Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina, 2014 (vol. 16), issue 4
Articles
Some Experience from the Analysis of Existing 40 Years Old Prestressed Bridges in the North of Slovakia
Martin Moravcik, Peter Kotes, Miroslav Brodnan, Patrik Kotula
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2014, 16(4):4-8 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2014.4.4-8 
The paper deals with the analysis of the chosen short-span bridges from precast prestressed concrete girders. The analysis has been performed at the Department of Structures and Bridges recently. Part of the current technical condition assessment of these structures comprised the load carrying capacity and remaining life time determined by calculation [1, 2 and 3]. The load carrying capacity was calculated in compliance with the previous Slovak standards and new European standards.
Monitoring of the Track Geometry Quality Around the Portals of New Tunnel Construction Turecky Vrch - Preliminary Results
Libor Izvolt, Janka Sestakova, Michal Smalo, Zuzana Gocalova
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2014, 16(4):9-20 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2014.4.9-20
At the beginning, the contribution deals with the characteristics of conventional structure (track skeleton placed in the ballast) and unconventional structure (slab track) of railway superstructure. The trial section is characterized in the next part where measurements of relative track geometry are made at regular intervals (spring and autumn) using continuous measuring device (manual measuring trolley KRABTM - Light). There is made the analysis of measurements made between 2012 - 2013 at the end of the contribution; with a view to assessing the quality of track geometry during particular sections monitored with in-built conventional and unconventional...
Wireless System for Sleeper Vibrations Measurement
Ljiljana M. Brajovic, Miodrag Malovic, Zdenka Popovic, Luka Lazarevic
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2014, 16(4):21-26 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2014.4.21-26
This paper describes testing of a wireless technique for measuring the actual sleeper vibrations and determination of their dynamic deflection based on the experimentally acquired acceleration data. Practical measurements of sleeper vibrations and calculation of displacements (deflections) along the track provide insight into the actual condition of layers below sleepers. The main goal was to develop the equipment for structural health monitoring as a basis for the track maintenance management.
Under Sleeper Pads in Railway Track
Otto Plasek, Miroslava Hruzikova, Richard Svoboda, Jaroslav Bilek
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2014, 16(4):27-34 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2014.4.27-34
Under sleeper pads appear to be suitable measure to improve track quality as a consequence of ballast bed protection against extreme stress. The paper comprises experience of under sleeper pads applications in the Czech Republic in two test sections which were built in the Czech Republic in 2007. The tests sections were built with the aim to protect permanent way elements against extremely high dynamic loading. That is why all parameters which could be influenced by the application of USPs are assessed, especially track quality, deflection and vibration of sleepers and bearers. Some positive influence of under sleeper pads on the track quality was...
Influence of Recycled Aggregate Quality on the Mechanical Properties of Concrete
Tereza Pavlu, Luc Boehme, Petr Hajek
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2014, 16(4):35-40 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2014.4.35-40
The use of recycled construction and demolition waste - especially recycled concrete - as an aggregate for new concrete mixes, leads to saving of natural resources and helps to reduce the pressure on landfilling sites. Mostly the quality of recycled concrete is lower compared to standard concrete prepared with the same mix design. The reason for the drop in quality is mainly related to the quality of the recycled aggregate. The high water absorption of recycled aggregate has a negative impact of concrete mix workability and influences the water-cement ratio. This paper presents the effect of recycled aggregate quality on the physical and mechanical...
Microtremor Vibrations in the Soil Experimental Investigation and FEM Simulation
Zuzana Papanova, Daniel Papan, Jan Kortis
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2014, 16(4):41-47 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2014.4.41-47
Vibration problems of the building structures caused by technical seismicity are becoming increasingly topical. The aim of this paper is to show FEM simulation of the spreading wave impact, which causes vibration system consisting of subsoil-structure interaction in microtremor. The results of the experiment together with this theoretical analysis and FEM simulation appear to be effective application for engineering experience. They are also used in assessing and predicting the vibration effects induced by technical seismicity due to traffic. [1].
The Acceleration Wave in a Thin Two-Material and Three-Segmental Rod with Slowly Changing Cross-Section Made of Murnaghan Material
Izabela Major
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2014, 16(4):48-52 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2014.4.48-52
The paper presents propagation of acceleration waves in a thin rod with slowly changing cross-section made of hyperelastic Murnaghan material. Analytical calculations were made based on the models obtained for the intensity of the transmitted and reflected wave. Numerical analysis of the velocity of wave propagation in the three-segmental rod made of two compressible elastic materials (steel and aluminum) has been made.
Overview of the Road Network Management System
Jan Mikolaj, Lubos Remek, Lubomir Pepucha
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2014, 16(4):53-57 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2014.4.53-57
The long-term high standard research in civil engineering at the Department of Construction Management contributed to the fact that Slovakia succeeded to create its own pavement management system called Road Network Management System, which was accepted by international financial institutions on providing investment credits for rehabilitation of road network. At present, when the system has been in operation for more than 15 years, we can assess and analyse the results achieved in practice. This article presents a concise overview of the Road Network Management System. Computational details of pavement distress assessment and pavement structure evaluation...
