The author believes that the issue of urban development of the underground space of Moscow
needs further research. He also provides a brief analysis of the global underground space development
experience. The author argues that due to the lack of effi cient public administration over the
Moscow areas in the course of their development, they lag far behind the same areas of Western cities.
The solution is to be based on the principles of systemic approach to urban planning (the master
plan) and development of urban programmes (special-purpose municipal programmes).
Another effective method represents experimental urban design. The author argues that it can
solve the problems of comprehensive development of underground parts of the centre of the capital
(multi-functional public areas) and preservation of the historic environment. Similarly, this method
can contribute to effective development of local sights (the Pushkin square). Improvement of the
system of public administration should be backed by the issuance of legal acts.

Geoplastics-related solutions are applied to generate the artifi cial terrain within the framework
of landscape design projects. The proposed solutions are employed to generate a variety of geoplastic
shapes capable of embodying particular design ideas.
The author compares the proposed geoplastic solutions with the classical problem of mathematics
that consists in the effective partition of the three-dimensional space into individual cells that
represent non-overlapping polyhedra (tessellation).
The proposed method of identifi cation of volumes of geoplastic shapes employs simple operations
to make suffi ciently accurate calculations. Countours and dimensions of patterns designed
hereunder make no impact onto the accuracy of calculations. Thus, the practical problem of generation
of an artifi cial terrain within the framework of landscape design is simplifi ed.
Therefore, the design process is reduced to the following sequence of actions:
1) Identifi cation of dimensions and contours of the geoplastic pattern;
2) Space fi lling with regular polyhedral that have preset dimensions through the employment
of CINEMA 4D software;
3) Calculation of the overall volume;
4) Alteration of initial dimensions of the surfaces employed for fi lling purposes;
5) Comparison of the results.

The article is focused on the contextual characteristics of architecture. From the viewpoint
of gnosiology, architecture is part of major areas of knowledge, such as science, technology, and
art. At the same time, it is of the same importance as other related areas, including history, art, and
construction technology. Being an open system, architecture is strongly interrelated both with upperlevel
and same-level fields, and no solid system is isolated. Subsequently, architecture has strong
links with history. As the result, development of architecture has a strong temporal connection with
development of all areas mentioned above.
The author argues that architecture should essentially be treated as an open dynamic system
in correlation to its context. After a closer look at urban planning, it is considered to be the essence of
architecture-related activities, and the author comes to the conclusion that it (as well as the architecture
itself) is the most large-scale and complex phenomenon from the viewpoint of time and space.
The system classifi cation by A.V. Boldachev is applied to describe the characteristics of architecture
treated as a system. In light of this theory, architecture can be described in terms of a
'dynamic system as a flow of transitions'. Based on this conclusion, the author states that architecture
as a knowledge system needs to be studied with closer attention from temporal point of view, it
should be treated as a process, a flow of changing states of the system in time.

The author considers one of the most relevant theoretical problems of urban planning - philosophical
and scientifi c methodology of research. The tasks of research involve the analysis and
identifi cation of the essence of systematic, synergistic, socio-humanistic, ecological and cybernetic
approaches and their general academic signifi cance, particularly, in the fi eld of urban planning.
The systematic approach. The unity of the technological system, the strategy of the system
behavior, and the design consistency, etc. - these are the core constituents of new methods of
technical thinking. If resolution of minor technological problems and development of small systems
lead to differentiation of knowledge and to growing specialization of research, development of major
systems leads to integration and synthesis of knowledge. This integration may be illustrated by the
urban planning which incorporates design development, implementation, testing and operation of
multi-component systems.
The synergеtic approach. The synergеtic approach is employed to study the urban environment
and culture as well as their development. It encompasses the phenomena which are considered
by the systematic approach as unimportant or minor facts, namely, random connections,
volatile relationships, brevity of their existence, spontaneity, etc. These phenomena are based on
the fact that the urban community is heterogeneous; it is composed of multiple separate individuals
and social groups.
The socio-humanistic approach. Modern scientifi c theories are not not only to contribute to
the analysis of the current situation, but also to contribute to the process of formation of the technical
activity on the basis of the principle of humanism. Contemporary engineers fi nd a connection
between technical components and processes with non-technical ones, including human factors,
organizational structures, socio-cultural processes, etc.
The ecological approach. Further development of technologies, namely, construction-related
technologies, should be based on the understanding of their nature as self-suffi cient values and follow
the laws of the social ecology to improve the environment and to avoid numerous anthropogenic
and environmental disasters. Therefore, before any urban planning project is implemented, each
environmental consequence is to be considered in relation to man and society.
The cybernetic approach. Any contemporary activity in the fi eld of technology, including urban
planning, should be based on the management principles developed within the framework of sociology,
including social foresight, social prediction, social planning and social technologies.
In contrast to many other sciences, which succeed in the sphere of methodology of research,
urban planning does not always meet up-to-date requirements. The author believes that there is a
need of adherence to the above methods in urban planning. The author argues that the result of
their application at the stage of urban design will substantially reduce any negative effects at the
stage of construction and operation of technical facilities.

