Enlargement and evolution of a semi‐alluvial creek in response to urbanization

The impact of urbanization on stream channels is of interest due to the growth of cities and the sensitivity of stream morphology and ecology to hydrologic change. Channel enlargement is a commonly observed effect and channel evolution models can help guide management efforts, but the models must be used in the proper geologic and climatic context. Semi‐alluvial channels characterized by a relatively thin alluvial layer over clay till and a convex channel profile in a temperate climate are not represented in currently available models. In this study we: (i) assess channel enlargement; and (ii) propose a channel evolution model for an urban semi‐alluvial creek in Toronto, Canada. The system is 90% developed with an imperviousness of approximately 47%. Channel enlargement is assessed by comparing 50 year old construction surveys, a recent survey of a relic channel, low‐precision surveys of channel change over a 15 year period, and high‐precision surveys over a three year period. The enlargement ratio of the channel since 1958 is 2.6, but could be as high 8.2 in comparison with the pre‐urban channel. When the increase in flow capacity is considered, the enlargement ratio is 1.9 since 1958 and up to 6.0 in comparison with the pre‐urban channel. Channel enlargement continues in the contemporary channel at an estimated rate of 0.23 m²/year. A five stage model is presented to describe channel evolution in the lower reaches. In this model the coarse lag material from glacial sources provides a natural resilience to the bed and incision occurs only after the increased flows from urbanization are combined with higher slopes as a result of channel straightening or avulsions. Further research should be done to assess stream behaviour close to an identified geologic control point. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A Comparative Study on the Excitation of Large Volume Airgun Source with Different Combinations in Hutubi, Xinjiang, China

In order to study the excitation of large-volume airgun source with different combinations in Hutubi, Xinjiang,China,we conducted a targeted experiment. The method of time-frequency analysis is used to study the signals recorded by a seismometer on the shore of the excited pool, and it is concluded that different gun combinations will lead to different frequency of bubble pulse signals. Besides, linear combination method is used to analyze the signal-to-noise ratios of signals excited by different gun combinations which was recorded by seismic stations around the airgun source. In order to improve the signal-to-noise ratios, it is more effective to increase the activation energy (the number of excited guns at the same time) than to stack the excited signals with smaller energy repeatedly.     

A new model for spectral velocity ordinates at long periods

The estimation of peak linear response via elastic design (response) spectra continues to form the basis of earthquake‐resistant design of structural systems in various codes of practice all over the world. Many response spectrum‐based formulations of peak linear response require an additional input of the spectral velocity (SV) ordinates consistent with the specified seismic hazard. SV ordinates have been conventionally approximated by pseudo spectral velocity (PSV) ordinates, which are close to the SV ordinates only over the intermediate frequency range coinciding with the velocity‐sensitive region. At long periods, PSV ordinates underestimate the SV ordinates, and this study proposes a formulation of a correction factor (>1) that needs to be multiplied by the PSV ordinates in order to close the gap between the two sets of ordinates. A simple model is proposed in the form of a power function in oscillator period to estimate this factor in terms of two governing parameters which are in turn estimated from two single‐parameter scaling equations. The parameters considered for the scaling equations are (1) the period at which the PSV spectrum is maximized and (2) the rate of decay of the pseudo spectral acceleration (PSA) amplitudes at long periods. For a given damping ratio, four regression coefficients are determined for the scaling equations with the help of 205 ground motions recorded in western USA. A numerical study undertaken with the help of several design PSA spectra and ensembles of spectrum‐compatible ground motions illustrates the effectiveness of the proposed correction factor, together with the proposed scaling models, in comparison with the PSV approximation in a variety of design situations. Both the input parameters mentioned above can be easily obtained from the specified design spectrum, and thus the proposed model is convenient to use.     

Correction factors for SSI effects predicted by simplified models: 2D versus 3D rectangular embedded foundations

The effects of soil‐structure interaction (SSI) are often studied using two‐dimensional (2D) or axisymmetric three‐dimensional (3D) models to avoid the high cost of the more realistic, fully 3D models, which require 2 to 3 orders of magnitude more computer time and storage. This paper analyzes the error and presents correction factors for system frequency, system damping, and peak amplitude of structural response computed using impedances for linear in‐plane 2D models with rectangular foundations, embedded in uniform or layered half‐space. They are computed by comparison with results for 3D rectangular foundations with the same vertical cross‐section and different aspect ratios. The structure is represented by a single degree‐of‐freedom oscillator. Correction factors are presented for a range of the model parameters. The results show that in‐plane 2D approximations overestimate the SSI effects, exaggerating the frequency shift, the radiation damping, and the reduction of the peak amplitude. The errors are larger for stiffer, taller, and heavier structures, deeper foundations, and deeper soil layer. For example, for a stiff structure like Millikan library (NS response; length‐to‐width ratio ≈ 1), the error is 6.5% in system frequency, 44% in system damping, and 140% in peak amplitude. The antiplane 2D approximation has an opposite effect on system frequency and the same effect on system damping and peak relative response. Linear response analysis of a case study shows that the NEHRP‐2015 provisions for reduction of base shear force due to SSI may be unsafe for some structures. The presented correction factor diagrams can be used in practical design and other applications.     

