<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The built environment, through the consumption of energy from non-renewable sources and the associated CO2 emissions, as well as through the production of waste throughout its life cycle and the effects of soil and water degradation, contributes significantly not only to the phenomenon of climate change, but also to the irreversible degradation of the natural environment. The concept of regenerative design provides a framework for a holistic approach to these issues in order to identify the most effective remedies, proposing the restoration and regeneration of the global socio-ecological environment through a system of engineering practices suitable to the specific context. The defining aspects of the regeneration applied in the buildings sector refer to the architecture and inserting in the natural environment ensuring a healthy and well-being indoor environment, reducing to zero the consumption of energy from non-renewable sources and promoting renewable energy sources, minimizing carbon footprint by rational use of materials and waste management throughout the life cycle.
</abstract>

Regenerative Design - General Principles and Implementation Strategies in Building Design

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Due to the need of sustainable development of the building sector, it is important to increase the energy efficiency in buildings and reduce the energy consumption for heating and cooling. In a changing world, full of innovative solutions and technologies, passive strategies of vernacular architecture are more used to achieve life quality and eliminate the negative impact on the environment and human health.
The vernacular architecture is based on the local construction materials and influenced by the traditions, culture and climate of the place. The “architecture without architect”, used mainly in housing, evolves over time and reflects the level of technology and historical context of the building. The core of this type of buildings was to use architecture to collect free energy from natural environment.
Demonstrated over time, the inherent and timeless knowledge of vernacular architecture offers the basic level of comfortable living without the active strategies that include technologies. Passive architecture strategies are defined by minimizing or avoiding the energy consumption, using architecture and the natural environment to produce heating, cooling, ventilation and light. The elements of the natural environment are the sources of the energy: the sun, the earth, the air – the wind, the water. By adding active technologies, the quality of living must increase, but without influencing the main resources gained through passive strategies.
The present paper will provide the information needed to understand the importance of the vernacular architecture’s passive strategies, as well as describe a few examples of those strategies in different parts of the world, examples that demonstrate the efficiency and the impact of these systems. The authors state that the use of those strategies in the first stage of architecture design helps to achieve easier the energy efficiency required nowadays and represents the fundamental base for passive houses and nearly zero energy buildings.
</abstract>

Passive Strategies of Vernacular Architecture for Energy Efficiency

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
This paper discusses the factors that can lead to the degradation of masonry structures and provides an overview of the existing techniques for their rehabilitation and consolidation. The degradation of masonry is often related to negative actions of the environment, such as water penetration, freeze-thaw cycles, chemical attacks, and exposure to pollutants. These factors can lead to the appearance of cracks, scaling, erosion, and other types of deterioration of masonry. To preserve masonry structures, frequent monitoring and repairs (locally), preferably immediately after any degradation, are the most important measures. When degradation occurs, prompt action is necessary to prevent further deterioration and to apply appropriate rehabilitation and consolidation methods. Rehabilitating a construction involves replacing or restoring degraded elements to restore functionality to the pre-degradation level and to improve the overall performance of the structure. In contrast, consolidation focuses on strengthening an existing structure by adding new structural elements or by applying specific consolidation techniques with the aim of achieving increased structural capacity. These processes are often interconnected and part of a larger process of restoring or maintaining buildings or structures. Regarding traditional solutions for consolidating masonry elements and structures, these consist of repairing or rebuilding affected areas with classic materials, such as simple or reinforced mortars, welded meshes, dowels, steel bars and profiles. Traditional masonry repair works include filling cracks by injection, partial disassembly of walls followed by reconstruction, dismantling of mortar joints followed by deep filling, stitching of cracks with steel dowels, and reinforcing and facing with mesh or mortar. These techniques are applied according to the degree and type of degradation of the existing structure, as well as local and environmental conditions, with the aim of ensuring efficient and durable consolidation of the structure. The informed decision on the rehabilitation or consolidation solution used and how it is to be applied is usually made after extensive studies and consultations to achieve the best possible result. Generally, masonry structures are considered very resistant and durable, due to their history of over 6000 years. However, proper care and attention to detail are crucial to prevent degradation and to maintain masonry structures in good condition.
</abstract>

A Short Note on the Degradation and Consolidation of Masonry Structures

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The practical applicability of non-isothermal and inhomogenous air jets determined researchers concerned with their study to analyze from a mathematical and experimental point of view the technical elements related to this phenomena. The identified aspects were likely to generate the circumstances for the practical improvement of the systems that involve the presence of the nonisothermal and inhomogenous air jets, the researches highlighting different methods for determining the relevant technical parameters from this perspective.
</abstract>

Theoretical and Experimental Aspects Regarding Non-Isothermal and Inhomogenous Air Jets

