<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

The paper discusses the transformation of library spaces that occurred as a result of the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, as well as the directions of further spatial changes in library spaces under new pandemic conditions. The study is based on the integrated use of research methods. As part of the study, the functional-planning organization of library spaces was analyzed before and during the pandemic, and the content of the crisis of the social institution of libraries in the new conditions was formulated. The experience of transformations of other types of buildings – offices, restaurants, hospitals, etc. – was examined and the appropriateness of using these design techniques in library spaces was examined, individual planning techniques were highlighted as fundamental for further space-planning transformations, and considered as basic recommendations for adaptations, reconstruction and construction of new library buildings. Particular attention is paid to updating the focus on maintaining public health, including through the more active implementation of appropriate environmental standards in the construction.
</abstract>

Covid-19 and Library Public Space Transformations

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

The relationship between different aspects that challenge architectural education in Ukraine and new pedagogical strategies, in particular application of the innovative approach based on Design Thinking, are analysed and described in the paper. The case study illustrated in the article is based on author’s personal experiment held with the 3rd year students at the Institute of Architecture, Construction and Energy (Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas, Ukraine). A qualitative analysis of the Design Thinking methodology, alongside the literature review, has been presented. Particular emphasis is put on the implementation of the Lego® Serious Play® methodology, as an effective tool for facilitating students’ creative potential, self-expression and ability to generate innovative ideas at the conceptual stage of architectural design. The suggested methodology can be successfully applied in other higher educational courses.
</abstract>

The Application of Design Thinking Methodology in Architectural Education in Ukraine: Case Study

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

The paper deals with the issue of graphic representation in urban design as an artistic and technical field that is symbiotic to the field of architecture. The basic expression instrument of urban design (spatial planning) is the projection of 2D. The ability of an urban designer or urban planner to adequately present a design is, therefore, an element of the creative process that should be acquired during higher education. The aim of the research was to reveal the key parameters influencing the resulting effect of graphic processing of a masterplan drawing and a perspective drawing from a human perspective, as a typical urban expression element. The paper focuses more closely on examining the differences between hand based and computer graphic processing. A set of categories for a masterplan drawing and perspective views has been summarized for the purposes of research, which has been used to evaluate a sample of student works. The key research methods of data evaluation are comparison and correlation analysis. The results of the research summarize the advantages and the disadvantages of the hand based and computer graphic processing and the key graphic mistakes made in urban design students proposals.
</abstract>

Graphics in Urban Design – Possibilities of Hand-Drawn Images and Computer Techniques

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

The study presents results of statistical investigations into random strength parameters of steel used to manufacture flanges of plate girders with corrugated web. In the case of plate girders with corrugated webs, flanges are manufactured from flat sheet steel S235JRG2 or S355J2+N or S275. The guaranteed yield strength <italic>Remin
</italic> is determined on the basis of tests conducted on steel samples. It should be lower than yield strength of flat sheets obtained as the result of testing mechanical properties. This value at the same time should be regarded as the margin of resistance of girders. The material tests were performed on samples randomly collected from 20 girders with corrugated web and flange thickness of 15 and 20 mm, which had been already examined. Coefficients of variation of yield strength <italic>VRe
</italic>=<italic>D</italic>(<italic>Re
</italic>)/<italic>E</italic>(<italic>Re
</italic>) and partial factors of yield strength <italic>γm
</italic> were selected on the basis of the conducted analysis of material tests. The obtained results were related to factors <italic>γm
</italic> determined from the tests on thin flat sheets. The impact of yield strength and random cross-sectional area of flanges on bending resistance of girders with corrugated web was shown. Also the effect of the spread of the Young’s modulus values and semi-rigid connections on global displacements of tested plate girders with corrugated web was analyzed.
</abstract>

Effect of Random Strength Parameters of Flange Steel on Bending Resistance and Deflections of Girders with Corrugated Web

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

In this paper, a comprehensive experimental investigation was conducted into the effect of the particle size distributions (PSDs) and percentages of waste powdered glass as a partial replacement of cement on the long-term mechanical behavior of concrete produced at two different cement levels. For this purpose, two different mixtures of concrete were used as reference mixtures; the first has a relatively low cement content (331 kg/m3), and the second has a relatively high cement content (490 kg/m3). Two different PSDs of glass powder (GP) labeled GP-A and GP-B ((55 µm&lt; GP-A &lt; 135 µm) and (55 µm> GP-B) were used, and the considered GP content for the low cement content mixture (LCCM) and the high cement content mixture (HCCM) were (0%, 5%, and 10%) and (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%) by weight of cement, respectively. The mechanical performance of all concrete mixtures at 180 days was investigated and evaluated in related tests as compressive strength and toughness, splitting and flexural tensile strength, elastic modulus, and compressive stress-strain behavior. The experimental results generally indicated that the compressive strength of GP-modified concrete improved significantly over the long-term age (180-days) compared to the early age (28-days). The contribution of PSDs of GP to enhancing the mechanical properties of concrete is insignificant compared to its replacement amount. Finally, independent of the PSDs, the incorporation of 10% GP for LCCM and 15% of GP for HCCM has a positive effect on the long-term mechanical properties of concrete, indicating that GP can be used as a replacement for cement.
</abstract>

