Building a high-speed rail network, providing for speeds of 200 to 350kph, is a great technological leap forward that can revolutionise the transport system and consequently improve the way we travel. At the same time, it is a considerable organizational and financial challenge. Let’s take a look around the world, how other countries have managed to implement similar systems.

In today’s world, construction machines are the backbone of every construction site. Their strength and versatility are useful while building roads, bridges, tunnels, underground stations and various types of buildings and building structures. The use of machinery at particular stages of the construction project, from earthwork to foundation work to above ground construction works and finally to finishing works, significantly speeds up the investment process and sometimes allows to reduce the overall cost. The main thing, however, is to select the appropriate equipment, taking into account the type and size of the work as well as machine efficiency.

In the light of the rapid development of urban and transport infrastructure, it is worth considering ways to mitigate the negative impact of roads on wildlife and natural environment. It is all about the heightened mortality of animals, barrier effect, pollution from exhaust fumes and noise. Especially the two first ones seem very alarming. Each year, tens of thousands of animals are killed as a result of collisions with cars. Moreover, roads threaten the continuity of wildlife passages and lead to habitat fragmentation, thereby impeding animal migration.

Concrete is by far the most popular and, at the same time, very resistant and long-lasting composite material, used all over the world to build basic building elements (foundations, walls, flooring), road pavements, bridges, runways, and many innovative and daring architectural structures. Using concrete became the norm during the 20th century, and today it’s almost as common as the global consumption of water. Then what is so special about this well-known building material?

An effective road drainage system is absolutely fundamental to the structural integrity and stability of the road, and consequently, to its safety and quality. It consists of both surface and sub-surface water drainage, the aim of which is to prevent flooding of the road, protect the bearing capacity of the pavement and the subgrade, avoid the erosion of side slopes, as well as to control the level of groundwater.

Road infrastructure seems to be a topic that, especially in Poland, provokes heated responses anytime it’s raised. It became even more controversial after Poland joined the EU, and several years later prepared for Euro 2012. These two events created a great need to improve Polish road network so that it would meet the European standards. In addition, in view of the ever-increasing traffic volume, building durable, safe and eco-friendly road surfaces seems to be a must.

The electrical system is an integral part of every home. As it generally requires very little or no maintenanceon a yearly basis, it is often taken for granted.This attitude, however, seems too risky when it comes to electricity. The figures speak for themselves;in Poland, unsafe electrical installations cause around 8,000 fires in homes each year. They result in almost 300 deaths and many more seriously injured. Therefore, it is important to follow some basic rules to keep the house safe from potential electrical hazards.

There is no denying that nuclear power industry invariably provokes strong emotions and stirs upconsiderable controversyamong scientists, politicians and, above all, among the general public all over the world. Especially recently, in the aftermath of the disaster at the Fukushima nuclear plantin Japan last March, there has been a great deal of heated debate about the future of nuclear energy in Europe. Its supporters insist that it is a relatively cheap and cleansource of energy (compared to oil, gas and coal), whereas its opponents argue it is a real threatto the mankind.

It is getting cooler outside and the calendar reminds us that winter is inevitably drawing nearer. Undoubtedly, because of unfavorable and often highly unpredictable weather conditions, it is a hard time to perform any type of building work. But sometimes, to keep to the building schedule and avoid delays, you have no choice but to continue the work even in low temperatures.

In today’s world, in which carbon dioxide emissions, global warming as well as constantly rising energy costs are ever increasing problems, the use of natural resourcesseems to be a priority. One of the central aspects of sustainable design is making the most ofnatural light. Contemporary architects are introducing innovative, advanced daylightingstrategies and systems that help not only to save energy but also to ensure a comfortable and healthy living space.