Introduction. The efficiency and successful application of various protective coatings necessitate the investigation of coating–substrate interactions to ensure durability and reliability. Adhesion is a key parameter that determines the quality of bonding between a coating and a substrate surface. Existing methods for its assessment are continually being improved to enhance accuracy, versatility, and applicability to various types of coatings and substrates. Purpose of the study. The study is aimed at assessing the adhesion strength of coatings deposited by detonation spraying onto heavy-concrete surfaces and refining the methodology for determining adhesion strength for the corresponding tests. Methods. In the course of the study, Raman spectroscopy, axial pull-off adhesion testing, optical microscopy, and rotational viscometry were used. Results. Adhesion strength tests were performed on Ti–TiOx coatings deposited on concrete substrates by detonation spraying of powders under different modes. The resulting coatings exhibit high adhesion strength to the substrate, ranging from 0.32 to 3.77 MPa, and low porosity. A special fixture was pre-developed for adhesion testing of specimens with linear dimensions of 30 mm and larger. A study was conducted on the applicability of a series of epoxy resins for adhesion testing. It was found that, when testing coatings on porous substrates, it is important to consider the viscosity of the adhesive agents, since highly mobile formulations may penetrate deeply into the specimen and distort the results.

Introduction. This paper presents a laboratory study investigating the mechanical behavior of silty soil reinforced with hydraulic binders (cement and lime) using a direct shear apparatus. A series of direct shear tests was performed on silty soils treated with hydraulic binders. Methods. The tests were conducted at a relative density of 50 %, under three normal stresses, with cement and lime contents of 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 %, and a water content of 10 %. Results. The shear strength of cement-treated silt increases with cement content up to 6 % and then stabilizes. For lime-treated silt, the shear strength decreases at a lime content of 1 % and then stabilizes; thus, the contractive behavior increases with higher lime content. The internal friction angle increases with cement content and then stabilizes, with a slight decrease observed at a cement content of 7 %. Cohesion increases linearly with cement content. Lime addition enhances soil contractiveness; cohesion increases slightly up to a lime content of 3 % and then decreases. For the silt treated with the cement–lime mixture, the test results show that shear strength increases with normal stress compared to the untreated soil.

Introduction: One of the most pressing challenges today is global warming, which has significantly increased building temperatures. Developing cost-effective solutions to mitigate indoor overheating is therefore a key architectural task. This paper examines the impact of breathing facades on ventilation and indoor air quality, with a particular focus on the relationship between biomimicry and facade design. It emphasizes how biomimicry can inspire architects to address environmental challenges and explores the concept of “breathing skins” through two case studies. Purpose of the study: The study aims to analyze the connection between biomimicry and breathing facades, and to evaluate their effectiveness in enhancing indoor air quality and reducing building temperatures. Methods: The methodology combines inductive and analytical approaches within the framework of a systematic literature review, complemented by comparative analysis to assess the performance of innovative facade systems. Results indicate that smart breathing facades have significant potential to reduce pollution levels and improve urban livability.

Introduction: Climate change, heat waves, greenhouse gas emissions, and global warming have become a never-ending cycle, contributing to environmental degradation and causing discomfort to humans and other living beings. To address climate change, research on the thermal comfort of buildings has been conducted and developed since 1946, using both passive and active thermal comfort strategies. To understand the evolution of thermal comfort, this paper aims to establish the progression and principles of thermal comfort research. Methodology: A narrative literature review method was adopted to analyze the progress of thermal comfort research. A total of 122 selected articles examined concepts, models, architectural perspectives, standards, and policies related to thermal comfort. Results and discussion: Thermal comfort has evolved from the invention of air conditioning to the application of passive thermal comfort strategies in buildings. Thermal comfort research has consistently identified six key parameters that have improved our understanding of indoor thermal comfort. Moreover, the use of innovative technologies in thermal comfort studies can enhance occupant health and well-being. An interdisciplinary approach to thermal comfort research is therefore necessary. Recommendations: This study outlines the sequence of thermal comfort research, including innovations in models, simulation, prediction, and emerging challenges. As such, it will help future researchers, developers, and other stakeholders in the built environment to fill gaps and connect past findings with future directions.

Introduction: The influence of the level of building facade detail (protruding and recessed balconies, fins, and other facade elements) — referred to as facade faceting — on the results of wind load simulations has been examined in various studies. It has been established that a higher level of facade faceting in models improves the consistency of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) results with results of wind tunnel experiments. However, in order to simplify calculations, under certain conditions, some details may be neglected. Nevertheless, clear recommendations regarding the degree to which such simplifications affect the final accuracy of simulation are rarely found. Purpose of the study: In this study, the influence of facade faceting detail on the distribution of wind flows around the investigated object was assessed using computational and experimental modeling. Methods: Physical testing of scale models of unique buildings and structures in a wind tunnel, as well as numerical simulation of wind effects, were carried out. Results: The study demonstrated a significant impact of facade faceting detail on the distribution of wind loads around the investigated building model. It is recommended to design facade structures with consideration of the turbulence effects of wind flow associated with their actual geometry. At the same time, the design of load-bearing structures should account for the maximum possible wind loads without incorporating facade faceting detailing.

