Discussion of: A study on the application of the parallel seismic method in pile testing

This discussion is based on the paper by Lu et al. (2013) [1]. In this paper, the authors have presented a theoretical study on the PS testing based on the ray path theory and the elastodynamic finite integration technique. This discussion offers some comments on the proposed method for determining the pile length, the ray path of the first P wave arrival for PS testing and analysis results of that paper under discussion.     

Response to Professor John Hall's discussion of Hardyniec and Charney's paper, ‘An investigation into the effects of damping and nonlinear geometry models in earthquake engineering analysis’

The discussion presents questions regarding the recommended damping scheme from the discussed paper and provides an alternative recommendation. The discussion also requests further explanation on behavioral differences between models incorporating the P‐delta and corotational approaches that are presented in the paper. Responses to these questions are presented. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

地震前兆观测仪器标定问题的探讨

标定工作，在地震前兆观测仪器的研究，使用及所得数据的处理中均已成为一个不可少的环节，但缺少有关标定问题的基石性研究和讨论。本文就标定的定义、种类、目的、要求、存在的问题等做一粗线的讨论，以期今后加强这一工作的深入研究。     

Some problems of rotation and equilibrium of transversely isotropic elastic bodies

Summary The present discussion is concerned with the rotation of a few problems of aeolotropic elastic solids. The symmetry of the material considered in the discussion is transverse-isotropy. The problems solved are: (i) rotation of a circular cylinder with axle-hole, (ii) rotation of a circular disc with axle-hole, (iii) a cylindrical tube under external and internal pressures. Complete cylinder and complete disc are the particular cases of the above.     

Discussion of paper ‘Seismic behavior and modeling of steel reinforced concrete (SRC) walls’ by Xiaodong Ji,Ya Sun,Jiaru Qian and Xinzheng Lu,Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics 2015; 44(6):955–972

The paper under discussion presents a series of quasi‐static tests used to examine the behavior of steel reinforced concrete (SRC) walls subjected to high axial force and lateral cyclic loading. A total of six wall specimens were designed, including five SRC walls and one reinforced concrete (RC) wall. In the ‘Summary’ section of the discussed paper, the authors state that: ‘The use of SRC walls has gained popularity in the construction of high‐rise buildings because of their superior performance over conventional RC walls’. The authors also proposed that, the SRC wall specimens showed increased flexural strength and deformation capacity relative to their RC wall counterpart. The discussion is prompted to rectify some statements and conclusions of the paper under discussion. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Discussion on “Representative sediment sizes in predicting the bed-material load for nonuniform sediments” by Wan Hanna Melini Wan Mohtar,Junaidi,Suraya Sharil,Muhammad Mukhlisin[Int. J.Sed.Res. 31(2016)79-86]

In this discussion, we want to highlight the important findings of the last two decades by Hunziker and Jaggi(2002) and Wong and Parker(2006), among others, who reanalyzed and revised the original data forming the basis of the MPM sediment transport equation. Furthermore, by using an actual adaptation of the original MPM formula, the prediction of the sediment transport rate for the data given in the paper under discussion seems to be acceptable.     

Discussion on ‘a framework for the evaluation of ground motion selection and modification procedures’ by N. Simon Kwong,Anil K. Chopra,and Robin K. McGuire

The paper under discussion proposes a framework to evaluate ground motion selection and modification procedures and illustrates its application for two different procedures as applied to a non‐degrading bilinear inelastic single‐degree‐of‐freedom system. This discussion focuses on providing additional context that this writer feels is needed in relation to both the proposed framework and also its specific application in the paper, which are important for the conclusions made by the authors. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Discussion on “Damping coefficients for near-fault ground motion response spectra”

This discussion is based on the paper by Hubbard and Mavroeidis [1]. In this paper, the authors have presented an interesting study on the effect of near-fault ground motions on the damping coefficients examining single degree of freedom (SDOF) systems. This discussion presents some comments on the results and the conclusions of that paper, which imply that some aspects need further clarification and/or improvement.     

Discussion on “Nonlinear seismic response of tall concrete-faced rockfill dams in narrow canyons”

This discussion is based on the paper by Panos Dakoulas [1]. In this paper, the author has presented a comprehensive study on the seismic behavior of tall concrete face rockfill dams in narrow canyons, based on numerical simulation of the staged construction, creep settlements, reservoir impoundment and seismic shaking of the dam. This discussion presents some comments on the input motions for dynamic response analysis, numerical simulated dynamic deformation and the conclusions of that paper, which imply that some aspects need further clarification and/ or improvement.     

沈阳地区地震工程地质问题的初步研究

本文通过对沈阳地区地震工程地质条件的分析,应用地面运动反应分析理论和方法,确定了该区基本参数和场地动力特性的分布规律.最后对沈阳地区地震工程地质特征作出了评价.      

Open-loop vibration control of elastic structural elements

This paper discusses a general technique for vibration control of simple, continuous mechanical systems. The discussion involves giving the expressions for the response of an illustrative element (fixed-free bars) to a sinusoidal disturbance and then formulating the problem of open-loop vibration control of this system as a mathematical programming problem. The final step uses numerical optimization techniques to find the control forces. When these techniques are used, the amplitude of the system's steady state response is minimized. The discussion also shows that while this method effectively controls the vibration, it has a great deal of flexibility in accomplishing its stated purpose.     

Weitere Überlegungen zur Frage des Wellenspektrums in der Windsee

Zusammenfassung In Fortführung der Überlegungen zu einer kürzlich erschienenen Arbeit (Dt. Hydrogr. Z.10, 93 (1957)), an deren Ergebnisse sich nichts ändert, werden weitere Gedanken zu den Grundannahmen von G. Neumann dargelegt.

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Further considerations concerning the discussion of ocean wave spectra in the wind-generated sea

Summary Without modifying the results of a preceding discussion (Dt. Hydrogr. Z.10, 93 (1957)) the present paper resumes and advances the considerations on the basic assumptions by G. Neumann regarding ocean wave spectra.

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D'autres considérations concernant la question du spectre des vagues océaniques dans la mer du vent

Résumé Le travail actuel reprend et développe la discussion d'un article publié récemment dans la Dt. Hydrogr. Z.10, 93 (1957) concernant les suppositions fondamentales, exposées par G. Neumann par rapport au spectre des vagues océaniques sans en modifier les résultats de la discussion précédente.

     

Archaean atmosphere and lithosphere

Cindy Ebinger reports on an RAS discussion meeting on 10 and 11 February 2000 that fostered lively debate on the early Earth, from workers in a range of specialisms.     

What surrounds the stars?

Helen Walker summarizes the RAS discussion meeting, 14 January 2000, on the material around main-sequence and post-main-sequence stars.     

Space weather

Mike Hapgood and Peter Cargill report on topics under consideration at the RAS G-MIST discussion meeting held on 10 December 1999.     

Ground Penetrating Radar Applied to Monumental Stone Conservation: Application to the Rock Necropolis of San Vítor de Barxacova in NW Spain

Surveys in Geophysics - This paper deals with the application of the Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) method in the assessment of stone monuments. Compilation of published works and a discussion of...     

Palaeontological data on the history of the earth-moon system

The dependence of the number of days in the synodical month on the Earth-Moon distance is determined from dynamics, and its application to the discussion of palaeontological growth lines is illustrated.     

Search for Compromise Decisions in the Planning and Managing of Releases into the Lower Pool of the Volgograd Hydropower System. 2. Tactical Planning and Dispatching Control

Water Resources - The article continues the discussion of the developed new computer technology for the analysis of problems and decision support in the supply of water resources to the users of...