Vibration characteristics of frozen soil under moving track loads

Vibration due to moving traffic loads is an important factor which induces frozen soil damage; this paper analyzed these vibration characteristics of frozen soil foundation under track loads. Firstly, seismic observation array （SOA） technology was applied to monitor the three dimensional dynamic characteristics of frozen soil under movable track load in a per- mafrost region and seasonal frozen soil area. Secondly, a numerical simulation for the response of frozen soil under movable track load was performed based on finite element analysis （FEA）, The results show that dynamic characteristics of frozen soil in perpendicular and parallel direction of the track are obviously different. In the direction perpendicular to the track, the vertical acceleration amplitude had an abrupt increase in the 9-10 m from the track line. In the direction parallel to the track, the acceleration in vertical and horizontal direction had a quick attenuation compared to the other direction. Lastly, various parameters were analyzed for the purpose of controlling the dynamic response of frozen soil and the vibration attenuation in frozen soil layer.

An Encyclopedic Approach to the Conservation of 20^(th)-Century Architecture

The built heritage of the 20^(th) century concerns society in general: it is the background to everyday life and the stage of ‘past experience’. Therefore, recent past buildings should not be considered merely for their aesthetic features;they also have to do with physical well-being, social rituals and representations, as well as with associated concepts such as values and emotions. But conservation of 20^(th)-century heritage is not straightforward. It requires specific strategies as well as critical and operational tools, which are not part of the cultural background of the actors of the transformation of our cities (architects, engineers, heritage officials, etc.) and do not yet feature in current design teaching curricula in most universities. To fill these gaps, in 2008 four Swiss architectural schools (USI, EPFL, ETHZ, SUPSI) launched a research project titled ‘Critical Encyclopaedia for reuse and restoration of 20^(th)-century architecture’ (2009-2013). The article presents one of the outcomes of this research: the work developed by the section titled ‘Historical and Critical Tools for Conservation’, which will be published shortly. It provides readers with the cultural, theoretical and critical frame of reference required to understand recent architectural heritage in its widest sense: as a historical, symbolic and aesthetic resource, but also as being endowed with social, economic and ecological value. By examining theories and doctrines which have developed over time and thanks to the ex­emplary nature and variety of the selected cases, it provides a historical appraisal of how intervention in the field of recent heritage has evolved over the past 60 years. Furthermore the oeuvre presents intervention tools in action: by analysing a vast array of case studies which address the main areas of conservation practice (historical and critical research, analysis of materials and technical features, identification of compatible new uses, regulatory compliance), it provides a methodology to develop concrete and appropriate criteria for any specific case.

Medieval mausoleums of Kazakhstan: Genesis, architectural features, major centres

This article details the origin and development of one of the core groups of the Central Asian (Kazakhstani) medieval architecture - i.e. domed mausoleums;also it identifies the original traits of the medieval Kazakhstani mausoleums and their major locations centres. As determined by the authors so called "dual code' was used as per building of medieval Central Asian mausoleums one of which corresponded to the generalized image of domed tomb as per the new ideology (Islam), and the second one matched the existing local forms and their decorative elements. Subsequently following several major compositional types of the Central Asian (Kazakhstan) mausoleums were formed and later on became standard i. e.- central, frontai, portal-domed ones. They served as the foundation for numerous architectural 'schools' in Kazakhstan which developed further specific building structures, their details,elements proportions,facades divisions, decor, etc. In accorda nee with this, the gen esis and main ways of forming the mausoleums on the territory of Kazakhstan was as follows - from singlechamber (central mausoleums,"facade" and portal ones) compositions up to multi-chamber ones, Also compositional features & specifics of the monuments of the main regional centres were revealed in the article.

Creating Landscapes with Chinese Characteristics: A Review of Modern Landscape Design Originated in China

Modern Landscape Design Originated in China1Author:Yu Changbin Year:2013Publisher:China Machine Press ISBN:9787111314318,711131431X(367pages,in Chinese)Under China’s surging economy,the life quality of Chinese people has changed deeply,having realized the historical leap from simply having enough food and clothing to leading a relatively comfortable life.As people put forward higher living standards,