Automatic parameter estimation applied on a groundwater model: The problem of structure identification

The properties of a Pleistocene aquifer located in NW Germany were evaluated by means of an inverse two-dimensional numerical model in the vertical plane. The steady-state drawdown recorded at the end of a pumping test was used to calibrate the model with a Gauss-Newton parameter estimation method. The results were analyzed within a formal statistical procedure by means of eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Although a mathematically meaningful value for the standard error can be obtained, the resulting set of permeabilities depends strongly upon the choice of the zonation pattern.     

Structure and parameter schematization of the vadose zone for groundwater recharge modeling

On the basis of published soil profile data typical retention curves and hydraulic conductivity functions were obtained that depend on soil depth, lithological characters, and different surface landscape conditions. The corresponding average soil hydraulic parameters for M.Th.Van Genuchten equations were estimated. These average soil parameters are suitable for groundwater recharge estimations based on unsaturated flow modeling.     

Inverse analysis for geomaterial parameter identification using Pareto multiobjective optimization

An inverse analysis method that combines the back propagation neural network (BPNN) and vector evaluated genetic algorithm (VEGA) was proposed to identify mechanical geomaterial parameters for a more accurate prediction of deformation. The BPNN is used to replace the time‐consuming numerical calculations, thus enhancing the efficiency of the inverse analysis. The VEGA is used to find the Pareto‐optimal solutions to multiobjective functions. Unlike traditional back‐analysis methods which are based on only 1 type of field measurement and a single objective function, this proposed method can consider multiple field observations simultaneously. The proposed method was applied to the Shapingba foundation pit excavation located in Chongqing city, China. Two types of measurements are considered in the method simultaneously: the displacements in the x‐direction (north orientation) and those in the y‐direction (east orientation). Five deformation modulus parameters for artificial backfill soil, silty clay, siltstone, sandstone, and mudstone were selected as the inversion parameters. Compared with the weighted sum approach, the proposed method was demonstrated as an efficient multi‐objective optimization tool for back calculating undetermined parameters. After performing a forward‐calculation using the optimized parameters obtained by the inverse analysis, the predicted results were well consistent with the practical deformation in magnitude and trend.     

The differential system method for parameter identification; unconfined aquifer case

We present the applicability of differential system (DS) method for identification of hydraulic conductivity and effective porosity in a phreatic aquifer. In the original setting, the first step of the DS system is to solve an overdetermined algebraic system in the least squares sense. A natural extension of the method is to pose a least squares problem in an appropriate functional space. We show an improvement of the identification by considering the least square problem in the space of square integrable functions in the time variable for a finite interval.     

Application of uncertainty analysis to groundwater pollution modeling

Prediction and evaluation of pollution of the subsurface environment and planning remedial actions at existing sites may be useful for siting and designing new land-based waste treatment or disposal facilities. Most models used to make such predictions assume that the system behaves deterministically. A variety of factors, however, introduce uncertainty into the model predictions. The factors include model and pollution transport parameters and geometric uncertainty. The Monte Carlo technique is applied to evaluate the uncertainty, as illustrated by applying three analytical groundwater pollution transport models. The uncertainty analysis provides estimates of statistical reliability in model outputs of pollution concentration and arrival time. Examples are provided that demonstrate: (a) confidence limits around predicted values of concentration and arrival time can be obtained, (b) the selection of probability distributions for input parameters affects the output variables, and (c) the probability distribution of the output variables can be different from that of the input variables, even when all input parameters have the same probability distribution     

快速模拟退火算法在含水层参数识别中的应用

针对一般模拟退火算法收敛速度慢的缺陷,本文提出了含水层参数识别的快速模拟退火算法。它以广义Boltzmann-Gibbs统计理论为基础,采用依赖于温度的似Cauchy分布产生新的扰动模型,通过改变模型扰动、接收概率和降温方式来加快模拟退火算法的收敛速度。实例的计算结果表明,快速模拟退火算法不仅可行,而且求解精度高,收敛速度比其他算法快得多,是一种值得在实际中推广应用的高效的含水层参数识别方法。     

A methodology for making initial estimates of groundwater recharge from groundwater vulnerability mapping

Recharge to an aquifer can be estimated by first calculating the effective rainfall using a soil moisture budgeting technique, and then by applying a recharge coefficient to indicate the proportion of this effective rainfall that contributes to groundwater recharge. In the Republic of Ireland, the recharge coefficient is determined mainly by the permeability and thickness of the superficial deposits (subsoils) that overlie the country’s aquifers. The properties of these subsoils also influence groundwater vulnerability, and a methodology has been developed for determining the recharge coefficient using the groundwater vulnerability classification. The results of four case studies have been used to develop a quantified link between subsoil permeability, aquifer vulnerability, recharge and runoff. Recharge and runoff coefficients are each classed into three groupings: high, intermediate and low. A high recharge coefficient equates to a low runoff coefficient, and vice versa. A GIS-based tool enables preliminary estimates of recharge to be made using these recharge coefficient groupings. Potential recharge is calculated as the product of effective rainfall and recharge coefficient. The actual recharge is then calculated taking account of the ability of the aquifer to accept the available recharge. The methodology could be applied to other temperate climate zones where the main aquifers have a substantial covering of superficial deposits.     

