column loss. Two types of end plate joints were tested: flush end-plate (FP) and extended end-plate (EP) with different thickness and different number of bolt rows in each. The tests were carried out on an isolated cross beam-column-beam type system until joint failure. During tests the available moment resistance and rotation capacity of bending joints and also values of tension forces in the beam were determined. The joints with extended end-plate have demonstrated higher bending and rotational capacity than flush end-plate. Significant deformation of column flanges, web and end plate were observed. The fracture of bolts was the failure mode of joints. Obtained results of axial force values in beam exceeded standard requirement what confirmed that the joints with unstiffened web column, flush or extended end-plate possess the ability of development the catenary action.

The paper examines from the thermodynamic point of view operation of coal fired power unit cooperating with the cryogenic oxygen unit, with a particular emphasis on the characteristic performance parameters of the oxygen unit. The relatively high purity technical oxygen produced in the oxygen unit is then used as the oxidant in the fluidized bed boiler of the modern coal fired power unit with electric power output of approximately 460 MW. The analyzed oxygen unit has a classical two-column structure with an expansion turbine (turboexpander), which allows the use of relatively low pressure initially compressed air. Multivariant calculations were performed, the main result being the loss of power and efficiency of the unit due to the need to ensure adequate driving power to the compressor system of the oxygen generating plant.

The application of stone column technique for improvement of soft soils has attracted a considerable attention during the last decade. However, in a very soft soil, the stone columns undergo excessive bulging, because of very low lateral confinement pressure provided by the surrounding soil. The performance of stone column can be improved by the encapsulation of stone column by geosynthetic, which acts to provide additional confinement to columns, preventing excessive bulging and column failure. In the present study, a detailed experimental study on behavior of single column is carried out by varying parameters like diameter of the stone column, length of stone column, length of geosynthetic encapsulation and stiffness of encapsulation material. In addition, finite-element analyses have been performed to access the radial deformation of stone column. The results indicate a remarkable increase in load carrying capacity due to encapsulation. The load carrying capacity of column depends very much upon the diameter of the stone column and stiffness of encapsulation material. The results show that partial encapsulation over top half of the column and fully encapsulated floating column of half the length of clay bed thickness give lower load carrying capacity than fully encapsulated end bearing column. In addition, radial deformation of stone column decreases with increasing stiffness of encapsulation material.

The column is one of the most significant structural elements, which is designed to support mainly the compressive load. Strengthening of existing reinforced concrete columns is required to enhance ductility and increase load capacity to sustain the overload as sometimes there may be a change in use. Ten rectangular concrete columns were constructed and tested. H/b ratio was kept constant and equals 6 for all columns The aim of this work is to study the behaviour and efficiency of RC columns strengthened with steel jackets subjected to axial load. An experimental study of the behaviour of ten strengthened concrete columns with slenderness ratio (t / b) equals 6 was carried out. Variables such as aspect ratio ( H / b), the volume of steel batten plates, and spacing of steel batten plates at centres ( S) were considered. The results showed that using this method of strengthening is very effective and an increase in the axial load capacity of the strengthened columns is obtained.

When a truck impacts on a reinforced concrete (RC) column such as a bridge pier at a high velocity, a large reaction force would generate which would damage the truck, hurt the passengers and destroy the column. Lightweight foams with excellent energy absorbing performance are often used as safeguard constructions to resist impact. The impact behavior can be divided into soft and hard impact. In the case of soft impact, the impacted structure deformation is predominant. In the paper, metallic foam safeguarded RC square columns impacted by a rigid block are simulated using the ABAQUS code software, and the influential characteristic of foam density on the peak impact force and ultimate energy absorption is focused on. The simulated results indicate that the foam safeguard constructions play remarkable role on impact resistance. It is exciting that there appears almost an identical critical foam density corresponding to the minimum peak force and the ultimate energy absorption, which is of great significance for engineering design of this type of safeguard constructions to resist impact.

