Application of the Engineering-Geological Conditions in Land-Use Plans in the Petrvald Region(Czech Republic)

The objective of this paper is to demonstrate necessity to inform relevant parties about engineering-geological conditions for various practical purposes, especially including appropriate land-use planning. However, the relationship between relevant geological information and the geological environment is vital for foundation engineering purposes, especially where demanding structures are involved. This information is most conveniently structured when accumulated information concerning engineering-geological zones is utilized. This necessarily includes knowledge of rock workability and also of the pre-Quaternary bedrock, and these characteristics were then related to the current built-up area and future development according to the land-use plans in a case study are from the Petrvald Region （Czech Republic）. The geological environment of area has been severely influenced by anthropogenic effects of deep black coal mining. Results of this research showed that future development should be founded on spoil banks, dumps, and settling basins. According to the land-use plan, this zone occupies 44.9% of the area of interest, and its materials predominantly emanate from mining in the Ostrava-Karvina Coal District. For future foundation structures planned there, it is imperative to consult detailed engineering-geological study. However, attention to and reliance on this necessity is not reflected in the existing land-use plan.

Investigation of Bed Joint Reinforcement Influence on Mechanical Properties of Masonry under Compression

The results of investigations of compressed reinforced masonry walls subjected to axial compression are presented. Tests were carried out using specimens made of clay bricks and cement-lime mortar. As reinforcement, smooth and spiral twisted longitudinal rods, two types of structural wire mesh and truss type reinforcement were used. Two percentages of bed joint reinforcement, about 0.1% and 0.05% were applied. For each type of reinforcement, three masonry walls were tested. Additionally, nine unreinforced models were also tested. The main aim of the investigations presented is to determine the effect of different types of reinforcement on the load capacity and failure. Measurement of the strains of reinforcing bars permitted the recording of the strain level at the moment of crack appearance and also at the moment of failure.

A Comparative Analysis between the Spanish and Portuguese Seismic Codes: Application to a Border RC Primary School

The Iberian Peninsula is close to the Eurasia-Africa plate boundary resulting in a considerable seismic hazard.In fact,the southwestern Iberian Peninsula is affected by far away earthquakes of long-return period with large-very large magnitude.A project named PERSISTAH(Projetos de Escolas Resilientes aos SISmos no Território do Algarve e de Huelva,in Portuguese)aims to cooperatively assess the seismic vulnerability of primary schools located in the Algarve(Portugal)and Huelva(Spain).Primary schools have been selected due to the considerable amount of similar buildings and their seismic vulnerability.In Portugal,the Decreto Lei 235/83(RSAEEP)is mandatory while in Spain,the mandatory code is the Seismic Building Code(NCSE-02).In both countries,the Eurocode-8(EC-8)is recommended.Despite the fact that both regions would be equally affected by an earthquake,both seismic codes are significantly different.This research compares the seismic action of Ayamonte(Huelva)and Vila Real de Santo António(Portugal).Both towns are very close and located at both sides of the border.Moreover,they share the same geology.This analysis has been applied considering a reinforced concrete(RC)primary school building located in Huelva.To do so,the performance-based method has been used.The seismic action and the damage levels are compared and analysed.The results have shown considerable differences in the seismic actions designation,in the performance point values and in the damage levels.The values considered in the Portuguese code are significantly more unfavourable.An agreement between codes should be made for border regions.

Promoting Collaborative Learning in Dynamics Remedial Course

The paper reports on collaborative learning approach to a remedial class in Dynamics. It uses the Kolb model and 4MAT learning system to introduce a learning cycle based on collaborative problem solving exercises. The teaching approach based on learning cycle is described giving examples of different teaching elements applied in particular quadrants of the learning cycle. The attitude of students and their different approaches to, learning are presented and discussed in detail. The results presented cover different aspects of the course delivery and students＇ perception. The results include students＇ statistics with respect to their registration and previous history related to the course, their motivatiion, assessment and satisfaction with the approach applied. This initial introduction of cooperative activities into the remedial Dynamics class can be assessed as a positive step in increasing student understanding and performance in the course. The students＇ positive reception of the non-traditional teaching method and their overall improved performance seem to confirm the advantages of collaborative leaming. In terms of the final grades, the results of the experiment were not as good as expected. However, the application of 4MAT learning system which exposed students to a variety of diverse learning styles improved the quality of education. The positive aspect of the experiment was the attitude of students and their acceptance of the new mode of course delivery. In conclusion collaborative learning could be extended beyond remedial groups to normal student classes.