The authors discuss some of the properties of linear variations of ellipticity within the framework
of planimetry. Six elliptic models were constructed through the employment of geometrography-
related methods: an ellipse interrelated with the (i) golden proportion and a (ii) focal plane
rectangle; (iii) a constant of the perimetry of the focal diamond; (iv) compression of the base circle
in the axial direction (y); (v) differential straight lines of the moving point of an ellipse; (vi) compass
incidence, a composition of transformations of the shift and homothety.
Characteristic lines that run in the neighborhood of some point of the ellipse are demonstrated.
The characteristic lines in question include those that can be employed as part of various composite
solutions related to the fragments of structures being constructed.
A set of closed polygons and curves with selected lines passing through the characteristic
points of the circle squaring - these are the geometrographic structures that can form the basis of
composite solutions to the problem of design. The authors also believe that the properties employed
by the golden mean increase the aesthetic constituent of the solution.

The article deals with the problem of enhancing the light environment inside residential buildings
by means of combined methods of sun protection in the hot and sunny climate of Lebanon.
The proposed sunscreens are effective both if the insolation intensity goes up and down. For
example, the light, refl ected by the sun protection unit located below the storey in question, brings
more natural light into those sections of rooms that are located further from the window, so the illumination
factor in these areas is substantially increased. However, the aforementioned pattern
of natural light design is effi cient in the clear sky environment of the sunny climate, which differs
a lot from the standard conditions of the grey sky. On top of the above, the new approach to the
identifi cation of the T4 factor value is proposed. This factor describes the impact produced by the
sunscreen in the clear sky environment. In this case, its value shall not be taken as constant.
Theoretical and practical research was completed to identify the role of sun protection devices
(sunscreens) in the course of natural (passive) regulation of the light environment inside buildings.
The principal item of research was the condition of the illumination environment inside the premises
under consideration. The research was performed inside a residential building located in a new
district of Beirut, the capital of Lebanon. The research comprised several stages, including theoretical
and fi eld researches of the light environment inside the premises under consideration in the
aftermath of installation of sunscreens.

The author analyzes the origin and the history of the periptery, examines into the etymology of
this word, and traces its roots in Minoan and Mycenaean cultures.
The history of classical architecture is full of myths. One of them is related to the origin of
periptery, the main type of a classical antique temple. Traditionally, it dates back to the samples
of the 7th-4th centuries B.C., although it is obvious that this type of temples has a longer history.
The term "periptery" is said to originate from an ancient cult established prior to the construction
of the Greek Pantheon. It is composed of the two Greek words: "peri" - around, near,
and "pteron" - a side wing, a side colonnade or an outhouse. As a result, the initial defi nition is
formed - "winged from all sides", while all present-day sources (e.g. Encyclopedia Britannica) use
a much simpler translation - "rectangular building with a colonnade on all four sides".
However, speaking about the drama of post and lintel elements in the Order System, it is not
apparent why, for example, the Temple of Poseidon at Paestum or the Parthenon can be called
"winged", particularly, the Temple of Poseidon, with its ponderous Doric Order. And strictly speaking,
so sensual a tune is typical for the Hellenistic period.
The "winged" theme has nothing to do with the forms of the Periptery or its proportions. Minoan
and Mycenaean temples are a lot older than the Greek ones, therefore, the "winged" may
mean natural encircling of the temple with The Sacred Bird images. These birds were the permanent
"characters" of the Mysteries throughout the Mediterranean region and Ancient East. In the
Sumerian-Acadian culture, the word "fortune" was depicted as a hieroglyph that looked like a bird,
and fortune "management" was one of the functions of the supreme deity.
One of the translations of the word "pteron" is not just a "wing", but also a "winged creature" (a
bird, a griffi n, a sphinx). Polybius (201 - 122 B.C.) used "periptery" in the meaning of "surrounded
by columns", but much later Plutarch (46 - 127 A.D.) named it "a side colonnade" and "a side building".
Practically, the name of one of the temple elements was applied to the whole structure, which
indicated a special role of this "side colonnade", as the main visual sign of the temple being attributed
to the Supreme Deity. The classical form of the Periptery had two essential elements; they were
the two sculptures of birds on top of the columns that surrounded it on three sides, and proto-ionic
columns in front of the main Facade and in the cella (as in a temple in Neandria). Later, the main Facade
evolved as a column portico with a pediment, and on each of its corner akroterion - a sphinx
or a griffin - was placed, while the whole structure was crowned by an antefix formed as a palmette.
This is our reconstruction of the evolution of this type of temple in the course of 600 years, from
the 16th century B.C. through the 10th century B.C.

