AbnormalSq behaviour

It is well-known that the amplitude and phase of theSq(H) variation show considerable variability from day to day. In this paper we consider one aspect of the phase variability—that associated with AQDs. AQDs (or abnormal quiet days) are defined as magnetically quiet days where the maximum excursion ofH at a mid-latitude station on the poleward side of the focus occurs outside the normal time range 0830–1330 LST. Such days exhibit properties, many of which appear quite distinct from the properties of the normalSq(H) variation. The properties of AQDs, and the proposals that have been made to explain them, are considered in detail. The consequences of these proposals and some problems which need to be addressed in order to obtain a fuller understanding of the dynamics of the ionosphere on AQDs are also discussed.     

Liquefaction behaviour of loose and compacted pond ash

Most of the ash produced all over the world is primarily disposed off by wet disposal method onto the ash ponds, which are occupying huge valuable lands. This disposal problem can be minimized by utilizing ash in large geotechnical earthworks. However, its use in earthquake prone areas requires thorough understanding of its liquefaction resistance and nature of development of excess pore pressures under dynamic loading conditions. Investigations have been carried out in this paper on the liquefaction behaviour of pond ash by conducting cyclic triaxial tests on inflow and outflow ash samples collected from two different ash ponds. Distinctly different liquefaction phenomenon was observed for the ash samples from inflow and outflow points of the same ash pond. Inflow samples exhibited higher cyclic resistance than outflow samples and their strengths were comparable with the natural sands. Further studies revealed that the influence of various factors on liquefaction susceptibility of both the types of ashes is similar to that of natural sands.     

Dynamic behaviour of turbine-generator-foundation systems

In this paper a comprehensive investigation on the dynamic characteristics of turbine–generator–foundation systems is performed. All the major components of the system, including turbine–generator casing, shaft, rotors, journal bearings, deck, piers, foundation mat, piles, and soil medium, have been included. Full interaction between the turbine–generator set, the foundation superstructure, and the soil medium, is considered. A hybrid method is used to establish the mathematical model for the turbine–generator-foundation system. The analysis is conducted in the frequency domain through complex frequency response analysis. The response in the time domain is obtained by Fourier transform. The seismic excitation is represented as the control motion on the ground surface, which is generated as an artificial earthquake. A 300 MW turbine-generator-foundation system is analysed under excitations from rotor unbalances and earthquakes. The influence of turbine-generator casing and soil anisotropy on the response of the system is explored. It is found that the presence of casing and soil anisotropy strongly influences the displacements and internal forces of the system under rotor unbalance excitation. Under seismic excitation, however, although the presence of casing and soil anisotropy does affect the displacements of the system, their effect on the internal forces of the system is minimal.     

Dynamic behaviour of building-foundation systems

A discussion of the effects of soil-structure interaction on the dynamic response of linear structures which respond as single-degree-of-freedom systems in their fixed-base condition is presented. The structures are presumed to be supported at the surface of a homogeneous, elastic halfspace and to be excited at the base. The free-field ground motions investigated include a harmonic motion, a relatively simple pulse-type excitation and an actual earthquake record. Comprehensive response spectra are presented for a range of the parameters defining the problem, and the results are used to assess the accuracy of a simple, approximate method of analysis in which the system is represented by a viscously damped, simple oscillator. Special attention is given to defining the conditions under which the interaction effect is of sufficient importance to warrant consideration in design. The method of analysis used to obtain the numerical data reported herein is reviewed only briefly, the emphasis of the paper being on the interpretation of the results.     

Dynamic behaviour of CLASP-type buildings

This paper deals with the dynamic behaviour of pin-jointed, steel-framed buildings which derive stiffness from bracing and cladding, and their response to earthquake loading. The first part of the paper considers the best way to obtain an analytical model, using the natural frequencies and mode-shapes measured on a CLASP building in Nottingham employing eccentric-mass vibrators. The second part is a study of a key section of a CLASP hospital now under construction in Algeria, in which the earthquake-induced forces in the bracing are calculated. The final part is concerned with studies on two-storey and three-storey CLASP-type models, using different bracing arrangements.     