Long-Term Effect of Different Particle Size Distributions of Waste Glass Powder on the Mechanical Properties of Concrete

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

Tantalum is a chemical element with important properties. It is used in industry and its numerous branches for instance in jewelry and watchmaking products. As a result, it is not uncommon for this metal to become an object of interest for a variety of buyers. After it has been bought back from the customers, tantalum can be recycled and, as a result, its full content can be retrieved. In economy, tantalum has become a ‘technology-critical element’ which is increasingly used in new technologies. This has led to a need to evaluate potential environmental impacts, which, in turn, requires knowledge of its concentration in the natural and industrial environment. This paper will present secondary sources of tantalum extraction and recycling, which makes it possible to limit the use of this raw material from natural sources, which are in increasing exhaustion. The analysis also includes the case study of the old Penouta mine, and processing of tailings from waste-rock heaps and ponds on these area. It is located in the innermost part of the Iberian Variscan Belt in Galicia in northwest Spain where two main formations crop out: the Viana do Bolo Series (high-grade metamorphic rocks) and the Ollo de Sapo Formation.
</abstract>

Recovery of Tantalum from Different Resources

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

The aim of the paper is to draw attention to both the average annual savings in the costs of consumed fuels and energy, as well as the possibility of obtaining additional funds in the case of implementing projects aimed at improving energy efficiency. On the example of an implemented investment in a cement industry company, the achieved energy savings and obtained economic savings in the form of reduction of fuel and energy costs were analysed. Moreover, it was shown what additional support can be obtained in the form of energy efficiency certificates, the so-called “White certificates”, issued by the President of the Energy Regulatory Office, and the resulting property rights become an exchange commodity and are traded on Towarowa Giełda Energii SA. The purpose of this paper is to estimate how much money will be financed from the certificates.
</abstract>

Energy Efficiency – Ecological and Economic Profitability

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

Wastewater treatment plants are becoming an important part of circular economy. In addition to the classic role of wastewater treatment plants, they are gaining a new important mission to fulfil. According to the Nutrients-Energy-Water (N-E-W) paradigm, wastewater treatment plants should also focus on energy production and resource recovery. Intensification of biogas production is an important element in improving the energy efficiency of wastewater treatment plants. This can be achieved by introducing sewage sludge co-digestion with organic substrate, thermal hydrolysis and disintegration of the sludge. Water renewal, which includes a number of processes to restore the water features of the wastewater, is also becoming an important objective. Intensive research is being carried out on the production of bioplastics by bacteria inhabiting municipal and industrial sewage. Technologies for recovery of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) from sewage and sludge are also advanced. The paper presents current trends in the development of sewage treatment plants based on the assumptions of circular economy and current policy of the European Green Deal.
</abstract>

Circular Economy in Wastewater Treatment Plant

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

The paper analyses the impact that the construction of water mist extinguishers exerts on the size of generated drops. The test was based on the examination of three extinguishers of two producers, which have been available in the market in recent years.
The test was carried out with the use of the IPS Drop Spectrum Analyzer (DSA). The device operates by using the photoelectric method to measure the parameters of the extinguishing stream microstructure. There were two measuring ranges: 0÷1 414 µm and 0÷2 658 µm.
The test results present mean diameters of the generated drops, aggregated curves representative of their share as well as the analysis of the quality of spraying the extinguishing medium. The tests have shown that two out of three tested extinguishers do not generate water mist with standard parameters at a distance of 170 cm. The smallest mean diameters of drops were generated by extinguisher B, whereas the biggest ones by extinguisher C The highest level of spraying among all samples was found for extinguisher B. It’s Sauter diameter mean amounted to 564.03 µm. Further, it was shown what impact the construction of water mist extinguishers exerts on the size of generated drops.
</abstract>