The paper covers the genesis of the stereobate and its evolution as the base of the Classic
Greek Temple. Identification of the cultural sources of the stereobate requires a research into Ancient
East, Minoan, and Mycenaean cultures. During the Classic period, an almost comprehensive
reinterpretation of the temple basic elements occurred, although its base still stood firm as it did
through the Minoan and Mycenaean cultures. These traditions are proven by a number of essential
elements, particularly, in the setting of the temple upon the stereobate.
Several earliest available images demonstrate a temple on the top of the hill, in full compliance
with the present-day Minoan tradition. In later Mycenaean images, it is already depicted standing
on an artificial platform.
This temple type has not changed significantly, as it might be observed on the Cypriot coins
of the 10th century BC that bear an image of the main temple of Paphos Aphrodite (Astarte), placed
on an artificial hill — a stereobate.
On the one hand, placing the temple on a high stereobate could be linked to the formal tradition
of erecting the sanctuary on the top of a natural hill, but, on the other hand, this tradition refers
us to an ancient ritual going back to the culture of Ur, 5-4 millennium BC. This tradition demanded
that the temple had two sections: one above the ground level accessible for humans, and the underground
one belonging to the deity and concealed inside an artificial hill.
In the Greek culture, the underground temple was known as Adyton — the Holy of Holies, an inaccessible
sanctuary, located under the temple. There is no doubt that the Greeks cherished this tradition,
inherited from the Cretan-Mycenaean and Ancient East cultures. Arthur Evans discovered similar
structures during his excavations in Crete, and one can trace a fraction of the stereobate on a piece
of vase from the Heraklion Museum, with a human figure inside a sanctuary. There are Minoan gems
that represent a clearly visible masonry of the stereobate that replace a hill with an artificial platform.
A visible temple above the ground copied an invisible one - its underground counterpart? And
together they made an entity, where the stereobate emulated a hill with a temple of God, hidden
from the mortals. Later on, through the 10th to the 12th centuries BC, this vertical pattern somehow
lost its meaning, the underground temple was moved up to the dark cell, and the whole sanctuary
was transformed into a horizontal axial composition. Ultimately, this transition produced a strong
impact on the spatial pattern of the Greek temple, so that some memories of the Minoan past could
still be seen in the remains of Classic Greece.

The paper is a brief introduction into the multi-resolution wavelet analysis. The main objective
of the authors is to present the foundations of the contemporary wavelet theory in the simplest
way with a focus on its subsequent application to practical problems of structural mechanics and
mathematical physics.
This paper covers fundamental algorithms of analysis and synthesis (or direct and inverse
wavelet transformations), exemplifi ed by the discrete Haar basis. Properties of the process at various
points within the range can be analyzed by using the shear technique. Due to the completeness
property of the system recovery (reconstruction or synthesis), the process can be performed
through the employment of the inverse wavelet transformation. It is noteworthy that the analysis
and synthesis algorithms are the essential parts of all wavelet-based methods of solving of the
problems of structural analysis. Moreover, the effectiveness of these algorithms determines the
global effi ciency of the respective method. Resolution of the boundary problem within the multilevel
wavelet-based method covers local and global components. Therefore, a researcher can estimate
the infl uence of various factors. The researcher can both develop high-quality design models and
introduce reasonable design-related changes.

Installation of antenna masts and towers that have cellular signal transmission equipment
mounted represents a relevant problem in the urban development. Given its density, as well as the
multiplicity of multistory residential and offi ce buildings, masts can be mounted onto existing buildings
and structures. For this purpose, the analysis of a metal mast itself and a ceiling panel on which it is
to rest should be performed in respect of different types of loading. This task is of utmost importance,
since original designs of buildings fail to take account of any supplementary static or dynamic loads.
Numerical and analytical methods are used for the purpose of the analysis. The analysis of cellular
signal transmission masts is performed numerically with the help of a software programme, while the
calculation of the ceiling panel is performed on the basis of a combined scheme. As a result, the authors
demonstrate the safety of installation of high-altitude masts onto existing structures exposed to
varying loads, including wind and ice loads.

The article represents a summarized overview of a generalizing approach to optimized use
of high-strength concretes and several effective classes of reinforcing steel in bendable reinforced
concrete elements. The assessment made by the co-authors is based on the criterion of reduced
consumption of reinforcing steel and concrete. The rate of effi ciency of use of high-strength concretes
and reinforcing steels in bendable (slab) elements is assessed in the article. The principle of
selection of optimal thickness of monolithic fl oor slabs based on their cost and material consumption
rate is proposed. Economic and mathematical methods were used to develop the methodologies
and algorithms proposed by the co-authors. Their methods were implemented in software
programmes registered by the Federal Service for Intellectual Property of the Russian Federation.
The software optimizes the analysis and the process of design of the monolithic reinforced concrete
framing. The results of the research were applied in design of several structures in Ufa.