New Inclinometer Device for Monitoring of Underground Displacements and Landslide Activity
Andrea Segalini, Luca Chiapponi, Marian Drusa, Benedetta Pastarini
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2014, 16(4):58-62 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2014.4.58-62
The paper illustrates the theoretical basis of a new device called MUMS - Modular Underground Monitoring System - and one of its applications. MUMS has been designed for monitoring of underground displacements through a continuous and automated data acquisition system. MUMS instrumentation can be used to monitor the deformation of natural and artificial slopes as well as geotechnical structures. The device consists of a series of nodes located at known distances along a connecting rope and is installed within a vertical borehole. Each node measures its local rotation relative to the vertical axis by means of a 3D micro electro-mechanical acceleration...
Precision Analysis of Height Measurements Realized on Ballastless Track
Jana Izvoltova, Peter Pisca, Andrej Villim, Marian Mancovic
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2014, 16(4):63-67 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2014.4.63-67
The ballastless track is a relatively new track construction built in Slovak Railways. The Department of Geodesy and the Department of Railway Building and Track Management of the University of Zilina have been involved in the research project aimed to monitor such an unconventional track construction. The periodical diagnostics of the vertical and positional geometrical track parameters is realized by absolute and relative methods to determine the construction conditions under traffic loading. Precision analysis of the observation is necessary to define confidential interval of measurements errors.
Advance Audit - Practical Audit Tool for Improving Urban Mobility Plans
Dana Sitanyiova, Sona Masarovicova
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2014, 16(4):68-73 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2014.4.68-73
This paper presents the methodology and the results of the ADVANCE project. ADVANCE supports cities and municipalities on their way towards a more sustainable urban mobility, thus assisting them to set up and improve the quality of Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs) and policies. ADVANCE has developed an audit scheme designed by an interdisciplinary team of mobility experts, to assess the quality of the cities' mobility plans. Thereby, it contributes to the take-up of Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans in Europe.
Influence of Wind-Driven Rain on the Thermal Conductivity of Building Envelopes with Different Cement-Lime Coatings
Peter Juras, Pavol Durica
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2014, 16(4):74-80 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2014.4.74-80
This paper deals with influence of the wind-driven rain on the building envelopes in terms of thermal conductivity. Low rise building was simulated in Computational fluid dynamics CFD software OpenFOAM using Eulerian multiphase model for rain phase and determined rain load was used as an input for Heat-Air-Moisture HAM simulation in WUFI. Two different wall constructions which were used differ in the core layer and also in exterior coatings. The influence of wind-driven rain load on the thermal conductivity for aerated concrete and aerated clay brick was established.
The Capacity Limits of Roundabouts
Andrea Kocianova
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2014, 16(4):81-86 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2014.4.81-86
According to the manuals for the capacity calculation and evaluation of roundabouts it is possible to calculate and evaluate the capacity of roundabout entries only under particular traffic conditions. However, it is not possible to simply determine the total capacity of roundabouts. For this reason, custom software tool, which allows total capacity calculation for different models of roundabouts under different traffic conditions, has been created. Results of the maximum capacity limits for some of the analyzed roundabouts at the most influencing traffic conditions settings are shown in the article. For better illustration, the results are compared...
Experimental and Numerical Analysis of Eccentrically Loaded Beam-Columns
Josef Vican, Peter Janik, Ruzica Nikolic
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2014, 16(4):87-93 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2014.4.87-93
The beam-column subjected to the combination of the axial force and the bending moments is an example of the very complicated task from the viewpoint of the design resistance verification. The general theoretical solution of the resistance assessment of that beam-column is not suitable for practical use due to complicated and non-general form. Then, the standard simplified approach is used. Therefore, the paper deals with the experimental and numerical analyses of the resistances of eccentrically loaded beam-columns and their comparison with the standard approaches. Discussion of results and conclusions related to further research direction are also...
Numerical Approach to Pile Load Test Using 3D Finite Element Method
Marian Drusa, Jozef Vlcek
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2014, 16(4):94-97 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2014.4.94-97
Despite the various design approaches, the design of the pile foundations is still to be verified by the in-situ load tests to check the design stage assumptions. This paper presents the results of the study aimed at the soil properties and interaction between piles and soil. Calibration of the numerical model is based on the in-situ pile load test. It represents the case study, how variation of soil characteristics acting in interaction with pile and numerical technics can attain the coinciding results with tested outputs. Moreover, this study is contribution to the effort of designing the pile foundations more accurately with limiting occurrence...
Interannual Differences in Employee Motivation in Manufacturing Enterprises in Slovakia
Rudolf Kampf, Milos Hitka, Marek Potkany
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2014, 16(4):98-102 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2014.4.98-102
Differences in employee motivation in Slovak manufacturing enterprises during the years 2013 and 2014 are analysed in the paper. Independent samples t-test is used to compare the equality of averages and to calculate the significance level p for individual motivation factors. Definition of the significant increase or decrease of the average level of motivation factors and the comparison of an order of the importance of motivation factors in the year 2013 and 2014 are the findings of the paper. Despite no significant change in various motivation factors they need to be included in the motivation programme of enterprises owing to their importance. Statement...