Introduction: Concrete’s self-weight is the primary factor contributing to increased cross-sectional dimensions and dead loads in structures. This disadvantage can be mitigated by using suitable lightweight concrete. Expanded polystyrene concrete (EPSC), which is lighter than conventional concrete, has not yet been implemented in shell structures. The purpose of the study was to analyze and compare the plastic buckling capacities of conventional concrete and EPSC domes, and to develop an analytical formula for determining the plastic buckling capacity of spherical shells made from these materials. The methodology includes an experimental investigation involving cube test specimens to evaluate the properties of EPSC. Based on the test results, the compressive strength, density, and elastic modulus of EPSC were found to be 9.48 MPa, 2074.17 kg/m3, and 11.18 GPa, respectively. Subsequently, linear buckling analysis (LBA) and material non-linear analysis (MNA) were performed using ABAQUS to determine the elastic and plastic buckling resistances of 36 concrete and 36 EPSC spherical shells. Based on the analysis results, an analytical formula was developed to estimate the plastic buckling capacities of both concrete and EPSC shells. Results: The findings reveal that the plastic buckling resistance of EPSC shells is significantly higher than practically applied external uniform pressures. However, the plastic buckling resistance of EPSC shells is lower than that of equivalent concrete shells. Despite this, EPSC shells exhibit lower plastic deformations and displacements compared to their concrete counterparts, indicating sufficient stiffness of such shells and supporting EPSC use in spherical shell construction. The proposed formula can be easily applied to determine the reference plastic buckling capacities of concrete and EPSC spherical shells.

Introduction: This research is based on the premise that traditional architecture comprises buildings constructed using natural, locally sourced materials. These structures are designed to adapt to environmental changes and promote environmental compatibility — commonly referred to as environmental sustainability — by considering the design of the exterior form. The research problem centers on the negative impacts of modern industrial building materials. These materials are often costly, require significant energy for production, and rely on artificial means to ensure thermal comfort within spaces. Consequently, this research explores the inherent potential of natural materials in architectural design — examining their properties, climatic performance, structural strength, and the construction systems in which they are employed — to address the issue of high energy consumption. Additionally, the research aims to investigate the characteristics and performance of natural building materials, identifying their constants and variables, as well as their structural and architectural applications. Results: By harnessing the benefits of nature, the study seeks to advocate for the use of natural materials in sustainable building practices. This research adopts a combined descriptive and analytical methodology to support the economic and sustainable use of natural materials in architecture.

Introduction. A significant drawback of composite materials is their tendency to degrade over time, eventually leading to complete failure. Purpose of the study. The objective of this research is to identify the physical principles and develop a theoretical framework to explain this degradation. Wood, as a natural composite, serves as a convenient object for such investigations. Many physical and theoretical aspects of its behavior remain insufficiently understood. In particular, the reduction in mechanical strength at the junctions (with nagels) of wooden components under cyclic variations in temperature and humidity requires further exploration. Methods. This paper presents a physico-mathematical model for assessing the mechanical strength of wood under such environmental influences. The model is based on the Arrhenius equation and current understanding of wood’s cellular structure, whose key components are cellulose filaments (serving as the reinforcing framework) and lignin (the binding matrix). The model assumes that non-steady processes of heat and moisture transfer within the wood, driven by environmental conditions, gradually break the interatomic bonds within lignin compounds. Results. The study derives expressions to estimate the maximum number of wetting-drying cycles that wood can withstand, considering the material’s temperature. It also provides an evaluation of its service life (resource) affected by these cyclic influences. The proposed theory is of universal relevance.

Introduction: Effective urban planning relies on comprehensive knowledge of both physical and non-physical urban elements, which is vital for developing GIS models that support sustainable urban development by providing realistic representations of urban contexts. Accurate 3D models are critical for analyzing urban systems and processes. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of 3D GIS urban digitizing techniques and visualization methods on the feasibility of urban codes in preserving urban identity and character, with a focus on Rosetta City, Egypt. Methods: The research employed descriptive, analytical, and empirical approaches. Field visits, surveys, GIS simulations, and digital tools like ESRI CityEngine were used to create 3D GIS models. These models help digitize and analyze urban code parameters by using the form-based code approach. Results: The study demonstrates that 3D GIS models can enhance urban planning by improving the understanding of urban codes and their implications for preserving urban identity. The models provide insights into maintaining historical character while supporting development. Discussion: The findings highlight the potential of 3D urban models to improve decision-making in urban planning and underscore the value of such models in preserving the unique identity of historic districts like Rosetta City, offering a framework for similar regions.

Introduction. The study of photo-reactive varnishes can serve as a basis for choosing alternatives in the restoration and preservation of historical and cultural heritage sites. Purpose of the study: The study aimed to explore the possibility of using photoreactive acrylic-alkyd composition with biocide additive as a paint and varnish material in construction as well as restoration and preservation. Methods. The possibility of obtaining protective thick-layer coatings from the proposed compositions with a thickness up to 80 μm without compromising polymerization efficiency in the layer was demonstrated by express Raman spectroscopy. Results. The coatings obtained by UV-curing from the composition with vinylated alkyd oligomers were tested to analyze vapor permeability, hardness, and hydrophobicity. The resistance of the specimens coated with the developed compounds against a mixture of mold fungi was studied. Aspergillus, Chaetomium, Trichoderma and Penicillium fungi were used as strains of micromycetes as those most infesting the open surfaces of timber. The effectiveness of biocide additive in the amount of 0.24 wt % is shown. The developed photo-reactive varnishes make it possible to form a finished wood coating within 1–2 minutes.