Seismic behaviour of framed tubes

A framed tube, consisting of closely spaced columns connected by deep spandrel beams, is designed in reinforced concrete for building code loads. The members of the frame are proportioned using strength concepts. A planar model of the tube is developed and its behaviour is compared to that of the three-dimensional structure. The planar model is then used to evaluate the inelastic behaviour of the framed tube when subjected to strong ground motion. The effects of the finite element discretization and the ground motion characteristics are investigated. Results show that ductility requirements of the spandrel beams are minimum at the top and maximum at the bottom of the tube. Ductility requirements in the columns are well controlled and are within acceptable limits. Participation of the higher modes of vibration is significant and requires increasing damping. It also is shown that the increased stiffness due to finite member sizes at a joint cannot be neglected.     

Fractional-order derivative and time-dependent viscoelastic behaviour of rocks and minerals

A general constitutive equation for viscoelastic behaviour of rocks and minerals with fractional-order derivative is investigated. This constitutive law is derived based on differential geometry and thermodynamics of rheology, and the fractional order of derivative represents the degree of time delay. Analyzing some laboratory experimental data of high temperature deformation of rocks and minerals such as halite, marble and orthopyroxene, we propose how to determine the orders of fractional derivative for viscoelastic behaviours of rocks and minerals. The order is related to the exponents for the temporal scaling in the relaxation modulus and the stress power-law of strain rate, i.e., the non-Newtonian flow law, and considered as an indicator representing the macroscopic behaviour and microscopic dynamics of rocks.     

Calculated and observed seismic behaviour of exposed upper mantle

In order to determine the seismic properties of rocks representing the continental crust/upper mantle transition, a structural and petrographical study of peridotites of the Ivrea-Verbano zone (N. Italy) has been undertaken. The seismic behaviour (Vp, Vs, birefringence, orientation of the fast shear-wave polarisation plane) has been calculated from the modal composition of rock samples, together with the crystallographic preferred orientation and the single crystal elastic constants, using the methods of Mainprice (1990). It is shown that the intrinsic anisotropy of peridotites is mainly due to the lattice preferred orientation (LPO) of olivine and to the competing effects due to the LPO of orthopyroxene. If present, well-oriented hydrous phases such as phlogopite, leads to both P- and S-waves velocities becoming drastically reduced, but the anisotropy and the S-wave splitting (mainly on the foliation plane) is increased. An attempt has been made to apply this petrologic and microstructural approach to understand the seismic properties of ultramafic rocks with the aid of a mobile seismic network set up in the Ivrea-Verbano zone. Five recording units with 3-component geophones were installed on the most representative lithologies of the Ivrea-Verbano zone: kinzigites, gabbros, stronalites, and on metapelites of the adjacent outcrop of the Serie dei Laghi. During five months the seismic network recorded 49 events that were mainly regional earthquakes. The preliminary analysis of the first arrival revealed a high-velocity anomaly near the Finero ultramafic massif. Rough calculations indicated that this anomaly could be due to a shallow-depth, peridotitic body about six kilometres thick. S-wave polarisation analysis was carried out on the horizontal components of the seismograms of four regional earthquakes that showed a first arrival propagating almost vertically at the recording sites. Four earthquakes were chosen in order to reconstruct the orientation of the polarisation plane of the shear phases. The preliminary results of this analysis have shown a qualitatively good agreement between the orientation of the polarisation plane of the fast shear-wave and the strike of the foliation at the station near Finero, located on kinzigites of the Ivrea-Verbano zone, although the relationships between the local structural setting and the polarisation orientations at the other recording sites is not yet so clear.     