Impact of Water Mist Extinguisher Construction on Parameters of Generated Drops

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

The paper presents preliminary analysis of measurements of the mass concentrations of PM2.5 in the indoor environment, obtained with the use of two optical instruments: (Grimm device and low-cost sensor) and a sampler based on the gravimetric method (SKC). It was found that the measurement of PM2.5 using an optical device with active sampling underestimates the actual mass concentration of this mode (PM2.5), while measurement using an optical device with passive sampling of air overestimates the concentration of PM2.5. It has been shown that the physical relationship between the mass concentrations of airborne particles obtained with an optical sensor (<italic>Csensor
</italic>) and concentrations obtained with the gravimetric method (<italic>Cgrav
</italic>) is not linear. However, for practical reasons, the correct (“true”) concentration levels of PM2.5 in an indoor environment can be estimated by converting sensor data according to a simple linear equation, i.e., <italic>Cgrav
</italic> = <italic>a Csensor
</italic>. The coefficient a for the sensor used was estimated at 0.45.
</abstract>

Relationship Between the Concentrations Of PM2.5 Indoors Obtained by Using the Optical and Gravimetric Methods: Preliminary Analysis

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

The determinants of profitability and environmental friendliness of bioconversion are noted in the paper. As one of the major factors the reduction of thermal energy costs for the fermentation of organic wastes in their utilization is proposed to take into consideration. The expediency of using renewable energy sources for thermal stabilization of the fermentation process, especially in the thermophilic mode of organic fermentation, is emphasized. The energy efficiency biogas installation with structural and technological scheme is given as an example. It receives thermal energy to increase its efficiency from a solar collector and a heat pump. It is proposed to evaluate the energy efficiency of a biogas plant taking into account the cost of bioconversion products and the costs of providing this process. A mathematical model was proposed to substantiate the environmental-economic efficiency of a biogas installation with the minimum energy costs for the thermal stabilization of the biomass fermentation process. The model is based on fuzzy set theory which uses linguistic variables. Linguistic variables take into account the influence of quantitative and qualitative factors on the objective function.
</abstract>

Modeling of Environmental-Energy Efficiency of the Biogas Installation with Heat Supplying of the Biomass Fermentation Process

AHEAD OF PRINT

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Architecture, Civil Engineering, Environment

Architecture Civil Engineering Environment (ACEE) Journal is an international double-blind peer-reviewed open-access scientific journal published as a quarterly by the Silesian University of Technology (Poland) / De Gruyter.  The ACEE Journal has been founded in 2008 by three faculties: Faculty of Architecture, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Faculty of Energy &amp; Environmental Engineering, and ever since promotes high-quality interdisciplinary research bridging over the three domains of knowledge – architecture, civil engineering and environmental engineering – by providing a common forum for publication and discussion of current results and efforts in innovations.  The scope of the Journal encompasses, but is not restricted to, the following areas: architectural design, urban planning, theory and history of architecture, structural engineering, structural mechanics, building materials, building physics, marine and hydrological structures, roads and bridges, geotechnics, building processes and economics, construction management, air protection, waste management, water engineering, environmental biotechnology, with a special interest in the works reaching beyond single discipline.  ACEE publishes original research papers. Manuscripts should present relevant advances as compared to the state of research. The Journal does not publish review articles, reports, short communications, discussions and diaries on the events, neither does it reprint conference papers previously published in the proceedings. In the latter case extended versions of the conference papers might be considered for publication upon prior agreement of the Editor-in-Chief if a certain level of originality is ensured. The Journal does not publish special issues.  Please visit Architecture, Civil Engineering, Environment website to find the previously published papers.  Rejection rate: 40%  Article Processing Charges  There are no submission nor processing charges for the Authors.   Open Access Policy  This journal provides immediate open access to its content under the Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 license on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge. Under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 license users are free to share the work (copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format), if the contribution is properly attributed and used for non-commercial purposes. The material published in the journal may not be altered or built upon. Authors retain publishing rights without restrictions.  Publishing Ethics  For all parties involved in the act of publishing (the Author(s), the journal Editor(s), the Reviewer(s) and the Publisher) it is necessary to agree upon standards of expected ethical behaviour. The ethics statements for the Architecture Civil Engineering Environment are based on the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) Best Practice Guidelines for Journal Editors. Details on the publishing ethics are specified in the Editorial Policy document.  Plagiarism Policy  The editorial board is participating in a growing community of Similarity Check System's users in order to ensure that the content published is original and trustworthy. Similarity Check is a medium that allows for comprehensive manuscripts screening, aimed to eliminate plagiarism and provide a high standard and quality peer-review process.  Archiving  Sciendo archives the contents of this journal in Portico - digital long-term preservation service of scholarly books, journals and collections.  ABOUT SOCIETY  The Silesian University of Technology (SUT) is one of the most prestigious and top-ranked technical universities in Poland, located in Upper Silesia. The University was founded in 1945 as the scientific and teaching base for the most industrialised region in Poland and one of the most industrialised areas in Europe. It is a modern higher education institution with over 70 years of tradition in teaching, research and science. 