Lake water resources of the European part of the Russian Federation

The article gives the results of estimating lake water resources for federal districts in European Russia and constituent entities of the Federation, carried out in the Institute of Limnology, RAS, with the use of up-to-date satellite images and the program Google Earth. European Russia contains ~610000 natural water bodies >0.1 ha in area, including ~200000 lakes >1 ha in area, and 90000 water bodies of artificial origin. Lake water resources of European Russia amount to 1370 km³ of water, of which 99% are in Northwestern Federal District. Artificial water bodies contain ~250 km³ of water resources.     

Highway bridge seismic design: Summary of FHWA/MCEER project on seismic vulnerability of new highway construction

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) sponsored a large, multi-year project conducted by the Multidisciplinary Center for Earthquake Engineering Research (MCEER) titled “Seismic Vulnerability of New Highway Construction” (MCEER Project 112), which was completed in 1998. MCEER coordinated the work of many researchers, who performed studies on the seismic design and vulnerability analysis of highway bridges, tunnels, and retaining structures. Extensive research was conducted to provide revisions and improvements to current design and detailing approaches and national design specifications for highway bridges. The program included both analytical and experimental studies, and addressed seismic hazard exposure and ground motion input for the U.S. highway system; foundation design and soil behavior; structural importance, analysis, and response; structural design issues and details; and structural design criteria. Supported by: the Federal Highway Administration under contract number DTFH61-92-C-00112.     

Behavior of ductile steel X-braced RC frames in seismic zones

A satisfactory ductile performance of moment-resisting reinforced concrete concentric braced frame structures (RC-MRCBFs) is not warranted by only following the provisions proposed in Mexico’s Federal District Code (MFDC-04). The nonlinear behavior of low to medium rise ductile RC-MRCBFs using steel X-bracing susceptible to buckling is evaluated in this study. The height of the studied structures ranges from 4 to 20 stories and they were located for design in the lake-bed zone of Mexico City. The design of RC-MRCBFs was carried out considering variable contribution of the two main lines of defense of the dual system (RC columns and steel braces). In order to observe the principal elements responsible for dissipating the earthquake input energy, yielding mappings for different load-steps were obtained using both nonlinear static and dynamic analyses. Some design parameters currently proposed in MFDC-04 as global ductility capacities, overstrength reduction factors and story drifts corresponding to different limit states were assessed as a function of both the considered shear strength and slenderness ratios for the studied RC-MRCBFs using pushover analyses. Additionally, envelopes of response maxima of dynamic parameters were obtained from the story and global hysteresis curves. Finally, a brief discussion regarding residual drifts, residual drift ratios, mappings of residual deformations in steel braces and residual rotations in RC beams and columns is presented. From the analysis of the obtained results, it is concluded that when a suitable design criterion is considered, good structural behavior of RC-MRCBFs with steel-X bracing can be obtained. It is also observed that the shear strength balance has an impact in the height-wise distribution of residual drifts, and an important “shake-down” effect is obtained for all cases. There is a need to improve design parameters currently proposed in MFDC to promote an adequate seismic performance of RC-MRCBFs.

     

An evaluation of the ductility reduction factor q in the 1976 regulations for the federal district of mexico

The reduction of the spectral accelerations to account for inelastic response of structures as given by the 1976 Regulations for the Federal District of Mexico is evaluated relative to the records obtained at the Secretaria de Communicaciones y Transportes (SCT) during the September 19, 1985 Mexico earthquake. It is concluded that the 1976 Regulations do not treat all types of structural systems equally. On a relative basis the 1976 Regulations provide less protection for those structures designed to larger values of ductility factors. This could have contributed, together with other characteristics of the ground motions and construction practices, to the heavy damage of highrise buildings in Mexico City.     

