Coordinated Ocean-ice Reference Experiments (COREs)

Coordinated Ocean-ice Reference Experiments (COREs) are presented as a tool to explore the behaviour of global ocean-ice models under forcing from a common atmospheric dataset. We highlight issues arising when designing coupled global ocean and sea ice experiments, such as difficulties formulating a consistent forcing methodology and experimental protocol. Particular focus is given to the hydrological forcing, the details of which are key to realizing simulations with stable meridional overturning circulations.The atmospheric forcing from [Large, W., Yeager, S., 2004. Diurnal to decadal global forcing for ocean and sea-ice models: the data sets and flux climatologies. NCAR Technical Note: NCAR/TN-460+STR. CGD Division of the National Center for Atmospheric Research] was developed for coupled-ocean and sea ice models. We found it to be suitable for our purposes, even though its evaluation originally focussed more on the ocean than on the sea-ice. Simulations with this atmospheric forcing are presented from seven global ocean-ice models using the CORE-I design (repeating annual cycle of atmospheric forcing for 500 years). These simulations test the hypothesis that global ocean-ice models run under the same atmospheric state produce qualitatively similar simulations. The validity of this hypothesis is shown to depend on the chosen diagnostic. The CORE simulations provide feedback to the fidelity of the atmospheric forcing and model configuration, with identification of biases promoting avenues for forcing dataset and/or model development.     

Change in response of bridges isolated with LRBs due to lead core heating

This study focuses on the response of seismic isolated bridges subjected to near-field ground motions with distinct pulse type behavior in terms of maximum isolator displacements (MIDs) and maximum isolator forces (MIFs) transferred to the substructure. The employed isolation systems are composed of lead rubber bearings (LRBs) with bi-linear force-deformation relations that consider cycle-to-cycle deterioration in the yield strength of the LRBs due to heating of the lead core. MIDs and MIFs with due consideration of cycle-to-cycle deterioration are compared with that of non-deteriorating ones. Bounding analyses are also performed for comparison purposes. Nonlinear response history analyses are conducted with two bins of ground motions recorded at different soil conditions to investigate the effect of ground motion characteristics. Results indicate that MIDs are overestimated by lower bound analyses when seismic isolated bridges are subjected to near-field motions with high velocity pulses especially for the bearings with higher Q/W ratios.     

GIS-based microzonation of the Niksar settlement area for the purpose of urban planning (Tokat, Turkey)

Niksar (Tokat) is an urban area located in a seismically active zone of Turkey. The aim of this study is to prepare a GIS-based microzonation map of the Niksar settlement area for the purpose of urban planning. Liquefaction, activity, slope, aspect, fault proximity, ground amplification, and lithology are considered during the overlay analysis, using a multicriteria decision-making analysis of the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and simple additive weighing (SAW) methods. Based on the resulting evaluations, the study area is divided into four different zones, namely (1) areas suitable for settlement, (2) provisional settlement areas, (3) areas requiring detailed geotechnical investigation, and (4) unsuitable areas. Maps prepared by the SAW and AHP methods are found to be consistent with each other. However, the microzonation map prepared by the AHP method is recommended for the purpose of urban planning because it is able to check its own consistency.     

Effects of different closures for thickness diffusivity

The effects of spatial variations of the thickness diffusivity (K) appropriate to the parameterisation of [Gent, P.R. and McWilliams, J.C., 1990. Isopycnal mixing in ocean circulation models. J. Phys. Oceanogr., 20, 150–155.] are assessed in a coarse resolution global ocean general circulation model. Simulations using three closures yielding different lateral and/or vertical variations in K are compared with a simulation using a constant value. Although the effects of changing K are in general small and all simulations remain biased compared to observations, we find systematic local sensitivities of the simulated circulation on K. In particular, increasing K near the surface in the tropical ocean lifts the depth of the equatorial thermocline, the strength of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current decreases while the subpolar and subtropical gyre transports in the North Atlantic increase by increasing K locally. We also find that the lateral and vertical structure of K given by a recently proposed closure reduces the negative temperature biases in the western North Atlantic by adjusting the pathways of the Gulf Stream and the North Atlantic Current to a more realistic position.     