The study investigates the axial load behaviour of concrete filled battened steel columns not covered by the design standards. A series of full scale tests on two I-sections connected together with intermediate batten plates and filled with concrete were carried out. The main parameters varied in the tests are length of the members and strength of the concrete filling. One bare steel member was also tested and results were compared with those filled with concrete. The tests results were illustrated by load-strain curves. The main objectives of these tests were twofold: first, to describe behaviour of new steel-concrete columns and second, to analyze the influence of slenderness on load-carrying capacity.

Standard PN-EN 1992-1-1 for designing reinforced concrete structures gives a major priority to the issues relating to second-order effects, but presents in detail only two approximate calculation methods: the nominal stiffness method and the nominal curvature method. As regards the general method, only certain requirements and suggestions are provided. In typical situations, when the appropriate assumptions are satisfied, the approximate methods yield satisfactory results. However, in engineering practice one can come across several cases (e.g. very tall columns, columns with a cantilever for a gantry girder, and floor joists) in which the approximate methods will prove unreliable. This paper presents and discusses a procedural algorithm for analysing second-order effects using the general method. The algorithm is employed to perform exemplary calculations and their results are compared with the results yielded by the approximate methods commonly used by engineers. Moreover, areas in which the approximate methods can be unreliable are indicated. The analyses have confirmed the significant advantage of the general method over the approximate methods. Therefore it is worth popularizing this method, the more so that its calculation procedures can be to a large extent automated and dedicated computer programs can be developed.

The proposition of a method to verify the punching resistance for very large supports based on the EN 1992-1-1 standard is described in this paper. The present standard guidelines for the calculation of the punching resistance for large supports are also summarised. The proposed direct method is compared with other standard methods using an example taken from design practice. This method consists of a direct check of the shear forces at specific locations of the control perimeter with the permissible shear force calculated from the EC2 standard. The method showed very good agreement with the experiment while remaining practical for applications. The method presented takes into account the actual distribution of shear forces in the vicinity of the support, taking into account the influence of non-uniform loads, irregular floor geometry, the concentration of internal forces at the corners of the support and the influence of the stiffness of the head used. The paper provides scientists, engineers, and designers new method (called the direct method) for estimation of the punching load-bearing capacity outside the shear cap.

Columns perform a fundamental function in structures and studies on their reliability significantly impact structural safety. While the resistance and reliability models of rectangular reinforced concrete columns are addressed by many researchers, not much work has been done on the topic of columns with a circular cross-section. In this paper, a reliability model of resistance for circular reinforced concrete columns is formulated. A procedure for the representation of behaviour for short circular reinforced concrete eccentrically loaded columns is developed. It enables the consideration of many parameters including diameter of the column, concrete compressive strength, steel yielding strength, modulus of elasticity of steel, number of rebars, size of reinforcement, and position of bars in the cross-section given by the initial angle of rotation for the reinforcement. The representative design cases are selected for the most common four compressive strengths of concrete and five different reinforcement ratios. In total one hundred design cases are investigated. Statistical parameters of resistance, coefficient of variation and bias factor, are determined using the developed procedure and Monte Carlo simulations. A total of 10,000 full interaction diagrams of force and bending moment are generated for each design case. In each of the design cases, the failure zones are determined and the statistical parameters of resistance are calculated. The results are summarized in a table, presented in the forms of three-dimensional plots, and discussed. The study is performed based on American statistical data, materials and design codes.

The purpose of this study is to investigate a structure’s response to blast loading when composite columns are used instead of conventional reinforced concrete (RC) cross sections and when a conventional structure is retrofitted with braces. The study includes conducting dynamic analyses on three different structures: a conventional reference RC structure, a modified structure utilizing composite columns, and a modified structure retrofitted with steel braces. The two modified structures were designed in order to investigate their performance when subjected to blast loading compared to the conventional design. During the dynamic analyses, the structures were exposed to simulated blast loads of multiple intensities using the finite-element modelling software, SeismoStruct. To evaluate their performance, the responses of the modified structures were analyzed and compared with the response of the conventional structure. It was concluded that both the structure with composite columns and the steel brace structure experienced less damage than the conventional model. The best performance was obtained through the steel brace structure.