In the article, the authors consider a computational system composed of standard software
packages ANSYS and MathCAD employed to evaluate the current technical condition of the bearing
structures of the sports facility covering based on the comparison of the calculation results with the
those specifi ed in the normative and technical documentation, by taking account of the cross sections
of the bearing structures weakened by corrosion-related processes.
MathCAD computational modules take account of all peculiarities of the cross sections, namely,
their stiffness-related properties, in order to automate the calculation of the geometrical characteristics
of the covering segments, to consider changes in the geometric dimensions of a cross
section due to reduction of the inner side of the wall section thickness as a result of steel corrosion.
Corrosion processes were subjected to statistical processing to determine the interactions of factors,
as well as further clustering of elements based on the velocity of corrosion-related processes.
The software programme uses geometric dimensions of cross sections as the input data designated
for the calculation of the stiffness of elements exposed to corrosion.
Final results of the calculation of the stiffness of rods are placed into a text fi le to be supplied
into the programme responsible for the static analysis of the covering in the ANSYS medium.
The results of the static analysis of the rod structure of the covering are transported from the ANSYS
programme into the modules of the MathCAD programme as text fi les. Over there, they are used
to analyze the stress state of the bearing elements. This fi nal calculation is the third step of the analysis,
and it is performed to evaluate the operational integrity of the covering on the basis of the fi rst and
second groups of criteria applied to the limit states according to Construction Rules and Regulations.

The operating conditions of uneven warming can cause changes in physical and mechanical
properties of the material. Awareness of the intensity and nature of thermal stresses is required to
perform a comprehensive analysis of the structural strength.
The authors provide their solution to the problem of identifi cation of natural frequencies of
vibrations of rectangular plates, if a thermal factor is taken into account.
The introductory section of the paper covers the equation of the thermoelastic vibration of a
plate and formalizes initial and boundary conditions.
The middle section of the paper covers the method of frequency equation derivation for plates
exposed to special boundary conditions, if the two opposite edges of a plate are pinned and their
surface temperature is equal to zero, while the two other edges have an arbitrary type of fixation
and an arbitrary thermal mode.
A general solution is developed for the boundary conditions of pinned edges, while any alternative
types of fixation of the two other edges require derivation of transcendental trigonometric
equations reducible to algebraic frequency equations expendable in series. Thus, derivation of
frequency equations on the basis of the general solution becomes possible for different types of
boundary conditions.
The final section of this paper covers the derivation of the solution for a selected problem
through the application of the method proposed by the authors. The results demonstrate that a thermoelastic
plate with two pinned and two rigidly fixed edges has five natural frequency patterns, two
of which represent the frequencies produced by the plate, if it is free from any temperature influence.

The Wavelet analysis, that replaces the conventional Fourier analysis, is an exciting new
problem-solving tool employed by mathematicians, scientists and engineers. Recent decades have
witnessed intensive research in the theory of wavelets and their applications. Wavelets are mathematical
functions that divide the data into different frequency components, and examine each
component with a resolution adjusted to its scale. Therefore, the solution to the boundary problem
of structural mechanics within multilevel wavelet-based methods has local and global components.
The researcher may assess the infl uence of various factors. High-quality design models and reasonable
design changes can be made.
The Haar wavelet, known since 1910, is the simplest possible wavelet. Corresponding
computational algorithms are quite fast and effective. The problem of computing the convolution
of functions in the Haar basis, considered in this paper, arises, in particular, within the waveletbased
discrete-continual boundary element method of structural analysis. The authors present
their concept of convolution of functions within the Haar basis (one-dimensional case), share
their useful ideas concerning Haar functions, and derive a relevant convolution formula of Haar
functions.

Numerical modeling of dynamic problems of the theory of elasticity remains a relevant task.
A complex network of waves that propagate within solid bodies, including longitudinal, transverse,
conical and surface Rayleigh waves, etc., prevents the separation of wave fronts for modeling purposes.
Therefore, it is required to apply the so-called "pass-through analysis".
The method applied to resolve dynamic problems of the two-dimensional theory of elasticity
employs finite elements to approximate computational domains of complex shapes, whereby the
software calculates the speed and voltage in the medium at each step. Preset boundary conditions
are satisfied precisely.
The resulting method is classified as explicit bilayer difference schemes that form special
relationships at the boundary points.
The method is based on an implicit bilayer time-difference scheme based on a system of
dynamic equations of the theory of elasticity of the first order, which is converted into an explicit
scheme with the help of a Taylor series in time, while basic relations are resolved with the help of
the Galerkin method. The author demonstrates that the speed and voltage are calculated with the
same accuracy as the one provided by the classical finite element method, whereby determination
of stresses has to act as a numerically differentiating displacement.
The author identifies the relations needed to calculate both the internal points of the computational
domain and the boundary points. The author has also analyzed the accuracy and convergence
of the resulting method having completed a numerical simulation of the well-known problem
of diffraction of a longitudinal wave speed in a circular aperture. The problem has an analytical
solution.

