Modified capacity design rule for columns in tall steel MRFs with linear viscous dampers within the framework of Eurocode 8

Seismic design codes enforce a set of capacity design rules for steel moment-resisting frames (MRFs) to promote a ductile sway plastic mechanism that involves plastic hinges in beams and column bases. Previous research showed that these capacity design rules may not be effective for tall steel MRFs with viscous dampers under strong earthquakes due to high axial forces in columns. To address this issue, steel MRFs with linear viscous dampers of different stories are designed according to Eurocode 8 along with using a slightly modified conservative capacity design rule. According to this rule, the axial force for the capacity design of a column in the force path of viscous dampers is calculated as the envelope of the axial force from the peak drift state, and, the axial force from the peak velocity state times a scale factor. This envelope axial force value along with the bending moment and shear force from the peak drift state are used to carry out the capacity design of the column by using the formulae of Eurocode 8, i.e. in the same way with a column of a steel MRF without dampers. Incremental dynamic analyses for 44 earthquake ground motions show that the modified conservative capacity design rule results in steel MRFs with viscous dampers that have plastic mechanisms similar to those of steel MRFs without dampers. Moreover, the proposed capacity design rule becomes stricter for buildings with more than 10 stories to address that available analysis methods for structures with dampers underestimate the peak damper forces in the lower stories of yielding tall steel MRFs. More work is needed to extend the findings of this work to the case of steel MRFs with nonlinear viscous dampers.     

Fragility function development and seismic loss assessment of expansion joints

Expansion joints are used as a special connection equipment between adjacent buildings to accommodate the relative motions generated by wind, thermal, or earthquake loads, but they often exhibit damage during severe earthquakes. The level of damage and safety factors required to avoid loss of function are not well considered in current design practices. The objective of this paper is to provide quantitative information on the seismic damage probability of common expansion joints and the associated repair costs. The designer and engineer can refer to this information as a basis for decision making in the selection of expansion joints. Four common types of expansion joints are considered: high- and standard-performance floor and wall expansion joints, whose damage states have been evaluated recently by the authors through shaking table tests. First, the fragility functions of expansion joints for seven damage patterns are developed utilizing the test results. Next, the vulnerability of expansion joints installed between adjacent building models is assessed via incremental dynamic analysis. The recommended level of safety factor to ensure the function of expansion joints is discussed. Finally, a procedure for cost-effective selection of expansion joints is introduced, where case studies are examined using buildings with different characteristics. The presented results are deemed to be beneficial for improving the design practice of expansion joints and for reducing future seismic loss.     

P and S velocity structures of the Santorini–Coloumbo volcanic system (Aegean Sea,Greece) obtained by non-linear inversion of travel times and its tectonic implications

One of the most prominent tectonic features of the Eastern Mediterranean region is the Hellenic volcanic arc in the Southern Aegean Sea, with the Santorini Island being one of the most active volcanic centers. Recent seismic studies show that the main seismic activity of the Santorini volcanic center is strongly associated with the volcanic processes, as well as with the seismo-tectonic regime of the broader Southern Aegean Sea area. The main cluster of local seismicity is located near the northeastern edge of the Santorini Island, beneath the Coloumbo Reef, which is a submarine volcanic seamount of the Santorini Island volcanic system.     

Geochemical and Sr-Nd isotopic evidence for petrogenesis and geodynamic setting of Lower-Middle Triassic volcanogenic rocks from central Greece: Implications for the Neotethyan Pindos ocean

Mineralogy and Petrology - Geochemistry and Sr-Nd isotopes were determined in Triassic calcalkaline metalava and metapyroclastic rocks from Attica and Argolida, central Greece, to ascertain their...     

Morphological and molecular analysis of bloom-forming Cyanobacteria in two eutrophic, shallow Mediterranean lakes

