The subject of the work is a five-layered composite beam with clamped ends subjected to a uniformly distributed load along its length. Two analytical models of this beam are developed with consideration of the shear effect. The first model is formulated on the basis of the classical zig-zag theory. Whereas, the second model is developed using an individual nonlinear shear deformation theory with consideration of the classical shear stress formula (called Zhuravsky shear stress). The system of two differential equations of equilibrium for each beam model is obtained based on the principle of stationary total potential energy. These systems of equations are exactly analytically solved. The shear effect function and the maximum deflection are determined for each of these two beam models. Detailed calculations are carried out for exemplary beams of selected dimensionless sizes and material constants. The main goal of the research is to develop two analytical models of this beam, determine the shear effect function, the shear coefficient, and the maximum deflection in the elastic range for each model, as well as to perform a comparative analysis.

Medical applications of additive manufacturing have seen a significant growth in recent years due to availability of advanced medical imaging and design software and wide range of materials. The range of additively manufactured medical implants is growing rapidly and surgeons need to keep themselves updated with state-of-the-art of the technology. This article reviews several articles related to medical implants to help surgeons and researchers to stay up-to-date on recent developments in the domain. Additively manufactured medical implants are reviewed into five categories: orthopedic implants, dental implants, cranioplasty implants, scaffold implants for tissue engineering and other medical implants including chest wall reconstructive implants, anti-migration enhanced tracheal stents, and buccopharyngeal stents. Additive manufacturing process and material for fabrication of each type of implant are highlighted in the study. It has been observed that titanium alloy is a suitable material for cementless arthroplasty. Porosity in the implants supports bone ingrowth, which results in a significant reduction in stress shielding. Additive manufacturing has a very attractive future in medical implant fabrication due to its capability to produce complex and customized implants. The AM provides freedom to researcher to explore the complex design of medical implants for better bone regeneration and improved osseointegration.

This paper reviews latest developments of substructures for offshore wind turbines focusing on investigations and applications of hybrid foundations. Model tests and numerical analyses were used to simulate the loading of hybrid piles in sand. The results of pile-soil interaction were investigated to confirm the changes in soil stiffness around the hybrid monopile head. The mechanism and factors affecting the change in lateral stiffness of the hybrid foundation were explained by analysing p–y curves for M+H loading conditions in sand. Based on this research, a new shape of p–y curves for hybrid monopiles was established and a method for determining key parameters was proposed. The effectiveness of new p–y curves was verified by comparing back-calculated results with those from numerical simulations. The conducted tests confirmed that the hybrid monopile displacement is 30–50% smaller when compared to a standard monopile with similar dimensions. The gained experiences can be useful for designers and researchers to enhance the design of foundations for offshore wind turbines.

Drilled displacement columns, constructed in the form of unreinforced or reinforced concrete elements, are currently a very commonly used method of improving soft subsoil, creating an alternative to more expensive pile foundations. A frequently used solution for improving soft soils of road or railway embankments is to design a regular pattern of columns of relatively small diameter. Columns along the perimeter of the improved area are reinforced with rigid steel profiles, while the internal ones are made as concrete elements. Column heads are usually covered with a load transfer platform (layer of compacted granular fill) which is additionally reinforced with geosynthetics.
The application of soil improvement with displacement columns is not always successful. It is due to the errors and shortcomings occurring at the design stage, including simplifications in modelling, to construction faults, which may include insufficient experience of contractors and/or improper supervision.
Referring to the real object that failed, the article provides the results of numerical parametric analyses taking into account the influence of the key design parameters such as: the stiffness of the load transfer layers, the amount and stiffness of the geosynthetic reinforcement as well as the column spacing. The article presents comparisons of numerical results obtained with the finite element analyses for various approaches to geometry modelling (axisymmetric, 2D and 3D). The simulations indicate that the use of the axisymmetric model of a single column in routine design may lead to the deformations exceeding the serviceability limit states.

The volatility of raw material prices and the rising prices of CO2 emission allowances when using fossil fuels to produce electricity and heat are still relevant problems for owners of generating units. The decision-making tools are used in the fuel purchase process. However, these tools should also consider environmental issues.
The article’s main objective is a quantitative analysis of the potential for reducing costs associated with supplying and using hard coal in public power plants as a result of considering the costs of environmental protection and CO2 emission allowances in the process of planning this fuel supply. A mathematical model was developed to optimize the supply of hard coal for the power industry. The tool and elaborated research scenarios made it possible to calculate and analyze the impact of considering the costs of emissions of harmful substances into the environment and CO2 emission allowances on the planning of coal supplies and the reduction of costs related to acquiring and using coal by public power plants. The calculation results were presented on the example of the Polish power sector.
The model’s results confirm that the appropriate selection of coals, taking into account the quality parameters determining the amount of emissions of harmful substances, reduces the amount of these emissions and the total costs of acquiring and using coal in electricity production. However, depending on the considered scenario, the scale of this impact varies. The results of the optimization of coal supplies to power plants and their proper interpretation may constitute an important contribution to making management decisions in energy companies.

