This study explores the optimization of foam ceramic materials through experimental research and mathematical modeling. The goal was to enhance mechanical strength, thermal insulation, porosity, water absorption, and density by adjusting composition and firing conditions. Regression analysis and response surface methodology were used to assess the effects of loam, fly ash content, and the firing temperature. The optimal composition of 60–65% loam, 10% fly ash, and a firing temperature of 950–1000 °C yielded foam ceramics with a bulk density of 680–700 kg/m³, a compressive strength of 3.5–4 MPa, and a thermal conductivity of 0.135–0.140 W/(m·K). Controlled porosity (70–72%) enhanced insulation while maintaining structural integrity. X-ray diffraction confirmed mullite, quartz, and cristobalite phases, with mullite improving mechanical properties. This research demonstrates the potential of optimized foam ceramics for energy-efficient construction. Mathematical modeling and experimental validation provide a pathway for developing lightweight, high-performance ceramic materials. Future work should refine sintering processes, explore new additives, and evaluate the long-term performance.

The growing demands for sanitary regulations in medical facilities, particularly operating rooms, highlight the importance of ensuring high air quality and minimizing airborne hospital-acquired infections. Improperly designed ventilation systems may lead to contamination of up to 90–95% of patients, especially in light of evolving threats, such as COVID-19. This study focuses on enhancing the energy efficiency and performance of air conditioning and ventilation systems for cleanrooms, where air recirculation is not permissible. A novel energy-efficient direct-flow air treatment scheme is proposed, integrating a heat pump system with adjustable thermal output. A computational fluid dynamics CFD model of a clean operating room was developed to assess the impact of inlet air velocity on aerosol particle removal and airflow stabilization time. The model also considers the effect of personnel movement. The results supported optimized air distribution, reducing microbial contamination risks, with less than 10 CFU/m³, and improved thermal performance. The proposed system was evaluated for energy and cost efficiency compared to conventional setups. Findings can inform the design and operation of cleanroom ventilation in surgical environments and other high-tech applications. This research contributes to improving indoor air quality and reducing infection risks while enhancing sustainability in healthcare infrastructure.

This paper considers the issue related to the protection of buildings and structures against seismic influences and the prevention, exclusion, or reduction of seismic hazards. The catastrophic destruction of modern «earthquake-resistant» buildings in Turkey and Taiwan has shown that existing methods of strengthening and reinforcing structures are not perfect and require further study. Analysis of existing approaches to ensuring seismic resistance showed that seismic insulation and seismic suppression systems still do not have a scientific and technical justification for the effectiveness of their operation from the point of view of ensuring the stability of structures. The estimation-dynamic models of the «base-seismic insulation-structure» system developed to date do not always make it possible to simulate the joint work of their interaction during an earthquake and account for the transformation of the seismic impact on the structure. An alternative technique has been devised, a geotechnical seismic insulation screen, as a seismic insulation system that reduces the intensity of seismic loads on the structure and ensures its seismic resistance. In a specific example, the effectiveness of this seismic insulation system is confirmed. This seismic insulation technique in the form of damper screens is characterized by reliability and manufacturability in ensuring the seismic resistance of objects under construction. The results of computational and experimental modeling of the interaction of an earthquake-insulated structure with a ground base found that the values of axial forces and bending moments in a building with a seismic insulating screen are less than in a building without seismic insulation by 30‒40 %. The geotechnical seismic insulation screen makes it possible to advance the development of new seismic insulation techniques and determine their effectiveness. This technique will also be effective when strengthening the base and seismic insulation systems of historical monuments, protecting them against seismic and dynamic influences.

This study examines the behavior of buildings under seismic impacts considering different soil models. Nowadays, along with the use of numerical methods in the analysis and design of engineering projects, it is known that this method is widely used in the analysis of problems related to geotechnical engineering construction. Comparative data on displacements, moments, and forces have been obtained for the Mohr-Coulomb soil model and the Hardening Soil Small (HSS) model. The software Plaxis 2D is used for the analysis of both models. The application of such complexes requires special attention to soil foundation models and parameter assignment. The selection of appropriate parameters and soil models can significantly influence the results of numerical analysis. The Mohr Coulomb elastic-plastic model is one of the most widely used models adopted in cases of hardness estimation of materials independent of surface tension. However, it was found that, the stress stiffness in the behaviour model and the difference in stiffness between initial loading and unloading/re-loading are important modelling aspects when discussing seismic effects and play an important role in predicting ground motions. A comprehensive comparison of the results for the Mohr-Coulomb and Hardening Soil models reveals several important differences, which are presented in this article.