Identifying environmental impacts of underground construction

Dewatering of the groundwater resource and associated reduced flow of surface water features are potential negative impacts when constructing underground facilities. Little work has been done to develop methods for the early detection of environmental impacts on water resources where major underground construction is being undertaken. Recognizing this, prior to construction of two rock tunnels in the southwestern USA, a 3-year preconstruction program was implemented to monitor over 100 wells, springs, and streams in the project area that might be affected. This preconstruction monitoring phase has established data for a hydrologic reference which indicates a high degree of spatial and temporal variability. This variability must be accounted for when trying to identify construction-related impacts. The project area was subdivided into areas of similar characteristics based on geologic and hydrologic features. Measurements from features within each unit were then normalized and aggregated to derive a single representative flow parameter. This representative flow was then correlated to precipitation and major stream flow records to allow for a method of estimating unimpacted flow and groundwater levels during and after construction. Application of this method proved useful in determining and enabling a quick response to construction-related impacts.     

Assessment of environmental and engineering geological problems for the possible re-use of an abandoned rock-hewn settlement in Urgüp (Cappadocia), Turkey

The Cappadocia Region of Central Anatolia having a very distinct culture is one of the attractive touristic sites of Turkey due to its spectacular and unique landforms and historical heritages. In this region, the structures carved into thick to massive tuffs survived and kept their original integrity for a number of centuries. Environmental and anthropological factors at the Cappadocia Region have been the main reasons for extensive subsurface and multi-purpose use in the past and present. In addition, thermal insulation properties of the tuffs make these rocks suitable for use in underground openings. The Kayakapi Neighborhood, located in the town of Urgüp, is one of the famous historical sites. This site is situated within the “Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia” which was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1985. In order to develop the tourism potential of this abandoned site while preserving its cultural and natural values, a natural environmental conservation and revitalization project was initiated. As an integral part of this project, in this study, environmental and engineering geological problems, including rock fall potential and stability of about 1,200 rock-hewn structures, were investigated and an inventory was prepared for the possible re-use of the underground openings and other structures at the site, and remedial measures were recommended. The assessments based on observations and experimental studies indicated that the tuffs do not show significant changes both perpendicular and parallel to layering, and discontinuities and rock weathering seem to be more important factors controlling the stability of rock-hewn structures. The major stability problems threatening the re-use of the openings are structurally-controlled block instabilities, overbreaks, and erosion and shearing of the pillars made of tuff. On the other hand, the area at the entrance of the site requires some protection measures such as the construction of a retaining wall, systematic bolting of rock slabs and removal of some blocks having rock fall potential. The inventory for the openings suggests that there are a number of openings that can be re-used after necessary remedial measures.     

Sustainable lifestyles: Framing environmental action in and around the home

This paper examines the nature of environmental action in and around the home. Given the rise of local sustainable development and the emphasis placed on individual actions for sustainability, the paper examines the role of citizens in adopting sustainable lifestyles, incorporating a range of behavioural responses from energy saving and water conservation, to waste recycling and green consumption. Focussing on the debate in geography concerning the engagement of the public in environmental action, the paper argues that despite the assertions of those who advocate a deliberative approach to engagement (see [Owens, S., 2000. Engaging the public: information and deliberation in environmental policy. Environment and Planning A 32, 1141–1148]), an approach based on a social–psychological understanding of behaviour can have significant benefits. Such an approach is being developed by geographers in a range of settings and in this paper these developments are situated within the context of existing research that has identified environmental ‘activists’ in terms of their values, attitudes and demographic composition. The paper aims to examine environmental behaviour in relation to two key issues: (1) the way in which environmental action is framed in everyday practices (such as consumption behaviour) and (2) how these practices are reflected amongst different segments of the population to form lifestyle groups. The paper provides new insights for examining sustainable lifestyles that further our appreciation of how actions to help the environment are lived in everyday practices and framed by different lifestyle groups. Accordingly, the paper offers both academics and policy makers new insights into the potential use of focussing on lifestyle groups as a means for changing behaviour.     

