Valery Shmukler

Valery Samuilovich Shmukler (Ukrainian: Валерій Самуїлович Шмуклер, Russian: Валерий Самуилович Шмуклер; born 26 June 1946)is a Ukrainian engineer, an expert in the field of construction, reconstruction, the theory of structural systems, information technology, calculation and design of structures, methods of optimization and rationalization of the scientific theory of rationalization building constructions, academician of the Academy of Construction of Ukraine (1999), doctor of technical sciences (1997), professor (2001), winner of the State Prize of Ukraine in Architecture (1995), Honored Scientist of Ukraine (2015), emeritus professor of O. M. Beketov National University of Urban Economy in Kharkiv (2014), chief of the department of building construction of O. M. Beketov National University of Urban Economy in Kharkiv, a member of the International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures IASS (1980), a member of the International Scientific Society ACI (American Concrete Institute, USA) (1997).

Shmukler was born on June 26, 1946, in the city of Krasnoyarsk, USSR. His family moved to the city of Kharkiv in 1949. His father, Samuel I. Shmukler was a mechanical engineer and worked all his life in the construction and mounting trust No. 86 as a chief mechanic. His mother, Shklovskaya Asya Abramovna was a chemist and the head of the laboratory at the pharmaceutical institute. In 1964 he entered the Kharkiv Institute of Civil Engineering (now – Kharkiv National University of Building and Architecture) on faculty «Industrial and Civil Engineering», from which he graduated in 1969. After graduating in civil engineering from 1969 to 1986, he worked in the «Kharkovproekt» consistently occupying positions from the engineer to the chief of the department, and from 1986 to 1990 – in the «Ukrgorstroyproekt», where he occupied positions from the head of technical department to the deputy chief engineer of the institute. In 1977 he defended the PhD thesis, and in 1997 – thesis for the degree of the doctor of technical sciences. Since 1990 Shmukler has been working in O. M. Beketov National University of Urban Economy (ex – Kharkiv National Academy of Municipal Economy), consistently occupying positions: the professor of building structures, and since 2012 – the chief of building structures department.

After graduating from the Kharkiv Institute of Civil Engineering (now – Kharkiv National University of Building and Architecture), Shmukler from 1969 to 1990 worked in the research and design institutes, «Kharkovproekt» (1969–1986), «Ukrgorstroyproekt» (1986–1990), where he occupied the positions from the head of the technical department to the deputy chief engineer of the institute. In «Kharkovproekt» period, he created one of the first in Ukraine the computation center and computer-aided design of industrial and civil structures. Under his leadership and with direct participation a number of CAD software systems were created. The results of these developments were the basis of his dissertation for the degree of candidate of technical sciences «Research work flat concrete casings». The work suggested and developed new methods of accounting for physical and geometrical nonlinearities in solving the problems of static stability of membranes covering. Also, in these years, Shmukler co-authored a series of CJC (Complex Kharkiv Series) for the construction of large sixteen-residential buildings and was one of the organizers of a network of data centers roses State Construction Committee of Ukraine. Over the years of work in the GUI «Ukrgorstroyproekt», Shmukler was one of the pioneers in the creation and development of youth and housing construction in Ukraine. After the earthquake in Armenia he took an active part in the reconstruction of housing, that had welfare and cultural purposes. He was one of the first engaged in the implementation of the industrial facilities of reinforced concrete and metal spatial structures in buildings and structures of the country.