The authors propose new analytical and numerical solutions to develop an advanced method
of assessment of the stress-strain state of unsaturated clay soils exposed to external loading.
The research findings demonstrate that the stress-strain state of the soil exposed to distributed
loading in the half-space b = 2a is complex and homogeneous. It depends on the percentage of saturation and on the excessive pore pressure based on the saturation percentage. At the interim
stage, when the pore water is squeezed towards drainage borders, the area that has a maximal
pore pressure in its centre, travels downwards. Consequently, the alteration of excessive pore pressure
in the course of time is dramatic in layers of soil between drainage surfaces. This finding was
obtained through the employment of analytical and numerical solutions.
It is noteworthy that the diagram of stress distribution ƒ = (ƒ1+ƒ2+ƒ3)/3 and z alongside z axis
below strip b = 2a demonstrates damping. This is the reason why the strip exposed to loading and
excessive pressure is limited in its dimensions. Besides, the authors have proven that the surface
soil settlement is caused by shear and 3-dimensional deformations of the soil exposed to the loading
alongside b = 2a strip. Therefore, s = sg + sv, and any settlement increase sg doesn't depend on the
excessive pore pressure, as it occurs concurrently with loading.

The subject of the research is the concentration of stresses in a plate that has two side
recesses, if the plate is exposed to the pre-set surface stress. Boundary integral equations are
derived on the basis of the reciprocity theorem. The fundamental Kelvin solution is used to define
the displacement area in the finite isotropic elastic plane. The mathematical model and the solution
algorithm, both developed by the author, represent a numerical solution designated for the plate
that has two side recesses. Comparison of results with well-known solutions demonstrates their
good convergence. The author has discovered that the smaller the radius of the recess, the higher
the stress concentration

The principal objective of the research project is to identify the thickness of an advanced
composite adhesive material used as part of a glued connection of wooden surfaces. The active
ingredients of the proposed adhesive material include an epoxy matrix and a glass fiber fabric. The
author has analyzed the bearing capacity and deformability of the proposed connection in relation
to the thickness of the composite material. The author used the methodology of assessment of the
bearing capacity of wooden structures developed by professor Yu.M. Ivanov. For the purposes of
development of optimal parameters of the "QM Glued" connection, the author identified the optimal
ratio of b, or width of the surface of connected elements, and the thickness of the composite material:
t = 1/40 b.

The objective of the research is the sol-gel preparation of the crystalline or amorphous orthosilicates
of some bivalent metals, namely, copper orthosilicate (Cu2SiO4), which seems to be a
quite efficient catalyst, although it has not been synthesized yet. The main obstacles that prevent
the sol-gel synthesis of orthosilicates include high metal/silica molar ratios in precursor mixtures.
They cause (i) formation of the crystalline of metal oxides at intermediate stages of synthesis and
(ii) a substantial difference between intermediate and final anion structures because of the polycondensation
of silicate anions at the stages of gelation and drying. This can result in a double-stage
character of synthesis, involving formation of metal polysilicates and a metal oxide as intermediates.
The synthesis pattern employed by the authors was based on a combination of "anti-polycondensation"
actions that had three components involved: a) 3-aminopropylsilanetriol, a water-soluble
silica precursor that demonstrates low polymerizability and high stability in any ambience; b) triethanolamine,
a high-boiling chemically active agent that prevents metal hydroxide precipitation and
inhibits polycondensation at initial stages of heat treatment; c) methyl triethylammonium hydroxide,
a strong component that inhibits polycondensation processes at the stage of the solution drying.
Metal nitrates M(NO3)2 (M=Cu, Mg, Zn, Cd) were employed as metal oxide precursors, while
water was the solvent. Coating solutions were applied to glass, silica glass or silicon substrates and
heated to 300, 500, 700 and 900 °C. The resulting silicate fi lms were studied using UV-VIS spectroscopy,
FTIR, XPS and XRD methods. Molecular mass distribution of silicate anions in the films
was measured using the molybdate method.
As a result, the synthesis pattern proved efficient in the synthesis of orthosilicates of bivalent
metals. Amorphous copper silicates with the anion structures close to the orthosilicate (basicities
up to 1.96), were prepared in the form of thin films after heating up to 500 °C. At 700…900 °C, they
decomposed with the formation of CuO. Only in the case of CuZnSiO4 the polymerization grade of
silicate anions was suffi ciently low, if the ternary samples are taken into consideration (the anion
basicity was about 1.7).

The author considers the problem of control over the frost resistance as the most important
characteristic of concretes designated for hydraulic engineering structures. His method is based on
the identification of correlation between the frost resistance and the Poisson ratio. The value of the
Poisson ratio is measurable through the employment of the ultra-sound method.
The proposed methodology contemplates the following sequence of acts. First, the value of
the Poisson ratio of air-dried samples of concrete is identified through the employment of the ultrasound
method. Thereafter, samples are exposed to cyclic freezing and thawing. Based on the testing
results, correlation between the Poisson ratio values and the frost resistance of the concrete is
identified. Further, the same ultrasound method is used to find out the values of the Poisson ratio of
the hydraulic engineering structures on site to identify the value of the frost resistance of the concrete
on the basis of the correlation identified earlier.
Mass produced ultrasound testing devices are to be used for the above purposes. They must
have screens, and their ultrasound range must fit concretes. Poisson ratio values are identified
through the penetration of the ultrasound signal through the thickness of a concrete element under
control. Sensors are to be positioned at the angle of 45°, and the time of travel of longitudinal and
shear (lateral) ultra-sound waves through the thickness of a concrete sample or a concrete element
is measured. The time of travel of longitudinal waves is measured on the basis of the value of the
first signal, while shear waves are measured on the basis of the phase transition of ultrasound
waves. Thereafter, velocities of waves are calculated pursuant to the methodology proposed by the
author. It is noteworthy that the accuracy of the proposed method is quite high, and the margin of
error does not exceed 3 %.