The mineralogy and chemistry of Upper Cretaceous-Lower Paleocene claystone sediments from Mardin and Batman, southeastern Turkey, were analyzed. The main mineral paragenesis in the Upper Cretaceous member formed chlorite-smectite (C-S) and illite, while the Lower Paleocene member occurred of chlorite-vermiculite (C-V) and vermiculite minerals. The clays were silica-poor but indicated high values of Al, Fe, Mg, Cr, Ni, V, and Zr. Lower contents of the alkali elements (Na, Ca, Mg, K) of the clayey sediments suggests a relatively denser weathering of the source area. The mineralogical compositions, major element ratios, trace, and rare earth element (REE ) contents of the sediments show that the Upper Cretaceous member consists of materials with a mainly felsic source lithology, while relatively contributions from basic sources are found in the Lower Paleocene unit. A comparison of the major and trace element contents of the phyllosilicate/clay minerals with the members revealed that the patterns of the clays were different from each other, although the enrichments/ decreases varied depending on the origin (basement rocks or detrital) of the derived rocks, minerals, and elements. REE content of clays increased from detrital to phyllosilicate/clay minerals of chemical/diagenetic/neoformation origin during the Lower Paleocene. During the Cretaceous and Tertiary periods, local or regional geodynamic and diagenetic events largely governed the rock sedimentation processes and provenance variations amongst Germav Formation members.

Phosphate rocks and elemental phosphorus are considered to be critical raw materials mainly because of such parameters as the growing prices of phosphate fertilizers, the high concentration of producers limited to several countries in the world, the exceptional significance of phosphorus in agriculture and the inability to substitute it.
In Poland 100% of the demand phosphate rocks relies on import. The expansion and mining of the nation’s own resource base may be an alternative to import and a way to provide safety of supplies. Historically, phosphorites from the northern margin of the Holy Cross Mountains were extracted using the underground method, which was abandoned in the beginning of the 1970s due to the unprofitability of extraction. However, in eastern and south-eastern Poland, phosphorite concretions of the Eocene age occur at shallow depths, which can have local significance as mineral deposits and might be extracted in open-pit mines. The economics of mining in shallow opencasts do not require such stringent limiting parameters for phosphate deposits as those currently valid, which were established for underground mining conditions.
In this publication, the authors analyzed contemporary conditions for a cost-effective phosphorite deposit, including the price fluctuations of phosphate rock, a review of threshold parameters of deposits for phosphorite projects in the world, and the economics of open-pit ore extraction, where an aggregate mine with mixed extraction (partially from below the water table) was adopted as a point of reference.
As a result, new threshold parameters defining an ore deposit and its boundaries are proposed for Eocene phosphorites in Poland.

In the Motongkad prospect, East Bolaang Mongondow Regency, North Sulawesi Province, Indonesia, an epithermal gold mineralization occurred, hosted in andesitic-basaltic breccia, lava and tuff members the middle Miocene volcanic rock (Tmv). The Volcanic Rock is intruded by andesite dikes and contains fine quartz veins. Gold, silver, and pyrite found in the quartz veins.
This study consists of two main stages, field works and laboratory works. The field works were performed in whole area of the Motongkad prospect, where fresh and altered rock and mineralization samples were collected randomly, selectively, and systematically from outcrops as well as from a test pit. The laboratory works include petrography, X-ray diffraction (XRD), ore microscopy, and chemical analysis using the atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) method.
The study area is arranged by three lithology units. Stratigraphically, the units are andesite rhyolite and tuff. The hydrothermal alteration in the study area are classified in five zones, namely: quartzsericite, quartz-sericite-clay, quartz-calcite-sericite-chlorite, quartz-calcite-sericite, and quartz-calcite- kaolinite. Motongkad prospect mineralization consists of two types, namely the vein type and the disseminated type. The ore minerals found in the Motongkad prospect are gold, pyrite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, covellite, chalcocite, bornite and tennantite. We conclude that gold mineralization and its associated minerals in the Motongkad prospect are hydrothermal mineralization with epithermal characteristics.
Based on the results of mineragraphic analysis, there are two types of gold-bearing minerals found, namely native gold minerals and electrum, which are generally hosted by pyrite. Based on the distribution map of alteration and mineralization that has been made, it is recommended that the company wish to conduct mining with the highest gold content in the quartz-sericite and quartz-sericite- clay alteration zones, which are in the range of 0.83–1.07 g/t.