Dynamic behaviour and seismic response of El Infiernillo dam

El Infiernillo, a 145 m high rockfill dam in Mexico built in a narrow V-shaped canyon, was subjected to eight major earthquakes since its construction. In this study, the dynamic dam response is analysed using (i) the recorded November 15, 1975 bedrock-crest acceleration histories and (ii) the results of a 1970 full-scale test conducted by UNAM, in which eight upstream–downstream and longitudinal resonant frequencies and configurations were observed and documented. These observed and seismically induced dynamic responses are compared herein to predictions of two different numerical models of El Infiernillo dam; a newly developed simplified three-dimensional (3D) model, and a 3D finite element model. The dynamic dam response characteristics are assessed, and performance of the employed numerical models is evaluated. It is found that (i) higher modes of vibration had participated significantly in the recorded seismic response and (ii) upstream–downstream response is well represented by the two numerical models employed. Using the simplified model, the September 19, 1985 earthquake non-linear response is computed and shown to compare satisfactorily with its recorded counterpart in the upstream-downstream and vertical directions. The largest computed dynamic accelerations, stresses and strains are found to occur within the upper third of the dam body.     

Seismic behaviour of above-ground oil pipelines

The dynamic behaviour of above-ground oil pipelines which are allowed to slide back and forth on intermediate supports during strong motion earthquakes is studied. This sliding is resisted by friction between the pipe and the top of the support. The main objective of the study is to determine the effect of this non-linear friction on both the static and dynamic stresses in the pipe. The study also considers the influence of other critical parameters such as: pipeline configuration, seismic wave velocity, initial temperature differential and internal pressure, and ground motion characteristics. Results show that the critical bending moments in the pipe occur during the static loading and that with seismic excitation, these moments tend to shake down as the pipe moves to a more stress free configuration. It is shown that the use of sliding friction can be an effective means of dissipating seismic energy and thereby damping the dynamic response of the pipeline even for low values of the coefficient of friction.     

Modelling cyclic elastic behaviour of sands

The cyclic stress-strain behaviour of cohesionless soils is considered to be composed of elastic and inelastic components, and the cyclic elastic stress-strain relationships for one type of uniform sand are investigated by conducting isotropic and laterally constrained compression tests under low frequency cyclic loads. The effects of relative density, stress history, and stress state on the cyclic elastic behaviour are studied. Simple and practically applicable elastic stress-strain models are developed based on Hertzian contact theory. It was observed in both types of tests that elastic strains can accurately be modelled by a power function of stresses.     

Seismic behaviour of confined masonry walls

The results of tests of plain and confined masonry walls with h/l ratio equal to 1·5, made at 1:5 scale, have been used to develop a rational method for modelling the seismic behaviour of confined masonry walls. A trilinear model of lateral resistance–displacement envelope curve has been proposed, where the resistance is calculated as a combination of the shear resistance of the plain masonry wall panel and dowel effect of the tie-columns’ reinforcement. Lateral stiffness, however, is modelled as a function of the initial effective stiffness and damage, occurring to the panel at characteristic limit states. Good correlation between the predicted and experimental envelopes has been obtained in the particular case studied. The method has been also verified for the case of prototype confined masonry walls with h/l ratio equal to 1·0. Good correlation between the predicted and experimental values of lateral resistance indicates the general validity of the proposed method. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Vertical seismic behaviour of suspension bridges

The vertical response of suspension bridges to multi-support seismic excitations is investigated. A frequency-domain random-vibration approach is utilized to take into account not only the differences in ground motion inputs, but also the correlation among the various input motions. The earthquake response of the Golden Gate Suspension Bridge, California, is analysed. The ground motion inputs were taken from an array of time histories recovered from the Imperial Valley, California, earthquake (M_L = 6.6) of 15 October 1979. Mean square displacement, stress and cable tension responses are obtained. An estimation of the expected peak response is made by comparing existing methods to the results of a time-domain analysis; it was found that a peak factor of 3.5 times the r.m.s. response is a good estimate of the expected peak response for this multiple-input seismic problem.     

Dynamic behaviour of rocking two-block assemblies

The dynamic behaviour of systems consisting of two blocks, one placed on the top of the other, and free to rock without sliding, is examined in this analysis. The equations of motion for each ‘mode’ of vibration are derived and criteria for the initiation of rocking and the transition between modes are given. During vibration, the system continuously changes from one mode to another and this makes the response non-linear. This transition may be accompanied by impact, in which case dissipation of energy occurs, the amount of which depends on the relative velocities and the dimensions of the blocks. Also, redistribution of the kinetic energy of the system in the blocks happens. In most cases, the fractional contribution from the upper block to the system energy increases, which results in a larger and longer response of the top block, compared to the vibration of the lower one.     