Diagnostics of residual welding stresses based on the layout of temperature traces that (i)
characterize isothermals of maximal temperatures within a thermal cycle of welding and (ii) are
retained on the metal surface of a welded joint represents a prospective trend of non-destructive
methods of control of residual stresses. The traces to be examined include both natural (temper colours
and fusion boundaries) and artificial traces formed on the metal surface in the course of fusion
of pre-applied temperature indication lines (lines of temperature indication markers, etc.).
The layout of temperature traces assures the uniqueness of the solution to an inverse problem
of a thermal cycle of welding reconstructed by the researcher. The kinetic pattern of alterations of
the stress-deformation state (SDS) of a welded joint in the course of welding, as well as the pattern
of residual stresses (the latter solely require the information concerning the cooling stage of a thermal
cycle) can be identified on the basis of the reconstructed thermal cycle model.
In the paper, the procedure of reconstruction of a thermal cycle on the basis of temperature
traces is exemplified by resistance flash-butt welds of metal rods. Despite the one-dimensionality of
the model, it presents a widespread type of welding of rails and accessories of building structures;
this type of welding is used to connect edges of steel pipes, including those that have a big diameter
and are used as underwater gas pipelines. Residual welding stresses of joint welds and the adjacent
area can be identified with the help of a thermal marker.

The authors have developed a set of systems engineering principles of the energy efficiency
of buildings. International and domestic scientists have proven that the construction industry is the
major consumer of energy. The problem of energy efficiency applies both to future and to existing
buildings. The authors have identified the problem of finding a new energy efficient methodology of
organization of the construction process.
The authors also provide their definition of an energy efficient building. The principles of
systems engineering of energy efficient buildings are also formulated in the article. The principle of a
functional system means that the energy efficiency represents a systemic factor of the construction
process. The probabilistic-statistical principle means that the energy efficiency of the construction
process is variable because of exposure to random factors, so they should be characterized by the
distributions that reflect the probability of attaining the projected values of any parameters of impact.
The principle of simulation means that simulation is the only possible method of research in respect
of any building taken as a complex organizational, technological and management system. The
principle of interactive graphics means that the methodology of organization and management of a
modern building requires the application of graphical methods of information presentation and their
adjustment to the increased energy consumption rate. The principle of integration of engineering
and economic constituents means that the assessment of the energy efficiency of buildings must
take account of engineering, organizational and economic issues.
The authors believe that the implementation of the principles of systems engineering for the
purposes of energy efficient buildings should serve as the methodological basis of construction to
promote the energy efficiency of the construction industry.

Seismicity of any territory produces a significant impact on human beings, micro-organisms,
animals and plants, i.e. the biota. In seismically active areas, earthquake-resistant construction is
an important geo-ecological factor and one of principal methods of protection against the threat of
earthquakes. The efficiency of earthquake-resistant construction is largely determined by the accuracy
of predictions, potential seismic effects of earthquakes, and additional seismic loads on buildings
and structures. Therefore, valid and reliable assessment of the seismic hazard and seismic
risks can become an integral part of geo-ecological monitoring undertakings and risk assessments.
Application of advanced probabilistic technologies in the design and maintenance of structures may
increase the accuracy of projections of dangerous seismic loads to optimize the losses caused by
the negative impact of earthquakes in compliance with the pre-set dependence between safety,
economic efficiency and practicability patterns.
Probabilistic technologies, including passive constituents of the general method of geo-ecological
protection, have been tested in Central Ciscaucasia. The results of assessments of seismic
hazards and risks in various engineering and seismological conditions of Stavropol, Krasnodar,
Pyatigorsk, Kavkazskaya completed for structures of various degrees of responsibility are represented
in the article.

The subject matter of the article is the energy and resource efficiency of tribological engineering
methods applied to working sections and interfaces of construction machines and equipment
exposed to varied temperature and loading conditions. The relevance of the problem is based on the
need to increase the durability of working sections exposed to intensive wear and tear, to improve
the productivity and to reduce the material and power expenses associated with the maintenance
and repair of the above items of machinery. The solution is based on tribology-related achievements.
Effective tribological methods include surface cladding and spraying of wear-resistant materials
onto the wear surface, induction brazing of reinforcing hard alloys, thermal and chemicothermal
treatment, etc. The most effective is an integrated structural and surface-treatment method.
The resource efficiency of tribological methods is based on their energy efficiency at the stages
of manufacturing and operation. Extension of the service life of products shouldn't increase the
energy consumption rate. The latter is estimated with the help of the efficiency factor of tribological
systems.
The authors propose a new deformation and topography-related method of identification of the
efficiency factor of rubbing elements. It encompasses multiple friction and wear models.

