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Dripping rainfall simulators are important instruments in soil research. However, a large number of non-standardized simulators have been developed, making it difficult to combine and compare the results of different studies in which they were used. To overcome this problem, it is necessary to become familiar with the design and performances of the current rainfall simulators. A search has been conducted for scientific papers describing dripping rainfall simulators (DRS) and papers that are thematically related to the soil research using DRS. Simulator design analysis was performed integrally, for simulators with more than one dripper (DRS>1) and with one dripper (DRS=1). Descriptive and numerical data were extracted from the papers and sorted by proposed categories, according to which the types and subtypes of used simulators are determined. The six groups of elements that simulators could consist of have been determined, as well their characteristics, representation and statistical analyses of the available numerical parameters. The characteristics of simulators are analyzed and presented, facilitating the selection of simulators for future research. Description of future simulators in accordance to the basic groups of simulator elements should provide all data necessary for their easier replication and provide a step closer to the reduction of design diversification and standardization of rainfall simulators intended for soil research.

В ходе развития человечества неоднократно менялись взгляды на взаимосвязь геологической характеристики местности и строительства зданий. Целью данной работы является проследить историю изучения физико-механических свойств грунтов начиная с античности до современнности. Исследование и учёт свойств грунтов при строительных работах не теряет актуальности и в наши дни. В статье обозначены актуальные инженерно-геологические проблемы – отсутствие региональных таблиц физико-механических свойств грунтов. Также сформулирована детальная концепция взаимосвязи геологической среды и возводимых конструкций: изучение физико-механических свойств грунтов при инженерно-геологических изысканиях является фундаментальной составляющей для обоснования конструктивных и объемно-планировочных решений в строительстве. Полученные данные послужат базисом для выбора фундамента и параметров проектируемого сооружения. Это в свою очередь будет причиной надежного, безопасного и долгосрочного использования постройки., In the course of human development, views on the relationship between the geological characteristics of the area and the construction of buildings have repeatedly changed. The aim of the study is a historical analysis of the development and improvement of methods for studying the physical and mechanical properties of soils from antiquity to modernity. Research and consideration of soil properties during construction work does not lose its relevance today. The article outlines topical engineering and geological problems of a regional nature, such as the absence of regional tables of physical and mechanical properties of soils. A detailed concept of the relationship between the geological environment and the structures being erected was also formulated: the study of the physical and mechanical properties of soils during engineering and geological surveys is a fundamental component for substantiating constructive and spaceplanning solutions in construction. The data obtained will serve as a basis for choosing the foundation and parameters of the designed structure. This, in turn, will serve as the reason for the reliable, safe and long-term use of the building.

The share of urban population of the world is expected to reach 75% by around 2050. The need to offer within the cities soil services rose awareness of keeping soil functions in cities. Parallel to strong growth of cities some cities are shrinking. In cope with this, working groups (WG) of urban soils have been established (AK Stadtboeden1987, Germany, ICOMANTH 1995, USA, and internationally the IUSS WG US/SUITMA 1998 (Urban Soils/Soils of Urban, Industrial, Traffic, Mining and Military Areas)).The first attempts at urban soil surveys involved municipal waters and sewers in the USA in the 1970s. In the 1990s, the soils of about 15 cities were mapped, totally or in part, in Germany, and in the USA in Baltimore, and recently in New York. But at all times the soil pollution was a main interest of urban soil investigation. Urban soils are characterized by their particular use on which first attempts of soil classification are based. As knowledge about soil morphology and soil composition increased, soil survey concepts were developed. These concepts take into account relicts of the original, natural soils, as well as new, man-modified and man-made materials. At least in humid climate Regosols, as well as other urban soils such as Carbonatosols, Dialeimmasols, Intrusols, Reductosols and Acid Sulfuric Soils, can develop within 25 years or less. Technosols as soils from man-made materials are already included in the WRB. Besides pollution, a major feature of urban soils is soil sealing by construction. This restricts the availability of soils for urban greenery and other functions. Some particular problems of urban soils are high stone content, high differences of bulk density, shape of particles and soil structure performance. This lowers the quality of soils to fulfill functions. Specific methods are necessary to determine many urban soil characteristics. Specific instructions have been developed for soil and soil sealing surveys, and stormwater infiltration. However, for other cases, feasible methods are still missing. The European Commission’s “Thematic Strategy of Soil Protection” did raise political awareness of urban soils, with a main focus on sealing.