On the quantification of local deformation demands and adequacy of linear analysis procedures for the seismic assessment of existing steel buildings to EC8-3

The application of performance-based design and assessment procedures requires an accurate estimation of local component deformation demands. In the case of steel moment-resisting frames, these are usually defined in terms of plastic rotations. A rigorous estimation of this response parameter is not straightforward, requiring not only the adoption of complex nonlinear structural models, but also of time-consuming numerical integration calculations. Moreover, the majority of existing codes and guidelines do not provide any guidance in terms of how these response parameters should be estimated. Part 3 of Eurocode 8 (EC8-3) requires the quantification of plastic rotations even when linear methods of analysis are used. Therefore, the aim of the research presented in this paper is to evaluate different methods of quantifying local component demands and also to answer the question of how reliable are the estimates obtained using the EC8-3 linear analysis procedures in comparison to more accurate nonlinear methods of analysis, particularly when the linear analysis applicability criterion proposed by EC8-3 is verified. An alternative methodology to assess the applicability of linear analysis is proposed which overcomes the important limitations identified in the EC8-3 criterion.     

Numerical study of circulation on the inner Amazon Shelf

We studied the circulation on the coastal domain of the Amazon Shelf by applying the hydrodynamic module of the estuarine and coastal ocean model and sediment transport. The first barotropic experiment aimed to explain the major bathymetric effects on tides and those generated by anisotropy in sediment distribution. We analyzed the continental shelf response of barotropic tides under realistic bottom stress parametrization (C _d ), considering sediment granulometry obtained from a faciologic map, where river mud deposits and reworked sediments areas are well distinguished, among others classes of sediments. Very low C _d values were set in the fluid mud regions off the Amapá coast (1.0 10^???4), in contrast to values around 3.5 10^???3 for coarser sediment regions off the Pará coast. Three-dimensional experiments represented the Amazon River discharge and trade winds, combined to barotropic tide influences and induced vertical mixing. The quasiresonant response of the Amazon Shelf to the M₂ tide acts on the local hydrodynamics by increasing tidal admittance, along with tidal forcing at the shelf break and extensive fluid mud regions. Harmonic analysis of modeled currents agreed well with the analysis of the AMASSEDS observational data set. Tidal-induced vertical shear provided strong homogenization of threshold waters, which are subject to a kind of hydraulic control due to the topographic steepness. Ahead of the hydraulic jump, the low-salinity plume is disconnected from the bottom and acquires negative vorticity, turning southeastward. Tides act as a generator mechanism and topography, via hydraulic control, acts as a maintainer mechanism for the low-salinity frontal zone positioning. Tidally induced southeastward plume fate is overwhelmed by northwestward trade winds so that they, along with background circulation, probably play the most important role on the plume fate and variability over the Amazon Shelf.     

Body-wave Attenuation in the Region of Garda, Italy

We analyzed the spectral amplitude decay with hypocentral distance of P and S waves generated by 76 small magnitude earthquakes (M_L 0.9–3.8) located in the Garda region, Central-Eastern Alps, Italy. These events were recorded by 18 stations with velocity sensors, in a distance range between 8 and 120 km. We calculated nonparametric attenuation functions (NAF) and estimated the quality factor Q of both body waves at 17 different frequencies between 2 and 25 Hz. Assuming a homogeneous model we found that the Q frequency dependence of P and S can be approximated with the functions Q _P = 65 f ^0.9 and Q _S = 160 f ^0.6 , respectively. At 2 Hz the Q _S /Q _P ratio reaches the highest value of 2.8. At higher frequencies Q _S /Q _P varies between 0.7 and 1.7, suggesting that for this frequency band scattering may be an important attenuation mechanism in the region of Garda. To explore the variation of Q in depth, we estimated Q at short (r ≤ 30 km) and intermediate (35–90 km) distance paths. We found that in the shallow crust P waves attenuate more than S (1.3 < Q _S /Q _P < 2.5). Moreover, P waves traveling along paths in the lower crust (depths approximately greater than 30 km) attenuate more than S waves. To quantify the observed variability of Q in depth we considered a three-layer model and inverted the NAF to estimate Q in each layer. We found that in the crust Q increases with depth. However, in the upper mantle (~40–50 km depth) Q decreases and in particular the high frequency Q _S (f > 9 Hz) has values similar to those estimated for the shallow layer of the crust.     