A substantial amount of waste products of heat-and-power engineering has been accumulated
in Russian Federation up to the present time. The waste products include ash and other waste
materials. Their utilization is of particular significance in road building because this sector
demonstrates a high consumption rate of thermal engineering waste.
Physical and mechanical properties of the materials in question are different from the natural
properties of the soil, and they are determined by a variety of factors. Civil engineers tend not to
apply any waste products of heat-and-power engineering in soil building. The reason for that is that
the properties of these materials have not been examined thoroughly enough. The findings of the
examination of the properties of ash and waste products performed using the method of intensive
dynamic compacting satisfy the set of requirements developed by the road building authorities with
reference to the characteristics of the road embankment.

Substantial fungosity of numerous historic buildings has been identifi ed in the course of mycological
examinations performed by the authors. The authors demonstrate a correlation between
the interior temperature, the moisture content, and the intensity of fungi growth over the surfaces of
walls and in the indoor air of premises. The findings have proven that there is a pressing need for an
antiseptic treatment of premises. The research completed by the authors demonstrates that a substantial
improvement of the ecological condition of the premises requires the use of the chemicals
that contain an active biocide that has a long-term antiseptic effect.
The authors have also identified that any long-term improvement of ecological conditions is
possible, if the premises are treated by Mipor, a fungicide and an antiseptic. Any treatment causes a
long-term reduction in the concentration of viable spores both on the surfaces and in the air. Mipor,
designed at Moscow State University of Civil Engineering, may be applied to stone, masonry, and
concrete surfaces to assure a long-term protection from microorganisms that represent a hazard to
the human health and destruct indoor surfaces.

The author provides his multiple-factor approach to the assessment and creation of a comfortable
indoor environment with account for architectural, engineering and ecological parameters.
Architectural parameters include indoor space arrangement, color solutions, etc. The engineering
approach contemplates favorable acoustic, thermal, humidity and lighting conditions. Nowadays,
the problem of the indoor microclimate is resolvable through the assessment of its conditions and
further assurance of comfort with the help of multiple advanced engineering solutions. Civil engineering
solutions may also bring an adequate level of comfort through the application of effi cient
building materials. The ecological safety of any premises has an impact not only on the sense of
comfort, but on the physical stamina and health of residents. The comfort of the inhabited environment
also means appropriate electro-magnetic properties and adequate aeration.
Research projects and advanced solutions are to make their contribution into development of
new criteria of assessment of comfort, particularly, in the inadequate ecological and social urban
environment.

The author analyzes the methodology of assessment of the investment appeal of state-owned
items of real estate to select their management strategy.
Items of real estate have a dual nature; therefore, they are present both in the markets of real
estate and financial operations. Any real property acquired for income generation purposes (including
asset management, leasing, etc.), is the subject of various financial operations. If bought as a
dwelling, it operates as a real asset.
By identifying the dual nature of the real estate, the author examines the factors that influence
its investment appeal by assessing its relevance as a real or financial asset. As part of the choice of
the management strategy, assessment of the investment appeal of items of real estate is performed.
The author proposes a mathematical model capable of assessing the appeal of investment
projects that contemplate the acquisition of real estate items and effective operation of the real estate
market to select the principal investment strategy.

In the article, the author proves that the resistance to crises that originate both inside the organization
and in the external environment has a great importance in terms of formation of stability
of the organizational structure. In this article, the issue of flexibility of the organizational structure is
considered; the author demonstrates that the rapidity of the system response to any internal and
external impacts is essential for the purpose of appraisal of the system properties. The analysis
performed by the author serves as the basis for his recommendations designated to assure the
organizational stability in the course of any potential crises.

According to the author, the Republic of Tatarstan is included into the pool of successfully
developing regions of the Russian Federation, due to its impressive innovative development successes.
Towards this end, transformations of the local economy and legislation have been completed.
Development of the innovative infrastructure is a core constituent of further development and
improvement of the scientific, industrial and business environment of the republic. The programme
of innovative activities is successfully implemented in the Republic of Tatarstan. It incorporates a
network of interconnected subsystems that represent a legislative and investment base for further
development and expansion of the regional economy. Arrangement of conditions designated to assure
more intensive inflow of investments into knowledge-intensive industries will undoubtedly promote
transformation of results of scientific researches into new or advanced products and technologies.
The top-priority objectives of the investment policy assumed by the local authorities include the
restructuring of the local industry, improvement of its competitive strengths and provision of proven
benefits to international investors.