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The comparative analysis on the workability of storable mixtures is intended, through the mathematical interpretation of the results, to improve the solutions for repairing local degradations by using storable mixtures.
The test of workability of the storable mixture at various bedding temperatures, but also during the storage period of the storable mixture came as a need to establish other tests to determine the physical-mechanical characteristics in addition to the attempt to establish the apparent density imposed by NE 025-2003 (NE 025-2003; Bambang, 2005).
The laboratory tests aimed to highlight the interaction between the complex mechanical behavior of storable asphalt mixtures and the variability of the factors acting on a road structure, the results being interpreted using the mathematical analysis software "Curve Expert Professional".
</abstract>

Comparative Analysis of the Workability of Stockable Asphalt Mixtures

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
One of the most important problems in modern society is the problem of using natural, ecological, harmless products for humans. In construction, this problem is solved by selecting, combining and using natural, traditional materials for some geographical areas. The most widespread in the world, starting from antiquity, is limestone. The limestone block, the so-called „cotileț”, is a construction material that has been used in masonry for over 60 years on the territory of the Republic of Moldova. In this research is considered dynamic extraction of limestone blocks, are analysed existing excavations and its location, the limestone reserves in Moldova. The technical characteristics of the „cotileț” are studied, such as dimensions, density, water absorption level, softening coefficient and earthquake resistance. At the same time, the existing buildings on the territory of the Republic of Moldova were examined and the characteristics of those built of limestone blocks were highlighted.
</abstract>

Use of Limestone Blocks in Constructions in the Republic of Moldova

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
This study investigates the behaviour and failure mechanisms of beam-to-column dowel connections in precast industrial halls under lateral loads. Two large-scale cyclic tests were performed to evaluate the assembly failure and its relationship with the dowel connection. The results demonstrated that the assembly failure coincided with the dowel connection failure, governed by dowel yielding and concrete spalling of the column fork. No significant damage was observed in the concrete elements outside the connection area. The dissipative failure mechanism of the column was not achieved, indicating that this dowel connection is not capable to transmit sufficient lateral load. The maximum capacity of the dowel connection was influenced by the concrete coverage of the dowel in relation to the side of the column fork. This research serves as a basis for further investigation and potential improvements in the design and performance of connections in precast concrete structures.
</abstract>

Cyclic Testing of Beam to Column Dowel Connection

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The aim of the work: consists of significantly reducing the number of road disasters. The objectives of the investigation: to outline the causes that generate serious traffic accidents on Stefan cel Mare Boulevard, to make rational analysis and planning of measures to improve the situation, to unveil the existing problems on local level, the composition of traffic flows, as well as skills of specialists in the realm, to develop a strategy on road accidents resulting in casualties aiming to reduce the number of traffic accidents with injuries, to promote measures aiming to protect participants in traffic, to developing a set of procedures and functions which would provide, in a network of certain streets, the size and structure of traffic flows, areas (major and minor intersections, streets) where there is an increased risk of accidents; to identify possible solutions aiming to increase road safety, specific peculiarities of Chisinau city.
</abstract>

Improvement of Safety of Road Infrastructure and Transport Networks

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Microconcrete is an important subclass of regular concrete that lacks the coarse aggregate commonly found in standard concrete. This makes it a good candidate for certain casting operations, such as densely reinforced elements. Microconcrete also tends to have better workability and smoother flow in formwork elements than regular concrete. However, one of humanity’s current problems is air pollution caused by chemical, physical, or biological agents with harmful effects on the environment. Carbon dioxide (CO2) resulting from cement production is a major atmospheric pollutant. To align with sustainable development standards, the construction industry must seek alternative materials that are more environmentally friendly. This article presents a comparison of the properties of regular microconcrete and microconcrete with additives such as fly ash and ultrafine silica. This topic is important because environmental issues are becoming more pressing. The results show that using waste products as additives in microconcrete can provide a sustainable solution for reducing carbon dioxide emissions and environmental impact. Although lower strengths were obtained compared to traditional concrete, microconcrete with waste products can be used in various applications, such as the production of prefabricated construction elements or the rehabilitation of existing structures. Additionally, it can be used in the construction of paving stones, sidewalks, or industrial floors, contributing to reducing pollution and environmental impact.
</abstract>

Properties of Microconcrete Produced with Fly Ash and Ultrafine Silica

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The concept of green energy and sustainability is no longer just an abstract idea intended exclusively for theoretical, numerical and experimental studies, but a “must” of our days. It is a reality that needs to be applied now, not later. Photovoltaic panels are an essential tool in implementing the idea of sustainability, green energy and NZEB (Net Zero Energy Building). Moreover, photovoltaic thermal panels represent the next step, being the main actor in increasing the efficiency of photovoltaic systems. The main challenge is the amount of electrical energy and thermal energy produced by these systems, which leads us to the need to determine the optimal method of cooling the PV. The current working document is intended to be a review of PV cooling methods, how their efficiency is influenced and a preamble for further research on how to optimize photovoltaic / thermal panels integrated in buildings.
</abstract>

