The conventional design methodology for two-tier sedimentation tanks has several limitations: some design parameters are assumed, while others, in our opinion, should be calculated. This particularly concerns the depth of the flow section of the sedimentation tank ( ) and the detention time ( ). According to the proposed calculation methodology, achieving a clarification efficiency of 40–65% in two-story settling tanks requires significantly shorter settling times than the currently adopted design values of 5400 s (or 3600 s under low-flow conditions). A clarification efficiency of 42.9% can be achieved with a settling time of only 1630 s. By maintaining a settling-zone depth of 1.2–2.5 m, the methodology enables independent determination of the depths of the cylindrical and conical sections. This design promotes laminar wastewater flow, enhances suspended-solids sedimentation, and reduces both settling-zone and overall tank dimensions while maintaining the required clarification efficiency.
C-K Theory is currently one of the most sophisticated theoretical frameworks for modelling design processes. Based on the interaction between a space of concepts, C, and a space of knowledge, K, it accurately describes the mechanisms of producing and transforming design objects. However, certain concepts used in architectural practice remain difficult to integrate into this model. This is the case with the architectural concept (architectural parti in French), which is frequently presented as a decisive stage of the project, yet its theoretical status remains unclear. This article aims to shed light on this difficulty based on the hypothesis of a general system in Bertalanffy’s sense. Previous research, which has highlighted an isomorphism between the wuxing of the Chinese tradition and Platonic solids, is employed as a heuristic tool to identify several structuring properties of this system: duality of transformation regimes, dynamic antagonism, the role of the 5th polarity, and the activating centre… Comparing these properties with the CKT leads to the identification of a central mediating mechanism, which is scarcely explained in its classical formulation. We interpret the architectural scheme as this very mechanism, this bridge that ensures the transition between the exploratory regime of space C and the stabilising regime of K. The study of this bridge leads to the formulation of the hypothesis of a third modality of rationality, complementary to the causal and correlative reason described by Vandermeersch. This rationality, referred to here as ‘bridging reason’ in reference to M. Serres, denotes the capacity to establish relationships between heterogeneous domains to enable the emergence of new configurations.
The digital evolution in construction engineering, architecture, and heritage conservation has accelerated at an unprecedented pace, thanks to the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), advanced acquisition systems, and the Digital Twin paradigm. This paper comprehensively analyzes the latest innovations in architectural surveying, semantic segmentation of point clouds, and Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM) [1,2]. The analysis unfolds through the classification of Machine Learning and Deep Learning algorithms for the automatic recognition of architectural elements, exploring the effectiveness of neural architectures such as PointNet++ and DGCNN, and their ability to generalize on heterogeneous datasets. The transition from descriptive to predictive and prescriptive models is also examined, with an in-depth focus on case studies of global relevance, including the In-Heritage platform applied to the Palazzi dei Rolli in Genoa for IoT microclimate monitoring, and the Aïoli platform used for the post-disaster reconstruction and virtual anastylosis of Notre-Dame de Paris. Through a critical evaluation of the ethical implications, the interpretability of algorithms (overcoming the "black-box" paradigm), and the integration of immersive reality (VR/AR) for spatial use, the research synthesizes the state of the art. It outlines prospects for a holistic, transparent, and technologically advanced approach to protecting built heritage [3].
The adaptation project of the “Roman hall” within the City Library of Belgrade, a cultural monument, began in 2015. The project was initiated to enhance this unique space, primarily used for lectures and book promotions. The building housing the City Library of Belgrade was originally constructed as a hotel in 1869. The City Library moved into the building after World War II. During the 1985 excavation works for the basement, parts of a Roman castrum dating from the last decades of the 2nd century were discovered. The new project focused exclusively on the “Roman hall” in the Library’s basement, where the Roman rampart and gate are located. Before executing the project, extensive research was conducted. This included analyzing all available documentation related to the building and the Roman rampart, including historical records, old plans, archaeological reports, previous construction works, and the Library’s operational systems. An archaeological investigation was carried out “in situ”, and the rampart was carefully treated and conserved. In addition to the conservation process, the entire space was completely transformed, incorporating new interior design, electrical systems, and climate control. Implementing much-needed safety measures was also a crucial component of the project. This paper aims to demonstrate how valuable cultural heritage can be integrated into contemporary interior design, serving the public interest and the institutions that hold it. In this manner, parts of cultural heritage become more available to the public while careful design raises awareness of their importance.
Research of composite materials for using in bridge structures was started at Siberian Bridge Research Institute (SBRI) of STU in 2007. Over the past time, a large number of laboratory, field and theoretical studies have been conducted on composite materials of various types, fiberglass structures, as well as reinforced concrete elements reinforced with carbon fiber. In 2014, with the participation of specialists of SBRI, the first road bridge in Russia with supporting structures made of fiberglass was designed and built. The research results presented in the article formed the basis for a many regulatory documents on the design of composite superstructures, as well as external reinforcement systems for strengthening of spans and supports with insufficient load-bearing capacity.