The article covers the methodology of calculation of the costs of maintenance and repair of
state-owned items of real estate. Currently, a duly organized system designated for the calculation
of operational costs and for the optimization of the cost of extensive repairs and maintenance, is
a prerequisite for the effective use of financial resources and, above all, the budget. This rule is of
particular importance for state-owned budget-funded facilities.
Having analyzed the concept of the real estate operation and the operating costs of maintenance
of state-owned items of real property, available in multiple sources, the authors identify
the following basic breakdown of costs: the cost of maintenance of facilities, costs associated with
regular preventive maintenance, and maintenance of facilities, utilities and construction sites. The
authors propose specific guidelines designated for the calculation of the cost of maintenance and
repair of items of real estate. In this paper, the authors present their algorithm of calculation of the
cost of maintenance of state-owned items of real estate.
Thus, the proposed system may serve as the instrument of effective management of stateowned
property within the framework of the government policy.

In the paper, the author demonstrates the possibility to take account of effective stiffness of the
barrier in the analysis of the reinforcement of a loggia slab based on the condition of deflection. No
enhanced reinforcement is needed, unlike in the event of a manual analysis.
The method of computer-aided analysis proposed by the author may be applicable to the
analysis of monolithic mushroom structures, particularly, to those sections that are located below the
walls. The amount of reinforcing steel saved through the application of the proposed methodology
may exceed 50 %, if the boundary deflection values are taken into account.

The article is a brief review of the research of the stress-deformation state of a structure
that represents a hemispherical geodetic dome exposed to the dead load. Single-contour geodetic
domes composed of flat plates are the subject of the research. The process of their design has two
stages: (a) design of geometric models of geodetic domes and (b) analysis of domes.
The authors demonstrate that the first stage can be implemented through the employment of
the library of ArchiCAD objects. Supplementary research is needed to have the second stage implemented.
The objective of this research is to present the results of the research using computer-aided
methods of modeling of metal structures. The analysis of smooth hemispherical domes is performed
using analytical and finite-element methods within the Patran/Nastran environment. The authors
demonstrate that the results of the finite-element method analysis converge with the results of the
analytical method analysis.
Conversion of geometric models of geodetic domes into the format that satisfies Patran preprocessor
requires the employment of the Visual Basic software. Ultimately, comparison between
the results obtained in respect of the geodetic dome and the analytical results obtained in respect
of the smooth dome exposed to the dead load is performed. The conclusion is that the maximal
stress experienced by a single-contour geodetic dome, in the event of reduction of sizes of plates,
converges with the maximal stress of similar smooth domes.

The article based on unpublished archived documents deals with the history of the first civil
engineering colleges in Moscow. They served as the foundation of professional training in civil engineering.
Many distinguished persons, well-known as the founders of academic schools started
their careers there.
The first civil engineering college in Moscow, founded by M.K. Priorov in 1905, enjoyed high
enrolment rates due to the growing needs in skilled builders. However, officers of the Ministry of
Education filed complaints about poor quality training at Priorov's college. In 1907, several teachers
headed by V.N. Obraztsov decided to launch another civil engineering college and to establish
"Special Partnership of Lecturers and Engineers" to raise funds for the college equipment.
Thirteen persons signed the agreement to join the Fund as shareholders. The General Meeting of
the Founders voted in favour of three persons who entered the Fund Administration Board. V.N.
Obraztsov, Director, had extensive powers in day-to-day affairs. The College was successful, and
its success was highly appreciated by the Ministry of Education. It served as a good example for
a team of lecturers at Priorov's college. In 1914, they reorganized this educational institution into
a special partnership, which made it possible to develop their college more successfully. Until
1917, there were two civil engineering colleges organized as special partnerships of lecturers in
Moscow.

Chemistry as a training course has its own characteristics which determine methods of organization
of various training activities, including lectures, laboratory assignments, and independent
work of students. However, the specificity and complexity of a course in chemistry do not contribute
to any increase in the willingness to master it. Problems in the perception and comprehension of the
subject cause the insufficient knowledge of chemistry. Therefore, alongside with proven classical
forms and methods of training advanced computer technologies are to be employed in the course
of delivering lectures in chemistry.
Given the nature of the discipline, the authors consider a sequence of presentations and
recommendations concerning the design of Microsoft Power Point slides to improve the clarity and
problem-free perception of the material to be mastered, and to develop the intellectual abilities of
students.
The process of compiling and developing the presentations is to be composed of the following
stages: generation of a pool of educational information within the framework of one lecture, breakdown
of its sections into slides, design of individual slides. At the same time, the sequence of slides
is to follow the course programme. Illustrations are required, including traditional fi gures, tables,
diagrams, video clips, animation and colour effects. If necessary, a student can go back to any section
of a lecture to answer questions.
One peculiar feature of a course in chemistry is a need for computer-aided simulation of
chemical phenomena and processes. It is an inseparable constituent of any course in chemistry. It
is also a method of reinforcing the process of learning and understanding of the essence of chemical
processes. It contributes to the development of explanatory skills of students who need to explain
the phenomena that they observe.
All presentations are recorded on computer disks so that students could use them for selfeducational
purposes or for the revision of any recorded material.
The proposed innovative lectures in chemistry can signifi cantly increase the amount of the
lecturing material by making it clearer and more demonstrative. It is aimed at improving the process
of training of a modern engineer.