A lumped parameter model for time‐domain inertial soil‐structure interaction analysis of structures on pile foundations

The paper presents a lumped parameter model for the approximation of the frequency‐dependent dynamic stiffness of pile group foundations. The model can be implemented in commercial software to perform linear or nonlinear dynamic analyses of structures founded on piles taking into account the frequency‐dependent coupled roto‐translational, vertical, and torsional behaviour of the soil‐foundation system. Closed‐form formulas for estimating parameters of the model are proposed with reference to pile groups embedded in homogeneous soil deposits. These are calibrated with a nonlinear least square procedure, based on data provided by an extensive non‐dimensional parametric analysis performed with a model previously developed by the authors. Pile groups with square layout and different number of piles embedded in soft and stiff soils are considered. Formulas are overall well capable to reproduce parameters of the proposed lumped system that can be straightforwardly incorporated into inertial structural analyses to account for the dynamic behaviour of the soil‐foundation system. Some applications on typical bridge piers are finally presented to show examples of practical use of the proposed model. Results demonstrate the capability of the proposed lumped system as well as the formulas efficiency in approximating impedances of pile groups and the relevant effect on the response of the superstructure.     

A relocatable ocean model in support of environmental emergencies

During the Costa Concordia emergency case, regional, subregional, and relocatable ocean models have been used together with the oil spill model, MEDSLIK-II, to provide ocean currents forecasts, possible oil spill scenarios, and drifters trajectories simulations. The models results together with the evaluation of their performances are presented in this paper. In particular, we focused this work on the implementation of the Interactive Relocatable Nested Ocean Model (IRENOM), based on the Harvard Ocean Prediction System (HOPS), for the Costa Concordia emergency and on its validation using drifters released in the area of the accident. It is shown that thanks to the capability of improving easily and quickly its configuration, the IRENOM results are of greater accuracy than the results achieved using regional or subregional model products. The model topography, and to the initialization procedures, and the horizontal resolution are the key model settings to be configured. Furthermore, the IRENOM currents and the MEDSLIK-II simulated trajectories showed to be sensitive to the spatial resolution of the meteorological fields used, providing higher prediction skills with higher resolution wind forcing.     

The BIMA Survey of Nearby Galaxies (BIMA SONG)

BIMA SONG is a systematic imaging study of the 3 mm CO J = 1 → 0molecular emission within the centres and discs of 44 nearby spiral galaxies on size scales of a few hundred parsecs (6-9"). The overall goal of the survey is to study the role of molecular gas in the evolution of spiral galaxies. To this end, BIMA SONG addresses 1) the distribution and physical conditions of the molecular gas in galactic discs and its relation to star formation, 2) the effects of a stellar bar on the kinematics of molecular gas, including the possible inflow of gas along a bar, and 3) the distribution and role of molecular gas in the central few hundred parsecs of active and quiescent galaxies. The source list includes all (except M33and M31) 44 galaxies of Hubble types Sa–Sd, with declinations δ >−20^°, visual magnitudes B < 11.0, velocities v _hel <2000 km s^-1, and inclinations i < 70^°. Beyond the specific scientific questions we will address, this survey will provide a unique database for astronomers who study galaxies at all wavelengths. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Coastal uplift rate at Matanzas (Cuba) inferred from MIS5e phreatic overgrowths on speleothems

Many morphological elements in Cuba's landscape (e.g. marine terraces, tidal notches) demonstrate that coastal uplift has taken place, but the rate at which this occurs is not known. Carbonate phreatic overgrowths on speleothems have been found in a cave in Central North Cuba, ~1 km from the present coastline at 16 m asl. They form exceptional and unique mushroom‐shaped speleothems and balconies decorating the walls of the rooms. These phreatic overgrowths on speleothems (POS) formed at the oscillating air–water interface in sea‐level controlled anchialine lakes. U/Th dating of these overgrowths suggests ages that are compatible with the Marine Isotope Stage 5e (i.e. 130–115 ka). These POS have fixed this sea‐level highstand and demonstrate that this part of Cuba has been subjected to a much lower uplift rate than previously reported, that is, less than 0.1 mm/year since the last interglacial.     