People Movement Characteristics Based on an Evacuation Test
Martin Lopusniak, Dusan Katunsky
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2014, 16(4):103-109 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2014.4.103-109
Modelling of the evacuation of people is the only method leading to a proper design of emergency escape routes from buildings. The background details necessary for modelling can only be obtained from actual incidents or evacuation tests. The paper presents the results of an evacuation test carried out in a university environment with respect to an announced evacuation. The introduction of the paper describes the scope of the test, physiological characteristics of the participants, the geometry and the environment. The analysis of the evacuation test focuses on the movement of people and the flow. The analysis of the results showed that the values recorded...
Technical Improvement in Revolution Control Expressed through Process Capability Indices
Jozef Futo, Lenka Landryova, Vladena Baranova
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2014, 16(4):110-117 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2014.4.110-117
In today's competitive environment, it is essential that the company has a set of key indicators reflecting its credible performance. Modern concepts of measuring corporate performance emphasize the need for not only financial but also non-financial indicators that allow us to create a dynamic picture of the competitive situation on the market and help us to link the short-term performance to the long-term strategic vision of the company. This area can also include the issue of the numerical evaluation of the benefits brought about by using new technology in the enterprise when compared with the previously used technology. As an example, we show the...
Correlation of Water Absorption Values of Bitumen Waterproofing Sheets Obtained According to CSN EN 14223 and CSN 503602
Jan Plachy, Jana Vysoka, Radek Vejmelka, Zdenek Caha
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2014, 16(4):118-122 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2014.4.118-122
The article deals with the issue of weight water absorption of bitumen waterproofing sheets. It compares two methodologies applicable to examination of water absorption of bitumen waterproofing sheets from the point of view of testing procedures. It compares the results of both the methods for individual bitumen sheets upon experimental measurement and examines mutual relation between the individual results. The experimental measurement was performed on bitumen sheets used for waterproofing of bridge deck [1].
The Vibration Analysis by Margenau-Hill Transformation Method
Jaroslav Smutny, Daniela Sadlekova
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2014, 16(4):123-127 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2014.4.123-127
The paper is devoted to the description and application of Margenau Hill transformation for vibration analysis. This is a transformation belonging to the large group of non-linear time-frequency transformations. The properties predestinated it to a successful use in the area of non-stationary and transitional signal analysis describing various natural processes. A very interesting application area of this transformation is its use for the vibration analysis of signals from railway traffic. The paper contains mathematical analysis of the transformation, case study and gained practical experience and recommendations for practice.
Slovak Virtual Market in the Light of Analysis af Possibilities of Detecting On-Line Reputation for Selected Subjects
Peter Dorcak, Frantisek Pollak, Martin Mudrik, Ludovit Nastisin
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2014, 16(4):128-132 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2014.4.128-132
The main aim of this article is to analyze the theoretical possibilities of detecting an On-Line reputation of selected subjects functioning on Slovak virtual market. The purpose of article is also to present selected method of measuring on-line reputation of selected subjects based on newest knowledge in the field of managerial sciences. For purposes of this article, subjects are represented by on-line presence of Slovak towns in a virtual market place. In particular, cultural and anthropological context, and the resulting specificities and peculiarities typical of the post-communist block of countries will be taken into account in relation to the...
Price of Electricity vs Different Heating Technologies in Czech Republic
Milan Mikolas, Jana Bartonova, Jana Magnuskova, Dagmar Letavkova
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2014, 16(4):133-138 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2014.4.133-138
This paper analyses both individual components of the price of electricity and the electricity rates as related to individual modes of heating. The price development has been monitored and assessed since July 1, 2001, i.e. the date on which the 'Price Decree of the Energy Regulation Office, No. 5/2001' entered into force concerning introduction of new rates and prices of electricity for households and businesses. Primarily, the rate, D 02d, was chosen for assessment. This rate is used by the majority of households as they use gas or solid fuels for heating. Further, the rate, D45 d, for direct electric heating, and rates, D55 d and D 56 d, for heating...
Errata: Communications - Scientific Letters of the Zilina, No. 3, 2014, "The System of Transitivity in the War on Terror Discourse", pp. 46-51.
Marek Hampl
Communications - Scientific Letters of the University of Zilina 2014, 16(4):139 | DOI: 10.26552/com.C.2014.4.139
Errata: Communications - Scientific Letters of the Zilina, No. 3, 2014, "The System of Transitivity in the War on Terror Discourse", pp. 46-51. The proper wording of paragraph 7 on p. 49 should be formulated as follows: In the clauses within which enemies are presented, the speaker employs "a number of words" which "have affective connotations" and most of these words have "negative evaluations of the activity to which they refer. Therefore, the negative evaluation" [16] can be observed in clauses with Material processes such as "kill", "violate", as they are usually negatively perceived in "most contexts. Thus the actors" in the clauses are "evaluated...