Opal can be found in several locations, including America, Tanzania, Brazil, Mexico, East Africa, Indonesia and Australia, which is now the world’s top producer of black opal. One of the most economically valuable gems in the world is the mineraloid opal. In the Rongkong area, opal is found in the host rock of volcanic igneous rock, namely andesite. This study aims to determine the opal mineraloid host-rock’s microstructural characteristics and the elemental and compound content of the opal mineraloid host-rock’s geochemistry in the Rongkong area, Indonesia. The research took three samples in the field as large as hand specimens. The three samples were one host-rock sample and two opal mineraloid samples; the samples were then prepared and analyzed in the laboratory. Laboratory analysis was performed using SEM-EDS, XRF and petrographic analyses. The results of the SEM-EDS test analysis showed that most opal mineraloid carrier rock constituents are aluminum and oxide. This can be seen from the substantial Al and O content. In samples 1 and 2, Al, O, Ca and P with the highest composition of chemical compounds are Al2O3, CaO, and P2O5. The Rongkong opal mineraloid from Limbong Village, Rongkong District, North Luwu Regency, South Sulawesi, based on the results of XRF analysis, contains the chemical compounds SiO2, Al2O3, K2O, Fe2O3, CaO, TiO2, RuO2, SrO, MnO, V2O5, Rb2O, Ag2O and CuO. The content compound that is more dominant in opal mineraloids is SiO2 due to silicate enrichment in the forming of opal mineraloids.

This article presents the results of research on the importance of access to critical raw materials for the development of wind energy in Poland. The authors have built a set of factors that can potentially influence this development. Twenty-four explanatory variables were taken into account, which were assigned to five categories. The amount of demand for mineral resources related to the development of wind technology was determined using a computer programwritten by the authors. The importance of individual factors was verified using the ARMAX model. As a result of this, it was possible to identify the explanatory variables that significantly affect the volume of wind energy production in Poland. The group of mineral resources includes critical metals that are necessary for the production of wind turbines. These are rare earth elements, copper, nickel, boron and manganese. The ARMAX model enables the examination of the relationship between the explained variable and the explanatory variables. Optimization of the model parameters was performed by limiting the mean square error. During the validation of the model, the VIF (variance inflation factor), Dickey-Fuller and Doornik-Hansen tests were used. The ARMAX validation also consisted of selecting the model characterized by the lowest value of information criteria and determining ex post errors, including the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). In addition, the nature of individual independent variables was determined, i.e. whether they were stimulants, nominants, or destimulants. The forecast made it possible to verify the possibility of meeting the assumptions of the Polish Energy Policy until 2040. It showed that if the development trends of the factors that affect wind energy do not change, it would be possible to meet the assumptions of PEP2040 regarding the dynamic development of wind farms in Poland and double the generation capacity by 2030. Analysis using the ARMAX model showed that access to raw materials such as REE, Cu, Ni, Br and Mn would have a very significant impact on the development of wind energy in Poland. Each factor of the raw material category that was introduced into the model was considered statistically significant at the significance level of α = 0.01, i.e. at the lowest acceptable risk of error. Therefore, the raw material base would be of key importance to ensure access to wind energy at the level adopted in PEP2040.

During the extraction of nuclear raw materials, rare earths and other elements from ores containing uranium and thorium, various types of radioactive waste and some recovery tailings are generated. Mining and ore processing residues, i.e. waste and tailings, present a variety of problems related to waste management. Their bulky structure prevents their disposal underground, and their long radioactive half-life causes various problems with regard to their long-term storage. As a matter of fact, the secondary presence of nuclear raw materials together with other minerals requires compliance with hazardous waste procedures in the storage of waste containing nuclear raw materials after the recovery of these main minerals. It may be possible in the future to recover these nuclear raw materials from stockpiles of stored mine waste. The prospect of imbalances in the global uranium supply and demand increases the importance of secondary sources contributing to the global uranium supply. The increasing importance of secondary sources of nuclear raw materials suggests that more attention should be paid to the recovery of these resources together with primary minerals than in the past. In world literature, there is no review article that describes and discusses the waste management of nuclear raw materials in mining and mineral processing together with the opportunities and obstacles for their recovery. Considering this deficiency in the literature, in this study, the properties of waste and tailings resulting from mining and ore preparation activities of nuclear raw materials are explained, the difficulties encountered are mentioned, and solution suggestions are presented by making use of the literature on the recovery of tailings and waste management.