Multifractal property and long-range cross-correlation behavior of particulate matters at urban traffic intersection in Shanghai

At urban road intersection, the levels of particulate matters within different size groups present multi-variable relationships and have been attracting increasing attentions. In this study, we attend to apply the recently developed multifractal detrended cross-correlation analysis method to investigate the fractal property and the cross-correlation behavior among the non-stationary time series of particulate matters. Six groups of particulate matters with different sizes are measured at a typical traffic intersection of street canyon under different seasons and weather conditions. Based on the collected database, the statistical analyses are carried out and the results indicate close relationships among these groups. Then the multifractal detrended cross-correlation analyses are performed to explore the interaction patterns among all groups, i.e., the fine particulate matters group of 0.3–0.49 cm with other groups, the coarse particulate matters group of 10 μm above with other groups, and the groups of particulate matters between the sizes of 0.5–9.99 μm respectively. In terms of the results, the multifractal property and long-range cross-correlation behavior are observed among all pairs. Comparing to coarse particulate matters, the distinct multifractal spectrum between fine particulate matters with other size groups are observed, which imply that the relevant cross-correlation behaviors are stronger than that in coarse group. It is also found that the cross-correlation behaviors between fine particulate matters with other size groups are highly dependent on the weather conditions while the cross-correlation behaviors between coarse particulate matters with others tend to more depend on the season variations. Finally, the long-range cross-correlation behaviors between them are also confirmed with randomly shuffled series of the observed particulate matters.     

National water data coordination in the United States / Coordination national des données sur les ressources en eau aux Etats-Unis

Abstract

The Office of Water Data Coordination (OWDC), established in 1964 within the Department of the Interior's Geological Survey, is charged with the lead-agency responsibility for coordinating Federal water-data collection activities, cataloguing all water-data acquisition activities, and developing a national plan to acquire needed water data. A 21-volume ‘Catalog of Information on Water Data’ has been released, and the data-collection activities of all Federal agencies are coordinated through an annually released Federal Plan. The National Water Data Network, initially developed in 1966, has been further refined through a coordinated effort that has provided a nationally consistent set of river-basin maps for use in water-resources planning and assessment and in organizing and disseminating water-resources information. Following recommendations set forth by Federal and non-Federal advisory committees, the OWDC embarked on a procedure for designation of standards for water-data acquisition. The initial work, which began in 1970, resulted in publication of an interagency preliminary report. That report presently is being updated and expanded in cooperation with 30 Federal agencies, with organizations concerned with setting technical standards and with other non-Federal agencies. This activity will result in improved comparability, reliability, and usability of the data, and in improved efficiency in generating, storing, processing, and disseminating water information.     

Performance‐based design using structural optimization

A new methodology for seismic design is proposed based on structural optimization with performance‐based constraints. Performance‐based criteria are introduced for the seismic design of new buildings. These criteria are derived from the National Guidelines for Seismic Rehabilitation of Buildings (Reference [19], Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), ‘NHERP Guidelines for seismic rehabilitation of buildings’, Report Nos 273 and 274, Washington, DC, 1997) for retrofitting existing structures. The proposed design methodology takes into account the non‐linear behaviour of the structure. The goal is to incorporate in the design the actual performance levels of the structure, i.e. how much reserve capacity the structure has in an earthquake of a given magnitude. The optimal design of the structure minimizes the structural cost subjected to performance constraints on plastic rotations of beams and columns, as well as behavioural constraints for reinforced concrete frames. Uncertainties in the structural period and in the earthquake excitation are taken into account using convex models. The optimization routine incorporates a non‐linear analysis program and the procedure is automated. The proposed methodology leads to a structural design for which the levels of reliability (performance levels) are assumed to be quantifiable. Furthermore, the entire behaviour of the structure well into the non‐linear range is investigated in the design process. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

分析汶川“5•12”震害探求房屋“大震不倒”途径

本文围绕“大震不倒”主题,对汶川“5．12”特大地震震害进行了分析探究。文中涉及“大震不倒”设防目标、研究方法、房屋倒塌的震害特点等问题;对倒塌房屋分为薄弱层垮塌、沿开问垮塌、不规则体型垮塌3种类型进行了讨论,分析了垮塌的原因并提出了看法;同时还对“强梁弱柱”现象做了分析。最后,扼要对混凝土框架结构和砖混结构提出“大震不倒”的建议性意见。     

