No abstract

The aim of this work was to verify the behavior of hybrid hardwood glue-laminated beams and the possibility of replacing Norway spruce (Picea abies) construction elements, especially in roof and ceiling structures. The samples were six lamellae homogeneous beech (Fagus sylvatica) beams and six-lamellae hybrid beech-poplar (Fagus sylvatica–Poplar spp.) beams; each beam had a cross-section of 60 × 120 mm and was glued with polyurethane adhesive. The samples were loaded using destructive four-point bending tests according to EN 408; the obtained bending strength and modulus of elasticity were statistically evaluated and compared to each other in both types of samples. The results showed that the examined properties of the hybrid beams (with a 16% weight reduction) are comparable to the properties of homogeneous beech glue-laminated beams. Based on the obtained data, the timber elements that are currently used can be successfully replaced by hardwood glue-laminated elements. Based on their higher load-bearing capacity, the cross-section depth can be reduced compared to a larger cross-section depth in spruce beams; this means that hardwood could be suitable in building renovations.

Particulate air pollution in cities is caused by a variety of sources. One of the less-studied contributors is wind-induced particle resuspension. As the wind speed increases, particles are removed from surfaces. These particles cause an increase in the total concentration in the air. It is known that particles of 10-2.5 μm in size can be resuspended (PM10-2,5). Modern emission monitoring in cities also allows the monitoring of fine particles of 10, 2.5 and 1 μm in size. The size fractions can then be sorted into PM10-2,5, PM2,5-1 and PM1. When breathed in, particles of different sizes cause various serious health risks. This paper focuses on the identification of the resuspension process of different particle size fractions by a data processing method. Data measured by automatic emission monitoring are used. It is confirmed that the concentration increase can be dominated by the fraction PM10-2,5. However, a concentration increase of fractions PM2,5-1 and PM1 is also evident with increasing wind speed. Although the increase in the PM1 fraction is smaller than PM10-2,5, it is more severe due to the respiratory deposition dose. The resuspension of particles of different fractions has different behaviours during the year. PM10-2,5 particles are dominantly resuspended in the summer months. In winter, on the other hand, the proportion of PM2.5-1 and PM1 particles increases, which may be related to the heating season

No abstract

Air pollution by particulate matter (PM) in urban environment is an ongoing problem with increasing severity. With the gradual evolution of electromobility and lowemission heat sources, the focus is shifting to non-exhaust PM emissions. Wind induced PM resuspension is one of them. This source is hardly amenable to mitigation measures. It was assumed, that only coarse PM (PM10-2,5) can be lifted from the ground by the wind. By the evaluation of the long-term data series, we can divide the PM10 concentration to its fractions PM10-2,5, PM2,5-1, PM1 and evaluate their behaviour. The aim of the work was to evaluate the data in order to recognize the resuspension process, even with a fine fraction, PM1. The data were then compared with the NOx values to determine if the PM originated from combustion processes. The original assumption of a correlation between NOx and PM1 was not confirmed in most cases. The results show that in some cases coarse PM are dominantly associated with NOx. The correlation of fine and coarse particles with NOx in resuspension process depends primarily on the time period of the day.