Major-ion bulk deposition around an active volcano (Mt. Etna, Italy)

Bulk atmospheric deposition of major cations (Na, K, Ca, Mg) and anions (Cl, F, SO₄) were measured at 15 sites around an active volcano, Mount Etna, from 2001 to 2003. Their composition indicates several natural sources, among which deposition of plume-derived volcanogenic gas compounds is prevalent for F, Cl and S. Plume-derived acidic compounds are also responsible for the prevailing acidic composition of the samples collected on the summit of the volcano (pH in the 2.45–5.57 range). Cation species have complex origin, including deposition of plume volcanogenic ash and aerosols and soil-dust wind re-suspension of either volcanic or carbonate sedimentary rocks. Variation of the deposition rates during the March 2001–March 2003 period, coupled with previous measurements from 1997 to 2000 (Appl Geochem 16:985–1000, 2001), were compared with the variation of SO₂ flux, volcanic activity and rainfall. The deposition rate was mainly controlled by rainfall. Commonly, about 0.1–0.9% of HF, HCl and SO₂ emitted by the summit crater's plume were deposited around the volcano. We estimate that ∼2 Gg of volcanogenic sulphur were deposited over the Etnean area during the 2002–2003 flank eruption, at an average rate of ∼24 Mg day⁻¹ which is two orders of magnitude higher than that typical of quiescent degassing phases.     

SuperMap Object在地震灾害预估中应用浅析

用基于易损性矩阵基础上的城市震害预估方法，计算调整损失比后的经济损失，其中包括等震线模型、城市震害模型及建筑物直接经济损失模型等的设计与实现，并针对我国城市的具体情况，编制了一套《城市震害预估及房屋易损性矩阵数据库实时更新软件》，为我国震害预估技术的深层次开发打下坚实的基础。     

基于模态分析和神经网络的裂缝损伤识别

提出了裂缝损伤诊断的神经网络方法,探讨了用模态技术和神经网络对混凝土结构裂缝损伤进行识别与定位的方法。文中以一简支矩形截面梁为研究对象,通过完好结构和损伤结构的有限元分析,获取两者的损伤标识量,输入BP神经网络训练。以损伤位置和裂缝高度作为输出参数,对其进行单处损伤定位的研究。数值仿真结果表明,采用神经网络方法可以对裂缝做出较好的诊断。     

基于摄动有限元方法对梁结构损伤的识别

结构损伤的定量识别是工程技术中急待解决的问题。利用矩阵摄动和结构有限元动力学理论推出梁结构损伤程度定量识别的公式和方法,该方法仅需要在役结构的固有频率测量值就可识别结构的损伤位置和损伤程度,而且可以识别结构的老化程度,避免了由模态振型识别损伤,因测量自由度不足带来的误差,通过对一钢悬臂梁损伤识别的数值仿真,证明了该方法的有效性。该方法具有较大的工程应用价值。     

2003年甘肃民乐—山丹6.1、5.8级地震震害特点及启示

通过对2003年民乐—山丹6.1、5.8级地震震害调查资料的综合分析,阐述了本次地震震区环境背景情况,揭示了宏观地震烈度分布特征,较为全面地分析了地震的震害特点,讨论了与其相关的工程地震问题,归纳总结了防御与减轻地震灾害的经验与启示。对西部村镇工程抗震设计、施工和管理以及农村地震安居工程的规划实施等具有一定的参考价值。     

不同初始饱水状态红砂岩冻融损伤差异性研究

借助于红砂岩冻融循环CT扫描试验，从扫描层面内不同的感兴趣区域内CT均值数大小及其变化以及CT图像，对4种典型的不同初始饱水状态红砂岩进行冻融循环条件下损伤扩展差异性研究。研究结果表明，对于初始损伤相同的岩石，初始饱水状态将决定冻融循环对其损伤扩展的影响程度。     

Earthquake damage and loss estimation with Geographic Information System

ＩｎｔｒｏｄｕｃｔｉｏｎＡｓｅｓｉｎｇｔｈｅｐｏｔｅｎｔｉａｌｅａｒｔｈｑｕａｋｅｄａｍａｇｅａｎｄｌｏｓｉｎａｒｅｇｉｏｎｉｓｉｍｐｏｒｔａｎｔｆｏｒｍａｎｙａｓｐｅｃｔｓ,ｓｕｃｈａｓｒｉｓｋｍｉｔｉｇａｔｉｏｎ,ｒｅｓｏｕｒｃｅｓａｌｏｃａｔ...