Long-term performance of permeable reactive barriers using zero-valent iron: geochemical and microbiological effects

Geochemical and microbiological factors that control long-term performance of subsurface permeable reactive barriers were evaluated at the Elizabeth City, North Carolina, and the Denver Federal Center, Colorado, sites. These ground water treatment systems use zero-valent iron filings (Peerless Metal Powders Inc.) to intercept and remediate chlorinated hydrocarbon compounds at the Denver Federal Center (funnel-and-gate system) and overlapping plumes of hexavalent chromium and chlorinated hydrocarbons at Elizabeth City (continuous wall system). Zero-valent iron at both sites is a long-term sink for carbon, sulfur, calcium, silicon, nitrogen, and magnesium. After about four years of operation, the average rates of inorganic carbon (IC) and sulfur (S) accumulation are 0.09 and 0.02 kg/m2/year, respectively, at Elizabeth City where upgradient waters contain <400 mg/L of total dissolved solids (TDS). At the Denver Federal Center site, upgradient ground water contains 1000 to 1200 mg/L TDS and rates of IC and S accumulation are as high as 2.16 and 0.80 kg/m2/year, respectively. At both sites, consistent patterns of spatially variable mineral precipitation and microbial activity are observed. Mineral precipitates and microbial biomass accumulate the fastest near the upgradient aquifer-Fe0 interface. Maximum net reductions in porosity due to the accumulation of sulfur and inorganic carbon precipitates range from 0.032 at Elizabeth City to 0.062 at the Denver Federal Center (gate 2) after about four years. Although pore space has been lost due the accumulation of authigenic components, neither site shows evidence of pervasive pore clogging after four years of operation.     

The seismic alert system of Mexico (SASMEX): Progress and its current applications

The Seismic Alert System of Mexico (SASMEX) is being conformed by the Seismic Alert System of Mexico City (SAS), pioneer in public earthquake early warning services and the Seismic Alert System of Oaxaca City (SASO), with a set 12 and 36 sensing field stations, respectively. Today, the alerting functions of these systems are currently in the process of integration. SAS started in 1991 and SASO in 2003, have emitted 78 early warnings of more than 2350 earthquakes detected by their sensing field stations. Authorities of Mexico Federal District (GDF) and the State of Oaxaca, since 2003 agreed with Mexico’s Ministry of the Interior (SEGOB), coordinate necessary to improve their seismic alert systems and join their roles to make must efficient possible disaster mitigation activities that might cause strong Mexican earthquakes. This paper describes the main current applications of SAS and SASO: schools, radio and TV commercial broadcast, and the Alternate Emitters of Seismic Alert System (EASAS) operating in Acapulco and Chilpancingo both of Guerrero state. To reach better efficiency in the seismic warning delivery, since 2009 we are applying NWR-SAME receivers in Mexico City Valley, and testing their codes enhancement to obtain the expedite earthquake warning issuing. Also the GDF is promoting to increase the observation capacity of the seismic danger around Mexico City, to detect it and warn any strong effect, reducing a new possible seismic disaster, and recently the SEGOB, hereby their General Coordination of Civil Protection, agreed to extend an SASMEX sensor coverage between Chiapas and Jalisco states to issuing earthquake warning signal to reduce their population vulnerability.     