The aerodynamic behaviour of volcanic aggregates

A large proportion of solid material transported within the atmosphere during volcanic eruptions consists of particles less than 500 m in diameter. The majority of these particles become incorporated into a wide range of aggregate types, the aerodynamic behaviour of which has not been determined by either direct observation or in the laboratory. In the absence of such data, theoretical models of fallout from volcanic plumes make necessarily crude assumptions about aggregate densities and fall velocities. Larger volcanic ejecta often consists of pumice of lower than bulk density. Experimental data are presented for the fall velocities of porous aggregates and single particles, determined in systems analogous to that of ejecta falling from a volcanic plume. It is demonstrated that the fall of aggregates may be modelled in identical fashion to single particles by using a reduced aggregate density dependent on the porosity, and a size corresponding to an enclosing sphere. Particles incorporated into aggregates attain a substantially higher fall velocity than single particles. This is due to the larger physical dimensions of the aggregate, which overcomes the effect of lower aggregate density. Additionally, the internal porosity of the aggregate allows some flow of fluid through the aggregate and this results in a small increase in fall velocity. The increase in fall velocity of particles incorporated into aggregates, rather than falling individually, results in the enhanced removal of fine material from volcanic plumes.     

Dynamic behaviour of a cable-stayed bridge

The dynamic response of a cable-stayed bridge to seismic, wind and simulated traffic loads is discussed. The analysis procedure which is used considers non-linear behaviour of the cables, caused by the variation in sag with tensile force, and non-linear behaviour of the bending members, caused by the interaction of axial and bending deformations. It is concluded that the non-linearity of the structure must be considered in determining the stiffness of the structure in the dead load deformed state. A linear dynamic analysis, however, starting from the dead load deformed state will give results within normally required design accuracy.     

Hydrological behaviour and modelling of a volcanic tropical cultivated catchment

The hydrological behaviour of the cultivated Féfé catchment (17·8 ha) on the tropical volcanic island of Guadeloupe was studied to identify flow paths, to quantify water fluxes, and finally, to build a lumped model to simulate discharge and piezometer levels. The approach combined two steps, an experimental step and a modelling step, which covered two time scales, the annual and the storm event scale. The hydrological measurements were conducted over 2 years. The Féfé catchment is characterized by heavy rainfall (4229 mm year^?1) on permeable Andosols; the results showed that underground flow paths involved two overlapping aquifers, and that the annual water balance in 2003 was shared among outflows of the deep aquifer (42%), evapotranspiration (31%), and streamflow (27%). On the event scale, the surface runoff coefficient ranges between 6·2% and 24·4% depending on antecedent dry or wet moisture conditions. Hortonian overland flow predominated over subsurface and saturation overland flow processes. Recharge of the shallow aquifer is mainly governed by a constant infiltration capacity of the Andosols with depth in the vadose zone. Outflows of this shallow aquifer were the baseflow of the main stream and the recharge of the deep aquifer. Volcanic deposits at Féfé promoted the underground flow path, and cultivated areas seemed to explain the high stormflow values relative to other tropical small catchments under rain forest. A conceptual lumped model integrating runoff, infiltration, evapotranspiration, and fluctuations of the two overlapping aquifers was developed. The model has six parameters and was calibrated and validated on the hydrograph at the outlet and on the two piezometers of the shallow and the deep aquifers. The results show fair to good agreement between measured and simulated variables, and consequently, the model was consistent with the main hydrological processes observed from experimental results in wet conditions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Hydrometeorological behaviour of pine and larch forests in eastern Siberia