We investigated the diversity of Cyanobacteria by microscopic observation and sequencing of cyanobacterial-specific amplified 16S rRNA genes in the water column of two shallow, eutrophic lakes (Doirani and Kastoria, northern Greece) during summer blooms. Previous phytoplankton studies in these lakes have shown that prolonged cyanobacterial blooms can occur, which are dominated by known toxic species, as well as other less known, co-occurring species. A total of 118 clones were sequenced which were grouped in 23 Cyanobacteria and 11 chloroplast-like phylotypes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that each library included several unique phylotypes, as well as members of all common bloom-forming Cyanobacteria. Most of the phylotypes belonged to the genera Microcystis, Anabaena, Aphanizomenon, Cylindrospermopsis-Raphidiopsis group, Limnothrix and Planktothrix, comprising most of the diversity previously recognized by morphological observations in cyanobacterial morphospecies in these lakes. In addition, novel phylotypes belonging to the Chroococcales were recognized in both lakes. The structure of the cyanobacterial communities of the lakes were very similar, as revealed by the diversity index H (2.06 and 2.01 for L. Doirani and Kastoria, respectively) and LIBSHUFF analysis (XY₁₂P-value = 0.122 and YX₁₂P-value = 0.536), due to occurrence of groups of common phylotypes. This study gives an example for successful cyanobacterial bloom analysis by the combination of morphological and phylogenetic methods useful for monitoring cyanobacteria and water quality in freshwaters.     

Electrical resistivity tomography mapping of beachrocks: application to the island of Thassos (N. Greece)

Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) technique is widely used in mapping subsurface electrical properties. In this study, ERT was used to map a beachrock outcrop, extended both inland, under beach sediments, and seawards, on and under seafloor sediments. Mapping of beachrock is considered important because it can help evaluate the lateral and vertical extend of the formation. Fast and reliable mapping of beachrocks may contribute in several applications like engineering and construction, coastal management, recreational reformation as well as scientific approaches like coastal evolution research, and palaeo-environmental studies. The outcome of the survey was the mapping of the formation with centimeter precision, especially towards the sea. Special processing was applied to the data in order to constrain the inversion procedure to include the known sea water layer.     

New magnetic mineralogy and archaeointensity results from greek kilns and baked clays

Seven archaeological sites in Northern Greece and a pottery assemblage from Ithaki Island (Ionian Sea) have provided material from kilns and a collection of baked clays. The whole dataset consists of 69 samples and covers a period of almost 4000 years. Although the majority of the samples was oriented, only few directions could be obtained, mostly due to small sample size and fragility. Detailed rock magnetic experiments identified magnetite/titano-magnetite and substituted magnetite as the main magnetic minerals. Variable amounts of haematite were detected in some cases. In three out of eight sites, multi-domain grains prevail, whereas single-, pseudo-single domain or mixtures are detected in the remaining five. The classical Thellier-Thellier palaeointensity method was applied to 94 specimens. Following stringent acceptance criteria, 66 results from the 8 sites were considered successful and retained. These new results show a convergence with regional and global compilations and improve the knowledge of the past geomagnetic field behaviour in Greece.     

Possible implications of climatic variability on the presence of capelin (Mallotus villosus) off the Norwegian coast

The distribution of capelin in the southern Barents Sea shifts in the east-west direction in response to warming or cooling trends. The capelin arrives at the spawning grounds earlier and spawning takes place in deeper water in cold years as compared to warm years. Although the ultimate regulators of capelin distribution/abundance in the Barents Sea may involve complex interactions/responses between capelin and abiotic and biotic variables, water temperature was found to be a successful predictor and proximate regulator of capelin distribution/ abundance in that area.It has been maintained that capelin did not visit the Norwegian coastal waters during the turn of the 18th century and in 1830–1840. Yet, meteorological, oceanographic and ecological data hitherto presented provide cumulative evidence that capelin migrated to the Norwegian spawning grounds during both periods. Nevertheless, capelin arrived early in the year and remained and spawned further offshore in deeper waters. Since capelin in earlier fisheries were fished by means of land-fixed nets, the size of the catch depended on access by the capelin to the immediate coastal fishing areas. Thus, capelin were not accessible to Norwegian fishermen.     

Preliminary gas hazard evaluation in Greece

Natural Hazards - Like other geodynamically active areas, Greece is also affected by a large number of geogenic gas manifestations. These occur either in the form of point sources (fumaroles,...     

A multisource approach for coastal mapping purposes: Limeni bay,Mani and surrounding area,southern Greece

A multipurpose engineering geological map of a natural heritage site including inland and offshore areas has been compiled to provide information on many aspects for land use optimization, sustainable development and environmental protection. The mapping approach was based on data provided by conventional onland field works, marine remote sensing survey and aerial photo interpretation. These data sources were integrated into a GIS platform allowing reliable mapping solutions. The geological formations encountered were grouped into individual geotechnical units according to uniformity in lithological character, while the seabed sub-bottom structure was also obtained through several seafloor thematic map compilation. Shoreline variability and evolution for a long time period (1945–2008) were also investigated and mapped. The synergistic use of the results deducted from those disciplinary surveys is finally presented in a single engineering geological map covering the onshore and offshore area.