Lead core heating in lead rubber bearings subjected to bidirectional ground motion excitations in various soil types

This paper investigates the response of lead rubber bearings (LRBs) under bidirectional earthquake excitations when lead core heating effect is of concern. For this purpose, a series of nonlinear response history analyses were conducted with a bilinear force‐deformation relation for LRBs. In the considered bilinear representation, the strength of LRBs deteriorates because of lead core heating under cyclic motions. Response of LRBs was studied in terms of maximum isolator displacements (MIDs) and maximum lead core temperature as a function of isolator characteristics (characteristic strength to weight ratio, Q/W, and post‐yield isolation period, T). Nonlinear response history analyses were performed using two sets of ground motions clustered according to their soil classifications. To quantify the interacted effects of coupled analysis and lead core heating on MID, unidirectional analyses were also performed. Furthermore, the efficacy of equivalent lateral force procedure in estimating the MID of LRBs was also tested for the cases in which temperature‐dependent behavior of LRBs was considered. The results demonstrate that the temperature rises in the lead core of LRBs in bidirectional analyses are approximately 50% higher than that of unidirectional ones. It decreases with increasing Q/W ratio and T. It is also revealed that equivalent lateral force procedure gives close estimations for MID with some overestimation even for temperature‐dependent behavior of LRBs. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Response of a 2-story test-bed structure for the seismic evaluation of nonstructural systems

A full-scale, two-story, two-by-one bay, steel braced-frame was subjected to a number of unidirectional ground motions using three shake tables at the UNR-NEES site. The test-bed frame was designed to study the seismic performance of nonstructural systems including steel-framed gypsum partition walls, suspended ceilings and fire sprinkler systems. The frame can be configured to perform as an elastic or inelastic system to generate large floor accelerations or large inter story drift, respectively. In this study, the dynamic performance of the linear and nonlinear test-beds was comprehensively studied. The seismic performance of nonstructural systems installed in the linear and nonlinear test-beds were assessed during extreme excitations. In addition, the dynamic interactions of the test-bed and installed nonstructural systems are investigated.     

Effect of lead core heating on the seismic performance of bridges isolated with LRB in near‐fault zones

In this paper, the effect of lead core heating and associated strength deterioration on the seismic response of bridges isolated with lead rubber bearings (LRB) is investigated as a function of the characteristics of the isolator and near fault ground motions with forward rupture directivity effect. Furthermore, the ability of bounding analyses to provide a design envelope for maximum isolator force and maximum isolator displacement is verified. For this purpose, a series of nonlinear dynamic analyses are conducted for LRB isolated bridges where both deteriorating and non‐deteriorating force‐deformation relationship of LRB were employed. The analyses are performed for both simulated and recorded ground motions. It is found that while the temperature rise in the lead core generally increases with increasing magnitude and number of near fault ground motion velocity pulses, it decreases with larger distances from the fault. It is also found that bounding analysis method provides conservative (envelope) estimates of maximum isolator displacement and maximum isolator force for design purposes that fulfill its intended purpose. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Modeling Monthly Mean Flow in a Poorly Gauged Basin by Fuzzy Logic

The estimation of the monthly mean flow is a critical issue in many water resource development projects. However, in practice the mean flow is not easily determined in ungauged and poorly gauged basins. Therefore, in the literature, various flow estimation methods have been developed recently for mountainous regions which are generally ungauged or poorly gauged basins. In this study a fuzzy logic model based on the Mamdani approach was developed to estimate the flow for poorly gauged mountainous basins. This model was applied to the Solakli Basin which is located in the Eastern Black Sea Region of Turkey. Limited rainfall and flow data are available for this basin. In addition to these variables, the stream and time coefficients were introduced and used as variables for modeling. The data was divided into training and testing phases. The model results were compared with the measured data. The comparison depends on seven statistical characteristics, four different error modes and the contour map method. It was observed that the fuzzy model developed in this study yielded reliable results.     

Utilization of fly ash as engineering pellet aggregates

It has been recognized that there exists a serious need for recovery and reuse of industrial wastes. Agglomeration by pelletization method can alleviate the problems associated with fly ash. The objective of this study was to evaluate the material properties of manufactured aggregates produced from fly ash and cement mixing by pelletization method. Engineering properties of the manufactured aggregates were evaluated experimentally. Crushing strength, specific gravity, water absorption, particle size distribution, surface characteristics and shear strength properties of the manufactured aggregates were evaluated. For all practical purposes, the study showed that the manufactured aggregates are a good alternative for wide range civil engineering applications.