Seasonal changes in the water and energy exchanges over a pine forest in eastern Siberia were investigated and compared with published data from a nearby larch forest. Continuous observations (April to August 2000) were made of the eddy‐correlation sensible heat flux and latent heat flux above the canopy. The energy balance was almost closed, although the sum of the turbulent fluxes sometimes exceeded the available energy flux (R_n ? G) when the latent heat flux was large; this was related to the wind direction. We examined the seasonal variation in energy balance components at this site. The seasonal variation and magnitude of the sensible heat flux (H) was similar to that of the latent heat flux (λE), with maximum values occurring in mid‐June. Consequently, the Bowen ratio was around 1·0 on many days during the study period. On some clear days just after rainfall, λE was very large and the sum of H and λE exceeded R_n ? G. The evapotranspiration rate above the dry canopy from May to August was 2·2 mm day^?1. The contributions of understory evapotranspiration (E_u) and overstory transpiration (E_o) to the evapotranspiration of the entire ecosystem (E_t) were both from 25 to 50% throughout the period analysed. These results suggest that E_u plays a very important role in the water cycle at this site. From snowmelt through the tree growth season (23 April to 19 August 2000), the total incoming water, comprised of the sum of precipitation and the water equivalent of the snow at the beginning of the melt season, was 228 mm. Total evapotranspiration from the forest, including interception loss and evaporation from the soil when the canopy was wet, was 208–254 mm. The difference between the incoming and outgoing amounts in the water balance was from +20 to ?26 mm. The water and energy exchanges of the pine and larch forest differed in that λE and H increased slowly in the pine forest, whereas λE increased rapidly in the larch forest and H decreased sharply after the melting season. Consequently, the shape of the Bowen ratio curves at the two sites differed over the period analysed, as a result of the differences in the species in each forest and in soil thawing. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Comparing the transitional behaviour of kaolinite and bentonite suspension flows

Past research has demonstrated the dramatic effects that variations in suspended clay can have on the properties of flow by producing a range of transitional flows between turbulent and laminar states, depending on clay concentration and fluid shear. Past studies have been restricted to kaolinite flows, a clay mineral that has relatively weak cohesive properties. This paper extends these studies to suspension flows of bentonite, a clay mineral that attains higher viscosities at far lower volumetric concentrations within a flow. The results show that the types of transitional flow behaviour recognized in past studies can also be found in bentonite suspension flows, but at lower suspended sediment concentrations, thus demonstrating an even more dramatic effect on flow properties, and potentially on sediment transport and resulting bed morphology, than kaolinite flows. The paper proposes new stability diagrams for the phase space of bentonite flows and compares these to past work on kaolinite suspension flows. These new data suggest that the transitional‐flow Reynolds number can be used to delineate the types of transitional flow across different clay types and assess modern and ancient clay‐suspension flows. © 2016 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.     

Study of dynamic behaviour of recession curves

Since Brutsaert and Neiber (1977), recession curves are widely used to analyse subsurface systems of river basins by expressing ? dQ/dt as a function of Q, which typically take a power law form: ? dQ/dt = kQ^α, where Q is the discharge at a basin outlet at time t. Traditionally recession flows are modelled by single reservoir models that assume a unique relationship between ? dQ/dt and Q for a basin. However, recent observations indicate that ? dQ/dt ‐ Q relationship of a basin varies greatly across recession events, indicating the limitation of such models. In this study, the dynamic relationship between ? dQ/dt and Q of a basin is investigated through the geomorphological recession flow model which models recession flows by considering the temporal evolution of its active drainage network (the part of the stream network of the basin draining water at time t). Two primary factors responsible for the dynamic relationship are identified: (i) degree of aquifer recharge (ii) spatial variation of rainfall. Degree of aquifer recharge, which is likely to be controlled by (effective) rainfall patterns, influences the power law coefficient, k. It is found that k has correlation with past average streamflow, which confirms the notion that dynamic ? dQ/dt ‐ Q relationship is caused by the degree of aquifer recharge. Spatial variation of rainfall is found to have control on both the exponent, α, and the power law coefficient, k. It is noticed that that even with same α and k, recession curves can be different, possibly due to their different (recession) peak values. This may also happen due to spatial variation of rainfall. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.