K‐feldspar alteration to gel material and crystallization of glauconitic peloids with berthierine in Cretaceous marine sediments—sedimentary implications (Prebetic Zone,Betic Cordillera,SE Spain)

Glauconitic peloids from a Hauterivian condensed level in a hemipelagic unit of the Internal Prebetic (Los Villares Formation, eastern Betic Cordillera) have been studied by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and analytical electron microscopy (AEM). The sediments forming the condensed level are characterized by abundant spherical to ovoid green glauconite peloids with radial cracks. Quartz, feldspar and muscovite are also abundant, whereas calcium phosphate is rarely detected. XRD analysis of the peloids reveals glauconite and small amounts of berthierine. SEM and HRTEM data show feldspar dissolution features, a Si–Al‐rich gel‐like substance filling K‐feldspar micropores and interlayering of well‐crystallized glauconite and berthierine packets. The last stage of the glauconitization process resulted in conversion of the smectitic precursor. Sedimentary and mineralogical features indicate an autochthonous origin for the glauconite. The depositional environment was a distal, hemipelagic ramp on the Southern Iberian Continental Palaeomargin. Low sedimentation rates lead to sediment condensation in a general transgressive context. The margin was affected by extensional tectonics, creating tilted blocks, resulting in lateral facies changes. The dissolution of K‐feldspars probably occurred after their deposition in the marine environment but predating the glauconitization. An influx of meteoric water is therefore required, probably related to subsurface fluxes from adjacent emergent areas (the higher parts of tilted blocks). Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Atmospheric noble gas signatures in deep Michigan Basin brines as indicators of a past thermal event

Atmospheric noble gases (e.g., ²²Ne, ³⁶Ar, ⁸⁴Kr, ¹³⁰Xe) in crustal fluids are only sensitive to subsurface physical processes. In particular, depletion of atmospheric noble gases in groundwater due to boiling and steam separation is indicative of the occurrence of a thermal event and can thus be used to trace the thermal history of stable tectonic regions. We present noble gas concentrations of 38 deep brines (~ 0.5–3.6 km) from the Michigan Basin. The atmospheric noble gas component shows a strong depletion pattern with respect to air saturated water. Depletion of lighter gases (²²Ne and ³⁶Ar) is stronger compared to the heavier ones (⁸⁴Kr and ¹³⁰Xe). To understand the mechanisms responsible for this overall atmospheric noble gas depletion, phase interaction models were tested. We show that this atmospheric noble gas depletion pattern is best explained by a model involving subsurface boiling and steam separation, and thus, consistent with the occurrence of a past thermal event of mantle origin as previously indicated by both high ⁴He/heat flux ratios and the presence of primordial mantle He and Ne signatures in the basin. Such a conceptual model is also consistent with the presence of past elevated temperatures in the Michigan Basin (e.g., ~ 80–260 °C) at shallow depths as suggested by previous thermal studies in the basin. We suggest that recent reactivation of the ancient mid-continent rift system underneath the Michigan Basin is likely responsible for the release of both heat and mantle noble gases into the basin via deep-seated faults and fracture zones. Relative enrichment of atmospheric Kr and Xe with respect to Ar is also observed, and is interpreted as reflecting the addition of sedimentary Kr and Xe from associated hydrocarbons, following the hydrothermal event. This study pioneers the use of atmospheric noble gases in subsurface fluids to trace the thermal history of stable tectonic regions.     

Channel and floodplain sediment dynamics in a reach of the tropical meandering Rio Beni (Bolivian Amazonia)

The study investigates interactions, water and sediment exchanges, between a rapidly migrating meander and its associated floodplain at fine temporal and spatial scales. The Beni River, an Amazonian free meandering river, makes the transition between Andean ranges and Amazonian lowlands. For the period 2002–2006, an assemblage of tools and methods (water and sediment discharges, topometric and bathymetric surveys, sedimentation rate estimations from unsupported ²¹⁰Pb and sediment trapping system) was used to jointly analyse the influence on the sediment budget of external factors (mainly water and sediment discharge) and the inherent behaviour of the system. The main issue addressed is the investigation of the complex relationship between ‘morphological conditioning’ of fluvial landform and process. The first part of the study was undertaken with the aim of linking erosion–deposition in an active meander with water and sediment fluxes. The three inter‐annual evolutions are characterized by very unequal sediment budgets; the first two intervals underwent predominant erosion, and the latter slight accumulation. Digital elevation models, evaluated for the active meander, demonstrate that sedimentation on the point bar depends more on external factors than erosion of the concave bank, which fluctuates slightly. The second part of the study, focusing on water and sediment exchanges between active bend and floodplain, examines the respective parts played by overbank flow and by an abandoned channel on the diffusion and sequestration of sediment. The association of short‐ and long‐term estimation of sedimentation rates suggests that floodplain construction is associated with two different processes and rhythms of sediment transportation. Finally, a sediment budget is proposed for the Beni River in the upper part of the Amazonian lowlands. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Reaction overstepping and re-evaluation of peak P‒T conditions of the blueschist unit Sifnos,Greece: implications for the Cyclades subduction zone