Deciphering the geologic memory of a Permian conglomerate of the Southern Alps by pebble <Emphasis Type="Italic">P</Emphasis>–<Emphasis Type="Italic">T</Emphasis> estimates

The volcano–clastic sequence of Trompia Valley, which caps the Tre Valli Bresciane Variscan basement (TVB), comprises the Dosso dei Galli Conglomerate (DGC), the oldest deposit containing up to metre-sized metamorphic pebbles. This Lower Permian formation of the Trompia Basin was fed by the erosion products of the Variscan chain. We used microstructural and mineral chemical data on metamorphic pebbles of the DGC to infer a quantitative tectono-thermal evolution of the eroded pre-Permian basement and to compare them with those of TVB and the surrounding Southalpine basement units (tectono-metamorphic units = TMUs). Metapelitic and metaintrusive pebbles record a polyphase metamorphism with two metamorphic re-equilibrations: the first under epidote amphibolite facies (M1, ) and the second under greenschist facies (M2) conditions. Rock types and metamorphic data largely match those of TVB basement unit. The structural and metamorphic records in the pebbles are pre-Permian, and the conglomerate matrix is non-metamorphic. The DGC deposition age (283 ± 1–280.5 ± 2 Ma) constrains the minimal exhumation age of its basement source. The lack of staurolite bearing assemblages in metamorphic pebbles suggests that the DGC basement source was already exhumed to shallow structural levels (greenschist facies conditions) before the thermal equilibration consequent upon continental crust thickening induced by the Variscan collision.     

Sustainable Yield of a Hydrothermal Area: From Theoretical Concepts to the Practical Approach

Sustainable use of groundwater in the hydrothermal area of Viterbo (Central Italy) was analyzed. In this area, multipurposes utilization of groundwater coexists: several thermal springs and wells supply spas and public pools, cold and fresh water is used for irrigation and drinking-water. Starting from theoretical concepts, a management plan has been developed to ensure groundwater sustainability in response to the increased demand of withdrawal from thermal wells, by integrating previous hydrogeological studies, new investigations and a new finite-difference model. The most stringent constraints considered are: to maintain the quality of thermal and fresh waters, to limit the effects on the hydraulic equilibrium existing between overlapping aquifers, to ensure a significant flow to the natural thermal springs and the quality and flow rate of the spring used for drinking purposes. The practical approach included identification of the maximum pumping rate from the wells of the spas, analysis of the response time of the system under development and drafting of a safeguard and monitoring plan. The case examined takes into account the complexity of the task in defining practical measures for groundwater management on the basis of theoretical concepts of its sustainable use. A participative approach among the different water decision-makers and adaptive management in the use of groundwater resources with different quality represent the key points to overcome conflicts between different users, with the awareness of the ineludible uncertainties of the hydrogeological model.     

An early warning system for wave-driven coastal flooding at Imperial Beach,CA

Natural Hazards - Waves overtop berms and seawalls along the shoreline of Imperial Beach (IB), CA when energetic winter swell and high tide coincide. These intermittent, few-hour long events flood...     

Equilibrium isotopic fractionation in the kaolinite, quartz, water system: Prediction from first-principles density-functional theory

Isotopic fractionation factors for oxygen, hydrogen and silicon have been calculated using first-principles methods for the kaolinite, quartz, water (ice and gas water) system. Good agreement between theory and experiment is obtained for mineral-water oxygen isotope fractionation. This approach gives reliable results on isotopic fractionation factors as a function of temperature, within a relative precision of typically 5%. These calculations provide independent quantitative constraints on the internal fractionation of oxygen in kaolinite, the fractionation of silicon isotopes at equilibrium, or hydrogen fractionation between kaolinite and water. Calculated fractionation factors at 300 K are 12.5‰ for the kaolinite internal-fractionation of oxygen, and 1.6‰ for silicon fractionation between quartz and kaolinite.