Artificial neural networks as an alternative approach to groundwater numerical modelling and environmental design

Classical optimization methodologies based on mathematical theories have been developed for the solution of various constrained environmental design problems. Numerical models have been widely used to represent an environmental system accurately. The use of methodologies such as artificial neural networks (ANNs), which approximate the complicated behaviour and response of physical systems, allows the optimization of a large number of case scenarios with different set of constraints within a short period of time, whereas the corresponding simulation time using a numerical model would be prohibitive. In this paper, a combination of an ANN with a differential evolution algorithm is proposed to replace the classical finite‐element numerical model in water resources management problems. The objective of the optimization problem is to determine the optimal operational strategy for the productive pumping wells located in the northern part of Rhodes Island in Greece, to cover the water demand and maintain the water table at certain levels. The conclusions of this study show that the use of ANN as an approximation model could (a) significantly reduce the computational burden associated with the accurate simulation of complex physical systems and (b) provide solutions very close to the optimal ones for various constrained environmental design problems. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Analysis of shear‐dominated RC columns using the nonlinear truss analogy

This paper uses nonlinear truss models for the analysis of shear‐dominated reinforced concrete (RC) columns subjected to cyclic loading. A previously established method, aimed to the analysis of RC walls, is enhanced to allow simulations of column members. The concrete constitutive equations are modified to account for the contribution of the aggregate interlock to the shear resistance. Additionally, an equation is proposed to determine the inclination angle of the diagonal members in the truss models. The modeling approach is validated using the results of quasi‐static and dynamic tests on shear‐dominated RC columns. The combination of predictive capabilities and conceptual simplicity establishes truss‐based models as an attractive approach for the systematic analysis of shear‐dominated RC frame construction. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Kriging metamodeling in seismic risk assessment based on stochastic ground motion models

An efficient computational framework is presented for seismic risk assessment within a modeling approach that utilizes stochastic ground motion models to describe the seismic hazard. The framework is based on the use of a kriging surrogate model (metamodel) to provide an approximate relationship between the structural response and the structural and ground motion parameters that are considered as uncertain. The stochastic character of the excitation is addressed by assuming that under the influence of the white noise (used within the ground motion model) the response follows a lognormal distribution. Once the surrogate model is established, a task that involves the formulation of an initial database to inform the metamodel development, it is then directly used for all response evaluations required to estimate seismic risk. The model prediction error stemming from the metamodel is directly incorporated within the seismic risk quantification and assessment, whereas an adaptive approach is developed to refine the database that informs the metamodel development. The ability to efficiently obtain derivative information through the kriging metamodel and its utility for various tasks within the probabilistic seismic risk assessment is also discussed. As an illustrative example, the assessment of seismic risk for a benchmark four‐story concrete office building is presented. The potential that ground motions include near‐fault characteristics is explicitly addressed within the context of this example. The implementation of the framework for the same structure equipped with fluid viscous dampers is also demonstrated. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Shaking table testing of multidrum columns and portals

A common type of ancient monuments around the Mediterranean is the ancient Greek temple. Unfortunately, very few remain intact; most of them surviving in the form of free‐standing multidrum columns. Composed of stones resting on top of each other without any connection, such columns are considered vulnerable to earthquakes. The paper presents an experimental study of such structures, aiming to explore their seismic vulnerability and derive insights on the key factors affecting their response. Reduced scale models of a single multidrum column and of a portal were tested at the shaking table of the National Technical University of Athens Laboratory of Soil Mechanics. The models, constructed of marble just as the originals, were excited by idealized Ricker pulses and real seismic records. Single columns exhibit a remarkable earthquake resistance. Subjected to the strongest motions ever recorded in Greece, where many such monuments are situated, the columns hardly suffered any permanent deformation. Collapse is probable only for extremely harsh directivity‐affected seismic motions. Portals proved even more robust, surviving extreme seismic excitations. Their superior performance is related to the beneficial role of the epistyle, which adds energy dissipation and restoring force to the system. Their performance is very sensitive to minor changes in geometry or input motion. The complexity increases exponentially with the number of drums, being directly associated with the number of drum‐to‐drum interfaces and the increased probability of interface imperfections. In contrast to PGA, the maximum spectral displacement SD_max and the length scale L_p have turned out to be effective intensity measures. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Three‐dimensional beam‐truss model for reinforced concrete walls and slabs – part 1: modeling approach,validation, and parametric study for individual reinforced concrete walls