ABSTRACT

Equilibrium thermodynamic modelling, quartz in garnet (QuiG) Raman geobarometry, and modelling of garnet nucleation at overstepped conditions were applied to three garnet-bearing blueschists from a 1.5 km-long transect across the eclogite-blueschist unit in Sifnos, Greece, in order to evaluate the accuracy of P?T conditions calculated via equilibrium thermodynamics. QuiG barometry uses the Raman shift of quartz inclusions in garnet to estimate the pressure of garnet nucleation and is independent of chemical equilibrium. Garnet nucleation temperatures were estimated by determining the stability field of the palaeo-assemblage inferred from garnet inclusion suites on mineral assemblage diagrams calculated in the MnNCKFMASH system and on temperatures obtained from Zr in rutile thermometry. These conditions were then compared to P?T conditions calculated at the equilibrium garnet isograd, and the method of intersecting isopleths. The P?T conditions calculated with intersecting garnet isopleths over- and underestimated the temperature of nucleation in samples SPH99-1a and SPH99-7, respectively, whereas they significantly underestimated nucleation pressure in SPH99-5. Nucleation of garnet in SPH99-1a at 12 kbar and ~484°C requires overstepping of ~6 kbar and a reaction affinity of 2.2 kJ mol^?1 O. SPH99-5 requires overstepping of ~8 kbar with garnet reaction affinities of at least 2.0 kJ mol^?1 O at 15 kbar and ~520°C. SPH99-7 requires overstepping of approximately 15 kbar and affinities of about 2.0–2.4 kJ mol^?1 O at ~23 kbar and ~530°C. The geotherms calculated from SPH99-7 (~6.7°C km^?1) and SPH99-5 (9.8°C km^?1) are in accordance with previous studies. The geotherm calculated from SPH99-1a, however, is warmer (11.3°C km^?1), and could reflect changes in the rate of subduction or differences in structural position within the down-going slab. The 10 kbar pressure difference between SPH99-7 and SPH99-1a can be explained by thrusting and accretion of thin slices of underplated wedge material facilitated by slab rollback and gravitational collapse.     

Disaster risk perception in urban contexts and for people with disabilities: case study on the city of Iquique (Chile)

Natural Hazards - About 15% of the world’s population suffers from some kind of disability. In addition to experiencing high rates of poverty, exclusion and lack of access to education,...     

Geotechnical Site Characterisation in the Umbria-Marche Area and Evaluation of Earthquake Site-Response

In this research a site classification is proposed for the Umbria-Marche area (central Italy), based on geotechnical and geomorphological criteria. Two empirical techniques to evaluate site effects are used, namely the generalised spectral inversion, and the horizontal to vertical spectral ratio. The soil transfer functions obtained by the two techniques are compared in order to capture the features common to each class and verify the accuracy of the classification.We used strong ground motions recorded during the Umbria-Marche seismic sequence (September 1997-May 1998) and we selected 25 sites that were classified into four groups. The results of the empirical techniques have also been tested using theoretical 1-D or 2-D methods that are commonly used to simulate linear soil behaviour. The results, expressed in terms of amplitude transfer functions, are shown according to each soil class and confirm the consistency of the site characterisation. The empirical techniques are efficient in detecting the fundamental frequency of vibration but seldom the higher harmonics. Conversely, the peak amplitude of the transfer functions is not consistently determined, especially for sites located in deep sedimentary basins, where 2-D effects occur and simplified methods, such as the horizontal to vertical spectral ratios (HVSR) or 1-D theoretical models frequently fail. Significant amplifications are also found for 2-D rock structures such as rock crests or cliffs.