沿海地区地下水模拟优化管理模型

针对中国一些沿海地区地下水超采及由此带来的海水入侵问题,将地表水补给、抽水量及地下水位等相嵌在一起,建立了沿海地区地下水模拟优化管理模型。将人工鱼群算法和基于MODFLOW2000的变密度地下水流及溶质运移模型耦合起来,对沿海地区地下水模拟优化管理模型进行求解。以山东省威海市节水示范区为例,验证模型的有效性和可靠性。结果表明,10、11、12月份抽水量最大,以后至第2年5月份依次是减少的;从区域分布上看,在临海区域1号井处抽水量是3500～1120m3/月,在其它井处是6540～2920m3/月;与现行方案相比,增加总有效供水1990m3,地下水平均水位升高0.29m,海水入侵问题能够得到解决。计算结果合理可行,为沿海地区地下水资源的科学管理和持续利用提供可靠依据。     

A parameter identification procedure for viscoelastic materials

A parameter identification procedure is presented for visco-elastic materials. The idea of this method is based on the boundary control concept by using the dual properties of traction and displacement, for example, if we give the traction force on a traction boundary and we observe displacement on a part of the same boundary (the observational or control boundary condition), then we may determine the material properties corresponding to the given and observed data. The numerical procedure is then developed on the basis of Newton’s iteration scheme. The method has been shown to be effective for a linear elastic material Ichikawa and Ohkami, Soils and Foundations, 1992, 32(2), 35–44 and for damage mechanics problems Tsuchiyama et al., Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, Japan Society of Civil Engineers, 1993, 475/III -24, 49–58 (in Japanese). In this paper we give an extension to the visco-elastic problem.     

地下水管理模型求解方法综述

地下水管理模型求解方法的研究是目前地下水管理领域的热点问题。本文从地下水管理模型传统优化算法和现代智能优化算法等方面进行了评述,着重讨论了目前应用较广泛的求解非线性地下水系统的优化算法,如遗传算法、模拟退火算法、人工神经网络算法等;阐述了地下水监测网优化设计研究以及多目标地下水管理模型的求解方法。最后指出应加强地下水动态规划管理模型和地下水系统随机管理模型的求解技术的研究。     

双重介质模型在岩溶地下水流动系统模拟中的应用

文章采用不稳定层状裂隙水流模型,应用有限元-卷积结合法,模拟了岩溶地下水流动系统。相对于等效多孔介质模型,双重介质模型模拟的水位下降速度更小,达到稳定的时间更长。距抽水井较近的观测孔处,双重介质模型模拟的水位变化过程阶段性较明显,水位变化过程类似于承压含水层-弱透水层的释水过程,裂隙和孔隙基质分别相当于承压含水层和弱透水层。然后讨论了影响裂隙和孔隙基质间水流交换项的因素,分析了孔组抽水后的渗流场特征。     

Applicability and methodology of determining sustainable yield in groundwater systems

There is currently a need for a review of the definition and methodology of determining sustainable yield. The reasons are: (1) current definitions and concepts are ambiguous and non-physically based so cannot be used for quantitative application, (2) there is a need to eliminate varying interpretations and misinterpretations and provide a sound basis for application, (3) the notion that all groundwater systems either are or can be made to be sustainable is invalid, (4) often there are an excessive number of factors bound up in the definition that are not easily quantifiable, (5) there is often confusion between production facility optimal yield and basin sustainable yield, (6) in many semi-arid and arid environments groundwater systems cannot be sensibly developed using a sustained yield policy particularly where ecological constraints are applied. Derivation of sustainable yield using conservation of mass principles leads to expressions for basin sustainable, partial (non-sustainable) mining and total (non-sustainable) mining yields that can be readily determined using numerical modelling methods and selected on the basis of applied constraints. For some cases there has to be recognition that the groundwater resource is not renewable and its use cannot therefore be sustainable. In these cases, its destiny should be the best equitable use.

A methodology for spatially representing the likelihood of occurrence of natural contaminants in groundwater

This paper presents a novel method of spatially representing the likelihood of occurrence of a contaminant in groundwater at the scale of a municipality or watershed. The specific contaminant of concern in the case study area is arsenic, which is variably present in groundwater at concentrations exceeding the 10 µg/l drinking water guideline. The method used to produce the likelihood of occurrence map incorporates confidence of geochemical interpretation based on availability of information and data on each aquifer. While demonstrated using arsenic as the contaminant of interest, the approach is readily adapted to other groundwater constituents. The final map is intended to be of use to water managers as it provides a spatial representation of aquifers of concern and identifies areas where further sampling or monitoring may be needed.     

