Introduction. Development of construction technologies and materials entails the use of larger and heavier aercrete blocks. Hence, it promotes construction industry automation through the use of robotic systems. Due to considerable costs of development, production and operation of robotic systems capable of substituting human workers at a construction site, thorough substantiation of their efficiency (or investment appeal) is required. It encompasses the calculation of total costs and the timing of its development and implementation, since no universal comprehensive solutions are available now. Materials and methods. The co-authors have summarized practical design and engineering problems that may accompany the development of novel machinery and preparation of investment projects towards development of a construction robotic system (CRS) designated for aircrete block laying in the course of construction of buildings and structures. Two groups of experts were involved, Group One had civil engineers and Group Two had designers of robotic and mechatronic systems. Methods of expert evaluations and mathematical statistics were used; the co-authors also addressed specialized Internet websites and publications on design and engineering solutions. Results. A list of criteria describing the performance of a robotic system was made with a focus on most important factors. The co-authors identified a set of parameters whose availability in a robotic system ensures ideal blockwork. The co-authors have developed a technical specification for a robotic system, identified its cost and developed an implementation schedule. Conclusions. A formalized description of the future CRS, designated for construction purposes, is provided for the period of concept development. The co-authors also provided a reliable assessment of potential costs and schedules at the problem statement stage (a feasibility study), as it is important for the assessment of implementability of investment processes (a business plan) in terms of making a decision to initiate project implementation.

Research nuclear facilities (RNFs) such as research reactors (RRs), critical and subcritical stands (CSs and SCSs), have played a decisive role in obtaining fundamental and applied knowledge in the area of nuclear physics. As neutron sources, RNFs represent for experimenters a unique research tool in various areas of science and technology. Without RNFs it would be impossible both the creation of nuclear weapons and development of nuclear power industry. The number of RNFs in the world went up especially fast in the 50–70s of the last century and by the mid 1970s peaked. Over time, RNFs began to be used not only for solving problems of defense, fundamental science and nuclear power industry, but also in other industries, including medicine and biology. Dozens of RNFs was built by the Soviet Union in other countries. In this paper have been considered the safety issues of RNFs located in the Russian Federation’s territory. Statistical information has been presented, and analysis of RNFs malfunctions reasons has been carried out. Tight spots in the nuclear and radiation safety assurance at RNFs operation have been identified. The main unresolved questions connected with storage of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive wastes have been specified. Detailed safety moves have been developed. The progress of works for RNFs decommissioning has been analyzed. To justify the technical possibility for continuing the use of RNFs, taking into account the established level of safety beyond the designated service life, it is necessary to carry out the condition survey for RNFs’ elements, systems and structures for subsequent management of theirs resource characteristics. Increasing demands on RNFs operation safety initiate the development and implementation of special activities on modernization and lifetime extension of RNFs systems elements, which are important for safety.