Virtual reality systems and research on the perception, simulation and presentation of environmental change

The ability of evolving data visualization techniques (e.g. video image-capture technology) to portray realistically both the sensuous and connotative properties of the molar environment and change within the environment has produces an abundance of environmental perception studies using various visualization technologies. Future growth in the application of these technologies to environmental change perception research requires consideration of three sets of issues: (1) the nature of the perceptual experiencing of environment; (2) simulation of thise experience; and (3) presentation of environmental displays to people engaged in the studies.     

Probabilistic calculation for the bed under an individual foundation in accordance with the second group of limiting states

Conclusions 1. The method proposed for the probabilistic design of beds makes it possible to obtain a well-founded design solution corresponding to a given reliability level, which, in many cases, is more economic than the solution recommended in the Construction Rules and Regulations. 2. The design solution adopted as a result of the calculation set forth in the Construction Rules and Regulations possesses a reliability level, which, for some unknown reason, is on the high side. Translated from Osnovaniya, Fundamenty i Mekhanika Gruntov, No. 2, pp. 18–20, March–April 1991.     

Elastoplastic finite-element analysis of the bearing capacity of beds of reconstructed entities

A method is presented for determination of the coefficients that take into account the increase in angle of internal friction and specific cohesion of silty-clayey soils in predicting variation in the bearing capacity of beds after the long-term effect of the consolidating service-induced loads. __________ Translated From Osnovaniya, Fundamenty i Mekhanika Gruntov, No. 2, Pp. 18–21, March–April, 2007.     

Radionuclide contamination of foods imported into Iraq following the Chernobyl nuclear reactor accident

Since early 1986, a monitoring program for radionuclides in imported foods has been carried out by the Iraqi Atomic Energy Commission. After the Chernobyl nuclear reactor accident in the Soviet Union, the program was expanded; our laboratory was officially designated by the Iraqi Government to measure radionuclide activity concentrations in foodstuff imported from countries known to be severely contaminated by Chernobyl radioactive fallout. Gamma-spectrometric analysis was used. Food items such as powdered milk, lamb meat, poultry, cereals and grains imported into Iraq before the Chernobyl accident did not contain any detectable fission products. However, all lamb meat, 81% of the lentil, 44% of the powdered milk and chick-pea, and 17% of the roast beef samples were contaminated with 137Cs or 134Cs and 137Cs. The highest 137Cs contamination levels found were 82, 147, 420, 6 and 4 Bq kg-1, respectively. Contamination by 134Cs was approximately 50% of the values given above.     

Biodegradation of urea in river waters under controlled laboratory conditions

The biodegradation of urea in river waters has been evaluated under laboratory conditions. Urea will degrade to ammonia at a rate depending on the bacterial state of the river water and on the water temperature. Under normal conditions no breakdown may be expected to occur at temperatures below 8°C for 14 days contact. In river waters with a high suspended solids content, simulating extreme winter river conditions, a maximum breakdown of 3–6 per cent daily of the original urea levels was found for temperatures not exceeding 8°C during the first 7 days contact.     

Congratulations to Valerii Viktorovich Mikheev

Anniversaries and Memorable Dates

Congratulations to Valerii Viktorovich Mikheev Candidate of Technical Sciences, honorable builder of the Russian Federation, and recipient of the prize awarded by the Council of Ministers of the USSR     

Comparative study of dark patinas on granitic outcrops and buildings

Formation of dark patinas on rocky surfaces is mainly related to the deposition of gases and particles and to sulphation mechanisms. In the present study, samples of dark patinas taken from granitic outcrops and from granitic buildings were examined in an attempt to understand the mechanisms of their formation. The outcrops are located in non-polluted areas and are characterized by the absence of any extraneous material that provides calcium, such as e.g. mortar. The buildings are located in areas with low levels of pollution. The climate in the study area favours proliferation of microorganisms. Important differences between the patinas sampled from outcrops and from buildings were observed, as the former are of biological origin and the latter of anthropogenic origin. Although the levels of pollution are low in the sampling area, sulphur was present in all of the samples from urban buildings. Sulphur was not present in patinas from outcrops or in patinas from monuments that are assumed to behave as outcrops (dolmens), although the latter are also of anthropogenic origin. Finally, the patinas were found to be formed by elements accumulated on the surface and not from elements contained within the rock itself.     

A computer technique for predicting smoke movement in tall buildings

An approach to the analysis of stack effect has been developed which allows the prediction of internal air flow quantities and associated pressure differentials for specific buildings prior to construction. An example of the application of this analysis is presented for a hypothetical 75-story office building. Note: The authors presented this paper at a symposium on “The Control of Smoke Movement on Escape Routes in Buildings,” sponsored by the Joint Fire Research Organization and held on April 9 and 10, 1969 in Hertfordshire, England.