Applying numerical modeling for designing strategies of effective groundwater remediation

Selection of effective groundwater remediation scenarios is a complex issue that requires understanding of contaminants’ transport processes. The effectiveness of cleanup measures may be verified by fate and transport numerical modeling. The goal of this work was to present the usefulness of fate and transport modeling for planning, verification and fulfillment of effective groundwater remediation methods. Selection methodology was developed, which is based on results of numerical flow and transport modeling. A field site located in south-east Poland was selected as a case study, in which groundwater contamination of trichloroethene and tetrachloroethene was detected. The results indicated that “pump and treat” was the most effective among the studied remediation methods, followed by permeable reactive barrier and in situ chemical oxidation. Natural attenuation-based remediation was demonstrated to be the least suitable, as it requires the longest time to reach predefined remediation goals, principally due to low sorption capacity and unfavorable hydrogeochemical conditions for biodegradation. Fate and transport numerical modeling allowed simulating different remediation strategies, and thus the decision-making process was facilitated.     

水环境模型参数识别的一种新方法

通过在格雷码遗传算法进化过程中加入单纯形搜索算子,并利用格雷码遗传算法和单纯形法所得到的优秀个体群,作为变量新的变化范围,逐步缩小搜索空间,自动向最优解收缩,提出了水环境模型参数识别的一种新方法——格雷码混合加速遗传算法(GCHAGA),给出了实施该算法的详细步骤。对GCHAGA的收敛性和全局优化性进行了理论和实例分析,并在确定河流横向扩散系数等参数识别问题中,GCHAGA得到了精度较高的全局最优解。与格雷码遗传算法(GCGA)和常规优化方法相比,GCHAGA具有精度高、速度快和适用性强等特点,是一种既可以较大概率搜索全局最优解,又能进行局部细致搜索的较好的非线性优化方法,可广泛应用于各种水环境优化问题中。     

环境模型参数识别方法研究综述

对于选定区域的问题研究,模型结构确定之后,最重要的是如何有效地识别模型的参数。在模型参数物理意义的范围内,使模拟结果与实际观测值之间误差最小的参数估计问题本质上属于函数优化的研究范畴,是一个仿真优化问题。在分析环境模型参数优化特点的基础上,综述了环境模型的参数识别方法,重点介绍了新近发展起来的智能搜索算法的应用,并指出了进一步研究的课题和方向。     

Wall-slab joint parameter identification of a reinforced concrete structure using possibly corrupted modal data

In numerical models, the connections among component members are crucial for the prediction of structural behaviour under different types of solicitations. In reinforced structures, the connections are often assumed rigid, what may not be realistic in many practical cases. As alternative, a semi-rigid behaviour depending on a set of independent parameters can be proposed. In this case, a new difficulty arises, which is finding the appropriate values for those parameters. The present study proposes a numerical strategy for identification of the connection parameters based on the constitutive relation error (CRE). To include all available information, an augmented version (Modified CRE) is implemented. The parameters search is iterative and require large amount of system response analysis. To increase the computational efficiency, a reduced order model is adopted. The proposed approach shows low-sensitivity to limited lack of information and also to support condition variability, both of them verified numerically. In this work, experimental tests for a real 1:4 scale structure is utilized for finding the parameters corresponding to the first three modal shapes. A good agreement between numerical predictions and observations is verified, what highlights the accuracy and stability of the proposed numerical approach. The present study may also find applications in the domain of design of experiments.     

Development of groundwater modeling for the Azraq Basin, Jordan

 The three-dimensional groundwater flow model MODFLOW was applied to simulate water level change in the complex multi-aquifer systems (the Upper and Middle Aquifers) of the Azraq basin. The model was calibrated by matching observed and simulated drawdown for steady and transient states over the period 1970–1992. Drawdown data for the period 1993–1997 were used to test the model's ability to predict the response of the aquifers. The model performed well in representing the water level contours of the Upper and Middle Aquifers for steady state calibration. Agreement between the observed and simulated drawdowns was obtained for transient state calibration. To predict the aquifer system responses for the period of 1997–2025, four different pumping schemes (scenarios) have been investigated. The first scenario (present pumping rate) reveals that there will be approximately a 25 m drop in the water level at the well-field area in 2025. However, the worst scenario (pumping rate at 1.5 times the present rate) reveals an approximate 39 m drop in the water level at the well-field area in 2025. The safe yield for the Upper Aquifer System was found to be about 25 million cubic meters (MCM) yearly. Received: 24 June 1999 · Accepted: 30 November 1999