The paper presents the methods of determining the characteristic value on the basis of the standards: PN-B-03020:1981, PN-EN 1997-1:2008, prEN 1997-1:2022-09 and Schneider formula. Determination of the characteristic value of the undrained shear strength τfu was carried out using statistical method on the basis of the prEN 1997-1:2022-09 standard and Schneider formula. The statistical calculations were based on the results of field vane tests carried out in organic subsoil of test embankment in Antoniny test site before loading and after the 2nd embankment stage. In order to determine the undrained shear strength τfu of organic soils from field vane tests, the measured values of shear strength τf v were corrected using the average values of correction factors μ = μ(lab) determined on the basis of triaxial compression, simple shear and triaxial extension tests. The analysis of the calculation results shows that with relatively numerous data sets, large values of the coefficient of variation Vx result in significantly lower characteristic values of τfu obtained according to prEN 1997-1:2022-09, compared to the values obtained according to the Schneider formula. In the case of few data sets, for which high values of the coefficient kn are obtained, with high values of the coefficient of variation Vx , the comparison of the values according to prEN 1997-1:2022-09 with the values obtained according to the Schneider formula shows the greatest differences.

Even the best project of a wind power plant (WPP) can fail if there are not favourable legal regulations for its completion. Most of the research has dealt with identification of various obstacles to implement WPP (political, social, legal, environmental). Analyses of legal barriers (LBs) have been usually made at a high degree of generality. This paper offers a thorough overview of LBs for localization of WPPs in Poland. This is the country where restrictive regulations have blocked the possibility of implementing such projects in many areas. Unfriendly law may persuade investors to choose worse wind turbines foundation conditions. In our research we focus on a problem little dealt in scientific studies, i.e. on the localization of WPP in difficult geotechnical conditions. The article presents the analytical engineering method, which includes the mutual influence between foundation piles in carrying on the construction load on a subsoil. The paper presents the geotechnical parameters responsible for calculation outcomes, the theoretical basis of the curve analysis method of settlement of a single pile and of the calculation of piles settlement working in a group and fastened with a stiff head. It also shows the effect of pile arrangement in a foundation and a load distribution of in-dividual piles, as well as a settlement and leaning of foundation of wind power turbine towers. The method enables a more precise, safer and optimal design of a wind turbine foundation.

Static analyses of bridge structures are currently performed using the finite element method (FEM). Depending on the geometry of the structure and the technically required accuracy of calculations, different levels of discretization of these structures are used in their design. In the design process, beam grillage models (denoted e1, p2), shell models (denoted e2, p2) or shell-beam models (denoted e1+ e2, p3) are often used. Solid models (denoted e3+ p3) are mostly used in advanced analyses, having frequently a scientific character. It is shown that there is an impact of the applied types of the numerical model (i.e., degree of complexity, degree of discretization, accuracy of the model) of the road bridge on the calculated values of bending moments and displacements, which indirectly affects the global safety coefficient of the designed bridge structure. The main purpose of the calculations is to examine the discrepancies of analyzed internal forces and displacements depending of the type of numerical model used. The calculated values are referred to the results taken from the field tests of the existing bridge denoted MS 03, which is a continuous beam structure with the three spans 37:50 + 46:75 + 37:50 m made of prestressed concrete and with variable beam depth. On the basis of numerical simulations, the paper provides author’s recommendations for computer modeling of similar bridges.

The REVM method is a modernized option of classical EVM method. The new method has been developed for applying in unstable condition of works implementation. When the works can be accidentally disturbed and the impact of random disruption factors on course and results of works must be taken into consideration. Next, Randomized Budgeted Duration to Completion and Randomized Budgeted Cost to Completion that is duration and cost of works remaining to execution after each inspection, as well as the Randomized Budgeted Duration at Completion and Randomized Budgeted Cost at Completion that is duration and cost of all works of the project completion after the site inspection. Moreover, the risk of durations and costs overrun of works are evaluated. It is important that input data required for the REVM method are the similar and are measured in the same way as in typical control of advancement works. But results of the application consist new decision information. Control of the investment under deterministic conditions, without taking into account the risk of disruptions, resulted in a final deviation from the planned budget of over 7%, and from the planned completion of the investment by almost 12%. Without analysing the factor related to disruptions at the investment implementation stage, the material and financial schedule was completely outdated. On the other hand, when controlling the investment under risk conditions and introducing organizational and technological changes adequate to the inspection reports, the final deviation from the planned budget was less than 2%, and slightly more than 2% from the planned completion date. Researches confirm that the results received by using the REVM method well reflect real situation of works implementation.

