Problems of the prediction of displacement and acceleration values for strong soil displacements are considered for the case where an earthquake is regarded as an instantaneous mechanical rupture of the Earth's surface. Based on recent concepts of earthquake generation process, we have attempted to develop, simplified theoretical methods for the quantitative prediction of soil displacement parameters during strong earthquakes. As an illustrative example, we consider an earthquake originating as a consequence of relative displacements of suddenly ruptured blocks in a horizontal direction with a given initial velocity. An empirical relationship between soil particle motion velocity near the rupture and at a certain distance from it, on one hand, and the earthquake magnitude, on the other hand, was established. It is assumed that the impact of inertial motions of a deep soil stratum on the inertial motions of upper subsurface soil stratum at instantaneous break of a medium can be neglected. By solving a wave problem for a multilayer near surface stratum, analytical relations were developed for a soil seismogram and accelerogram on the surface depending on the physical-mechanical and dynamic characteristics of the soil at all layers of the stratum; attenuation coefficients of mechanical soil vibrations; the distance to the rupture; and the magnitude of the predicted earthquake. The results obtained enable us to determine the maximum displacement and acceleration values of the soil, taking into account local soil conditions and their variations over time, as well as the values of the predominant vibration periods in the soil. The method was applied for solid and loose soil basements.

The factors of changing climate affecting the technical condition of buildings and structures erected on permafrost soils of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation on the example of the Vorkuta urban district of the Komi Republic are considered. A brief analysis of the existing defects and recommendations for neutralizing the negative impact of climatic factors on the state of load-bearing and enclosing structures.

The article deals with global and regional trends of modern climate change and the possible degree of its influence on the temperature mode of permafrost. The technique of prediction soil temperatures, the results of numerical calculations using this technique, as well as the assessment of changes in the bearing capacity of the bases of buildings and structures are given.

One of the known methods for calculating the settlement of vertically loaded pile groups is the equivalent pile model. Unlike the equivalent raft model, the equivalent pile model allows to account for the resistance along the side surface of the pile foundation and its embedment. Methods for using the equivalent pile model for elastic half-space, a two-layer half-space, and a layer of finite thickness underlain by an rigid base are proposed.

The paper presents a method for strengthening sands by injecting microcement mortar. The basic principles of physical processes occurring in cement solution infiltrating through sand are described. The paper discloses shortcomings of the method regarding to unpredictability of the produced material volume and strength, and a way to eliminate ones.

The results of studies of grouting into the soil under pressure with the formation of hydraulic fractures are considered. The dependences of their parameters from solutions, soil properties, and injection regimes were revealed. A method for calculating soil compaction by grouting under pressure is proposed.

The paper reviews the design of СPTpenetrometers with lateral stress measurements, presents their specific design features, types and layout of pressure gauges

The article considers the experience of formation of hydraulic fractures in the soil during injection of cement mortars and polymers with the formation of cracks in the vertical and horizontal directions. The formation of hydraulic fractures and their orientation in space is mainly affected by the stress state of the soil. When reviewing the available works on this topic no studies were found on the predicting of orientation in the space of the soil mass of hydraulic fractures. On an experimental site in Tula without loading on the surface and in large-scale odometers-barrels with load experimental works was carried on injection of cement mortar and geopolymer, respectively. The obtained "bodies" of hy- draulic fractures in soils were investigated and a technique of forecasting their orientation in space was proposed.

The article describes the case of choosing the option of completing the building is made in kind of a five-story underground part after stopping the construction and modifications of design solutions of the building. The reasons for the choice of the design solution with the device of additional stiffening diaphragms and walls along the contour of the building are shown. The necessity of using the observational method in construction is substantiated.

On the experimental site of the ‘Museum and Theater Complex in Kaliningrad, Okty-abrsky Island' an experiment was conducted to test the pin joint Leimet 350 ABB Plus of composite precast concrete piles for impact loads during driving.

The article describes the course of the landslide process that took place on the beach approach of the Moscow river in 20062007 based on field observations, as well as the method of stabilization of this slope based on the use of longitudinal rows of piles (buttresses) and the method of their analysis.