Qualitätsanforderungen an Oberflächengewässer: Zielvorgaben,Qualitätsziele und chemische Gewässergüteklassifizierung

Quality Requirements for Fresh Waters: Water Quality Targets, Water Quality Objectives, and Chemical Water Quality Classification In the Federal Republic of Germany, water quality requirements for the protection of inland surface waters against hazardous substances are formulated on the basis of a quality targets derivation concept developed jointly by the Federal Government and the Federal States. The quality requirements were termed “water quality targets” in order to make it clear that the values derived are orientational values rather than legally binding limit values. The international comparison of quality requirements for surface waters shows that, on the whole, the national quality targets ensure a high level of protection. According to present scientific knowledge, impairments of uses, such as supply of drinking water, or risks to aquatic communities need not to be expected if the quality targets are complied with. A comparison of water quality data with the water quality targets makes it possible, on the one hand, to identify those substances whose inputs must be further reduced; on the other hand, it also shows that, for a number of substances, there is no need at present for concern over their adversely water quality. A further differentiation of the aquatic hazard potential of pollutants allows a water quality classification system to be developed on the basis of the quality targets derivation concept. The basic elements of this water quality classification system are presented, and its application is explained by way of examples.     

兰州市红古区非天然地震记录特征分析

选取2010年1月至2020年8月期间甘肃区域测震台网记录的兰州市周边地区三分向宽频带数字波形资料,采用震中位置空间分布、波形特征及傅里叶频谱特征对比等多种方法相结合,分析兰州市红古区非天然地震活动的特性.结果显示:该区临近测震台记录的大量地震事件波形特征和傅里叶频谱特征与其他区域地震存在显著差异,符合非天然地震的典型...     

COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE SEISMIC RETROFIT OF A MID-RISE STEEL BUILDING: STEEL BRACING VS ENERGY DISSIPATION

The paper presents a comparative study of an existing retrofit for a mid-rise steel building using additional stiff steel braced-frames against an alternate retrofit using ADAS (Added Damping and Stiffness) passive energy dissipation devices. The subject building, located near Alameda Park in downtown Mexico City, is a ten-storey office building that was built in the 1950s. The structure was damaged during the 1985 Michoacán Earthquake because of resonant response with the site. The building was later retrofitted using additional braced frames according to the seismic provisions of Mexico's 1987 Federal District Code. The retrofit scheme was planned to take the structure away from resonant responses and to inhibit structural damage. A proposed upgrade using ADAS energy dissipation devices was studied to compare energy dissipation against traditional stiffening using steel braces as retrofit options for mid-rise buildings in Mexico City's lake-bed zone. Different sets of analyses were carried out to compare both alternatives: (a) three-dimensional elastic analyses; (b) limit analyses and; (c) nonlinear dynamic analyses for postulated site ground motions for a M_s=8.1 earthquake. Initial costs of the retrofit schemes were also studied. The comparative studies suggest that a retrofit using ADAS devices would have a better dynamic performance than the one using steel braces. However, the steel bracing retrofit provides more strength and its initial cost of retrofit is less than that of the ADAS retrofit. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Gas formation mechanism of marine carbonate source rocks in China

It has been proven in exploration practice that thecarbonates in China not only can generate hydrocar-bons, but also form commercial reservoirs. The car-bonates are different from clastic rocks in view of theirdeposition environment as well as their sedimentaryand diagenetic processes. Therefore, the evaluationcriteria and hydrocarbon generation mechanism forcarbonates can not be the same as that for clasticrocks, and it is important to establish a special hydro-carbon generation mechanism and…     

Liquefaction mitigation in silty soils using composite stone columns and dynamic compaction

The objective of this study is to develop an analytical methodology to evaluate the effectiveness ofvibro stone column (S. C.) and dynamic compaction (D.C.) techniques supplemented with wick drains to densify and mitigate liquethctionin saturated sands and non-plastic silty soils. It includes the following: (i) develop numerical models to simulate and analyze soil densification during S.C. installation and D.C. process, and (ii) identify parameters controlling post-improvement soil density in both cases, and (iii) develop design guidelines for densification of silty soils using the above techniques. An analytical procedure was developed and used to simulate soil response during S.C. and D.C. installations, and the results were compared with available case history data. Important construction design parameters and soil properties that affect the effectiveness of these techniques, and construction design choices suitable for sands and non-plastic silty soils were identified. The methodology is expected to advance the use of S.C. and DC. in silty soils reducing the reliance on expensive field trials as a design tool. The ultimate outcome of this research will be design charts and design guidelines for using composite stone columns and composite dynamic compaction techniques in liquefaction mitigation of saturated silty soils.     

