The problem that this paper investigates, namely, optimization of overlay computing systems, follows naturally from growing need for effective processing and consequently, fast development of various distributed systems. We consider an overlay-based computing system, i.e., a virtual computing system is deployed on the top of an existing physical network (e.g., Internet) providing connectivity between computing nodes. The main motivation behind the overlay concept is simple provision of network functionalities (e.g., diversity, flexibility, manageability) in a relatively cost-effective way as well as regardless of physical and logical structure of underlying networks. The workflow of tasks processed in the computing system assumes that there are many sources of input data and many destinations of output data, i.e., many-to-many transmissions are used in the system. The addressed optimization problem is formulatedin the form of an ILP (Integer Linear Programing) model. Since the model is computationally demanding and NP-complete, besides the branch-and-bound algorithm included in the CPLEX solver, we propose additional cut inequalities. Moreover, we present and test two effective heuristic algorithms: tabu search and greedy. Both methods yield satisfactory results close to optimal.

Mortar feedstock is extruded to form bead and it is selectively placed line by line in the material extrusion additive manufacturing. With respects to part building process healthiness, load-supporting ability of overlaid beads is emphasized as buildability. Buildability is primarily dependent on thixotropic properties of feedstock and vertical overlapping schedule. In the present study, water-to-binder (w/b) ratio was chosen as material aspect to assess buildability. Uneven bead shape evolution and premature failure were highlighted owing to low yield stress of high w/b ratio feedstock. Feedstock with optimum w/b ratio showed good buildability even at the interval time of 19 sec.

The aim of this work was to characterize the changes in microstructure and chemical composition of the austenitic overlays on a pressure vessel steel that occur in the vicinity of the interface between the overlay and the base material. The investigations were carried out on a 16Mo3 boiler pipes weld overlaid by 309 and 310 steels. The microstructural examinations were performed on longitudinal cross-sectioned samples. The qualitative and quantitative chemical composition analyses on metallographic samples were determined on Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) by means of Energy Dispersive Spectrometry (EDS). The article analyzes the influence of the solidification sequence in both types of steel on final microstructure.

The paper presents selected issues related to the load carrying capacity of joints between concretes cast at different times. The most important factors affecting the shear resistance, such as: surface roughness (profile), shear reinforcement ratio, concrete strength as well as the aggregate composition are discussed, including results of previous experimental studies conducted on push-off specimens and composite reinforced concrete beams. The differences in behaviour and shear resistance of contacts between ordinary concretes, lightweight aggregate concretes and recycled aggregate concretes are presented. Principles of interface design in the light of codes of practise: AASHTO-LRFD, ACI 318-19, EN 1992-1-1 and prEN 1992-1-1 were described. The theoretical predictions were compared with 184 results of experimental tests on push-off specimens. It has been found that most of the procedures allow for a safe estimation of the load carrying capacity of interfaces – with and without shear reinforcement. However, the obtained results were mostly conservative (depending on the considered design procedure, ratio of the experimental to theoretical load carrying capacity lies in range 1.51÷2.68). This may indicate that the description of shear transfer mechanism between concretes cast at different times is still imperfect and need to be improved.

Pavements made of cement concrete, used for road constructions, are damaged during use. This applies to both the pavements of rural and forest roads with very low traffic loads, as well as road pavements with high traffic loads. One of the most effective ways of repairing damaged concrete cement pavements is through placing an asphalt overlay on a concrete slab. In order to increase the fatigue life of the asphalt overlay, asphalt mixtures are modified with fibres. One technological solution is to use FRP (Fiber Reinforced Polymer), an innovative material with improved properties.

The aim of this paper is to assess the impact of asphalt overlays modified with a new type of fibres to strengthen the durability of weakened cement concrete pavement structures.

On the basis of the conducted analyses, it was shown that the use of an asphalt layer reinforcement increases fatigue life, for both 15 cm thick prefabricated slabs and a typical road pavement for average traffic made of 25 cm doweled and anchored concrete slabs. There was a significant increase in the fatigue life of the concrete pavement structure as a result of modifying the overlaid asphalt mixture with FRP fibres.