Shmukler's scientific interests are associated with the theory of structural systems, information technology for calculation and design of structures, methods of their optimization and rationalization. His main works in this area include: integrated gradient method for finding the global extremum of functionals on many variables; method for solving multiobjective optimization problems; overdetermined contour collocation method for solving boundary problems in the theory of plates and shells; compilation methods for solving nonlinear problems of the theory of constructions. A cycle of his work devoted to the creation of direct design methods, well-founded principles of new energy, is the basis of the formation of constructions with a simple external and complex internal geometry. Based on them, the following were created and implemented: architectural construction systems RAMPA, IKAR, DOBOL, intended for housing and civil engineering; a family of gantry and bridge cranes up to 800 tons, etc. Architectural construction system RAMPA (abbreviation: panel frame) is an alternative to panel housing and is intended for the design and construction of five to six story residential buildings, hotel complexes, facilities of social and cultural purpose, health protection facilities, three to four story garage parking for automobile motor transport, cottages, health resorts and other facilities of housing and civil purposes. It was built on the principle of the organic compound of the best qualities of carcass and frameless systems (Fig. 1). The basis of the architectural and construction system RAMPA is a catalogue of its products made of precast reinforced concrete. At the same time, the catalogue has a limited set of elements that generate an infinitely large variability of their combination into dimensional compositions. These elements include flat panel frames and floor panels. Panels of slab together with the frames are the basic framework elements, which are being built according to the principle of children's erector set. Four orthogonally jointed frames and two panels of slab create a «cube», which allows free jointing with other structural cells. A cellular regular or irregular, but nevertheless, fractal structure resulting from joining of the «cubes», is in some sense similar to the bionic carrier frames. At the same time, the use of conventional or lightweight reinforced concrete is limited only by bearing elements. The main size of panel frames – 3.6х3.3(h) m, panels of slab – 3.6х3.6 m, 1.8х7.2 m. The weight of panel frames does not exceed 800 kg, weight of panels of slab has a weight of 2 to 3.5 t. RAMPA system is a problem-oriented system, i.e. a system having a clear applied focus (Fig. 2).

1 – reinforced concrete frames, 2 – metal junction element (conductor), 3 – frame posts, 4 – composite column, 5 – panels of slab, 6 – framework beams, 13 – jut frame, 14 – console panel frame

In 1995, Shmukler was awarded the title of laureate of the State Prize of Ukraine in the field of architecture for the development, research and introduction of a new architectural and construction system RAMPA for housing and civil engineering. In 1997, Shmukler defended his doctoral dissertation on the topic: «Dimensional reinforced concrete frame systems of multi-criteria compliance». Within the scope of this thesis he defended 37 scientific papers and 24 patents, being the scientific basis of solving the problem of creation of a system of buildings in compliance with modern conditions with maximum use of the existing base of construction industry. The methodology proposed is the result of a specially constructed modification of the theory of direct structural design, which includes mathematical modeling of these systems, rationalization of their parameters while regulating stress-strain state. On the basis of the approach problem-oriented architectural and construction systems of residential and public buildings distinguished by high competitiveness were created. A wide range of theoretical research designs were carried out, which resulted in the creation of methods, algorithms and programs to solve complex problems in the theory of non-linear structures, allowing to minimize the processing time. The program products included in calculating complex MIRAZH were developed. The theoretical results were tested by setting up field experiments on structures with optimized parameters. Carrying out experiments became possible with adapting and refining the technical and program means of the automated system of scientific achievements. Industrial introduction of the proposed structures, methods of their design, production, transportation and installation, providing substantial saving of resources was carried out. Environmental and economic characteristics of the installations were improved (Fig. A, B, C, D, E, F, G).

Fig. B. General view of the horizontal loads action testing of the framework RAMPA:

Fig. E. The character of destruction of column joints in the tests:

On the basis of Shmukler's scientific papers, the following was created and implemented: noise and vibration damping system for mobile power stations, functioning on the basis of secondary use of aircraft jet engines; chambers for welding in high vacuum; dimensional metallic and composite structures of slabs and covers, etc. (Fig. 3, 4).

Shmukler is the author of the hydraulic method of experimental study of designs. This method is widely used for field, laboratory acceptance testing of designs, both for those constructed and in the process of construction (Fig. 5).

Shmukler participated in the design and construction of unique facilities, such as: library complex of the NTU «KhPI» (Kharkiv); reconstruction of the ground control complex of the national satellite communication system in Crimea; complex of 28-story residential buildings in Kharkiv; logistics center «Maxus»; entertainment complex «Misto»; exposition center in Constitution Square in Kharkiv, large span constructions of civil and industrial structures; multi-storey structures made of reinforced concrete with a wide grid of columns (Fig.6).

He took part in the reconstruction of architectural monuments of the constructionism period: the 52th liaison office (Kharkiv); the building of Gosprom (Kharkiv), etc. Research and development activities, which are conducted under the direction of Shmukler, dedicated to the restoration of buildings and structures affected by man-made disasters, are the practical basis of the full range of works in the conditions of force majeure (Fig. 7).