Cooling Methods of Photovoltaic/Thermal Panels. State-of-the-Art Review

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The aim of this article is to show the impact of adjustments in construction projects. The methodology and impact of costs in construction are analyzed by applying the formula for calculating the cost of price adjustments based on inflation. The cost of a project is defined by its direct and indirect costs, but in projects carried out by the state, there are adjustments to the cost. The adjustment cost is intended to take over a price increase due to changes that are not related to the project and are related to the market economy of the construction industry.
</abstract>

cornel-adrian.ciurusniuc@student.tuiasi.ro

Methods of Adjustments the Cost in Constructions

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
This article explores soil classification methods and the influence of using dispersing agents in various amounts for the soil particle size analysis. Laboratory testing with different dispersing agents was conducted to analyze the effects of sodium hexametaphosphate and lithium carbonate for two different soils with plasticity indices indicating one to be with low plasticity (PI = 8.23 %) and the other one with high plasticity (PI = 39 %). The article highlights differences in the granulometric fractions reported for each soil and usage of the same dispersing agent but in various amount. Thus, the classification of soils is influenced by the amount of the used dispersing agents, recommendations of standards being different in time and countries. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the anticipated behavior of fine soils and provide useful insights for various geotechnical applications.
</abstract>

andree-vasilica.dascalu@student.tuiasi.ro

The Influence of Dispersing Agents on Soil Particle Size Analysis

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Following the previous analytical studies performed with ATENA software for a series of RC moment resisting frame models, it were used in the pre-processing stage the stress-strain relation laws for concrete and steel reinforcement. These mathematical and graphical relations represent a necessity in the current conditions of numerical analysis and imply a correct knowledge of the deformation mode of the „reinforced concrete” which is a composite material. Thus, it is desired through this research paper the theoretical exposition of: equivalent uniaxial law for concrete, biaxial compressive failure and tensile failure consideration laws for concrete, bilinear with hardening law for steel reinforcement, cycling steel reinforcement model and steel reinforcement bond model. Finally, it will be possible to validate the correctness of the analytical RC frame systems through the experimental results of the optimal RC frame model after seismic platform testing.
</abstract>

Stress-Strain Relation Laws for Concrete and Steel Reinforcement Used in Non-Linear Static Analytical Studies of the Moment Resisting Reinforced Concrete (RC) Frame Models

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
Joints made out of tubular steel members are often used in industrial constructions, like offshore, trusses or tree-shaped columns. The joint area is the weakest point in a truss structure. Beside the normal static behaviour many non-linearities due to the geometry or to the welding process have to take into account. Steel hollow sections are often used. Much research was made on welded nodes so far, but mostly it is valid for limited geometries or load cases. A review of the main aspects in designing welded nodes are given.
The second part is about a study of two aspects. The first aim is to investigate the influence of the joint angle on the resistance of a T-joint made out of Circular-Hollow-Sections or Squared-Hollow-Sections under a tensional load. To archive the most realistic results, the second aspect, a numerical study on the finite element types and the element shape functions will be made.
</abstract>

Case Studies on Finite Element Modeling of Welded Joints

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The paper deals with the three-lobed churches, the most representative creations of the ecclesiastic and monumental architecture preserved in the Carpathian-Danubian-Pontic area. Beginning with the fourteenth century, in Moldavia and Wallachia, the old wooden churches, often threatened by the fire, were replaced with stone or brick masonry ones. Unfortunately, strong and enduring earthquakes occur in this area. The stone and brick masonry, with clay or lime mortars, used for three-lobed churches, including their foundations and steeples, were often severely damaged by earthquakes. According to a legend, in the case of the Church of Arges Monastery, usually the damages occurred during the nights. To save the church, by the virtue of an old myth, the Manole Master has immolated his wife into one of the pronaos walls. By that occasion, the whole pronaos was enlarged and the church was no longer damaged. The later research has shown that by reshaping the pronaos, the relative positions of the weight center and the stiffness center have been reversed. Since then, that beautiful church, during its long service of 503 years, was never damaged again by earthquakes. The same happy fate has been experienced by the subsequent three-lobed churches which adopted the same enlarged pronaos.
</abstract>

Seismic Response of Three-Lobed Shape

<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
The phenomenon of shear lag refers to the increases of the bending stresses near the flange-to-web junctions, and the corresponding decreases in the flange stresses away from these junctions.
In the plated structures with wide flanges, such as in the orthotropic deck of the steel road bridges, shear lag caused by shear strains, may be taken into account by a reduced flange width concentrated along the webs of the steel plate girders.
In the norm EN 1993-1-5, the concept of taking shear lag into account is based on effectives width of the flange which is defined in order to have the same total normal force in the gross flange subjected to the real transverse stress distribution as the effective flange subjected to a uniform stress equal to the maximum stress of the real transverse distribution.
This paper presents some aspects concerning the shear lag phenomenon and a design analysis taking into account the geometrical parameters such as the stiffeners thickness, flange width and the girder span for a steel deck of a road bridge.
</abstract>

Effect of Design Parameters on Shear Lag in Orthotropic Deck of Steel Road Bridges

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Bulletin of the Polytechnic Institute of Iași. Construction. Architecture Section

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