Experiments at constant normal stiffness (CNS) are normally carried out to understand underground shear processes of rock joints. However, in many test setups the available space around the joint is limited implying it is not possible to measure the dilatancy directly over the joint. Therefore, the displacement transducers must be in locations where the risk is that additional displacements originating from deficiencies in the test system will be measured causing too low normal loads to be applied. Herein, this issue is investigated in a new 5 MN direct shear test setup. The system normal stiffness was found to be about 11 300 kN/mm derived from normal loading up to 4.5 MN using a steel specimen. The direct shear testing performance under the CNS configuration was evaluated using the steel specimen, which had a joint with a known angle of inclination. The normal load error at 3.9 MN (28 MPa) was 11%, but by application of the effective normal stiffness approach using the system normal stiffness as input the error basically could be eliminated. The results demonstrate the robustness of the setup designed for joint areas up to 400 × 600 mm with normal and shear loads up to 5 MN.

The growing utilization of second homes has led to extended heating periods and, to some extent, renovations to enhance their standards, resulting in increased energy and resource consumption. This study, conducted in Sweden, investigates user patterns across various seasons, heating systems, and implemented energy renovation measures. Findings reveal that 40% of second homes in winter sport areas are inhabited prolonged periods during the winter, and more than half are used for shorter durations throughout all seasons, surpassing the usage frequency of second homes in general. Additionally, more than half of these second homes are heated to temperatures exceeding 16°C even when unoccupied. The predominant heating method is direct electricity (48%), followed by heat pumps (32%). Renovation activities primarily focus on interior surfaces, kitchens, and bathrooms to elevate standards, with less than 15% implemented energy-efficient measures like heat pump installation, added insulation, new lighting, or control systems. Considering reported user and heating patterns, along with energy renovations undertaken, the study estimates the energy-saving potential associated with various energy renovation strategies. By installing heat pump the energy consumption can be reduced by more than 50% and by lowering the temperature when the house is unoccupied the energy consumption may be reduced by almost 50%.