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2026

Archives Journal Construction Materials and Products Vol. 9

Stress-strain state and stability of hinged-supported constructions along the boundary of shallow reinforced concrete shells

https://doi.org/10.58224/2618-7183-2026-9-1-7
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Abstract
This article examines the performance of shallow reinforced concrete shells with hinged supports along their perimeter. The relevance of this topic stems from the widespread use of such structures in modern construction for covering large buildings, as well as the insufficient understanding of their behavior under non-ideal boundary conditions. The aim of the study is to evaluate the stress-strain state and stability of the shells, taking into account geometric and physical nonlinearity, as well as the effect of long-term loads (concrete creep). The modeling was performed using the finite element method in the Pascal programming language based on DELPHI-7. The calculations take into account the rheological properties of concrete, nonlinear stress-strain relationships, and various loading schemes. Linear and nonlinear stability analyses were performed, including those involving the possible failure of supporting elements. The results showed that, when supported by a hinge, the shell loses stability under loads significantly lower than the design value, especially under long-term loads. The formation of characteristic localized dents and a loss of overall spatial performance of the structure were also detected. These data highlight the need for more accurate consideration of boundary conditions and nonlinear effects in the design of shallow shells. Recommendations are proposed for optimizing the shell shape and reinforcing the contour to improve its stability. The obtained results can be used in engineering practice for the analysis, design, inspection and safety of similar structures.
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Experimental evaluation of the thermophysical performance of an adaptive composite wall system under dynamic climatic conditions

https://doi.org/10.58224/2618-7183-2026-9-1-8
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Abstract
In the sharply continental and hot climate of Kazakhstan, improving building energy efficiency requires adaptive composite envelope systems capable of dynamically responding to external thermal loads. This study provides experimental validation of a newly developed adaptive energy-efficient wall assembly with alternating air channels and a radiant barrier, previously proposed and numerically investigated by the authors. The experiments were conducted in a climatic chamber using a full-scale 3×3 m wall fragment under two operating modes: cold conditions (–14.3 °C) and hot conditions (+26.4 °C with exterior cladding heated up to +46 °C). Interlayer temperatures, heat flux density, and thermal bridging in the bracket zone were measured, and both calculated and effective thermal transmittance resistance values were determined in accordance with regulatory requirements. The experimental results demonstrated strong agreement with numerical simulations: deviations in interlayer temperatures did not exceed 3-7%, while heat flux density differed by 6-9%. The wall configuration Scheme 3/50/75/50 exhibited pronounced adaptive behavior; switching to the ventilation mode during the hot period reduced heat flux density by up to 14% and decreased the temperature gradient within the air channel by an average of 3-5 °C. Under cold conditions, the system increased thermal resistance by up to 18% compared with assemblies without a reflective layer. The obtained effective thermal resistance values comply with the building standards of the Republic of Kazakhstan and confirm the energy efficiency of the wall system for operation in extreme climates. Overall, the experimental validation confirms the reliability of the model and the high practical applicability of the adaptive wall technology. The findings provide a scientifically grounded basis for the development of façade design standards optimized for Central Asian climates and demonstrate the potential for implementation in both new construction and retrofit projects.
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Investigation of the synthesis of a grinding intensifier from secondary raw materials and its influence on the microstructural development of cement stone

https://doi.org/10.58224/2618-7183-2026-9-1-9
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Abstract
This paper presents data on the synthesis of cement grinding intensifiers produced from oil and gas processing wastes, namely secondary alkanolamines. The results of physicochemical characterization of the raw materials are reported, including the optimal purification conditions for the wastes and the synthesis parameters of the grinding intensifiers, as well as the physicochemical properties of the obtained products. It was found that the optimal conditions for producing the grinding intensifier involve conducting the reaction at 45°C for 6 hours with a 1:9 component ratio. The effects of the synthesized intensifiers on the cement clinker grinding process were investigated, including their influence on particle size distribution and the mineralogical composition of modified cements. The particles of the modified cement were shown to exhibit a predominantly spherical morphology; the maximum laser diffraction value reached 13.5%, the intensity was 88%, and the particle size was mainly around 2 μm (more than 53.5%), while the fraction of particles within the 100-200 μm range was 4.87%. X-ray diffraction and differential thermal analysis revealed that hydration of the modified cement is accompanied by a slight decrease in the diffraction intensity of calcium silicate phases (C2S and C3S), whereas an increase in the diffraction intensity of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) was observed. This indicates the formation of calcium hydroxide and calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) during cement hydration. The diffraction peaks of these phases were detected within the ranges of 30-33° 2θ and 40-45° 2θ. In addition, the presence of aluminate (C3A) and ferrite (C4AF) phases within 40-45° 2θ corresponds to calcium carbonate (CaCO3) observed in low-intensity regions between 29.4° 2θ and 48.5° 2θ, which is associated with CO2 absorption from the atmosphere. These changes reflect phase transformations during hydration and the formation of phases that are critical for strength development. The optimal dosage of the grinding intensifier in the cement composition was determined to be 0.02 wt.% (based on dry residue).
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Bulk thermostabilization and surface UV activation as a wood modification method for glued beams in long-span structures

https://doi.org/10.58224/2618-7183-2026-9-1-10
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Abstract
This paper presents an innovative two-stage physicochemical modification approach for softwood species, aimed at enhancing the operational reliability of glued laminated timber beams used in long-span building structures. In the first stage, bulk thermal modification (TM) is carried out in the exhaust gas atmosphere of a waste-heat boiler at 180–240 °C, resulting in reduced hygroscopicity, improved dimensional stability, and enhanced biological resistance. In the second stage, the surface layer of the thermally modified wood undergoes ultraviolet (UV) irradiation (wavelength: 253 nm; dose up to 7.4 kJ/m²) to restore hydrophilicity and improve adhesive bonding performance. Experimental results confirm that the contact angle of the surface decreases from 82° (TM only) to 8° at a UV dose of 7.4 kJ/m² – corresponding to a 90 % increase in wettability. Shear strength of the adhesive joint increases by 22.4 % compared to untreated thermally modified wood and approaches the level observed for joints made from untreated pine wood (deviation < 9 %). After two-stage modification, the mechanical performance of glued laminated beams – specifically, the modulus of rupture in static bending – reaches 58.3 ± 2.1 MPa, fully complying with the requirements of GOST 20850-2014 for glued laminated timber structures of strength class C24 and above. The proposed technology successfully combines the high moisture and biological resistance of thermally modified wood with reliable adhesive bonding-an essential requirement for load-bearing structural elements exposed to cyclic variations in temperature and humidity.
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