Significant subsoil deformation and additional loads from the new denitrification unit caused a major problem with the load-bearing capacity of the coal power plant. It was necessary to perform an advanced assessment of the technical condition of the structure. Laser scanning (LiDAR) were used to obtain detailed data upon structure. Based on the analysis of the point cloud, the location of the column axes was determined, which allowed to determine the global and local displacements of the structure. Spatial models of the structure were created. Non-linear analyses of the structure were carried out using two types of models: 1) global beam-shell 3D models of the boiler room used to calculate the magnitude of internal forces and deformations of the structure; 2) local beam-shell detailed models of selected structural elements. Based on the results of the calculations, necessary reinforcement of the structure was designed and successfully implemented. Advanced analysis of the structure using laser scanning, subsoil monitoring and complex numerical models made it possible to perform only local reinforcements of the entire complex structure.

The well-known Manning formula is usually used for the calculation of the calculative volumetric flow rate in a river or open canal. The discharge depends on the geometry of the channel, i.e. the water area, the wetted perimeter and the slope, as well as on the roughness coefficients. All these quantities are determined with some uncertainty. The article proposes a methodology for calculating the uncertainty of the roughness coefficients of the riverbed and the floodplain as well as the uncertainty of the geometric dimensions of the riverbed. Then, the method of calculating the uncertainty of the calculative discharge is then given. If these uncertainties are taken into consideration in the process of discharge calculation, then, as has been demonstrated for a hypothetical river channel, the ratio of the uncertainty to the calculated value of the discharge will change from several dozen percent in case of small flows to about ten percent in case of big, flood flows. It has also been shown that the uncertainty of the roughness coefficients has the biggest influence on the uncertainty of the flow rate. The presented calculations show that in order to take into account the influence of uncertainty of linear dimensions and roughness coefficients, the engineer designing the riverbed should assume for the calculations the flow rate increased by 10% then design flow. The obtained results can be used for homogeneous flows only, which is usually assumed in practical engineering calculations.

Attractive large-scale glazing is currently an architectural trend. However, achieving adequate stiffness for larger glazing spans requires the use of complex cross-sections, generally aluminium sections of considerable height. Members with openwork webs are sometimes used in order to achieve increased load-bearing capacity and stiffness with reduced weight. The disadvantage is that this solution takes up a lot of space inside the building. A recently patented diagonalless member attempts to solve the above-mentioned problems. The member is fully demountable and allows glass units to be installed in the space between the chords. It consists of two chords spaced apart by metal sleeves with bolts passed through them. In this study, preliminary qualitative experimental tests were carried out to determine the behaviour of the member under load and to identify zones sensitive to local deformation. On this basis, numerical models (bar and 3D solid models, including contact interactions) were created and tested. Subsequently, the optimum sleeve spacing was determined, the effect of rotational and translational stiffness reduction at the nodes was investigated, and stress concentration zones and forms of stability loss were identified. A new form of local loss of stability of the chord facewall was identified, the so-called sliding push effect of the chord walls on the sleeve (within the larger openings). This is a completely different type of chord facewall failure from that found in known tubular welded joints. The research programme focused on identifying the phenomena occurring in the new member in order to provide a basis for further, more advanced analyses.

The work concerns dynamic similarity criteria of various phenomena occurring in hydraulics and fluid dynamics originally derived from ratios of forces and forces moments affecting these phenomena. The base of dynamic similarity criteria formulations and considerations is A. Flaga’s method and procedure for determining dynamic similarity criteria in different issues of fluid–solid interactions i.e. at different fluid–solid relative motions. The paper concerns the determination and analysis of dynamic similarity criteria for various practical problems encountered mainly in hydraulics and fluid dynamics at steady, smooth fluid onflow in front of a solid. Moreover, the cases of mechanically induced vibrations of a body in a stationary fluid moving with constant velocity in front of the body have been presented. Assuming authorial method and procedure for determining dynamic similarity criteria, its have been presented and analysed in the paper both well known similarity numbers obtained in another way (e.g. from dimensional analysis or differential equations for particular problems – as Reynolds, Froude, Euler, Cauchy, Strouhal, Mach numbers) – as well as several new similarity numbers encountered in different fluid solid interaction problems (e.g. new forces and moments coefficients encountered in problems of vibrating solid bodies in fluids).