SUMMARY 11-12/2004

Important Pond Structures in the Southern Bohemian Landscape

(400-year anniversary since the death of an important figure in building history - Jakub Krčín of Jelčany and Sedlčany)

The history of the Czech nation is rich in important figures in the field of construction, and Jakub Krčín of Jelčany is without question one such figure. His historical significance is based on his construction of the southern Bohemian ponds and his contribution to shaping the character and outline of the southern Bohemian landscape. In the service of the Rožmberk family in the 16th century, he was noted as an excellent economist and water resources engineer. He was born in 1535 in the city of Kolín, and this year commemoration is being made of the 400th year since his death in 1604.

Among the most significant works of construction by Jakub Krčín was the pond known as Svět (World) (201 ha), the pond called Rožmberk (489 ha), which was the largest one built in this country, and finally also Nová řeka (New River) (14.7 km in length). The figures presented here indicate the measurements of the ponds at the present time, but when they originated they were usually much larger. While these are just some of the best examples of Jakub Krčín´s pond construction work, he was also behind the reconstruction of a large number of other important ponds and water management works. Throughout the period when he was in the service of the Rožmberk´s he was also responsible for the construction and operation of the buildings that were essential to the economic operations of the large family estate, including the breweries, the mills, the livestock sheds, the farms, and the summer residence and game parks.

Calculating the Fire Resistance of Buildings

Tests on construction elements that have been conducted in laboratories and the theoretical conclusions drawn from them have led to the completion in recent years of the preparation of the European Fire Norms (EN 199x-1-2: 2004) for ensuring the fire resistance of structures.

Fire standards in Europe underwent revision between 1995 and 2003 and in 2004 they were approved as the European Norms. Following their translation and the preparation of national supplements, work planned for 2004 to 2006, the documents will take on the status of national norms. The documents make it possible to project a structure´s fire resistance. Temperature analysis of the fire cell, the penetration of heat into the structure, the conduction of heat in the structure, and the structural design in the case of high temperatures are points that are gradually being addressed.

The Energy Consumption of Home Electronics

The growing costs of energy and the increasing amount of competition among manufacturers and retailers of home appliances are the two basic factors that have contributed to improving consumersŐ abilities to orient themselves in the market of home appliances from the perspective of applianceŐs energy consumption. In addition to the purchase price of an appliance, its cost is primarily determined by its future energy consumption costs.

"Energy labels", which by law must be exhibited directly on an appliance, are intended to help provide consumers with a quicker
orientation. In the case of internet shopping or shopping by mail a consumer can primarily find out information about the energy category the appliance is classified under and what its energy consumption levels are.

Cast Iron in the Streets 0f Prague