非弹性反应谱计算的一个改进算法

本文就非弹性地震反应谱的计算问题（运动方程的形式，谱参量的选取，方程解算中恢复力模型上拐折点的处理和时间积分方法），给出了几点理论考虑，介绍了一个改进的算法。这一算法具有精度好和效率高的优点，这对做好结构抗震设计和其它地震工程问题中需要处理大量强震动数据的分析研究工作是有利的。文中还就双线型恢复力模型具体计算了2个例子（一个为屈服强化情形，另一个为理想弹塑性情形）。最后联系计算工作和计算结果，对非弹性反应谱计算中的其它有关事项做了补充讨论和说明。     

基于性能的结构抗风设计理论框架

提出了基于性能的结构抗风设计理论框架,将风压强度划分为4个设计风压等级（弱风压、中风压、强风压及超强风压）,将人体振动舒适度划分为6个等级（无振感、轻微振感、中等振感、烦恼、非常烦恼和无法忍受）、三种振动水平（与人的舒适感相关的振动水平、与人正常工作和操作有关的振动水平、与人的生理健康直接相关的振动水平）。结合不同类别建筑物的性能需求及人体振动舒适度的要求,将结构风振性能水准划分为4种状态（性能健康、性能亚健康、性能病态及性能丧失）,将结构风振性能目标划分为5个等级（A、B、C、D、E）。提出了结构抗风概念设计与计算分析的一般原则,给出了结构性能抗风安全性评价及社会经济评价基本内容的建议。     

A NATIONAL SYSTEM FOR EXCHANGE OF WATER DATA

ABSTRACT

This paper describes a system proposed by a Federal Interagency Work Group for providing access to large quantities of hydrological data. The National Water Data Exchange (NAWDEX) will be a confederation of data-acquisition organizations that are willing to make their data available to other data users. NAWDEX will take full advantage of on-going data handling activities and will provide the means to present data in a standard format. An ultimate goal of the system will be standardization and quality control of all of the data. Management of NAWDEX will be lodged in a Systems Central, which will assure that data are made available according to the time frame and the format required by the user. Access to the data will be through an index maintained by Systems Central. Full implementation of NAWDEX will require 4 to 5 years. A technical advisory group, consisting of members representing the Federal and non-Federal sectors, and topical work groups, established in response to specific needs, will provide input during the development of NAWDEX.     

On the influence of mountains on large-scale precipitation: a deterministic approach towards orographic PMP

Abstract

The present paper is a brief report on a three-year research project carried out for the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in Vienna, Austria. The results concerning the problems of precipitation enhancement by terrain-induced vertical motion are a first step towards new considerations regarding Probable Maximum Floods (PMF). For an Alpine country like Austria, the development of a hierarchy of concepts, using deterministic model physics and a digital terrain representation, appeared appropriate. The basic features of the model are consistent extensions of WMO recommendations.     

Wharf embankment and strengthening program at the Port of Oakland

The wharf and embankment strengthening program (WESP) is a structural modification project involving approximately 12,000 linear feet of pile-supported, marginal wharf structures. WESP is necessary because the Port of Oakland plans to deepen its berths from −42′ mean lower low water (MLLW) to −52′ MLLW, in conjunction with a Federal Government-sponsored channel dredging project. Unless they are structurally reinforced prior to the dredging, the waterfront components (i.e. wharves and embankments) will be weakened by the berth deepening project. WESP is a three-phase program that establishes the existing structural and seismic capacities of waterfront components, develops designs for improvements necessary to maintain these capacities after the berth deepening, and constructs the improvements. WESP also includes consideration of seismic upgrade improvements. The Port is currently completing the first phase of the WESP program. This paper will describe the design criteria, project phasing, construction type of waterfront components, project organization, and results to date for WESP.