Evolution of river-routing schemes in macro-scale models and their potential for watershed management

Macro-scale river-routing schemes first emerged to channel runoff generated as a by-product from land surface models to oceans. In the past decade, as discharge of major rivers was identified as a suitable parameter to test the performance of the macro-scale land surface models, river-routing received significant attention, with development of multiple schemes. As resolution improves, the possibility of river-routing schemes connecting the global models with watershed issues has emerged as an option. Yet, even as results from these schemes become easily available, a comprehensive overview of their scope and limitation when considering regional or watershed-centric applications is lacking. To address this gap, 18 published river-routing schemes are compared by examining their structure, rationale and limitations. Due to the diverse nature of scheme implementations, a direct comparison of performance is not yet possible. However, features and studies geared towards watershed-scale applications are highlighted. Issues of global to local integration are discussed.     

单巢类轮虫有性生殖的研究进展与展望

作为轮虫动物门的主体,单巢类轮虫是淡水浮游动物的重要组成部分.它们通常作为一类主要的初级消费者在淡水生态系统中起着重要作用,因而深入了解它们在自然水体中的种群动态及其决定机制对淡水生态系统理论与应用研究都有重要意义.作为一类具有典型周期性孤雌生殖生活史的动物,有性生殖的发生和进化策略对其种群动态和进化都有重要影响,因而单巢类轮虫有性生殖的机理和进化研究一直是轮虫学研究领域的一个核心内容.本文就当前单巢类轮虫有性生殖的主要研究进展,包括其发生机理、信息素、理论模型、影响因素和相关实证研究等进行了系统综述;特别就单巢类轮虫有性生殖策略的三个理论模型:"bang-bang"模型、中等有性生殖比率模型和非延迟的有性生殖模型进行了详细论述.此外,本文还对影响单巢类有性生殖的内外源因素进行了总结,主要的外源因素包括食物的浓度及种类、温度、盐度和特殊的细菌等,而主要的内源性因素则包括母体年龄、食物浓度诱导的跨代母系效应、延迟的有性生殖和其他一些潜在的母系效应因素等.其中,因为延迟的有性生殖现象广泛存在且可能是轮虫物种共存或克隆共存现象的一种潜在解释,所以就此现象的理论模型、机理和实证研究等方面进行了深入讨论.另外,本文还简要讨论性比率资源分配与单巢类轮虫有性生殖的关系.最后,对未来几个可能的热点方向简单评述,以期为国内轮虫学和相关方面的研究提供帮助.     

Finite element analysis of damage and failure of reinforced concrete members under earthquake loading

This paper presents a three‐dimensional analysis framework, based on the explicit finite element method, for the simulation of reinforced concrete components under cyclic static and dynamic loading. A recently developed triaxial constitutive model for concrete is combined with a material model for reinforcing steel which can account for rupture due to low‐cycle fatigue. The reinforcing bars are represented with geometrically nonlinear beam elements to account for buckling of the reinforcement. The strain penetration effect is also accounted for in the models. The modeling scheme is used in a commercial finite element program and validated with the results of experimental static and dynamic tests on reinforced concrete columns and walls. The analyses are supplemented with a parametric study to investigate the impact of several modeling assumptions on the obtained results.     

Improved evaluation of inelastic displacement demands for short‐period masonry structures

This work discusses the simplified estimation of earthquake‐induced nonlinear displacement demands as required by nonlinear static procedures, with particular attention on short‐period masonry structures. The study focuses on systems with fundamental periods between 0.1 and 0.5 s, for which inelastic amplification of the elastic displacement demand is more pronounced; hysteretic force‐displacement relationships characteristic of masonry structures are adopted, because these structures are more commonly found within the considered period range. Referring to the results of nonlinear dynamic analyses of single‐degree‐of‐freedom oscillators, some limitations of the Eurocode 8 and Italian Building Code formulations are first discussed, then an improved equation is calibrated that relates inelastic and elastic displacement demands. Numerical values of the equation parameters are obtained, considering the amount of hysteretic energy dissipation associated with various damage mechanisms observed in masonry structures. Safety factors are also calculated to determine several percentiles of the displacement demand. It is shown that the proposed equation can be extended to more dissipative systems. Finally, the same formulation is adapted to the estimation of seismic displacements when elastic analysis procedures are employed. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.