In 1999, he was elected as the member of the Ukrainian Academy of Construction. Shmukler's scientific achievements were marked with state awards: for the organization, implementation and development of the youth construction in Ukraine – 40 Years of Youth Residential Complex Movement Medal (2011); for his outstanding contribution to the development of science, technology and engineering in Ukraine – Silver Medal of the Academy of Construction of Ukraine (2013) and Gold Medal of A. N. Podgorny of the Engineering Academy of Ukraine (2014). In 2015 he was awarded with the honorary title «Honored Worker of Science and Technology of Ukraine». References to Shmukler's works can be found in a number of books, articles, dissertations, research reports of other authors. The constructions developed by him are used and applied in a number of projected and constructed facilities.

Since 1990, Shmukler has been combining active scientific work with teaching activities at O. M. Beketov Kharkiv National University of Urban Economy, consecutively occupying the positions of: professor of the Building Designs Department, and since 2012 – the Head of Department. Shmukler gives lectures on the modern theory of building designs, including the latest advances in the field of construction and applied mechanics, computer science, materials and structural systems. The audience of his lectures consists of students, graduate students, doctoral students and university professors, as well as specialists in the construction field. Shmukler also works with graduate students and doctoral candidates of the Kharkiv National Automobile and Highway University and Kharkiv State Technical University of Construction and Architecture. He pays much attention to the integration of science and education. Over the years, Shmukler made a significant contribution to the development of the scientific theory of rationalization of building designs. He is the author of many important initiatives, including the establishment of the school «Structures and materials for residential and civil buildings» (1992). Within the framework of the school he is heading, multidisciplinary theoretical and experimental research of constructions is conducted, both for Ukraine and other countries. Works of the school are the basis for the functioning of the master's, postgraduate and doctoral studies at the Building Designs Department of the University. Paying great attention to the training of highly qualified personnel, Shmukler prepared 12 candidates and 1 doctor of technical sciences. His students successfully work in universities, factories of Ukraine and many other countries. Shmukler is a member of the Specialized Academic Council (D 64.056.4) at the Kharkiv State Technical University of Construction and Architecture for doctoral and master's theses on the construction specialization 05.23.01 «Building constructions, buildings and structures». For valorous work, Shmukler was awarded with numerous certificates of honor of the USSR State Construction Committee, Kharkiv City Council, administrations of design institutes, Rector of O. M. Beketov Kharkiv National University of Urban Economy, etc., and also was awarded the diploma «Excellence in Higher Education of Ukraine» (2002). In 2014, Shmukler, for his scientific and pedagogical contribution, professional and human qualities, providing high performance work so entrusted to him, was awarded the title of «Honoured Professor of O. M. Beketov Kharkiv National University of Urban Economy».

Author and co-author of over 170 scientific papers and 60 inventions. His works have been published in leading scientific journals in Ukraine, Russia, Great Britain, Italy, China, Japan, US, Iraq. Shmukler is a member of the editorial boards of scientific journals «Concrete and Reinforced Concrete in Ukraine» (Poltava), «Scientific Construction Bulletin» (Kharkiv), «Urban Economy of Cities» (Kharkiv). He is a co-author of six books and teaching aids:– Complex of programs for the calculation of the shallow shells supported along the contour considering physical and geometric nonlinearity. – M., 1975; – Program system of drawing schemes and designs. – M., 1986; – Information technology for calculating and structural design. – Kiev; Kharkiv, 2003; – Frame systems of facilitated type. – Kharkiv, 2008; – Practical calculation of elements for concrete structures under DBN V. 2.6-98:2009 as compared to the calculations under SniP 2.03.01-84* and EN 1992-1-1 (Eurocode 2). – Kharkiv, 2015– Numerical and experimental methods of rational design and construction of constructive systems - Kyiv, 2017; and national regulatory documents: – DBN V.2.6-98-2009 «Concrete and reinforced concrete structures»;– Project DSTU-Н Б EN 1996-1-Eurocode 6 «Design of masonry structures»;– DSTU B V.2.6-2010 «Construction of buildings and structures. Monolithic, reinforced concrete structures of buildings»; recommendations for the use of reinforcing bars under DSTU 3760-98 in the design and manufacture of reinforced concrete structures without pretension,

– DSTU-N B.2.6-205: 2015. The name of the design of monolithic concrete and reinforced concrete constructions of buildings and structures, etc.

For the list of Shmukler's published works and inventions, see References section.