A three‐dimensional beam‐truss model for reinforced concrete (RC) walls developed by the first two authors in a previous study is modified to better represent the flexure–shear interaction and more accurately capture diagonal shear failures under static cyclic or dynamic loading. The modifications pertain to the element formulations and the determination of the inclination angle of the diagonal elements. The modified beam‐truss model is validated using the experimental test data of eight RC walls subjected to static cyclic loading, including two non‐planar RC walls under multiaxial cyclic loading. Five of the walls considered experienced diagonal shear failure after reaching their flexural strength, while the other three walls had a flexure‐dominated response. The numerically computed lateral force–lateral displacement and strain contours are compared with the experimentally recorded response and damage patterns for the walls. The effects of different model parameters on the computed results are examined by means of parametric analyses. Extension of the model to simulate RC slabs and coupled RC walls is presented in a companion paper. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effects of smoking on the levels of urinary biomarkers of aromatic hydrocarbons in oil refinery workers

Occupational exposures to aromatic hydrocarbons may be overwhelmed by mainstream and secondary smoking exposures. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of occupational exposures and smoking on benzene and toluene urinary metabolites. The metabolites were measured in pre and post-work shift urine specimens in oil refinery workers by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry techniques. Post-shift concentration differences between non-smokers and smokers were statistically significant (at p-value?<?0.05). Pre- and post-shift concentrations of urinary phenol (benzene biomarker) did not vary significantly for both non-smokers and smokers. Occupational exposures to toluene triggered an increase of post-shift levels (compared to pre-shift levels) of urinary cresol for non-smokers and workers who had less than 10 cigarettes during the work shift. For these groups, non-occupational exposures before and during the work shift did not vary. For smokers who did not smoke during the work shift and for those who had more than ten cigarettes during the shift, the post-shift levels of both cresol and hippuric acid were reduced approximately 30% lower than pre-shift levels. This is due to increased exposures to tobacco smoke before the work shift. The relationships between phenol and (cresol?+?hippuric acid) levels for non-smokers and smokers indicated that elevated co-exposures due to smoking result in the reduction of all metabolites levels in urine. These findings demonstrated that exposures to tobacco smoke may stochastically interfere with occupational exposures when biological monitoring is used to assess occupational health risks. Factors influencing the magnitude of the interference were specimen collection time (in relation to the timing of occupational exposures and excretion rates of biomarkers), smoking intensity and timing before and during the work shift.     

Seasonally Accumulation of Microcystins in the Various Tissues of an Endemic and Protected Fish Species (Rutilus panosi) with Different Sizes

The present study was undertaken to investigate the accumulation of microcystins (MCYST) in the various tissues of an endemic and protected fish species (Rutilus panosi). We also tried to identify any differences in sensitivity and accumulation of MCYST, for various specimens of the same fish species related to body length. MCYST concentrations in lake water and fish tissues were determined by a commercial Microcystin ELISA kit. Results showed that considerable amount of toxins were found to be accumulated in tissues of R. panosi throughout the year. Among them, liver had the highest MCYST concentrations (407.97 ± 32.43 ng/g). This study confirmed the accumulation of high MCYST concentrations in fish brain (308.75 ± 26.49 ng/g). Our results suggest, that MCYST accumulation in R. panosi tissues is size depended. High MCYST concentration in the muscle of the fish increases the risk of unsafe consumption, thus threatening human health.     

Investigation of the dynamic response of rigid footings on tensionless Winkler foundation

The dynamic response of a rigid footing resting on an elastic tensionless Winkler foundation is examined. A parametric investigation, concerning the effect of the main parameters on the response, is performed for harmonic excitation. The parameters examined include the stiffness and the damping of the foundation, the excitation frequency and the superstructure characteristics and loads. The maximum rocking response, the minimum length of contact after uplift, the maximum stress developed at the soil and the factor of safety with respect to the bearing capacity of the soil are used to measure the effect of each dimensionless parameter. An example for earthquake excitation is also given for a plane frame. The results are compared to the ones of a simplified static approach based on the maximum values of the applied loads, similarly to the procedure that is usually applied in practice. The results show that the static approach can predict the response satisfactorily if resonance does not happen, if the stiffness of the foundation is not large compared to the stiffness of the superstructure and if the dynamic part of the axial force of the column is not large; in these cases, it may underestimate or overestimate the response significantly, depending on the sign of the dynamic axial force that is considered.